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 -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…
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1 April
Retailers face £5.6bn rise in costs as Budget comes into play
New research by Retail Economics, along with frontline specialist Yoobic, has found that retailers face a £5.56bn rise in costs from this week as changes from the Budget are enacted, The Telegraph has reported. The rising bills will reportedly cost shoppers £1.7bn over the next year as costs are passed…
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1 April
M&S to invest £50m in North West stores
M&S has announced a £50m investment in stores across the North West of England for the year ahead, creating 300 jobs and 100,000 total new square footage across its store estate in the area. The investment is another step forward in M&S’s store renewal and rotation programme, focused on having…
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1 April
Retailers refrain from price rises despite looming costs, BRC finds
Retailers did not resort to price rises throughout March, according to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Index, despite rising cost pressures. It comes as high street retailers are competing for reluctant shoppers, who are more likely to be pulled in with seasonal promotions. Mike Watkins, head of retailer and business…
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1 April
Frasers ups stake in THG to 10.92%
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group has revealed it has increased its stake in THG from 4.8% to 10.92%, according to the latest holding documents filed by the company. It now holds 151,940,734 voting rights in the company. The news comes as THG successfully fundraised £90m with the support from new investors…
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Mar- 2025 -31 March
Today’s news in brief-31/3/25
Primark CEO Paul Marchant has resigned with immediate effect following an investigation into an allegation regarding his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting. Parent company ABF launched an external probe, after which Marchant acknowledged his “error of judgement” and apologised to the individual, the board, and Primark employees.…
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31 March
Majestic agrees to acquire Enotria&Coe
Majestic, the UK specialist wine retailer, has entered into a formal agreement to acquire the premium wines and spirits supplier, Enotria&Coe for an undisclosed sum. Majestic said the combination will accelerate its strategic ambition to become the UK’s pre-eminent supplier of wines, beers and spirits, and improve value, choice and…
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31 March
Pets at Home warns of profit drop in FY26
Pets at Home has revealed that it expects its retail profits to drop in FY26 to within a range of £115m to £125m, as a result of the uncertain economic backdrop for both demand and inflation. The retailer also stated that it expects increased costs of around £30m following changes…
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31 March
Boohoo finalises Debenhams rebrand despite Frasers push-back
Boohoo Group has confirmed its rebrand to Debenhams Group at its General Meeting following the initial announcement of the name change earlier this month (11 March), despite strong opposition from Frasers Group. It comes as 62.04% voted in favour of changing the corporate name from Boohoo Group to Debenhams Group,…
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31 March
Primark boss resigns following investigation into behaviour allegations
Primark CEO Paul Marchant has stepped down from his role with immediate effect following an allegation from a woman concerning his “behaviour towards her in a social environment”.An investigation into the allegation was initiated by ABF and carried out by external lawyers following the claim. ABF said Marchant cooperated with…
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