News-In-Brief
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Feb- 2025 -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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5 February
Today’s news in brief-5/2/25
A Welsh fashion designer has taken Boohoo, and its affiliated brands PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal Limited, Misspap, and Debenhams, accusing it of copying her signature designs. Sonia Edwards claims that her designs, including a halter-neck bikini top, a rib organza mesh puff-sleeve top, a velvet ruched midi-skirt, a twist-front skirt, and…
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4 February
Today’s news in brief-4/2/25
Shein’s planned £50bn London IPO is under threat due to potential US tariff reforms and ongoing allegations of forced labor in its supply chain. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the ‘de minimis’ tax rule—which allows duty-free imports of small packages under $800 from China, Canada, and Mexico—could significantly…
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Jan- 2025 -31 January
Today’s news in brief-31/1/25
Homebase, the DIY retailer that collapsed into administration in November 2024, owes more than £650m to unsecured creditors, including suppliers AO World, Halfords, and The Hut. Administrator Teneo reported total unsecured claims of £657m, with £100m owed to trade creditors. Major debts include £2.9m to Close Brothers for till systems,…
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30 January
Today’s news in brief-30/1/25
Retail crime in the UK has surged to record levels, with theft losses hitting £2.2bn in 2023/24, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). The trade body warned that organised crime groups are “systematically” targeting stores, while violence and abuse against retail workers spiked by over 50%, averaging 2,000 incidents…
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29 January
Today’s news in brief-29/1/25
Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next and Conservative peer, has leveraged his House of Lords position to propose amendments phasing in upcoming National Insurance (NI) reforms. The budget measures, effective April, will raise employers’ NI contributions from 13.2% to 15% and lower the secondary threshold to £5,000 annually. Wolfson supports staggered…
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28 January
Today’s news in brief-28/1/25
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly exploring a bid for WH Smith’s high street arm after the retailer announced plans to sell its 500-store chain. Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft, is also in talks regarding a potential acquisition, although the outcome remains unclear. WH Smith’s move comes as its high…
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27 January
Today’s news in brief-27/1/25
WH Smith is exploring the sale of its high street arm to focus on its global Travel business, which now contributes 75% of revenue and 85% of profits. The potential sale, managed by bankers at Greenhill, comes amid a 9% decline in high street profits to £39m, although group revenue…
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