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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Jul- 2020 -27 July
Hotel Chocolat sees 200% digital sales boost during Q4
Confectionery retailer Hotel Chocolat has reported a 200% surge in digital sales during its fourth quarter of trading. This was supported by a 47% year-on year increase in the sales of subscriptions and recurring purchases. It comes after the group reported a 3% increase in revenues to £136m for the…
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27 July
Debenhams seeks potential buyer
Debenhams has confirmed that administrators are considering its sale to a third party in a bid to lead the business out of its current administration. According to The Guardian, the department store group has now appointed investment bank Lazard to oversee the sale process, and “hopes to secure a buyer…
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24 July
Consumer anxiety halves in June
The number of consumers comfortable about returning to shops almost doubled from May to June, with “anxious consumers becoming optimistic consumers”, according to EY. The firm’s third Future Consumer Index found that comfort about shopping in grocery stores rose from 25% in May to 48% in June. The amount of…
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24 July
Dyson to axe 900 jobs
Dyson is set to cut almost 900 jobs as a result of consumers turning to online purchases during the Covid-19 pandemic. The group said the Covid-19 crisis has “accelerated changes” in consumer behaviour, which has required Dyson to change in how it engages with its customers and how it sells…
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24 July
Naked Wines chairman to step down
Naked Wines chairman, John Walden, has announced he will step down from the position. Walden has informed the board of his intention to step down as chairman of the group and leave the board after the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 6 August due to “personal reasons”. Walden said: “It…
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24 July
Retail sales boosted in June
The volume of retail sales rose by 13.9% in June against May figures, as non-food and fuel stores continued their recovery in the wake of the pandemic. According to the latest figures from the ONS, the two monthly increases of retail sales in May and June have brought total sales…
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23 July
Fraser Group warns of closures amid business rates valuation delay
Mike Ashley’s Fraser Group has warned that a number of its stores could shutter as a result of the Government’s move to delay the next business rates valuation until 2023. It said occupiers of the high street, including Frasers Group fascias, are still paying business rates based upon values from…
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23 July
Brits spend £40bn during lockdown
Consumers spent £40.6bn on dispensable or luxury items during lockdown, according to the latest figures from Barclaycards Payments. Its latest research found that UK adults spent an average of £771.34 each on dispensable items over the last several months, as more retailers launched products and services designed to be used…
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23 July
Gear4music reports 80% increase in UK sales
Gear4music has reported an 80% increase in UK sales to £21.2m in its first quarter of the current year, compared with £11.8m in 2019. In the three months to 30 June, the company reported a 68% increase in total sales to £37.7m, compared with £22.2m in the same period last…
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23 July
Sales break expectations at Eve Sleep
Eve Sleep has announced that group revenue was “ahead” of expectations at £12.2m for the half-year period ended 30 June 2020. While this marked a decline from the £12.9m reported the year prior, the retailer noted that the second quarter of the year saw sales surge by 25%. In addition,…
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