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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May- 2025 -9 May
Dobbies unveils revamped Cadnam store
Dobbies Garden Centre has revealed it has relaunched its Cadnam store as part of a nationwide refurbishment programme. This is the second in Dobbies’ extensive programme of investment across the store estate. At Dobbies Cadnam, the team has worked closely with new and existing suppliers to increase its plants and…
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9 May
UK agrees trade deal with US but 10% tariff remains
The UK and the US have reached a “first-of-a-kind” trade agreement, under which the US will slash tariffs on UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. According to the trade deal, car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of…
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9 May
Primark to expand into Middle East amid Alshaya partnership
Primark has confirmed plans to debut in the Middle East, in partnership with international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group. Primark and Alshaya have confirmed plans to open the first of its new stores before the end of 2025 across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This will start with Kuwait (The…
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9 May
UK footfall jumps 7.2% in April
UK footfall increased by 7.2% in April (YoY), up from -5.4% in March, the BRC has revealed. During the four weeks from 6 April to 3 May, footfall increased across all segments – high street by 5.3%, retail parks by 7.5% and shopping centres by 5.6%. Across nations, footfall also…
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9 May
John Lewis opens Jamie Oliver cookery school at London flagship
John Lewis has officially opened the flagship Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Jamie Oliver Cafe to customers at its Oxford Street store today (9 May). Spanning over 4,600 sq ft on the third floor of the store, the space includes two Cookery School classrooms and a 50-seat Jamie Oliver Cafe.…
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8 May
Today’s news in brief-8/5/25
Next has increased its full-year profit guidance to £1.08bn, up £14m, following an 11.4% rise in Q1 full-price sales, outperforming its 6.5% forecast. The retailer attributed the £55m sales boost to warmer spring weather but cautioned that some demand may have been pulled forward from Q2. While retail sales surged,…
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8 May
BoE cuts interest rates to 4.25%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4.25%, down from the previous rate of 4.5%, marking the fourth rate cut since last year’s peak of 5.25%. At its meeting ending on 7 May, the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5–4 to reduce…
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8 May
Mothercare retail sales fall 18% in FY25
Mothercare, the specialist global brand for parents and young children, has reported an 18% decline in its worldwide retail sales by franchise partners of £231m (FY24: £281m) for the 52 week period to 29 March 2025 (FY25). According to the group, the decline largely resulted from the unchanged trading conditions…
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8 May
Pandora lowers profit guidance amid tariff fears
Pandora has revealed that it has lowered its EBIT margin guidance for the full year to “around 24%”, down from 24.5%. The retailer cited currency fluctuations and ongoing uncertainties around US trade tariffs as key factors behind the reduction in its margin expectations. Despite this, the company saw its sales…
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8 May
Amazon launches Haul in the UK as it aims to rival Temu on prices
Amazon has launched its new Haul proposition in the UK, allowing customers to shop “ultra-low-priced” products across multiple categories including fashion, home, and lifestyle. Amazon Haul, which launched in the US last year, will offer customers thousands of products for £20 or less, with the majority under £10 and some…
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