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- 2019 -24 July
Card Factory appoints former Tesco boss as CCO
Card Factory has announced the appointment of Adam Dury as chief commercial officer, effective 26 August 2019. According to the retailer, Dury has “extensive” experience in the retail industry having worked for Tesco for 14 years in a number of roles including most recently, category director of home, seasonal and…
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24 July
B&M revenues surge during first quarter
Discount retailer B&M has posted a revenue growth of 13.8 in Q1. Revenue relating to the period from 31 March 2019 to 29 June 2019 was £738.9m, compared with £649.2m for the same period last year. Group revenue, which includes brands Heron Foods, Jawoll and Babou increased by 21.4% to…
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23 July
Grocery spend falls despite the start of summer weather
Total grocery sales fell by -0.5% in the last four weeks, despite the start of warm summer weather at the end of last month and sporting events in the UK. Shoppers also spent less per visit compared with the same period last year, according to the data released by Nielsen.…
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23 July
Lego Group to open two new stores this year
The Lego Group is bringing two new stores to Birmingham’s Bull Ring and Southampton West Quay Shopping Centre. The two stores are planned to open just before the Christmas season, and the retailer claims the stores will have the “widest selection” of the latest Lego sets and a host of…
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23 July
McColl’s profits plummet by 91%
Convenience store and newsagents McColl’s has reported a 91% decline in pre-tax profits for the six months to 26 May, to £200,000. The profit drop is in spite of a 1% increase in like-for-like sales and a small increase in total revenue. Net debt also reduced to £89.7m from £112.6m…
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22 July
Homebase close to buying out Bathstore
DIY retailer Homebase is reportedly closing in on acquiring bathroom retailer Bathstore, according to The Telegraph. The company entered administration last month, with accounting firm BDO, after it failed to find a buyer for the business, placing 500 jobs and 135 stores at risk. It has not been confirmed whether…
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22 July
Philip Day places bid for Jack Wills
Edinburgh Woollen Mill owner Philip Day has put in an initial bid to acquire fashion retailer Jack Wills. It has also been reported that the company’s owner BlueGem is considering bids from other groups, including Marquee Brands – owner of Ben Sherman, Sports Direct and Johan Eliasch, owner of sportswear…
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22 July
Bluegem sells 40% stake in Liberty London
Private equity firm Bluegem has sold its 40% stake in the British brand and flagship department store Liberty London. The deal which is worth £300m was initiated after a secondary recapitalisation led by Glendower Capital, a global secondary private equity manager. Bluegem acquired Liberty back in 2010 when the department…
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22 July
Former Ted Baker boss considering private equity buy-out
Ray Kelvin, founder and former CEO of Ted Baker, is rumoured to be considering a private equity buy-out of the company, according to the Mail on Sunday. The move would take the retailer private under its current management, and comes after Kelvin resigned from his position as CEO and director…
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19 July
Microsoft reports Q4 revenues of £26bn despite gaming slump
Microsoft has revealed its total revenues for the fourth quarter jumped 12% to $33.7bn (£26.7bn), despite struggles at its gaming division. For the three month period ending 30 June, the technology company also recorded a 20% increase in operating net income to $12.4bn (£9.9bn). Microsoft attributed the growth to the…
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