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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Feb- 2020 -28 February
Aldi removes single-use plastic lids from own-label products
Supermarket Aldi has announced it is removing all plastic lids on its own-label products, as part of its ongoing campaign to reduce single-use plastics. From March, the UK’s fifth-largest supermarket will stock products such as ready-to-drink coffee and own-label fresh cream without “unnecessary” plastic lids in over 780 stores across…
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28 February
Consumer confidence rises in February
Consumer confidence has increased two points to –7 this month, according to the latest figures from the GfK. According to its Consumer Confidence Index, three measures increased, one measure decreased, and one measure remained the same during February. The Personal Finance Situation index, which measures changes in personal finances during…
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27 February
Walmart in talks over potential sale of stake in Asda
American retailer Walmart has revealed it is in talks over a potential sale of its stake in ‘Big Four’ grocer Asda. Following “inbound interest”, Walmart and Asda confirmed that both are currently considering whether there is an “opportunity” for a third party to invest in the UK grocer, alongside Walmart,…
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27 February
British homeware brand Olivia’s saves Houseology from collapse
Luxury furniture and homeware brand, Olivia’s, has completed a deal to buy Houseology, which went into administration last month. Olivia’s, which is part of The Moot Group, acquired all IP and assets, including Houseology’s suppliers and stock, for an undisclosed amount. Olivia’s will continue to run Houseology as a standalone…
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27 February
Homebase turnaround bears fruit as it returns to profit
DIY retailer Homebase said it has “returned to profit ahead of plan” in its latest trading update, recording profits of £3.2m in 2019, compared with a loss of £114.5m in 2018. As a result, Homebase said the proposed completion of its CVA is likely to conclude 18-months ahead of schedule,…
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26 February
Tesco to overhaul baking operations putting 1,800 jobs at risk
‘Big Four’ grocer Tesco has announced a major overhaul to its in-store bakery operations, putting 1,816 staff at risk of redundancy. Some 58 stores will now have products delivered pre-prepared, then baked and finished in-store – as opposed to being baked from scratch. However, as a result of these stores…
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26 February
Former H&M US president joins Forever 21 as its new CEO
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) has appointed former H&M US president Daniel Kulle as the new CEO of Forever 21. ABG called Kulle a “visionary, dynamic, and inspirational executive” with over 20 years of experience coaching top teams and driving growth in the highly competitive fashion industry. He was most recently…
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26 February
McColl’s profits down amid ‘softer market’ conditions
Convenience retailer McColl’s has reported a 1.8% decrease in revenues to £1.22bn, attributing store closures and “softer” market conditions to its loss. In its preliminary audited results and trading update for the year ended 24 November 2019 and its trading update for the 11 weeks to 9 February 2020, the…
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25 February
Hotel Chocolat revenues soar in half-year results
British chocolatier Hotel Chocolat has reported a 14% increase in revenues to £91.7m for the half-year period ended 29 December 2019. The retailer said the strong sales growth reflected “continued brand appeal and ongoing product innovation”. It also opened nine new stores in the UK, bringing its portfolio to 125…
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25 February
Barclay brothers’ children in Ritz hotel ‘bugging’ scandal
A legal feud between the Barclay brothers’ families has come to light after a court heard Sir Frederick had private conversations recorded by his twin brother’s son in the Ritz hotel in London. Frederick, 85, and his daughter Amanda claimed Sir David’s three sons were “parties” to the secret recording…
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