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- 2025 -14 July
Reeves eyes business rates rise for supermarkets and department stores
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering increasing business rates for department stores and supermarkets as she looks to raise £1.7bn from businesses this autumn, according to The Telegraph. The outlet revealed that the chancellor is looking to plug the £5bn hole left after the government was forced to abandon cuts…
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14 July
Boots shareholders approve $10bn takeover
Walgreens Boots Alliance has revealed that its shareholders have “overwhelmingly” approved Sycamore Partner’s proposed $10bn (£7.4bn) takeover of the company. According to the preliminary results, approximately 96% of votes cast at the special meeting by all shareholders were voted in favor of the merger agreement proposal. In addition, approximately 95%…
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14 July
Claire’s drafts rescue plan as it faces UK store closures
Jewellery and accessories retailer Claire’s has reportedly brought in advisers to draw up a rescue plan amid fears it may be unable to repay a $480m (£355m) loan that is due in December 2026, according to The Telegraph. The company, which operates nearly 300 shops in the UK and more…
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11 July
Läderach opens first UK transport hub store at St Pancras
Swiss chocolatier Läderach has opened its first shop in a UK transport hub at London St Pancras International. The 550 sq ft boutique, which began trading on earlier this month, is the brand’s ninth London location and offers its full range of handcrafted chocolate, including its signature FrischSchoggi (fresh chocolate)…
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11 July
Update: Poundland denies reports of stock shortages
Poundland has denied that it is facing issues to stock certain items following reports major suppliers like Proctor and Gamble and Nestle tightened their credit lines amid uncertainty over the retailer’s future. The retailer called the reports “false” and added that it is has received strong support from suppliers as…
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11 July
Mulberry raises £20m from shareholders amid £31.8m FY loss
British lifestyle brand Mulberry has unveiled a £20m fundraising in a bid to support its turnaround strategy, after reporting a £31.8m loss before tax in the year to 29 March due to revenues falling in a challenging luxury market. Group revenues dropped 21% to £120.4m in the period, with UK…
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11 July
NCA arrests four over cyber attacks on M&S, Co-op and Harrods
Four people have been arrested as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into cyber attacks on Marks and Spencer, Co-op and Harrods. Two men aged 19, a 17-year-old boy, and a 20-year-old woman were detained at home addresses in the West Midlands and London on 10 July. They…
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11 July
Economy unexpectedly shrinks 0.1% in May
Monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) unexpectedly fell 0.1% in May 2025, following an unrevised fall of 0.3% in April 2025 and growth of 0.4% in March 2025, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.5% in the three…
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10 July
Pepco Q3 revenues hit €1.1bn amid Poundland sale
Pepco has revealed that its revenues rose 7.7% to €1.1bn (£950m) for the third quarter ended 30 June 2025, a record for the company in Q3, excluding Poundland. The company completed a deal to sell the Poundland brand to Gordon Brothers for £1 on 12 June 2025. As a result…
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10 July
Majestic opens Thame store as part of summer expansion
Majestic has opened a new store in Thame as part of plans to expand its bricks-and-mortar estate this summer. The wine retailer’s new 1,680 sq ft shop, which is located on the town’s High Street, occupies the former Newitt’s of Thame butchers. Several original features of the butcher’s shop –…
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