News-In-Brief
News-In-Brief delivers quick, essential updates on the latest developments across the UK retail industry. This section provides short-form coverage of company announcements, leadership changes, trading updates, and key market movements. Retail Sector’s News-In-Brief is designed for retail professionals who need fast, reliable intelligence on business activity across all segments — from high street to ecommerce and luxury — offering concise summaries that keep decision-makers informed and up to date.
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Feb- 2025 -21 February
Today’s news in brief-21/2/25
UK retail sales saw a 1.7% rise in January 2025, driven primarily by a 5.6% surge in food sales, the largest monthly increase since March 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Despite this rebound, sales volumes over the three months to January fell by 0.6% compared to…
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20 February
Today’s news in brief-20/2/25
Fashion retailer Quiz has appointed administrators to its subsidiary Zandra Retail, resulting in the closure of 23 loss-making stores and the loss of around 200 jobs. Advisory firm Teneo will oversee the administration process, while Orion Retail Limited, owned by Quiz’s founding family, will acquire certain assets, including 42 stores,…
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19 February
Today’s news in brief-19/2/25
Inflation in the UK reached its highest level in 10 months, hitting 3% in January 2025, up from 2.5% in December 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Key drivers included rising air fares, private school fees, and food and drink prices. Air fares did not fall as…
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18 February
Today’s news in brief-18/2/25
Shein has maintained strong growth despite recent challenges, including the US removing duty-free status for low-value ecommerce packages from China and increasing tariffs. Executive chairman Donald Tang reassured investors in a letter, emphasizing the company’s ability to offer affordable fashion and lifestyle products. Tang also expressed support for de minimis…
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17 February
Today’s news in brief-17/2/25
Marks & Spencer has reinforced its international operations with three senior hires to drive its global growth strategy. Manish Kapoor, formerly of Pepe Jeans, joins as Managing Director for M&S India, while Victoria Jones, ex-Clarks executive, steps into the role of International Commercial Director. Richard Davies, previously Head of Category…
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14 February
Today’s news in brief-14/2/25
The fast fashion retailer In The Style is reportedly preparing to appoint administrators as its financial struggles deepen. Acquired by Baaj Capital for just over £1m in 2022, the company saw revenues plummet from £46m to £30.4m in the year ending March 2024, with UK sales dropping to £29m. Despite…
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13 February
Today’s news in brief-13/2/25
Fast-fashion giant Shein is relocating some Chinese supplier operations to Vietnam to circumvent U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, including a 10% levy on Chinese goods and the removal of a $800 de minimis exemption. Incentives for suppliers include procurement price hikes of up to 30%, alongside Vietnam’s lower…
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12 February
Today’s news in brief-12/2/25
Kering, the luxury conglomerate behind Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, and Bottega Veneta, reported a challenging fiscal 2024, with revenue falling 12% to €17.2 billion (£14.3 billion) and EBITDA plummeting 29% to €4.6 billion (£3.8 billion). Gucci’s 23% sales decline to €7.65 billion (£6.37 billion) significantly impacted the group, alongside a…
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11 February
Today’s news in brief-11/2/25
Fast fashion giant Shein has scrapped plans to open a UK warehouse in the Midlands, initially intended to support its anticipated £50bn London Stock Exchange listing. The company had explored sites in Derby, Coventry, and other locations but confirmed no immediate need for a UK facility. The decision follows mounting…
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6 February
Today’s news in brief-6/2/25
Tesco is reportedly considering a takeover of over 100 Crown Post Office branches, potentially safeguarding them from closure as the state-owned Post Office reviews its directly managed network. Post Office chairman Nigel Railton informed MPs that Tesco expressed interest in acquiring the loss-making branches, part of a broader strategic review…
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