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.
-
Apr- 2025 -3 April
Sainsbury’s appoints two non-exec directors to board
Sainsbury has today (3 April) announced that Katie Bickerstaffe and Steve Hare will join the board as non-executive directors following the AGM on 3 July 2025. Bickerstaffe will be a member of the corporate responsibility and sustainability committee and the nomination and governance committee and Hare will join the audit…
Read More » -
2 April
Today’s news in brief-2/4/25
Topps Tiles reported a 4% rise in half-year sales to £127.7m, with underlying growth accelerating to 4.4% in Q2. Trade sales surged 12%, supported by an 11% increase in active traders. However, the retailer warned that National Living Wage and National Insurance hikes will add £4m to annual costs from…
Read More » -
2 April
Intersport sales hit €14bn as it continues global expansion
Intersport, the global sporting goods retailer, has revealed its calendar year closed with global omnichannel sales increasing 2.1% compared with €14bn – an increase of 2.1% compared with 2023. Alongside a gradual growth in digital sales, Intersport’s network of multi-format stores also grew by 83 to 5,464, which Intersport said…
Read More » -
2 April
Topps Tiles HY sales jump 4% to £127.7m
Topps Tiles has revealed that its group sales rose 4% to £127.7m for the 26 weeks ended 29 March 2025. Furthermore, it saw underlying sales growth in the second quarter of 4.4% after adjusting for the timing of holiday periods, up from 3.3% underlying growth in the first quarter. Underlying…
Read More » -
2 April
Decathlon revenues rise 5.2% in 2024 amid cost-control efforts
Decathlon has seen its revenues rise by 5.2% in 2024, but when adjusted for “unfavourable” exchange rates, revenues increased by 3.8% to €16.2bn (£13.5bn). It comes as the group underwent “rigorous” cost-control measures to mitigate the impact of cost inflation, which has allowed the sports retailer to maintain its commercial…
Read More » -
2 April
Currys unveils largest ever investment into safety and security
Currys has announced its largest ever annual investment in store safety measures to help keep its employees safe and deter shoplifters, amid “record high” shoplifting in retail. As part of the investment, Currys is implementing a wide range of new technologies and safety programmes, including upgraded specification Public Display Monitors in…
Read More » -
2 April
The Perfume Shop sales surge 56% in run-up to Mother’s Day
The Perfume Shop has seen its sales surge 56% in the week leading up to Mother’s Day 2025. The sales were driven by a 30% increase in classic perfumes sales, 3% in new and trending perfumes and 2% increase in gift sets compared to 2024. Promotional deals were also popular…
Read More » -
1 April
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
Read More » -
1 April
Supermarket sales jump 1.8% amid increased promotions
Take-home supermarket sales increased by 1.8% over the four weeks to 23 March 2025 compared with one year ago – the slowest rate since June last year, according to the latest data from Kantar. It comes as retailers’ price cuts were responsible for £2.6bn of promotional spending, 8.8% more than…
Read More » -
1 April
Asda launches facial recognition trial in five stores
Asda has announced that it has begun trialling Live Facial Recognition in five of its stores in Greater Manchester. The supermarket is aiming to assess if this technology can be used to improve staff and customer safety in store. The technology is integrated into Asda’s existing CCTV network and works…
Read More »
