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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Feb- 2025 -11 February
Kate Spade to open new store at The O2
Lifestyle brand Kate Spade New York will open a new 2,408 sq ft store at the Outlet Shopping at The O2 this Spring. Located on the outlet’s upper level, the store will mark the brand’s London outlet debut while being inspired by elements of both uptown and downtown New York,…
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11 February
River Island chair to step down as Ben Lewis rejoins as CEO
The chair of River Island, Richard Bradbury, is stepping down from his role with immediate effect due to personal reasons, whilst Ben Lewis is set to rejoin the group as CEO. Bradbury rejoined the group in December 2022 as executive chair, having previously left the business in 2010. Lewis, whose uncle…
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11 February
Retail sales increase 2.6% despite ‘stormy’ January
UK total retail sales increased by 2.6% year-on-year in January, against a growth of 1.2% in January 2024, as consumer sentiment remained resilient despite stormy weather, according to the latest figures from the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. This growth was above the three-month average growth of 1.1% and above the…
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11 February
Shein abandons UK warehouse opening amid London listing uncertainty
Fast fashion group Shein has reportedly abandoned plans to open a warehouse in the Midlands, according to The Telegraph, as its plans for a London IPO continues to face difficulties from the EU and the US. The search for a UK warehouse was thought to started as a way for…
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11 February
Dunelm CEO to retire amid strong H1 trading
Dunelm CEO Nick Wilkinson is set to retire from his position following seven years in the role as Dunelm announced strong trading for the first half of the year. The company saw its total sales rise 2.4% to £893.7m, up from £872.5m in the same period last year, during the…
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11 February
Amazon to offer 1,000 new UK apprenticeships
Amazon has announced that it is to offer more than 1,000 new apprenticeships in the UK in 2025. The Amazon apprenticeship programme will offer a wide range of opportunities across the country in Amazon businesses including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Prime Video, and Amazon Devices and Services. Recruitment is now…
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10 February
Aesop opens new store in Victoria Leeds
Luxury skincare brand Aesop has opened a new shop in Victoria Leeds, marking the brand’s first store opening in 2025 and debut in the North of England. Aesop has joined Victoria Leeds’ premium tenant mix with a 753 sq ft unit alongside fellow best-in-class beauty brands, Le Labo, L’Occitane, and…
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10 February
UK retailers still facing ‘mountain of costs’, M&S CEO warns
M&S CEO Stuart Machin has warned that UK retailers are still facing a mountain of costs despite Rachel Reeve’s push for growth. Writing in the Sunday Times, Machin said that the government should lighten “the burden” the budget has loaded on the retail sector, claiming that the industry is being…
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10 February
New WH Smith owner ‘could close’ half of high street stores, experts warn
Any potential new WH Smith owner could close at least half of the retailer’s 500 high street stores if they take over the business, The Guardian has reported. It comes as industry experts told the outlet that they could see a reduction in the size of the business after any…
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10 February
Lidl increases pay for 28,000 hourly-paid staff
Lidl has announced a pay increase for 28,000 hourly-paid employees, with new rates coming into effect in March 2025. The discount grocer confirmed entry-level pay will rise to £12.75 nationally, up from £12.40 and increasing to £13.65 with length of service. Meanwhile, in London, new starters will see pay rates…
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