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 -6 February
EU Commission launches probe into Shein amid import crackdown
The European Commission has launched a probe into Shein as part of a crackdown against a flood of cheap e-commerce imports into the European Union. This follows last year’s influx of approximately 4.6 billion low-value consignments, i.e. goods valued at no more than €150 (£126), entering the EU market, amounting…
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6 February
Pandora profits up 13% as it prioritises jewellery
Pandora has seen its EBIT rise 13% to £890m in its FY24 as a result of its ‘Phoenix strategy’ pushing it towards becoming a “full jewellery brand”. Alongside this, the company’s sales increased 13% to £3.53bn for the period, driven by strong online growth accounting for 27% of revenues and…
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6 February
Tesco mulls takeover of Crown Post Office branches
Tesco is reportedly eyeing a potential takeover of more than 100 Crown Post Office branches across the UK, in a move that could save the branches from potential closure. It comes as the directly managed branches have come under review amid reports the state-owned company is looking to shift to a…
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6 February
Asda recruits former Matalan CEO as non-exec director
Asda has announced the appointment of Jo Whitfield, the former CEO of Matalan, to the role of non-executive director. Until last year, she led Matalan’s business turnaround strategy and a refocus on value. Whitfield, who has previously spent eight years with Asda and its clothing brand George from 2008, had…
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6 February
M&S backs Starmer’s bid for closer EU relations
M&S has backed Keir Starmer’s call for closer ties with the EU and an end to “Brexit bureaucracy”, The Telegraph has reported. Speaking to the paper, M&S head of food Alex Freudmann urged the prime minister to “move with pace to remove the red tape governing trade across the Irish…
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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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5 February
Estée Lauder to axe up to 7,000 roles amid restructuring plan
Estée Lauder has revealed its plans to cut up to 7,000 roles globally as part of its latest cost-cutting plan, as the cosmetics retailer braces for tariff increases sparked by US President Donald Trump. It comes as net sales fell by 6% to $4bn (£3.2bn) during the second quarter ended…
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5 February
Amazon reports fastest ever Prime delivery times in 2024
Amazon achieved its fastest delivery speeds ever for Prime members globally in 2024, and delivered more than nine billion items the same or next day. The retail giant said that it is delivering more “everyday essentials”, household and pantry items across health, beauty, baby, pet food and other categories. It…
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5 February
Designer takes Boohoo to court over alleged copyright infringement
A Welsh designer has accused Boohoo of copyright infringement, claiming it has sold copies of her “signature” bikini top amongst other designs, a claim the retailer has denied.According to The Times, designer Sonia Edwards told a High Court judge that the online fashion company infringed her copyright in five designs.…
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5 February
Very Group ends HSBC relationship after 10 years
The Very Group has cut ties with HSBC, the bank which ran its customer loan portfolio worth around £1.8bn, according to reports from The Times. The online retailer has instead handed over responsibility of the securitisation of its buy now, pay later offer, to Natwest. Very provides finance options for…
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