News
The latest news, updates and analysis on the the UK retail industry. Covering every segment of the market, Retail Sector’s business journalists keep you in the picture.
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Jan- 2025 -21 January
Today’s news in brief-21/1/25
Aldi has announced a significant pay increase for its store assistants, setting a new minimum hourly rate of £12.71, rising to £14.00 within London’s M25 area, effective from March 1. This move reaffirms Aldi’s position as the highest-paying supermarket in the UK, exceeding the Real Living Wage standards. The retailer…
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21 January
Alo Yoga opens new store in Covent Garden
Luxury activewear brand Alo Yoga has opened its new UK location in Covent Garden’s Seven Dials. Located at 25a Neal Street, the new 5,000 sq ft Alo Yoga store features its luxury collections of lifestyle and activewear, including contemporary and trend-forward loungewear, accessories and wellness products. Encompassing three floors, the…
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21 January
Toolstation launches rapid UK delivery with TradeKart partnership
Toolstation is set to roll out its rapid delivery service to over 460 of its stores across the UK, following a successful trial in partnership with TradeKart. Customers can now choose from 10,000 products and orders will be delivered to the site in as little as 30 minutes. The service…
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21 January
THG Ingenuity appoints new CCO
THG Ingenuity has announced the appointment of Lucy Cooper as the new chief commercial officer. Cooper will play a pivotal role in driving THG Ingenuity’s ambitious growth agenda as it embarks on its next chapter following the demerger from THG PLC. She brings over 15 years of experience in growth…
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21 January
Aldi increases staff pay to highest hourly rate for supermarket workers
Aldi has announced its store assistants are set to receive a pay rise with hourly rates increasing to at least £12.71, maintaining its position as “Britain’s best paying supermarket”. The new minimum rate, which increases to £14.00 within the M25, exceeds the Real Living Wage set by the Living Wage…
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21 January
Shoe Zone profits fall in ‘year of two halves’
Shoe Zone has revealed that its profit before tax fell to £10.1m for the year ended 28 September 2024, down from £16.2m in the previous year. Alongside this, the company’s revenues fell to £161.3m, down from £165.7m in the same period last year. Shoe Zone stated that the decline was…
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21 January
Mulberry financial director to step down
British luxury brand Mulberry has announced that Charles Anderson, group financial director, has notified the board of his intention to resign. While Anderson will step down from the board with effect from 31 January, he will continue to support the business until 1 August to “assist with the handover and…
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21 January
Frozen food to see ‘meteoric rise’ in 2025, Iceland predicts
Iceland has forecast a rise in the popularity of frozen food, which will become a “big focus” in 2025 as British shoppers follow trends seen across America. According to new research from the supermarket, frozen food sales in America rose by 54% towards the end of last year, with the…
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20 January
British Garden Centres acquires former Dobbies in Newcastle
British Garden Centres has acquired the former Dobbies Gosforth site at Gosforth Park in Newcastle upon Tyne. This strategic move marks a milestone for the business, further solidifying its position as the largest family-run garden centre group in the UK, taking the portfolio to 68 stores. The existing team will…
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20 January
What can the luxury retail sector expect in 2025?
As we step into 2025, the luxury retail sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The industry, which witnessed a golden era of growth between 2019 and 2023, is now facing a multitude of macroeconomic headwinds, evolving consumer preferences, and an urgent need to redefine its value proposition. According to…
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