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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Jul- 2022 -1 July
Boots sales jump 24% in Q3
Boots has announced like-for-like sales grew by 24% in the third quarter ending 31 May, while total sales rose by 13.5%, with the company reporting market share gains across “all major categories”. During the period, footfall increased by 45% compared to the prior year, boosted by “strong performance in flagships…
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1 July
Pret a Manger to expand into India
Pret has announced a new strategic partnership with Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) that will see it launch and build the brand in India for the first time. Following the long-term master franchise partnership, RBL will open the food chain across the country, starting with major cities and travel hubs. Pret…
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1 July
UK SMEs hit by hiring woes despite ‘record’ wage rise
SMEs across the UK are “facing more woes” as they struggle to fill vacancies despite a strong 14.3% increase in year-on-year sales growth and a “record” 5% rise in wages, according to new data from Xero. It found that SMEs are “struggling to compete with big business” when it comes…
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1 July
Ikea owner launches circular economy hub in Hammersmith
Ikea owner Ingka Group has officially opened a new Library of Things at Livat Hammersmith, a circular economy concept that allows customers to “affordably borrow” everyday items. Items such as drills, sound systems and sewing machines will be available to borrow from the local hub, while Ingka Group said the…
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Jun- 2022 -30 June
Poundland to expands £1 range in response to inflation
Poundland has confirmed its intentions to reset 850-plus stores and expand the products it sells for £1 in response to rising inflation. According to new figures released last week, inflation has hit 9.1%, the highest rate in 40 years. As a result, Poundland said it would be “leaning more heavily…
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30 June
Laura Ashley unveils with Mamas & Papas
Laura Ashley has announced its collaboration with Mamas and Papas, the UK based nursery retailer. The collaboration collection is set to mark 70 years since Laura Ashley was launched by fashion designer Laura Ashley and Bernard Ashley. The anniversary collection is expected to include baby clothing, nursery bedding and toys,…
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30 June
Hilco in line to acquire Cath Kidston
Hilco is understood to be nearing a takeover of Cath Kidston, according to Sky News, after the brand was put up for sale by its owner, Baring Private Equity Asia (BPEA). Sky News has learnt that Hilco, which has owned an array of prominent high street names over the last…
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30 June
Tesco to stop stocking Heinz over price row
Heinz has stopped supplying Tesco after a row between the two companies about price increases on baked beans, tomato ketchup and other products. Tesco’s website shows that products including Beanz 4x415g, Sticky Barbecue Sauce 500g, Salad Cream 605g, Baked Beans & Pork Sausages 200g, Beanz No Added Sugar 4x415g Snap…
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30 June
Unbound unveils 14 partner brands for platform launch
The Unbound Group has announced the launch of its multi-brand platform to offer a “broader” range of new partner brands and complementary own-brand products, starting from 28 July 2022 through to October 2022. The group is initially launching its partner brand offering within apparel and specialist footwear categories. Unbound will…
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30 June
Ocado extends partnership with Groupe Casino
Ocado has announced the completion of agreements to extend its working partnership with Group Casino in France. The partnership extension includes the creation of a joint venture to provide logistics services to OSP-powered Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs) in France, which will reportedly be made available to all grocery retailers. In…
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