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.
-
Sep- 2021 -7 September
Drive for net zero could harm high street accessibility, says Bira
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has raised concerns over the impacts that local councils’ drive to achieve net zero could have on independent retailers. The industry body claimed that despite being “committed” to supporting its members in acting sustainable, it is “concerned” that schemes introduced by local authorities could…
Read More » -
6 September
SRC recommends budget proposals to support retail recovery
The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has published a number of recommendations for the 2022-2023 Scottish Government’s budget to support a sustainable retail recovery. Set across six key measures, the industry body has called for action to stimulate consumer spending, protect vulnerable consumers, and aid hard-pressed businesses. While the first proposal…
Read More » -
6 September
Co-op partners with The Original Factory Shop on 30 concessions
Co-op has announced a new partnership with The Original Factory Shop to open 30 concessions inside the convenience retailer’s food stores over the next 15 months. The concessions will sell The Original Factory Shop’s range of bargain-based clothing, electrical and homewares and will also offer a party shop service and…
Read More » -
6 September
Unite warns of disruptions to 1,500 convenience stores
More than 1,500 convenience stores in London and the south east could face a threat of “severe” delivery disruption following a potential drivers’ strike, Unite has warned. According to the union, the disruption has “moved a step closer” after 40 drivers, employed by Booker Retail Partners at its Thamesmead site,…
Read More » -
6 September
New Look appoints new non-executive chairman
New Look has announced that Mike Coupe will succeed Alistair McGeorge as non-executive chairman of the company, effective 29 September 2021. McGeorge stepped down after returning to New Look as executive chairman in November 2017 to “begin the Company’s turnaround strategy”. Coupe previously worked at J Sainsbury plc as CEO,…
Read More » -
6 September
Labour shortages could continue for two-years, CBI warns
Labour supply problems could last for up to two years and will not be solved by the end of the Job Retention Scheme, the CBI’s director-general, Toby Danker has warned. The warning comes as the CBI’s director-general has set out priorities for both business and government to guard against labour…
Read More » -
6 September
Nearly 50 high-street stores closed a day in H1, study finds
Over 8,700 chain stores have disappeared from UK retail locations in the first six months of 2021, equating to over 47 stores a day, according to the latest PwC research compiled by the Local Data Company (LDC). The research showed that in total, 3,488 shops opened compared with 8,739 closures,…
Read More » -
6 September
Asda Q2 revenues top £5bn
Asda has reported a 3.1% two-year increase in revenues excluding fuel to over £5bn during its latest quarter ending 30 June 2021. The increase was driven by a 23% two-year jump in like-for-like sales of the supermarket chain’s premium “extra special” range. However, year-on-year revenues excluding fuel at Asda represented…
Read More » -
3 September
Ikea faces disruption to 1,000 UK product lines
Ikea is reportedly facing issues with supplying roughly 1,000 product lines to UK customers as a result of Brexit and the lorry driver shortage. According to The Independent, all 22 of the multinational retailer’s UK sites are experiencing disruptions, with some outlets reportedly running out of mattresses and other items.…
Read More » -
3 September
Clintons to sell alcohol via online store for first time
Card retailer Clintons has announced that it has partnered with Henstone Distillery to offer a range of alcohol for the first time on its online store. Alongside the full-sized bottles of spirits, Clintons will also be offering branded “snifter” and gin glasses for single malt whisky, Nonpareil and three different…
Read More »
