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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Dec- 2023 -18 December
Aldi creates national real estate team amid growth plans
Aldi has created a new national real estate team as it looks to deliver its plan to open 500 new UK stores. The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket recently announced a long-term plan to operate 1,500 UK stores – and the distribution network to service them – to meet growing demand from…
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18 December
Today’s news in brief-18/12/23
Farfetch is reportedly in advanced talks with a private equity-backed buyer for a last-minute rescue deal. The deal, if successful, would involve taking Farfetch off the stock market in a take-private transaction and would result in the company receiving $500m (£394m) in emergency funding. Talks are ongoing, and while Farfetch…
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18 December
Lush expects to invest almost £11m in stores ahead of New Year
Lush has committed to a projected spend of £10.6m in its UK portfolio of shops ahead of the New Year to expand the number of locations, enable relocations and make improvements. This investment by the retailer marks an £8m increase on the company’s announced investment in FY23 for the UK.…
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18 December
Farfetch seeks last-minute rescue deal
Farfetch is reportedly looking to secure a last-minute rescue deal with a private equity-backed buyer, according to The Sunday Times. Whilst the buyer’s identity is unclear, The Times reported that advanced talks are in place over a deal to take the online retailer off the stock market in a take-private…
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18 December
Boots to launch AI ‘personal shopper’
Boots has plans to launch a ChatGPT ‘personal shopper’ tool for its website with the aim of boosting online sales, The Telegraph has reported. The news comes as the beauty and pharmacy retailer is reportedly testing an AI chatbot, which will be able to make recommendations for lipsticks and beauty…
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18 December
Frasers Group in talks to acquire Matchesfashion
Frasers Group is reportedly in talks to acquire Matchesfashion, which sells fashion brands including Balenciaga, Gucci and Valentino, according to reports from Sky News. The company is said to be in detailed negotiations about a deal that could see it take control of the brand within days. City sources told…
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18 December
Adidas appoints new head of global HR
Adidas has appointed Michelle Robertson as executive board member, responsible for global human resources, people and culture, effective from 1 January. Robertson, a British national, has been with adidas and previously Reebok in different HR roles for more than 18 years. Since July 2023 she has already been leading global…
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15 December
Today’s news in brief-15/12/23
Amazon has emerged victorious in a £215m tax dispute with the EU Commission. The European Court of Justice dismissed the Commission’s claims that Amazon had entered into a deal with Luxembourg allowing it to avoid 75% of its EU tax. The court ruled that the Commission failed to prove that…
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15 December
A quarter of UK adults to scale back Xmas meal, survey finds
A quarter of UK adults will be scaling back their Christmas meal this year due to the current financial pressures, with 12% – up to 19% of those aged between 25 and 34 – planning to offer fewer dishes than usual, according to a survey by Strat7 Researchbods. The survey,…
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15 December
THG launches sustainability partnership PACT
THG has announced the launch of THG Partnership in Action, or PACT, a new initiative focused on collaboration with suppliers to foster a culture of sustainability while mutually decarbonising operations. The group’s science-based targets were officially validated by the SBTi in September 2023, encompassing mandatory Scope 1 and 2 reductions…
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