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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Mar- 2021 -25 March
H&M and Nike face ‘backlash’ in China over Xinjiang cotton labour concerns
Nike and H&M are reportedly facing a “backlash” in China after both groups outlined their concerns regarding the Xinjiang cotton trade and suspected forced labour claims. Many Chinese celebrities and online platforms have since dropped H&M and Nike over their stance, according to the BBC. In one instance, actor Wang…
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25 March
Over 50 retailers pledge to improve diversity
Over 50 retailers have signed up to a Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) charter led by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and pledged to take “decisive action” to improve diversity practices across the retail industry. The businesses said they will focus on oversight, recruitment, progression, reporting, inclusivity and responsibility. They pledge…
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25 March
Boohoo cuts ties with number of suppliers
Boohoo has published details of its UK manufacturers and new sustainability strategy, marking a key milestone in the group’s ‘Agenda for Change’ programme, whilst noting it has cut ties with a number of suppliers that did not meet its transparency targets. The group confirmed that it has ceased doing business…
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25 March
Sainsbury’s opens new Staplehurst site
Sainsbury’s has opened a new supermarket in Staplehurst, Kent, creating 120 new jobs for the local area. The store, which is the first branch the retailer has opened in 2021, features a new fresh produce format and fresh food market – a market style shopping experience which aims to “celebrate…
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25 March
Decathlon moves to 35,000 sq ft Trinity Leeds store
Decathlon UK has announced it will be moving to a new 35,000 sq ft flagship store in Trinity Leeds, which is owned by property company Landsec. Opening later this month, the store will be housed in a former BHS site which spans over two floors, and will initially focus on…
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24 March
Tui to close 48 high street sites
Tui, the travel operator, has announced that it is closing 48 of its UK high street sites, impacting 273 jobs in the process. The group’s decision follows the proposed shutting of 166 Tui sites, in turn affecting 900 jobs, that was announced in July 2020 as the pandemic continues to…
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24 March
John Lewis to close eight stores placing 1,465 jobs at risk
The John Lewis Partnership has announced that it will not reopen eight of its 42 John Lewis shops from lockdown, putting 1,465 jobs at risk. The eight shops identified for closure include four ‘At Home’ shops in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells and four department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough,…
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24 March
N Brown board member to step down
N Brown Group has announced that following the appointment of Lesley Jones as chairman of Sainsbury’s Bank, she will step down from the board with effect from 31 March 2021. Jones was appointed chair of Sainsbury’s Bank on 30 January 2021, succeeding Roger Davis, who informed the board last February…
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24 March
Over 11,000 high street shops shut in 2020, study finds
Over 11,000 stores closed on UK high streets last year and another 18,000 could follow in 2021, according to the latest research from the Local Data Company. The figures come as 9,887 chain stores were forced to close last year with an additional 1,442 independent stores shuttering their doors for…
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24 March
Wickes demerger to commence following FCA approval
Travis Perkins has “marked the next milestone” in the demerger of Wickes from the group after submitting a proposal of the move to the FCA for approval. Following approval, Wickes shares are set to be admitted to the premium listing segment of the FCA and admitted to trading on the…
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