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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Jun- 2025 -19 June
Co-op secures £350m sustainability-linked loan from six banks
Co-op has secured a £350m loan facility from a syndicate of six major banks, in a deal that ties borrowing rates to environmental and social impact targets. The lenders include HSBC UK, Barclays, ING, Lloyds, NatWest and Rabobank, a Dutch co-operative bank. NatWest acted as facility agent and mandated lead…
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19 June
Waitrose to open first major supermarket in seven years
Waitrose is set to open its first full-line supermarket in seven years, which will be built at Brabazon, a new urban community in North Bristol. The 30,000 sq ft store will create around 150 new jobs and is expected to open in 2027. The retailer signed a multi-million pound deal…
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19 June
Frasers pulls out of bidding for Revolution Beauty
Frasers Group has announced that it has withdrawn from the process of acquiring Revolution Beauty, which put itself up for sale last month. Frasers announced at the time that it was involved in the process but has confirmed it has no intention of making an offer. Revolution launched a formal…
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19 June
Asda reappoints Darren Blackhurst as food CCO
Asda has announced the appointment of Darren Blackhurst as its new chief commercial officer for food, marking his return to the supermarket after more than a decade. Blackhurst, who held the same role at Asda between 2006 and 2010, will rejoin the business on 28 July. He replaces Kris Comerford,…
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18 June
Inflation eases to 3.4% in May amid falling air prices
Inflation eased to 3.4% in May 2025, down from 3.5% in the 12 months to April, as rising food prices were offset by falling air fares, according to the latest figures from the Office for national statistics. However, the fall comes with a caveat: the ONS has since revealed that…
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18 June
Co-op launches ‘thank you’ initiative after cyber attack disruption
Co-op has launched a week-long initiative to thank members for their support during what it described as a “challenging period” following a recent cyber attack. From 18 June, members of the UK convenience retailer can claim £10 off when they spend £40 in store. The offer runs until 25 June…
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18 June
Ocado expands Bon Preu partnership with new warehouse
Online retail technology firm Ocado Group and supermarket chain Bon Preu have announced plans to open a new customer fulfilment centre in Parets del Vallès, Catalonia. The automated site will serve online grocery orders across the region and marks the latest phase in the two companies’ long-standing partnership. Bon Preu…
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18 June
John Lewis commercial staff return to office three days a week
John Lewis has confirmed that some parts of its commercial team have been asked to work either in the office, in stores or with brands and suppliers three days a week. According to John Lewis, flexible working “very much remains in place”, with a mix of office working, being close…
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18 June
AO World profits rise amid membership scheme success
AO World has revealed that its adjusted profit-before-tax rose 27% to £44m for the year ended 31 March 2025, up from £34m in the previous year. Alongside this, the company’s LFL group revenue grew 7%, to £1.11bn with its core B2C retail revenue rising 12% to £832m. This growth was…
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17 June
Poundland confirms plans to shutter 150 stores
Poundland has confirmed that up to 150 stores and two distribution centres are set to close under a new restructuring plan, subject to court approval. Following Poundland’s acquisition by Gordon Brothers last week, an initial 68 stores will close, and along with rent reduction plans, its estate will eventually fall…
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