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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Sep- 2024 -20 September
BFC launches search for CEO as Caroline Rush steps down
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has launched a search for a new CEO, having revealed that Caroline Rush CBE will step down from the role in June 2025 after a 16-year tenure. Rush will continue to lead the organisation as the search for her successor begins as part of the…
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20 September
WHSmith to open 37 Toys’R’Us ‘shop-in-shops’
WHSmith has announced that it is set to open 37 new Toys“R”Us outlets inside its stores. It comes after the retailer opened 39 locations resulting in 76 shop-in-shops in total across UK high streets. The next round of Toys“R”Us openings from WHSmith will start on Saturday 28 September, with Bexleyheath,…
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20 September
Retail sales up 1% in August
UK retail sales were marginally up by 1% in August, following a rise of 0.7% in July, the ONS has revealed. According to the latest figures, sales volumes rose by 1.2% in the three months to August, when compared with the three months to May. Over the year to August,…
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20 September
Next warns of store closures if equal pay appeal fails
Next has warned that store closures may be necessary if its appeal against a recent equal pay ruling fails. Last month, more than 3,500 current and former Next employees won a six-year legal fight for equal pay, with the total amount payable by the retailer estimated to be over £30m. An…
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19 September
Levi’s opens new store in Knightsbridge
Levi Strauss and Co has announced the opening of its new Levi’s store in London’s Knightsbridge Estate, the second largest retail hub in the UK capital. The new store, with a “prominent” glass façade, spans approximately 300m² across two floors, delivering “elevated” retail experiences to London shoppers and reinforcing the…
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19 September
BoE holds interest rates at 5%
The Bank of England (BoE) has decided to hold interest rates at 5% this month, having lowered them for the first time in four years in August. The bank voted by a majority of 8-1 to keep the rate the same in a bid to help “sustain growth and employment”.…
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19 September
Next acquires 16% stake in homeware brand Rockett St George
Next has acquired a 16% stake in homeware brand Rockett St George, further furthering the partnership following the licensing agreement between the two brands. Rockett said the strategic decision represents a “pivotal moment” in the growth of their partnership and will see Next having a director on the Rockett St…
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19 September
Co-op rolls out 24-hr delivery service for city centre customers
Co-op has unveiled a 24-hour delivery service for customers living near city centre stores as the supermarket responds to growing demand for grocery delivery services. New research from Co-op shows that over 40% of q-comm shoppers would use a 11pm to 5am delivery service if available. This figure rises to…
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19 September
Next ups guidance again as it closes in on £1bn profit
Next has announced that it has upped its full-year profit guidance by £15m, up to £995m, as it closes in on £1bn profit. This is the second time in two months that Next has increased its guidance after increasing it in August to £980m as a result of strong summer…
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19 September
Hammerson sells stake in Bicester Village for £1.5bn
Property firm Hammerson has announced that it has sold off its stake in Bicester Village for £1.5bn to Silver Bidco, a company established by certain affiliates of L Catterton. The news comes after Hammerson announced it had entered into a binding agreement for the disposal of Bicester Village to Silver…
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