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.
-
Aug- 2025 -5 August
British shoppers drive surge in EU VAT-free spending after UK scheme scrapped
British spending on VAT-free shopping in the European Union (EU) has risen more than fivefold since 2021, as consumers increasingly choose to buy luxury goods abroad rather than in UK stores, according to the Times. New figures from the Association of International Retail (AIR) show that Britons spent £742m in…
Read More » -
5 August
River Island restructuring in question after landlord rebellion
A High Court judge will decide the future of River Island this week after a rescue plan for the company did not secure full support from its landlords and lenders. According to The Telegraph, River Island is looking to shutter 33 stores, slash rents on a further 71 shops and…
Read More » -
5 August
Naked Wines FY losses narrow to £4.9m
Naked Wines has narrowed its statutory pre-tax loss by 70%, from £16.3m to £4.9m, for the year ended 31 March. This comes despite the specialised wine retailer’s revenues falling 14% to £250.2m during the period, which was reportedly in line with management expectations. Meanwhile, adjusted EBITDA – excluding costs from…
Read More » -
4 August
Amazon promises quieter deliveries with new drone trial
Amazon has told Darlington Council that its drones will make less noise than delivery vans as it looks to gain permission for a trial of drone delivery. According to reports from The Telegraph, documents submitted to the council by Amazon claim the drone noise “is likely to be marginally less…
Read More » -
4 August
THG announces strategic Myprotein partnership in South Korea
THG has announced a licensing partnership in South Korea with SG Safety Corporation, a distribution and business development division of CJ Group, to bring MyProtein to the region. This agreement will bring the nutrition brand to offline channels for the first time, as well as a number of new online…
Read More » -
4 August
P.Louise to debut permanent store at Trafford Palazzo
Viral beauty label P.Louise has announced plans to open its first permanent retail site at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo this autumn. The two-floor, 19,000 sq ft store – called P.Louise City – has been designed as an immersive retail space. It will feature themed interiors, bookable experiences and areas for customers…
Read More » -
4 August
Planning delays threaten affordable flats in John Lewis rental scheme
John Lewis Partnership has warned that affordable housing could be cut from its planned rental scheme in Reading if council delays and funding demands make the project financially unviable, The Telegraph has reported. The news comes after the retailer has already reduced the scheme from 215 to 170 homes following…
Read More » -
4 August
Debenhams launches AI academy for employees
Debenhams Group has launched an AI skills academy, a new programme aiming to provide its employees with practical AI skills. The academy is being rolled out in partnership with workforce development platform Multiverse. It will be fully funded through the group’s £1.35m apprenticeship levy, and provide employees with “structured, on-the-job…
Read More » -
1 August
EG on the Move launches new roadside service station with Co-op
EG on the Move has announced that it has launched a new roadside service station in Stowmarket in partnership with Co-op. Known as EG On the Move Stowmarket, the new to market site is located on the A1308 Needham Road and is the latest new store launched by EG on…
Read More » -
1 August
Harvey Nichols unveils first phase of flagship redevelopment
Harvey Nichols is set to unveil the first stage of its transformation with the launch of a reimagined ground floor at its Knightsbridge flagship. The store said the space marks a “significant” evolution for its brand, introducing a “bold direction” that blends fine and designer jewellery with a curated lifestyle…
Read More »
