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- 2021 -12 August
UK economy surges 4.8% in June
The UK economy grew by 4.8% in June as Covid-19 restrictions surrounding retail and leisure were eased across the UK, according to figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown for a fifth consecutive month in June 2021, by 1.0%,…
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11 August
Morrisons to close on Boxing Day for the first time ever
Bosses at Morrisons have told staff they can have Boxing Day off this year as a thank you for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic. The supermarket made the announcement to its 111,000 workers today. The news comes just weeks before the conclusion of a takeover battle that will…
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11 August
Asda invests in Lean Kitchen Network
Asda has announced that it has made an equity investment in Lean Kitchen Network (LKN), a digital brand creation and food service business. The transaction represents a new step in the group’s partnership strategy, further broadening its food service offer for its customers. Acting alongside Edition Capital, Asda’s investment precedes…
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11 August
Amazon to pay customers injured by third-party products
Amazon will pay for claims up to $1000 (£720) for US customers who suffer injury or property damage from faulty goods sold by independent retailers on its ecommerce platform. Beginning September 1, for products sold through Amazon.com, Amazon will facilitate resolution of property damage and personal injury claims between the…
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11 August
John Lewis acquires new distribution centre to bolster online growth
The John Lewis Partnership has signed an agreement with Tesco to lease a one million sq ft distribution centre in Milton Keynes as the group continues to focus on its online growth. The move comes as online sales have grown from 40% to over 60% of its total sales during…
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11 August
Mr Porter launches standalone on-site marketplace
Mr Porter, the online only UK-based luxury retailer has announced the launch of Super Mart, a standalone on-site marketplace showcasing a curated selection of clothing from multiple brands. More than 330 products are featured in an edit from 29 global labels across ready-to-wear, accessories and lifestyle. The Super Mart collection…
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11 August
The Very Group raises £575m amid ‘strong’ investor demand
The Very Group has announced that it has raised £575m through the issuing of senior secured notes which are due in 2026. The retailer said that the 6.50% notes were rated “B3 stable” by the investor service Moody’s and attracted “strong demand” from investors, with an orderbook at the final…
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11 August
Online retail sales decline eases in July, IMRG finds
The IMRG Capgemini Online Retail Index released today has found that after recording the steepest drops in history for two months in a row, the fall in online retail sales appears to be slowing, which could reportedly signal a return to stability in the near future. The report, which tracks…
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11 August
Scotmid and Southern Co-ops commence ESL roll out
The Scotmid and Southern Co-ops have announced the introduction of SoluM electronic shelf labels (ESLs) in partnership with Cambridge-based technology integrator, Herbert Retail. Initial trials of the ESLs have seen increased store efficiency, improved pricing and product information compliance, reduced paper wastage, and an enhanced team morale. The technology enables…
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10 August
Feelunique launches ‘beauty box; subscription product
Feelunique has launched Beauty Box, a new bespoke beauty subscription product available through its ecommerce store. The online beauty retailer said customers would be able to choose all five products within the Beauty Box to create “a completely bespoke edit”, depending on their preferences. Feelunique added that the new product…
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