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.
-
Mar- 2021 -18 March
Studio names new transformation director amid expansion plans
Online value retailer, Studio.co.uk has strengthened its senior team as it looks to increase its presence with the appointment of James Le Brocq to the role of transformation and operations director. Studio said Le Brocq brings with him a “wealth of business transformation experience” across financial services and retail sectors,…
Read More » -
18 March
Ocado revenue soars amid ‘dramatic’ shift to online
Ocado has announced that retail revenue soared by 40% in its first quarter ended 28 February 2021, amid a “dramatic and permanent” shift towards online shopping in light of the pandemic. Average orders per week were up by 2.5% against the first quarter of 2020, while the average order size…
Read More » -
18 March
Eve Sleep losses narrow by £10m in FY20
Eve Sleep has revealed that its losses were cut by 83% from £12.1m to £2m in its full-year ended 31 December 2021, despite significant supply issues arising from the pandemic. In the same period, the group reported a revenue increase of 6%, from £23.9m in 2019 to £25.2m in 2020,…
Read More » -
18 March
JD Sports completes £360m DTLR deal
JD Sports has formally completed the acquisition of US sportswear brand DTLR for $495m (£360m). According to the group, the deal will further “enhance” the brand’s presence in the north and east of America. The UK retailer already has six own brand stores in the country, as well as ownership…
Read More » -
18 March
Toys ‘R’ Us acquired by WHP Global
Tru Kids, the parent company of Toys “R” Us, has announced that WHP Global, a brand acquisition and management group, has acquired a controlling stake in the firm. The deal will include WHP’s takeover of Toys “R” Us, Babies “R” Us, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and 20 other related brands. Operating…
Read More » -
17 March
Jiffy secures £2.6m funding to aid UK launch
Jiffy, a new online supermarket, has raised £2.6m in an initial seed-funding round to support its UK launch. The investment round was led by venture capital fund LVL1 Group, and joined by AddVenture, TA Ventures, Vladimir Kholiaznikov, as well as a number of angel investors. With a leadership team comprising…
Read More » -
17 March
Laura Ashley to debut Next collection
Laura Ashley has announced it will launch its spring 2021 collection with Next online and in 48 stores. The group previously launched a partnership with Next after it was rescued by the Gordon Brothers from administration. The collection will feature Laura Ashley’s homeware, alongside an array of new designs with…
Read More » -
17 March
Northern Ireland to allow click-and-collect from 12 April
The Stormont Executive has revealed parts of Northern Ireland’s map out of lockdown which will see non-essential retail click and collect services return in April. While the majority of the current restrictions will remain in place until after Easter, the Executive agreed to gradual changes which will come into effect…
Read More » -
17 March
New Look faces court battle with landlords over CVA terms
New Look has reportedly entered a High Court battle with four landlords – including British Land and Land Securities – over its proposed restructuring plans. According to The Times, the fashion retailer is being challenged by landlords over its CVA, a restructuring procedure which was agreed last year, that switched…
Read More » -
17 March
Scottish retail sales down 22% in February
Scottish retail sales for February fell by 22% against the prior year, the fourth worst monthly performance in the past year, according to the latest Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) and KPMG figures. The SRC claimed that the fall in sales was only aided by a small but “nonetheless discernible boost”…
Read More »
