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 -19 May
Tesco to rebrand entire Metro portfolio
Tesco is set to rebrand its entire Metro portfolio, with 89 Metros becoming Tesco Express stores and 58 turning into superstores. The move was announced to the group’s staff internally on 18 May, and is expected to be seen within the next few months. The decision comes nearly two years…
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19 May
Simba reports ‘record’ start to the year
Simba, the London-based sleep technology business launched in 2016, has reported its highest ever Q1 sales and profits. It revealed Q1 2021 sales jumped by 295% YOY in the UK, as consumers continued to “invest heavily in their sleep”. The sleep technology firm also witnessed a 265% YOY leap in…
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19 May
UK inflation rate doubles for April
The UK’s annual inflation rate has more than doubled in April 2021, according to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This represents a rise of 1.5% for the month from 0.7% in March, with an increase in energy and clothing costs driving prices higher. Furthermore, this has…
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19 May
South Gloucestershire Council completes £10m shopping centre purchase
South Gloucestershire Council has revealed that it has completed the acquisition of the Kings Chase Shopping Centre and car park in Kingswood for £10m in a step towards regenerating the Town Centre. The investment, which was awarded funding by the government on 26 December 2020, and completion of the purchase…
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19 May
BMG completes Duchamp acquisition
Brand Machine Group (BMG), a global licensing firm, has announced the acquisition of luxury UK men’s clothing and accessories company Duchamp for an undisclosed fee. The deal represents a continuation of BMG’s acquisition spree, having bought the American outdoor brand Penfield in January 2021. In turn, Duchamp will operate as…
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19 May
Asos eyes Feelunique and Cult Beauty takeovers
Asos is reportedly eyeing a potential takeover of two major online beauty platforms in a bid to further expand into diversified markets. According to Sky News, the online retail giant is considering the move after Feelunique and Cult Beauty were put on the market by their present owners. Sources told…
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19 May
Dunelm sees sales soar by 59% following reopening
Dunelm has reported a 59% increase in sales in the seven weeks ending 9 May, despite only being able to trade for five weeks following the easing of lockdown restrictions on 12 April. In an update, the homewares retailer said that sales growth has been “very strong” since non-essential retail…
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18 May
M&S reshuffles senior exec team amid new COO appointments
M&S has announced a reshuffling amongst its senior management team with both Katie Bickerstaffe and Stuart Machin becoming joint chief operating officers. Machin will continue in his role as managing director of food but also take oversight responsibility for operations, property, store development and IT. In addition, Bickerstaffe will give…
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18 May
ABG approaches Adidas with £700m Reebok bid
Adidas has reportedly been approached by Authentic Brands Group with a $1bn (£704m) offer to buy global footwear brand Reebok. According to the New York Post, Jamie Salter’s brand management group partnered with Wolverine Worldwide, a footwear manufacturer, to table the bid. Having bought the group for $3.8bn (£2.7bn) in…
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18 May
Shoe Zone reports £2.6m loss as revenues fall 40%
Shoe retailer Shoe Zone has reported a loss before tax of £2.6m for the six month period ending 3 April. The retailer attributed the loss to “tighter cost controls and an increase in digital”. It comes as it also saw revenues for the period plunge over 40% to £40.4m. As…
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