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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Nov- 2023 -15 November
UK supermarkets sales rise 8.7% despite cautious consumer spending
Total Till sales at UK supermarkets increased 8.7% in the last four weeks ending 4 November 2023, according to new data released today by NIQ . This growth is against the backdrop of slowing inflation and an increase in promotional activity (24%, up from 21% last year) by supermarkets as…
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15 November
Thai investor takes control of Selfridges
Central Group, the co-owner of Selfridges, has taken control of the department store after fellow key shareholder Signa Group was hit by a cash crisis. According to The Telegraph, the Thai conglomerate has now become its largest shareholder after converting a €364m (£317m) loan to Selfridges into equity. Earlier this…
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15 November
Asda cuts debt as Q3 sales slow
Asda has announced that it has shaved £300m off its debt pile during the third quarter of the year while also revealing it has seen its sales slow during the period. In the three months to the end of September, the supermarket paid off the £200m loan it took out…
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15 November
Joe Browns appoints new chairman
Joe Browns, the Leeds-based fashion and home retailer, has announced that Michael Truluck had joined as chairman with immediate effect. The move will be Truluck’s first chair position after recently leaving his role as CEO of La Redoute International, to spend more time with his family in Yorkshire and to…
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15 November
Aurelius acquires The Body Shop for £207m
The Body Shop has been acquired by Aurelius Group from Natura and Co for £207m, which includes an earn-out of £90m. Aurelius will work with the management team to “drive operational excellence” across the group, leveraging its expertise and experience in the omni-channel retail and wholesale markets. The retail group…
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14 November
Today’s news in brief
Next has defended its chair, Michael Roney, after more than 20% of shareholders voted against his re-election at the annual general meeting. The votes against Roney were primarily due to concerns that he was “considered as overboarded,” with a secondary issue related to the gender makeup of the board. Under…
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14 November
Phase Eight and Hobbs open upsized store at Merry Hill
Sovereign Centros has announced that premium womenswear brands, Phase Eight and Hobbs, have opened at Merry Hill, one of the UK’s top ten retail and leisure destinations. Having relocated from separate units, the sister brands have been brought together into an upsized 6,000 sq ft space on the Upper Mall,…
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14 November
Lidl reduced food waste by 43% since 2016, report finds
Lidl has reduced its food waste by almost half (43%) since 2016, according to the retailer’s fourth ‘Good Food’ report, which means that the retailer is on track to hit its 50% reduction target by 2030. According to Lidl, providing more meals to charity has helped reach this milestone. Last…
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14 November
Dr. Martens appoints Giles Wilson as CFO
Dr. Martens plc has announced that Giles Wilson has been appointed to the role of chief financial officer (CFO). Wilson will join Dr. Martens and take up his role in 2024, with the date to be confirmed and announced in due course. Wilson is an experienced CFO who joins Dr.…
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14 November
Sainsbury’s, M&S and Currys call for business rates freeze
Supermarket retailers such as Sainsbury’s, M&S and Currys have urged the chancellor to freeze business rates for all retail businesses at the forthcoming Autumn Statement. According to the British Retail Consortium, as things stand, business rates for retailers in England alone will increase by 6.7% next April, which represents an…
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