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.
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Apr- 2018 -25 April
Argos chastised by ASA over raising prices to include ‘free’ add-ons
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has warned Argos after it was found raising prices to cover the cost of supposedly ‘free’ extras. The advert in question was for a Canon Powershot SX620 camera priced at £179.99, in which further text said the camera came with a free 16GB SD card…
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24 April
650 retail stores have closed in 2018 so far
Nearly 650 retail stores and restaurants have shut or are at risk of closure since the start of 2018. According to analysis by BBC 5 live’s Wake Up to Money Maplin and Toys R Us sites accounted for half of the total closures, as both chains fell into administration on…
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24 April
300 jobs lost as East poised to stop trading next week
Fashion retailer East is to stop trading next week after administrators were unable to find a buyer, with 300 employees to be made redundant. According to reports, East will cease trading on 4 May after administrators at FRP Advisory were unable to find a buyer despite receiving at least three…
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24 April
Debenhams partners with Western Union to offer global money transfers
Debenhams has signed a partnership with Western Union to offer global money transfers through its existing travel money desks. Western Union already has a presence in Ryman, John Lewis and Sainsbury’s, and Debenhams will introduce the service at 112 of its stores. The news comes as the department store reported…
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24 April
Co-op’s £143m takeover of Nisa cleared by CMA
The Co-op’s £143m takeover of Nisa approved by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), subject to a court sanction on May 4. The Nisa board voted in favour of the proposal by Co-Op in November 2017 and the deal is hoped to be completed by 8 May. In a joint…
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23 April
Shop that sold illegal tobacco ‘wants its licence back’
A shop that was banned from selling tobacco and alcohol is reapplying for a new licence, it has been reported. Owner Nzar Jabar Kadir’s bid has been opposed by local authorities who cite a massive hive of criminal activity around the shop and fear that allowing it to sell alcohol…
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23 April
Record online retail sales growth in March
Online UK retail sales grew by 18.9% year-on-year (YoY) in March, as the high street reported the steepest year-on-year drop in footfall since 2010. Weekly analysis revealed growth doubled to 27% in the final week over Easter, increasing from 13% the previous week. Both clothing, and beer, wine and spirits…
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23 April
Yoox Net-A-Porter launches fine jewellery platform
Online fashion retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP) has launched its first dedicated online destination for fine jewellery and luxury watches. The platform, part of the Net-A-Porter website, features a fine jewellery collection from more than 40 brands, including Piaget, Cartier, Pomellato, Tiffany & Co and Buccellati. Customers will also be able…
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23 April
Boohoo expected to report 95% sales increase
Boohoo is expected to report a 95% increase in sales when it publishes its full year results on Wednesday (25 April), the City has predicted. According to City AM, this will mean an increase of £574.6m with pre-tax profits at around £47m. Boohoo has heavily invested in its infrastructure with…
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23 April
Wesfarmers entices Homebase bidders with £100m dowry
Potential bidders for Homebase are being enticed by a sizeable dowry as its owners Wesfarmers ask for initial takeover bids to be submitted by the 23 April. The Australian owners of the DIY chain are looking for a fast exit from the UK market and sources close to Wesfarmers say…
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