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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May- 2024 -13 May
The Very Group appoints Nadhim Zahawi as non-exec chair
The Very Group, which operates digital retailers Very and Littlewoods, has appointed former senior government minister and MP for Stratford-on-Avon Nadhim Zahawi as non-executive chair and board member. Zahawi, who recently announced he will stand down as an MP at the next general election, will replace current non-executive chair Aidan…
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10 May
Today’s news in brief-10/5/24
The UK economy has emerged from recession with a growth of 0.6% in the first quarter of 2024, surpassing economist expectations. This growth was primarily driven by consumer-facing services, which expanded by 0.6% after a decline in the previous quarter. Notably, retail trade played a significant role in this recovery,…
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10 May
Footasylum to upsize location at Metrocentre
Footasylum is upsizing its location at the top five super regional malls Metrocentre. The retailer is set to increase its presence by 25%, taking a 12,375 sq ft unit enabling it to stock a larger range of streetwear, sportswear, and footwear for men, women, and kids. This relocation and notable…
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10 May
John Lewis cut 3,800 jobs in past year to reduce costs
The John Lewis Partnership has revealed that it cut 3,800 roles across the company in an effort to reduce costs. The number of employees at the Partnership fell to 70,500 at the end of January down from 74,300 the previous year. As first reported by the Telegraph, the job losses…
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10 May
UK economy exits recession as GDP jumps 0.6% in Q1
The UK economy is no longer in recession after it grew by 0.6% between January and March this year, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The performance beat economist expectations of 0.4% growth. A recession, which is defined as two consecutive three-month periods where the…
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10 May
Frasers ups stake in Boohoo to 23.1%
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has upped its stake in Boohoo to 23.1% as it continues investing in a number of UK fashion retailers. It has upped its stake from 16.5% and now holds 293,028,671 voting rights in the company. The news comes after it was reportedly revealed that the group…
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10 May
Mothercare enters refinancing talks amid sales decline
Mothercare is exploring its refinancing options after sales fell by 13% to £281m in the year ended 30 March 2024, down from £323m the prior year.According to the group, retail sales were affected by global economic uncertainties, as well as partners still clearing inventory due to suppressed demand during Covid.…
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10 May
WHSmith reveals 17 new Toys R Us locations
WHSmith has announced that it will open 17 Toys R Us shops over the summer months across the UK. The retailer is set to open a further 30 shop-in-shops before Christmas after the launch of nine Toys R Us concessions a year ago. The 17 locations opening in the summer…
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10 May
Shoplifting cases fall 2% from ‘record’ high
Some 26% of retailers have reported experiencing customer theft in 2023, showing that shoplifting cases have dropped from a “record” high of 28% in 2022, according to an ONS survey. This comes despite countrywide reports of a spike in shoplifting and cases of customers abusing staff. A prior ONS report,…
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9 May
Today’s news in brief-9/5/24
Frasers Group is reportedly finalising a deal to become the new partner of struggling retailer Ted Baker following the collapse of its previous UK licensing partner, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL). Sources indicate an agreement with NODL’s administrators could be reached in the coming days. This move would add Ted…
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