News
News is Retail Sector’s central hub for breaking stories, market developments and company updates from across the UK retail industry. This category delivers authoritative, timely coverage on everything from trading performance and executive changes to store openings, brand activity and supply chain developments.
Retail Sector’s news coverage focuses on the business realities behind the headlines — providing retail professionals with context on how each development impacts operations, strategy and market confidence. Readers can expect clear, accurate reporting designed to keep decision-makers informed and competitive in a fast-moving retail landscape.
-
Mar- 2025 -6 March
Currys introduces ‘inflation-beating’ pay boost
Currys has announced an “inflation-beating” boost of 6% to colleague pay thanks to an £8m investment that will see a raise in the hourly rate paid to employees, combined with the retailer’s bonus programme. This boost means that skilled hourly paid store workers will have their minimum hourly rate rise…
Read More » -
5 March
Today’s news in brief-5/3/25
Walgreens Boots Alliance, owner of Boots, is in advanced talks with private-equity firm Sycamore Partners for a potential $10 billion deal to take the struggling drugstore chain private. This move comes amid Walgreens’ shares declining sharply over the past decade, from a peak market value of over $100bn in 2015…
Read More » -
5 March
The Very Group announces the National Literary Trust as new charity partner
The Very Group has announced that the National Literary Trust will be its charity partner for the next three years. The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity which works with schools, communities and partners across the UK to empower children, young people and adults with the literacy skills they…
Read More » -
5 March
M&S among winners as shoppers spend almost £1bn this Valentine’s Day
M&S was among the winners and losers this Valentine’s Day as shoppers spent almost £1bn to celebrate the day, according to NIQ. NIQ found that £962m was spent across Valentine’s Day on food and gifting with £100m (+6.6%) spent on Cut Flowers, £5.8m (+27%) spent on Toiletries Gift Packs and…
Read More » -
5 March
Games Workshop welcomes strong start to 2025
Games Workshop has revealed today (5 March) in a short trading update that its performance in January and February has been ahead of expectations. According to the designer and maker of miniature figurines, it has benefited from strong trading across both the core business and licensing. As a result, the…
Read More » -
5 March
Boots owner Walgreens nears $10bn takeover deal
Walgreens Boots Alliance, the owner of Boots, is reportedly nearing a deal with private-equity firm Sycamore Partners that would take the struggling drugstore chain off the public market for around $10bn (£7.8bn).According to the Wall Street Journal, sources familiar with the matter said both sides were aiming to complete a…
Read More » -
5 March
B&Q increases hourly pay to £12.71
B&Q has announced that it will be increasing its UK minimum hourly rate to £12.71 per hour, and its London rate to up to £14.05 per hour. The increase will be paid in full from 1st April and not staggered across the year meaning that from April 2025, over 15,000…
Read More » -
5 March
Virgin Wines CFO retires after 22 years
Virgin Wines has announced that Graeme Weir is retiring from his role as chief financial officer and company secretary after 22 years. During his time at the company, Weird played a “huge” role in the growth of the business alongside CEO Jay Wright, including leading a private equity-backed buyout in…
Read More » -
4 March
Today’s news in brief-4/3/25
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is close to approving Topps Tiles’ £9m acquisition of CTD Tiles after both companies offered to divest stores in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, and Dorking to address competition concerns. The CMA had initially warned that the merger could reduce market competition, prompting an in-depth investigation.…
Read More » -
4 March
Castore signs multi-year partnership with Lancashire Cricket Club
Sportswear brand Castore has announced it has agreed a multi-year partnership with Lancashire Cricket Club. Under the terms of the new deal, Castore will become the official kit supplier and exclusive retail partner to Lancashire CC, with the kit featuring the Lancashire red rose being worn by the Club from…
Read More »
