News
The latest news, updates and analysis on the the UK retail industry. Covering every segment of the market, Retail Sector’s business journalists keep you in the picture.
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Feb- 2025 -5 February
Designer takes Boohoo to court over alleged copyright infringement
A Welsh designer has accused Boohoo of copyright infringement, claiming it has sold copies of her “signature” bikini top amongst other designs, a claim the retailer has denied.According to The Times, designer Sonia Edwards told a High Court judge that the online fashion company infringed her copyright in five designs.…
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5 February
Very Group ends HSBC relationship after 10 years
The Very Group has cut ties with HSBC, the bank which ran its customer loan portfolio worth around £1.8bn, according to reports from The Times. The online retailer has instead handed over responsibility of the securitisation of its buy now, pay later offer, to Natwest. Very provides finance options for…
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5 February
Grocery sales climb 4.3% in January amid wellness boost
Take-home sales at the grocery retailers rose by 4.3% over the four weeks to 26 January compared with one year ago, according to Kantar’s latest grocery market share data, in part boosted by a rising demand for wellness products. It comes as January also spelled relief for shoppers as grocery…
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4 February
Today’s news in brief-4/2/25
Shein’s planned £50bn London IPO is under threat due to potential US tariff reforms and ongoing allegations of forced labor in its supply chain. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the ‘de minimis’ tax rule—which allows duty-free imports of small packages under $800 from China, Canada, and Mexico—could significantly…
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4 February
High street sales rise 7.1% in January but concerns on rising costs remain
Total retail sales in discretionary spend categories grew by 7.1% in January amid concerns that 2025 is set to be another “difficult” year for retail as rising costs continue to mount, according to BDO’s latest High Street Sales Tracker. The latest report from BDO shows that the 7.1% growth comes…
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4 February
Aldi to create 1,600 new store roles
Aldi is set to create 1,600 new store roles this year as it aims to continue its significant investment across the UK. Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket, which currently has more than 1,050 stores, has plans to open even more across the UK as part of its £650m investment in Britain. Roles…
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4 February
Morrisons rolls out braille menus across its cafes
Morrisons has introduced new braille menus across all of its cafes to improve the dining experience for visually impaired customers. The new initiative has been introduced by Morrisons after listening to customers that require visual aids who stated that visiting a café can be a “daunting experience”. Each café will…
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4 February
HMV appoints new commercial director and head of marketing
HMV has appointed David Athey to the new role of commercial director and Kate Longbottom as the new head of marketing. The two new roles have been created as Patrizia Leighton, HMV’s marketing and commercial director, has decided to leave the business after a 12-year career at the retailer. Athey…
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4 February
Shein’s London float in danger as Trump tariffs target US tax loophole
Shein’s £50bn London IPO plans could be in danger after Donald Trump set his sights on closing a tax loophole that allows retailers like Shein to avoid tax charges in the US.Trump is set to scrap the ‘de minimis’ rule, which allows small packages worth less than $800 (£645) to…
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4 February
Mango to open 20 new UK stores in 2025
Mango has announced that it is aiming to open 20 new UK stores in 2025 as part of its 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. The plan will concentrate in London, with six openings, as well as central England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the arrival in Cardiff. One of the company’s six openings…
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