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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Aug- 2025 -18 August
Pro:Direct to open global flagship football store in Manchester
Sports retailer Pro:Direct Soccer is set to open its first global flagship store in early 2026, with Manchester chosen as the location for the new football-focused concept. The store, called PD:FC, will open in Manchester Arndale and is described by the company as “the first of its kind”. It aims…
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15 August
Pandora reports 8% organic growth in Q2 despite macroeconomic headwinds
Pandora has reported 8% organic growth in the second quarter of 2025, with revenues rising to DKK 7.05bn (£800m) despite foreign exchange, tariff and commodity price pressures. Like-for-like (LFL) sales were also up 3%, while network expansion contributed 5% to growth. LFL sales rose 8% in the US and 6%…
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15 August
Shein’s UK arm sees profits surge as revenues hit £2bn
Shein’s UK arm saw revenues jump 32% to £2.05bn for the full year ended 31 December 2024, according to its latest accounts filed with Companies House. Ahead of a potential float on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Shein also saw its UK profit-before-tax hit £38.25m in 2024, up from £24.43m…
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15 August
Tapestry Q4 revenues rise 8% to $1.72bn
Tapestry, the luxury group behind Coach, has reported stronger-than-expected results for its fourth quarter, as revenues rose 8% to $1.72bn (£1.27bn) in the three months to 28 June. According to the group, its growth was led by Coach’s 13% constant currency sales increase in Greater China and double-digit revenue gains…
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15 August
WH Smith completes Funky Pigeon sale
WH Smith has confirmed that it has completed the sale of Funky Pigeon to Card Factory for £24m. Following the disposal, WH Smith has stated that it has completed its move to becoming a pure play global travel retailer. As a result of this deal Card Factory is now the…
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15 August
Aldi to upgrade more than 20 stores by end of 2025
Aldi is set to upgrade more than 20 of its UK stores before the end of the year, including two major extensions in Cumbria and Wales. Its stores in Barrow-in-Furness and Ebbw Vale will undergo full-scale extensions between now and December, while a further 21 sites will receive internal improvements…
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15 August
Lidl announces fifth pay rise in two years
Lidl GB will increase hourly pay rates for store and warehouse staff from September, marking its fifth wage rise in two years. Entry-level pay will rise from £12.75 to £13.00 nationally, increasing to £13.95 depending on length of service. In London, hourly rates will increase from £14.00 to £14.35, rising…
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14 August
DBT’s secures £40k funding for national expansion
Kent-based sustainable clothing brand DBT’s has received a £40,000 funding package from HSBC UK to support national growth. Founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team Sarah and David Blake, DBT’s designs and produces t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies inspired by the idea of living in the moment and promoting well-being. All products…
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14 August
Nearly half of indie retailers report Q2 sales decline, BIRA finds
Nearly half (46%) of Britain’s independent retailers reported lower sales in the second quarter of 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to new figures from the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA). The decline was attributed to a squeeze on household budgets and falling consumer confidence as key…
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14 August
UK quarterly GDP beats expectations despite slowdown
UK GDP grew 0.3% in the three months to June, behind the 0.7% it grew in the first quarter, as a result of US tariffs and higher business costs, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, it is better than expected growth as economists polled by…
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