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 -19 March
Non-essential Welsh retail to begin reopening from 22 March
Mark Drakeford, first minister of Wales, has announced an easing of lockdown restrictions, starting with the reopening of non-essential retail on Monday (22 March). While historic sites and gardens are currently under review with a final decision expected next week, garden centres will open first alongside the rest of non-essential…
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19 March
Co-op further extends franchise portfolio
The Co-operative Group has opened its 15th franchise site with the launch of its Cornwall Services store, as the group reportedly aims to double its franchise portfolio by the end of the year. The convenience retailer has now partnered with a number of diverse franchise owners, including independent retailers, university…
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19 March
Nike global revenues up 3% as online helps offset store closures
Global sportswear giant Nike has revealed that its revenues for the third quarter of the year were $10.4bn (£7.4bn) up 3% compared to the prior year. The retailer revealed that despite a large portion of its store estate in Europe remaining closed during the final two months of the quarter,…
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19 March
Asda CEO Roger Burnley to step down
Asda has confirmed that CEO and president Roger Burnley will step away from the business next year, once the supermarket has fully transitioned to new ownership and his long-term successor is in place. Burnley has been CEO since January 2018, having joined the business in 2016 as deputy CEO. A…
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19 March
L Brands founder steps down from board
Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands, has announced that he and his wife Abigail will not stand for re-election to the company’s board in May 2021. Wexner, who created the company in 1963, also stepped down from the role of chief executive last year, after a deal which would…
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19 March
Halfords acquires Universal Tyre and Autocentres for £15m
Halfords has announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Universal Tyre and Autocentres (Universal) for a consideration of £15m. Universal operates out of 20 sites and 89 commercial vans operating in the South East and on the east coast of the UK with specialism in tyre services and general…
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19 March
UK consumer confidence rises in March
Consumer confidence in the UK is on the rise, according to GfK’s monthly Consumer Confidence Index, as consumer confidence has increased by seven points on its monitor since last month. GfK’s index examines five key measures in economic confidence in regards to consumers, including their financial situation over the past…
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18 March
Wilko key workers prepare to strike amid sick pay cuts
Wilko key workers who are part of GMB union have announced they are preparing to strike after having their sick pay entitlement cut. A consultative ballot undertaken by the union saw 88% of Wilko workers vote that they were ready to take action up to and including strike action following…
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18 March
Superdrug launches Missguided beauty collection
Superdrug has announced the launch of a Missguided beauty range at its stores across the UK. Debuting this week, the range offers 27 trending beauty products at the exclusive bricks and mortar stockist. The collection represents a further expansion into the beauty industry for Superdrug, whose portfolio of brands already…
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18 March
Ralph and Russo enters administration
Ralph and Russo has announced that it has been placed into administration putting its 400 worldwide employees at risk. Last week, a spokesman for the brand told Sky News that the company would “fight any attempt” by creditors to force it into insolvency. Following a year of affected trading caused…
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