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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Mar- 2023 -28 March
Scotch and Soda rescued by Bluestar Alliance
Dutch fashion brand Scotch and Soda has announced that it has been acquired by New York brand management company Bluestar Alliance. The move comes after the fashion retailer declared bankruptcy last week. Bluestar owns a portfolio of consumer brands including sports brand Hurley, Bebe and Tahari, among others. Following the…
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28 March
Next eyes Cath Kidston acquisition
Next is reportedly in advanced talks to rescue the Cath Kidston brand, in a move that would further expand its portfolio following the acquisitions of Joules and Made last year. According to Sky News, a deal could be closed as early as today (28 March), though some sources told Sky…
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28 March
Shop price inflation grows to 8.9% in March
The British Retail Consortium found that for the first seven days of March annual shop price inflation increased to 8.9% from 8.4% in February. This is above the 3-month average rate of 8.4%, bringing shop price growth to a new high. Meanwhile, non-food inflation accelerated to 5.9% in March, up…
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27 March
Superdrug opens its largest Scottish store in Braehead
Superdrug has opened its biggest store in Scotland – located in Braehead Shopping Centre. Superdrug said the 9,324sq ft store means customers will have access to exclusive brands, the latest health and beauty products and luxury fragrances and has also created 10 new jobs in the local area. The store…
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27 March
In The Style shareholders’ narrowly approve £1.2m deal
In The Style’s shareholders have narrowly approved a sale to a private equity firm in a bid to avoid administration. Just under 60% of In The Style shareholders’ agreed to the £1.2m deal to save the fashion brand, at a general meeting on 24 March 2023. Over 41% of shareholders…
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27 March
Tesco surpasses Whoosh rollout target by 25%
Tesco has surpassed its own target for the rollout of its rapid delivery service Whoosh, which is now available from 1,000 of its express stores. The company had set a target to offer Whoosh from 800 stores by the end of February 2023, but has exceeded that target by 200…
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27 March
Changing ownership model would be ‘tragedy’, says ex-John Lewis boss
Ex-John Lewis boss Andy Street said on Sunday that it would be a “tragedy” if the retailer changed its ownership model. Speaking on BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Street said he would not think changing the model would be a good idea because “John Lewis goes beyond a shop”. It…
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27 March
Boots owner eyes sale or float by year’s end
Boots faces being sold or floated by the end of 2023, following US boss’ wish to separate the global pharmacy retailer, reports This is Money. The news comes as investors and board members want the retailers’ senior leadership team to speed up plans to refocus the business on the US…
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27 March
Issa brothers near £12bn Asda forecourts deal
The billionaire owners of Asda are reportedly nearing the completion of a merger of the supermarket chain and its UK petrol stations, which are operated by EG Group. According to The Sunday Times, the move forms part of efforts to cut the forecourt group’s debt burden. The deal is reportedly…
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24 March
Dr. Martens appoints new director to board
Dr. Martens has appointed Andrew Harrison as an independent non-executive director following a “comprehensive” search and selection process. Harrison, who assumes the role from 1 May, is a managing partner at consumer brand investment firm Freston Ventures. He is also a senior independent director at Ocado Group, where he is…
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