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 -17 July
BFC calls on government support of fashion industry
The British Fashion Council (BFC) has called on the government to provide more support for Britain’s fashion industry in the wake of Covid. It comes as the group today released new data from Oxford Economics that “reinforces the stark reality of the impact of the global pandemic on the British…
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16 July
UK payroll numbers plummet by 650,000
The number of people on UK company payrolls fell by 649,000 between March and June 2020, new research from the ONS has revealed. When compared with May, there were 74,000 fewer people in paid employment. Early estimates for June 2020 also indicate that the number of paid employees is expected…
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16 July
Asos to consider legal action against Leicester supplier
Asos is reportedly considering legal action against a Leicester supplier after it was found to be in breach of its ethical standards during the lockdown period. According to The Guardian, following an “ethical audit” the online fashion retailer has classed one of its suppliers as “red critical” meaning that action…
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16 July
Next set for Victoria’s Secret UK takeover
Next has reportedly agreed an outline deal to acquire the UK arm of Victoria’s Secret, fending off competition from Marks and Spencer and other bidding rivals. According to Sky News, Next has been chosen as the “preferred” franchise partner for the lingerie brand by Deloitte, who were called in as…
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16 July
Usdaw welcomes compulsory wearing of face coverings in shops
Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops, but warns that it can only be effective alongside existing social distancing and hygiene procedures. Earlier this week, wearing a face covering in retail shops and supermarkets was made compulsory from the 24 July. It is…
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15 July
Burberry to slash 500 roles amid Q1 sales slump
Burberry is reportedly set to slash almost 500 roles worldwide to support a £55m cost-cutting effort, amid sliding retail sales. According to the Guardian, this includes 150 UK head office roles, as the group proposes to “further streamline” its office-based functions and “improve its retail efficiency” in certain geographies outside…
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15 July
Aldi doubles Deliveroo trial size
Aldi is extending its current trial with Deliveroo into 11 new stores, including five more in London and launching in Greater Manchester and Cambridge for the first time. The extension more than doubles the number of stores currently running the trial partnership after eight stores in Nottinghamshire introduced the Deliveroo…
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15 July
Karen Mackay appointed Wilko CFO
Wilko has announced the appointment of Karen Mackay as group chief financial officer and executive board director. Mackay joins Wilko from Optegra International Limited where she has been group chief financial officer for the last five years. She will succeed Alex Russo, who was appointed CFO and executive director of…
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15 July
Asos reports 10% sales rise during lockdown
Online fashion retailer Asos has reported a 10% increase in group sales to £1.01bn amid the Covid-19 pandemic and has said it is on “track” to deliver “strong profit growth” across its financial year. In the four months to 30 June, sales growth was driven by its international retail sales,…
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15 July
Dunelm sales down despite online boom
Dunelm has revealed its total sales were down by 28.6% in its fourth quarter of trading. In the quarter ended 27 June, store like-for-like sales plummeted by 49.7% following estate-wide closures, though online business soared by 85.2%. While sales crashed by 78% in April and 48% in May, the group…
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