News
News is Retail Sector’s central hub for breaking stories, market developments and company updates from across the UK retail industry. This category delivers authoritative, timely coverage on everything from trading performance and executive changes to store openings, brand activity and supply chain developments.
Retail Sector’s news coverage focuses on the business realities behind the headlines — providing retail professionals with context on how each development impacts operations, strategy and market confidence. Readers can expect clear, accurate reporting designed to keep decision-makers informed and competitive in a fast-moving retail landscape.
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May- 2021 -24 May
Frasers Group eyes Hugo Boss takeover
Frasers Group is reportedly considering a potential takeover of Hugo Boss, according to a recent report from The Daily Telegraph. Shares in the premium fashion brand have increased by nearly 7% in Frankfurt, valuing it at €3.2bn (£2.7bn) after the news that Mike Ashley’s retail empire may potentially takeover the…
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24 May
Travis Perkins to sell plumbing and heating business for £325m
Travis Perkins has announced that it has agreed to sell its plumbing and heating (P&H) distribution business to an affiliate of H.I.G. Capital for a cash consideration of £325m. The transaction is expected to be completed within the next three months and falls alongside the recent demerger of Wickes, with…
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24 May
L Brands adds JK Symancyk to board of directors
L Brands, the owner of Bath and Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and Pink, has announced the appointment of JK Symancyk as an independent member of its board of directors. Effective 20 May 2021, Symancyk’s addition brings the board to 11 members, with 10 of these acting as independent directors. Symancyk…
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21 May
Poundland launches Local format pilot
Poundland is launching a pilot of its new Poundland Local format with two Yorkshire openings in Kendray and Hornsea. Set to be smaller than a traditional Poundland store, the Local sites are designed to operate in small towns and residential and urban neighbourhoods that the group does not currently serve.…
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21 May
Watches of Switzerland anticipates profits of £104m
Watches of Switzerland has expected its FY21 pre-tax profits to range between £104m and £107m following a “very robust performance” throughout the year. Group revenue rose 13% to £905.1m from £810.5m, with UK revenue increasing 3.6% despite stores being closed for 26 weeks of the year and “significantly reduced tourism”.…
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21 May
L Brands reveals CFOs for standalone businesses
L Brands has revealed the two new CFOs for its standalone Bath and Body Works and Victoria’s Secret businesses. Wendy Arlin, currently SVP of finance and controller for L Brands, will become Bath and Body Works CFO. Arlin joined L Brands in 2005 and has “established, led, and maintained” a…
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21 May
Retail sales climb 9.2% in April
Retail sales across the UK increased 9.2% in April 2021 when compared to the previous month, as the easing of restrictions included the opening of non-essential retail across England, Wales, and Scotland during the period. According to the ONS’s retail sales data, sales grew 42.4% year-on-year due to April 2020…
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21 May
Cox & Cox sales soar despite supply chain disruption
Online homeware retailer Cox and Cox has announced that its first quarter “proved a very strong period”, with net revenue soaring 167% in the period, while orders were up by 101% against the prior year. Now in its 20th year of trading, the group said it has started the year…
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21 May
Ikea and Primark most searched for brands since reopening, study finds
Ikea and Primark have been the most searched for brands following restrictions being lifted in April, according to new data from Dojo which has revealed the UK’s spending habits. The UK payment provider analysed Google search volumes to reveal the most in-demand brands post-lockdown, and which activities Brits were looking…
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21 May
Card Factory completes £225m refinancing
Card Factory has announced it has completed a £225m refinancing with its current banking syndicate. The news follows the retailer’s recent trading update which saw its sales performance “exceed expectations” after reopening following the first and second lockdowns. Sales from the online channels reportedly fell which was in line with…
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