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 -17 May
Amazon to create more than 10,000 new jobs
Amazon has announced that it will create more than 10,000 new permanent jobs in 2021, taking its total UK workforce to more than 55,000 people by the end of year. The online retailer revealed that it will also invest £10m over the space of three years to train up to…
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17 May
Via Outlets reopens entire European portfolio
Via Outlets has announced it has reopened all shopping centres in its 11-strong portfolio, with the Zweibrücken Fashion Outlet in Germany opening last week. Not including the company’s Hede Fashion Outlet in Gothenburg, the London-based fashion outlet destination operator’s centres have been partially or completely closed for the majority of…
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17 May
UK to spend £2.5bn this week as restrictions ease
The UK is set to collectively spend £2.5bn this week as indoor hospitality reopens and restrictions further ease, giving a “much-needed” boost to the high street. According to a new VoucherCodes.co.uk report, conducted by the Centre for Retail Research (CRR), 104 million people are predicted to visit hospitality venues this…
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14 May
The Works sales plunge 19% in FY21
The Works has reported a 19% sales drop for the 53 weeks to 2 May, resulting in £206.2m in overall sales. This result comes after the retail chain saw its sites closed over the past year due to Covid-19 lockdowns, which it attributed to the financial outcome. During the period,…
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14 May
Farfetch Q1 sales rise 46%
Luxury retailer Farfetch has reported a strong start to the year with Q1 revenues increasing 46% to $485m (£344.1m). It comes as it revealed Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increased by $304.7m (£216.6m) from $610.9m (£434.2m) in the first quarter of 2020 to $915.6m (£650.8m) in the first quarter of 2021,…
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14 May
Dixons Carphone rebrands to Currys
Dixons Carphone is set to drop its name as the group rebrands to Currys, with all stores across the business changing their name in the process. Across the United Kingdom and Ireland, Currys PC World, Carphone Warehouse and Team KnowHow will all become a single brand Currys by October 2021,…
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14 May
Cotton On launches UK e-commerce operation
Cotton On, an Australian fashion retailer, has expanded its global operations, launching digitally in the UK as of 13 May 2021. The brand will provide its “everyday essentials, perfect-fit denim and eco-friendly recycled swimwear” to the UK’s growing e-commerce fashion market. Owned by the Cotton On Group, the retailer’s sister…
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13 May
John Lewis to reopen Edinburgh store following refurb
John Lewis has announced the reopening of its Edinburgh store on 14 May 2021 after the site has undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment. The shop, which is located within the new St James Quarter, boasts a brand new range of services and experiences. This includes a beauty studio, personal styling…
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13 May
Bira expresses late Restart Grant concerns
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has voiced its disappointment at delays in the government’s Restart Grant distribution. Retailers had been offered one-off grants of between £2,667 and £6,000 in March’s budget announcement in an effort to support the recovery of non-essential businesses. However, Bira claimed that many of its…
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13 May
Dobbies to open two new London stores
Dobbies Garden Centres has announced it is to open two new ‘little dobbies’ stores that will open this year: Chiswick High Road and Westbourne Grove. The new little dobbies stores will be the first London locations, following on the success of Edinburgh and Bristol. The new sites will be stores…
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