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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Sep- 2020 -23 September
Nike online sales surge in Q1
Nike has announced a significant increase in digital sales in its first quarter fiscal report for this financial year. The sportswear retailer saw digital sales rise by 81% in the three-month period ended 31 August, offsetting falling revenue in its stores due to the pandemic. Despite Nike not releasing a…
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23 September
Headless commerce, friend or foe?
Steve Jobs knew a thing or two about delivering exceptional experiences. Despite running a technology business, Jobs did not believe that the technology itself was the most important factor in separating Apple from its competitors, saying “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology…
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23 September
Lone Star drops out of Asda race
US private equity firm Lone Star has reportedly dropped out of the £6.5bn race to acquire Asda from Walmart. According to the Telegraph, Lone Star was unable to meet the asking price asked by Walmart, leaving its rival Apollo in pole position for the grocer. However, reports also suggest that…
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23 September
Joules welcomes ‘encouraging’ performance despite lower sales
Joules has announced that revenue performance was “ahead of expectations” at £39.6m in the 13 weeks ended 30 August 2020. Overall group revenue was down by 18% in the period, however, reflecting the impact of store closures, as well as the disruption seen across its wholesale business. While retail revenue…
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22 September
Latest Covid-19 restrictions now legal requirements, PM says
Prime minister Boris Johnson has announced a series of new measures to curb the increase in coronavirus cases, including making Covid-secure rules for businesses a legal requirement. Retail and indoor hospitality staff will also be legally required to wear masks while working. The penalty for not wearing a mask or…
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22 September
J Crew to close all UK stores
J Crew becomes the latest US fashion retailer to exit the UK as it prepares to close all six of its British stores in major restructuring effort. According to The Guardian, the chain has now appointed FRP advisory to liquidate its UK business. The closures follow J.Crew Group’s announcement on…
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22 September
Hammerson eyes Ivanhoé Cambridge boss as new CEO
Shopping centre owner Hammerson is reportedly considering appointing the boss of Ivanhoé Cambridge – part of Canadian pensions giant Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec – to become its new CEO. According to The Sunday Times, Rita-Rose Gagné, president of growth markets at the Montreal-based firm, has been sounded…
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22 September
Footfall rises despite ‘rule of six’
Footfall across all retail destinations in the UK rose by 2.4% over the last week, despite the government’s new ‘rule of six’ social distancing measure, according to data from analytics company Springboard. High street retailers saw a footfall increase of 5.2%, while shopping centres and retail parks saw a decrease…
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22 September
Kingfisher sales boosted by DIY boom
Kingfisher has welcomed a “resilient” performance in the first-half of the year, with sales down by 1.1% to £5.9bn. The group said this reflected the adverse impact of Covid-19 in Q1, which was later partially offset by “strong recovery” in the second quarter. Pre-tax profit was up 23.1% to £415m,…
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21 September
Government launches £95m recovery fund for high street
A new £95m government-funded scheme will support 68 “historic” high streets in England to recover from “declining footfall” and the impact of the pandemic. The initiative, High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), will work with local authorities to convert disused buildings into new shops, workplaces and community spaces. HSHAZ will…
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