News-In-Brief

Today’s news in brief-27/3/25

Next has reported record pre-tax profits of £1bn for the year to January 2025, marking a 10.1% increase, and has raised its full-year profit guidance by £20m to £1.06bn. The retailer attributed its strong performance to acquisitions like Reiss and FatFace, with total group sales rising 8.2% to £6.3bn. Online…

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Today’s news in brief-26/3/25

John Lewis is close to securing approval for its housing project in Reading, transforming a former customer collection facility into 215 homes, including 49% family-sized units and 10% affordable rentals. The development, featuring shared workspaces, a gym, and communal areas, is part of an £80m investment in rental housing. A…

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Today’s news in brief-25/3/25

WH Smith has successfully completed a refinancing deal, securing a £200m US Private Placement and a new £120m bank term loan. The move diversifies its debt financing ahead of a potential sale of its high street business, which includes over 500 stores. Two firms, Alteri Investors and Modello Capital, remain…

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Today’s news in brief-24/3/25

Harrods is nearing the finalisation of compensation payments for victims of sexual abuse by its former owner, Mohamed al Fayed, who died in 2023. According to draft terms seen by Sky News, some claimants could receive over £300k, depending on whether they opt for a psychiatric assessment. Those choosing the…

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Today’s news in brief-21/3/25

In The Style has been rescued from administration through a pre-pack sale to Alps Sourcing Limited, saving 87 jobs. The Manchester-based company, known for its celebrity-inspired high street fashion, had reached a peak valuation of £105m in 2021 following its AIM listing. However, financial struggles, including significant debt and cash…

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Today’s news in brief-20/3/25

The UK retail sector has faced significant challenges over the past five years, with a quarter of a million jobs lost, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The latest data reveals a decline to 2.84 million retail jobs, marking a reduction of 70,000 compared to the previous year.…

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Today’s news in brief-18/3/25

Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US for the second time, following a previous filing in 2019. The retailer, once a dominant force in fast fashion, has struggled to compete with foreign competitors and rising costs. While its US stores and website will continue trading during the…

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Today’s news in brief-17/3/25

Fenwick, the family-owned retailer, is facing significant financial challenges, with pre-tax losses widening to £38.1m in the year to January 2024, up from £28.4m the previous year. The company has been operating at a loss for six years due to high inflation, increased costs, and tough market conditions. Despite efforts…

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Today’s news in brief-14/3/25

Shein, the fast-fashion giant, has confirmed its plans to go public, targeting a listing on the London Stock Exchange. Executive chairman Donald Tang emphasised the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability as it transitions to a public entity. However, no specific timeline or valuation was disclosed, with Tang stating the…

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Today’s news in brief-13/3/25

John Lewis Partnership has announced that its staff will not receive a bonus for the third consecutive year, despite tripling its full-year profits from £42m to £126m. Instead, the company is investing £114m into staff pay, building on a £116m increase in 2024, and up to £600m in business transformation.…

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