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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Jan- 2025 -28 January
January sales see shop price deflation hit 0 .7%
January sales helped shop price deflation reach 0.7% in January, above deflation of 1.0% in the previous month, as retailers attempted to attract post-Christmas shoppers, according to the latest figures from the BRC-NilesenIQ Shop Price Index. Shop price annual growth is at its lowest rate since August 2021 as non-food…
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28 January
Halfords upgrades FY25 guidance but braces for £23m budget hit
Halfords has upgraded its profit before tax guidance to between £32m and £37m for FY25, thanks to recent trading and the retailer’s continued strategic progress. However, the business has noted that the changes coming in April are due to add some £23m to Halfords’ direct labour costs for FY26 alone.…
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28 January
Pets at Home maintains guidance despite stagnant Q3 revenues
Pets at Home has maintained its full-year profit guidance despite the fact that its total group revenue fell 0.2% to £361.6m for the 12 weeks ended 2 January 2025. Its persistence comes as the company saw its consumer revenue increase 2.3% to £468m during the period. Pets at Home stated…
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28 January
HMV owner eyes bid for WH Smith’s high street arm
The owner of HMV is reportedly considering snapping up WH Smith’s high street arm, after the retailer this week confirmed it was exploring a potential sale of its 500 high street stores. According to The Sun, it is understood that HMV owner Doug Putman is now in talks with advisers over…
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27 January
Today’s news in brief-27/1/25
WH Smith is exploring the sale of its high street arm to focus on its global Travel business, which now contributes 75% of revenue and 85% of profits. The potential sale, managed by bankers at Greenhill, comes amid a 9% decline in high street profits to £39m, although group revenue…
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27 January
Bestway Retail announces new partnership with operator James Retail
Bestway Retail has announced a new long-term partnership with James Retail, the 40-strong nationwide Convenience and Travel interchange operator, owned by Jonathan James. Already working with the leading privately-owned neighbourhood and travel hub operator, the new agreement accelerates Bestway Retail’s strategic growth plans and sees James Retail convert their estate…
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27 January
Dr Martens Q3 group revenue rises 3%
Dr Martens has revealed that its group revenue increased 3% on a constant currency basis to £267m during the 13 weeks ended 29 December 2024. Alongside this, its direct-to-consumer revenue (DTC) rose by 1% on a constant currency basis. The brand stated that this was driven by ecommerce revenue growing…
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27 January
Asda relaunches hunt for new CEO
Allan Leighton, Asda’s chair, has reportedly restarted the hunt for a new CEO after a failed effort by his predecessor, Lord Rose, the Telegraph reported. Leighton, who returned to Asda in November, having previously run the supermarket from 1996 until 2000, stated that he is looking for a candidate who…
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27 January
The Original Factory Shop nears sale to Baaj Capital
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) is close to being sold after more than 17 years of ownership of private equity firm Duke Street, Sky News has revealed. Baaj Capital, a family office behind investments in fashion retailer In The Style as well as party supplies group Amscan International, is allegedly…
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27 January
Lakeland owner brings chain to market ahead of tax rises
The family behind kitchenware retailer, Lakeland, has reportedly recruited advisers to explore a sale after more than 60 years as growing cost pressures loom, according to Sky News. According to accounts filed at Companies House for 2023, that year faced “the most challenging economic conditions for several decades” with high…
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