News
The latest news, updates and analysis on the the UK retail industry. Covering every segment of the market, Retail Sector’s business journalists keep you in the picture.
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Jul- 2024 -8 July
Asda scraps four-day work week trial
Asda has reportedly scrapped its trial of a four day work week after staff were left exhausted, according to reports from The Telegraph. Under the trial, employees in 20 of its stores worked a usual 44 hour work week in four days rather than five. However, many staff complained that…
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8 July
Huddled Group acquires 75% stake in Boop Beauty
Huddled Group has announced it has taken a controlling stake of 75% of the equity in Boop Beauty Limited, an e-commerce business specialising in surplus beauty and cosmetic products. Huddled said it will pay a “modest sum” for the stake roughly equivalent to the value of stock on hand, with…
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8 July
Labour appoints Timpson boss as new prisons minister
James Timpson OBE, CEO of the Timpson shoe repair chain, has been appointed as the new Minister for Prisons, Parole and Probation following Labour’s landslide victory in last Thursday’s general election. The current Timpson chief executive James began his journey in retail spending each holiday working in the family business…
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5 July
Today’s news in brief-5/7/24
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has urged Keir Starmer and the Labour Party to swiftly address their campaign promises after their overwhelming victory in the general election, securing over 400 seats with a majority of around 170. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) congratulated Starmer, stressing the importance of delivering…
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5 July
Aldi to introduce higher welfare standard for chickens
Aldi has announced that it is set to introduce new stocking density requirements for its fresh chicken suppliers, further improving the quality of life for livestock. The transition to the higher welfare standard, which will be complete by the end of October 2024, means that Aldi fresh chicken will have…
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5 July
Time for Starmer to ‘get down to business’, says BRC
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has stated that it is time for Keir Starmer and the Labour Party to “get down to business” after he emerged victorious in the general election. BRC chair Helen Dickinson stated that the organisation now awaits details of how Starmer will take his promises forward.…
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5 July
The Cotswold Company upgrades showrooms with new Upholstery Hubs
Furniture and homeware brand The Cotswold Company has announced that it has completed a significant programme to upgrade its showrooms across the UK. Upgrades include improvements to visual merchandising, tweaks to in-store layouts and the roll-out of its Upholstery Hubs, an in-showroom offer that provides customers with a “one-stop-shop” for…
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5 July
The O2 sales increase 10% in H1
The O2 has revealed that it has seen a 10% increase in sales and a 15.5% uplift in footfall during the first half of the year. The destination also saw a 15% increase in sales for Outlet Shopping at The O2, bolstered by the recent openings of Castore and All…
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5 July
Co-op partners with Walmart on new online fulfilment tech
Co-op has announced a partnership with Walmart Commerce Technologies that will see it implement online fulfilment technology – store assist – to enhance the colleague and customer experience, as well as support its quick commerce growth ambitions. It comes as Co-op has ambitions to reach more than one third share…
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5 July
Taylor Swift and Euros boost footfall amid damp June
Taylor Swift’s UK tour and the Euros helped strengthen footfall during a very wet June as total UK footfall decreased by 2.3% in June (YoY), up from -3.6% in May, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). On a segment basis, high street footfall decreased by…
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