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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Apr- 2025 -16 April
ProCook revenues jump 17.8% in Q4
ProCook has seen its total revenue increase by 17.8% to £15.5m during the 12 weeks ended 30 March 2025. Retail revenue increased by 14.7% to £9.6m benefitting from like-for-like growth of 1.9% – the seventh consecutive quarter of positive like for like growth. Meanwhile, e-commerce revenue increased by 23.4% to…
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15 April
Today’s news in brief-15/4/25
Halfords has appointed Henry Birch, former CEO of The Very Group, as its new chief executive, replacing Graham Stapleton, who steps down after seven years. Under Stapleton’s leadership, Halfords transformed from a cycling and motoring retailer into an omnichannel motoring services specialist, growing annual revenues from £1.1bn to £1.7bn. Birch,…
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15 April
B&M to open 45 new UK stores despite sales drop
B&M has revealed that it is aiming to open 45 new stores in the UK in 2025 despite the fact it saw its UK like-for-like sales drop 3.1% to £4.5bn in the year ended 29 March 2025. Alongside this, the discount retailer stated that its UK like-for-like sales fell 2.1%…
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15 April
Majestic completes acquisition of Enotria&Coe
Majestic, the wine specialist in retail, wholesale and hospitality, has completed the strategic acquisition of Enotria&Coe, a supplier of premium wines and spirits for an undisclosed sum. Majestic said the combination accelerates its ambition to become the “go-to” supplier of wines, beers and spirits in the UK on-trade, creating a…
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15 April
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
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15 April
Former Very Group CEO to take over as Halfords boss
Halfords has announced that Graham Stapleton is stepping down as CEO, with Henry Birch replacing him in the role. Stapleton has led Halfords for over seven years, and during his tenure has helped see annual revenues grow from £1.1bn to £1.7bn, with more than half of sales now service-related. Henry…
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15 April
Frasers to launch Sports Direct in Australia and New Zealand
Frasers Group has struck a long-term strategic retail agreement with Accent Group to launch and operate Sports Direct across Australia and New Zealand, as part of the group’s international growth plans. Accent Group is a key retailer and distributor of premium lifestyle and sports footwear in Australasia, and has over…
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15 April
Co-op Wholesale signs multi-year partnership deal with Roadchef
Co-op Wholesale has confirmed a multi-year contract with UK motorway service area operator, Roadchef, in a partnership set to drive its businesses forward. The contract includes introducing Co-op’s range into eight former Spar-operated grocery stores, expanding the availability of its own-brand products at motorway service locations nationwide. Following Co-op’s recent…
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14 April
Today’s news in brief-14/4/25
Currys CEO Alex Baldock has warned of a potential influx of Chinese products into UK and European markets, driven by Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. Baldock and other retail executives, including Buy It Direct’s Nick Glynne, expressed concerns that Chinese manufacturers may redirect goods originally destined for the US…
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14 April
UK watchdog faces criticism over Shein IPO approval
UK watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, is facing criticism from UK investor groups after reports from Reuters that it has given Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein the go ahead for a London listing. A top UK managers’ trade group, including Aviva Investors, Schroders and M&G has criticised the watchdog’s decision,…
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