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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Dec- 2020 -2 December
Tesco to repay £585m rates relief
Tesco has announced that it will repay £585m in business rates relief to the UK government and devolved administrations. The supermarket said it was “immensely grateful” for the financial and policy support provided by the government, adding that the rates relief was a “game-changer” for all retailers. It noted that…
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1 December
Sosandar sales soar in H1
Online retailer Sosandar has announced that revenue soared by 52% to £4.28m in the half-year ended 30 September 2020, up from £2.81m the prior year. Gross profit was £2.24m, marking a 48% increase against 2019. In addition, the group welcomed a “significant improvement” in its EBITDA loss, which narrowed to…
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1 December
Debenhams to be wound down, 12,000 jobs at risk
Embattled department store chain Debenhams is to be wound down, placing 12,000 jobs at risk, after talks with JD Sports over a potential rescue deal failed. The business will continue to trade through its 124 UK stores, as well as online. If it does not receive any alternative offers from…
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1 December
Footfall surges for second week thanks to Black Friday
Footfall on Black Friday increased by 8.7%, helping to mark the first time since late August that the figures have increased in two consecutive weeks, according to the latest data from Springboard. The data shows that footfall in the UK rose by 4.8% across all retail destinations last week, which…
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1 December
Ebay welcomes new chief marketing officer
Ebay UK has announced the appointment of Eve Williams as chief marketing officer with immediate effect. In her new role, Williams will be responsible for all of Ebay UK’s marketing activity including creating “impactful brand campaigns” that show the “breadth” of the company’s marketplace. Williams joins the company from Asos,…
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1 December
Debenhams fears collapse as JD exits rescue talks
JD Sports has confirmed it has pulled out of rescue deal talks for Debenhams earlier today (1 December). The sports retailer is said to have been closing in on a deal up until the end of last week and was the firm’s last remaining bidder, which is in administration. Retail…
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Nov- 2020 -30 November
Shops permitted to open for 24 hours a day
Shops in England will be allowed to trade for 24 hours a day in the coming weeks, housing secretary Robert Jenrick has confirmed. The relaxation of trading hours has been made in a bid to support struggling businesses in the run-up to Christmas. Writing in The Telegraph, Jenrick said: “None…
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30 November
Arcadia collapse could throw JD’s Debenhams takeover into doubt
A potential collapse at its largest concession holder Arcadia could reportedly throw the takeover of Debenhams by JD Sports into doubt. According to the Sunday Times, JD’s board were due to confirm whether they were going to go through with the acquisition by the end of last week (27 November)…
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30 November
Yoox Net-A-Porter appoints new CEO
Yoox Net-A-Porter group has announced the appointment of Geoffroy Lefebvre as CEO, a position which will take effect from 4 January 2021. Federico Marchetti will reportedly remain chairman of the group to “ensure a successful transition”, whilst Lefebvre operates as the group digital distribution director at Richemont. Johann Rupert, chairman…
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30 November
IRC names Britain’s best small shop of 2020
The Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) has announced that Cornucopia, an independent gift and home retailer in Worcester, has been named Britain’s ‘best small shop’ of 2020. The store stocks British brands such as Emma Bridgewater and Repeat Repeat, as well as products with a Danish influence that originated with the…
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