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.
-
Jan- 2025 -29 January
Lloyds Banking Group to close 136 branches in further blow to UK high street
Lloyds Banking Group is reportedly set to close another 136 of its branches as it aims to adapt to customers’ shifting preferences for online banking, in what is another blow to the UK high street, according to the Financial Times. Reports suggest the group will close 61 Lloyds branches, 61…
Read More » -
29 January
Quiz close to administration following AIM delisting
Embattled fashion retailer Quiz is reportedly set to appoint administrators only days after its shares were delisted from the stock market, according to Sky News. The outlet claims that Quiz is set to appoint global advisory firm Teneo to help oversee a pre-pack insolvency that will allow the founding Ramzan…
Read More » -
29 January
Frasers ups stake in THG to 4.8%
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has upped its stake in THG to 4.8% as it continues investing in a number of UK retailers. The group now holds 63,156,741 voting rights in the company. The news comes after THG received a £10m strategic investment from Frasers Group to fund the demerger of…
Read More » -
29 January
Castore revenues up 16% YOY in December
Castore has revealed that its revenues grew 16% year-on-year in December, a record Christmas period for the brand. The brand put this down to the sportswear market remaining resilient compared with other retail markets. Castore revealed that over 150,000 football shirts were sold in the final weeks before Christmas. The…
Read More » -
29 January
Next CEO uses Lords status to lodge amendments to NI bill
The CEO of Next, Lord Wolfson, has reportedly used his position in the House of Lords to table amendments aimed at phasing in the upcoming changes to employers’ national insurance contributions, The Times has reported.The measures outlined in the budget will see employers’ national insurance contributions rise from 13.2% to…
Read More » -
29 January
Morrisons FY revenues hit £15.3bn amid ‘strongest’ quarter since 2021
Morrisons’ revenues jumped 3.8% to £15.3bn for the year ended 27 October 2024, with its Q4 performance being the “strongest” quarter in four years. Full-year like-for-like sales were up 4.9% for Q4 and 4.1% for the full year, representing eight consecutive quarters of positive LFL sales. Revenues during the final…
Read More » -
29 January
Virgin Wines revenues rise 6.7% over Xmas season
Virgin Wines has reported that revenues rose by 6.7% year-on-year during the six-week period to 27 December 2024, as sales were 9% higher than the Christmas before – the highest level since the pandemic lockdowns. According to the online wine retailer, its performance over Christmas was underpinned by initiatives to…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
28 January
Merry Hill announces new leases for Costa Coffee and Bensons for Beds
Merry Hill has announced that Costa Coffee and Bensons for Beds are opening new sites at the shopping destination. Bensons for Beds will open a 8,000 sq ft store. Dedicated to “Sleep Wellness”, the new store will showcase the retailer’s extensive range of beds, furniture, and bedding. Meanwhile Costa is…
Read More » -
28 January
Wickes ups guidance as revenues jump 3% in H2
Wickes has upgraded its profit guidance to be towards the upper end of the £39.7-£44.0m consensus forecast range following a 3% increase in retail revenues to £579.1m in the second half of 2024. The group said that retail sales delivered “good” growth in H2, with particularly strong performance in interior…
Read More »
