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 -2 July
The Very Group bolsters Hello Studio senior leadership team
HelloStudio, the in-house creative agency of online retailer the Very Group, has appointed Beth Lowry as head of creative direction. Lowry brings more than 20 years of experience to the Liverpool-based agency, having worked in the UK and United States. For the past six years, she has held a senior…
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2 July
Oakley Capital acquires Smythson of Bond Street
Oakley Capital has officially acquired Smythson of Bond Street, Fornasetti and Fabbrica Pelleterie Milano (FPM) for an undisclosed amount through its investment vehicle Iconic BrandCo, expanding its portfolio of luxury heritage brands. The three brands join existing holdings Alessi, Globe-Trotter and Connolly in Iconic BrandCo, which was launched in 2020…
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1 July
Foot Locker opens its largest UK store in Birmingham’s Bullring
Foot Locker has opened its largest UK store in the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham, marking the launch of its new ‘Re-imagined’ store concept. The site becomes the footwear and streetwear retailer’s UK flagship and features three permanent zones designed to offer an immersive experience. These include a Sneaker Hub…
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1 July
Sainsbury’s market share hits decade high amid Q1 sales boost
Sainsbury’s has welcomed a strong start to the financial year, as grocery sales rose by 5% in the first quarter, helping to deliver the group’s highest market share since 2016. Over the period, convenience sales grew by 6%, as the group recorded its highest ever customer satisfaction scores following a…
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1 July
Shop prices return to inflation as retailers struggle to shoulder costs
Shop price inflation increased to 0.4% year on year in June, compared with a decline of 0.1% in May, as retailers grappled with increases to minimum wage and employer national insurance costs. Furthermore, non-food inflation increased to -1.2% year on year in June, against a decline of 1.5% in May.…
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1 July
Walpole names Fortnum and Mason CEO as new chair
Walpole has announced the appointment of Tom Athron, chief executive of Fortnum and Mason, as the new chair of the UK luxury sector’s trade body. Starting today (1 July), he succeeds Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, who steps down after a nine-year term as chair. Ward has now become…
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1 July
Aldi lightens 20 million wine bottles in supermarket first
Aldi has become the first UK supermarket to reduce the weight of 20 million wine bottles, following a major packaging reduction initiative. The retailer has switched to 300g ultra-lightweight bottles for its still wine range, working with suppliers and bottling partner Greencroft. The change brings the average bottle weight across…
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Jun- 2025 -30 June
Asda plans to overtake Primark as UK’s biggest clothing retailer
Asda is reportedly planning to overtake Primark as the UK’s biggest clothing retailer, The Telegraph has reported. According to the paper, chairman Allan Leighton believes that the supermarket’s clothing brand, George, can help lead a turnaround for the company. As part of these plans, 100 Asda stores are set to…
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30 June
Ocado’s increased debt calls turnaround plan into question
Ocado’s turnaround plans have reportedly been called into question as its heavy reliance on debt in a high inflationary environment threatens its ability to turn a profit, The Telegraph has reported. The online grocer saw its annual debt interest bill climb from around £27m last year to nearly £100m in…
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30 June
WH Smith cuts price of high street arm by £12m to close deal
WH Smith has officially completed the sale of its UK high street business to private investment firm Modella Capital for £40m, down from the previously expected £52m. Under the new terms, WH Smith will receive £10m upfront, with up to £20m in deferred payments linked to the business’s cash flow…
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