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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Apr- 2021 -27 April
Grocery sales rise 5.7%
Take-home grocery sales rose 5.7% for the 12 weeks to 18 April 2021, according to data analytics and brand consulting company Kantar. The group’s figures also show a 6.5% growth for the four-weeks prior to 18 April, reflecting increasing consumer confidence in physical retail. Kantar found that the over-65 community…
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27 April
Consumer confidence rises due to ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown
During the first three months of 2021, consumer confidence saw a record quarterly rise thanks to the government’s “roadmap” out of lockdown, according to the latest Deloitte Consumer Tracker. In the firm’s survey of 3,000 UK consumers between 19 and 22 March 2021, while most of the country was still…
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27 April
Waitrose announces two-year Deliveroo partnership
Waitrose has announced a two-year partnership with Deliveroo, following a successful trial period between the two groups. The deal will see the supermarket chain expand its service on Deliveroo by 110 new shops across the UK, bringing the total by the end of the summer to 150. Some 400 new…
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27 April
Sky opens largest store to date
Sky has announced the opening of its largest store to date at the Trinity leisure destination in Leeds. The new shop forms part of Sky’s strategy to move into bricks and mortar retail, to deliver an “enhanced” customer experience and showcase the wider Sky offer. The shop brings the digital…
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27 April
Waitrose sees picnic sales up 213% as restrictions ease
Waitrose has reported a “record” rise in sales of picnic and food items, with sales up 213% compared to the same time last year. The grocer has cited the recent easing of lockdown restrictions and increased consumer interest in outdoor dining for this boost. Waitrose said it saw sales of…
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26 April
Former Sainsbury’s CEO joins the Snappy Group
The Snappy Group, an e-commerce grocery and hospitality technology company, has named former Sainsbury’s chief executive Justin King as a senior advisor to the firm. King joins the group with the vision of acting on the board as non-executive director following a recently launched series A fundraising round that he…
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26 April
John Lewis Partnership to donate £1m to over 1,000 local charities
The John Lewis Partnership has announced that it will donate over £1m this summer to more than 1,000 local charities and community organisations in an effort to help end child poverty across the UK. As part of its support, both John Lewis and Waitrose shops will direct its regular community…
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26 April
Poundland owner confirms Polish IPO
Poundland owner, Pepco Group, has confirmed plans to go ahead with a listing on the Polish stock market that could value the company at around £3.9bn. The firm, which operates the Pepco and Dealz brands in Europe, had planned to go public in 2020 with a dual listing in London…
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26 April
Gousto reaches first year of profitability since launch
Recipe box provider Gousto has welcomed “record” sales for 2020, up 129% to £189m. Meanwhile, underlying EBITDA was £18.2m, up from a loss of £9.1m in 2019, as Gousto achieved its first full year of profitability since launch. According to the group, this strong growth has continued into 2021, with…
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26 April
Boohoo considers linking exec bonuses to ESG goals
Boohoo has told the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) that it is exploring the possibility of linking senior executive bonuses to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) improvements. The strategy had been recommended to the online fashion retailer during a virtual evidence session with the group’s executives in December 2020. In turn,…
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