News-In-Brief

Today’s news in brief-11/4/25

Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing has raised its profit forecast for the third consecutive year, driven by strong sales in Japan and key international markets, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. The company reported a 12% rise in revenue to JPY 1.79trn (£12.28bn) and an 18.3% increase in profit for…

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Today’s news in brief-10/4/25

Tesco has warned of lower profits in the coming financial year, forecasting between £2.7bn and £3.0bn, down from £3.13bn in FY24/25, citing increased price competition among UK supermarkets. Despite this, group sales rose 4% to £63.6bn, with UK market share reaching 28.3%, its highest since 2016. CEO Ken Murphy highlighted…

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Today’s news in brief-8/4/25

Levi Strauss & Co reported a strong start to 2025, with Q1 sales rising 3% to $1.5bn (£1.17bn) and adjusted EBITDA surging 47% to $204m (£159m), exceeding expectations. Direct-to-consumer revenues grew 9%, while wholesale sales increased 3%. The Levi’s brand saw an 8% global organic growth, with the Americas up…

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Today’s news in brief-7/4/25

US President Donald Trump has defended his newly announced tariffs, describing them as necessary “medicine” to address trade imbalances. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump warned that governments would need to pay “a lot of money” to lift the sweeping tariffs, which include a baseline 10% levy on imports from…

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Today’s news in brief-4/4/25

Manchester-based online retailer THG has successfully completed its debt refinancing, extending arrangements until December 2029. The refinancing includes a partial extension of its Term Loan B to €445m (£376.6m), a £74m repayment of Term Loan A, and the extension of a £150m revolving credit facility to May 2029. The move…

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Today’s news in brief-3/4/25

The Co-op has reported a sixfold surge in full-year pre-tax profits, rising to £161m from £28m the previous year, despite facing over £200m in new headwinds and investment costs. This growth was driven by increased operating profits, which climbed by £34m to £131m, alongside improved returns from Funeralcare plan investments.…

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Today’s news in brief-2/4/25

Topps Tiles reported a 4% rise in half-year sales to £127.7m, with underlying growth accelerating to 4.4% in Q2. Trade sales surged 12%, supported by an 11% increase in active traders. However, the retailer warned that National Living Wage and National Insurance hikes will add £4m to annual costs from…

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Today’s news in brief-1/4/25

Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…

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Today’s news in brief-31/3/25

Primark CEO Paul Marchant has resigned with immediate effect following an investigation into an allegation regarding his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting. Parent company ABF launched an external probe, after which Marchant acknowledged his “error of judgement” and apologised to the individual, the board, and Primark employees.…

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Today’s news in brief-28/3/25

WHSmith has agreed to sell its high street retail arm to Modella Capital in a £76m deal, marking a significant shift for the historic brand. The acquisition includes around 480 stores across the UK, which will be rebranded as TGJones. WHSmith will retain its travel and international operations, including stores…

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