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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Apr- 2025 -15 April
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
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15 April
Former Very Group CEO to take over as Halfords boss
Halfords has announced that Graham Stapleton is stepping down as CEO, with Henry Birch replacing him in the role. Stapleton has led Halfords for over seven years, and during his tenure has helped see annual revenues grow from £1.1bn to £1.7bn, with more than half of sales now service-related. Henry…
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15 April
Frasers to launch Sports Direct in Australia and New Zealand
Frasers Group has struck a long-term strategic retail agreement with Accent Group to launch and operate Sports Direct across Australia and New Zealand, as part of the group’s international growth plans. Accent Group is a key retailer and distributor of premium lifestyle and sports footwear in Australasia, and has over…
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15 April
Co-op Wholesale signs multi-year partnership deal with Roadchef
Co-op Wholesale has confirmed a multi-year contract with UK motorway service area operator, Roadchef, in a partnership set to drive its businesses forward. The contract includes introducing Co-op’s range into eight former Spar-operated grocery stores, expanding the availability of its own-brand products at motorway service locations nationwide. Following Co-op’s recent…
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14 April
Today’s news in brief-14/4/25
Currys CEO Alex Baldock has warned of a potential influx of Chinese products into UK and European markets, driven by Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. Baldock and other retail executives, including Buy It Direct’s Nick Glynne, expressed concerns that Chinese manufacturers may redirect goods originally destined for the US…
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14 April
UK watchdog faces criticism over Shein IPO approval
UK watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, is facing criticism from UK investor groups after reports from Reuters that it has given Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein the go ahead for a London listing. A top UK managers’ trade group, including Aviva Investors, Schroders and M&G has criticised the watchdog’s decision,…
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14 April
Hilco closes in on Lakeland deal
Family-owned homeware retailer Lakeland is close to being acquired by high-street investment firm Hilco Capital, according to reports from Sky News. Hilco, which has previously backed retailers including HMV and Superdry, could agree a deal in the coming days, according to insiders. If confirmed, the deal would follow months of…
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14 April
Watches of Switzerland set to close 16 showrooms
Luxury watch retailer Watches of Switzerland is reportedly set to close 16 showrooms across the UK, putting 40 jobs at risk, according to the BBC. Watches of Switzerland told the outlet that affected staff from its 709-strong team will be redeployed where feasible, adding that its “priority [was] to support…
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14 April
Currys CEO warns of ‘flood’ of Chinese products amid Trump tariffs
The head of Currys has warned that more Chinese products will “flood” the UK and Europe market through platforms like Temu, Shein and Amazon, following Donald Trump’s China tariffs and its effects on US trade.Alongside other retail executives, Alex Baldock warned that Chinese factories selling directly to marketplaces or platforms…
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14 April
Iceland to double forecourt presence with EG On the Move
Iceland is set to double its presence in the forecourt sector through a new strategic partnership with EG On the Move. The frozen food retailer will be taking its forecourt offering from 11 to 21 sites within the coming months. This new retail partnership will see a dedicated Iceland frozen…
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