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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Nov- 2018 -23 November
Amazon responds amid Black Friday warehouse protests
Amazon has responded to claims made by workers’ union GMB calling working conditions “inhumane” as “simply wrong”, as employees from some of its UK warehouses mounted protests this Black Friday. Hundreds of Amazon warehouse workers have protested at the online retail giant’s warehouses in Rugeley, Swansea, Peterborough, Milton Keynes…
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23 November
Chinese shopping sites pull Dolce and Gabbana goods amid ad backlash
Dolce and Gabbana products have been pulled from Chinese e-commerce as a result of its controversial ad campaign. The luxury fashion house posted an ad this week which shows a Chinese model struggling to eat pasta and pizza with chopsticks. The campaign was accused of promoting unflattering stereotypes. The situation…
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23 November
Rent-to-own market price cap proposed by FCA
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are consulting on introducing a price cap in the rent-to-own (RTO) market to address harm to vulnerable consumers from high prices. The proposed price cap on RTO products, which are rented by consumers and paid off gradually, would come into effect on 1 April 2019…
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23 November
Wyevale Garden Centres sells five sites
Wyevale Garden Centres has sold five more of its stores as it continues plans to cut back its retail portfolio as part of a turnaround plan. A Wyevale spokesperson told Retail Sector: “In accordance with TUPE regulations colleagues are now being consulted with on the transfer of their employment to…
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23 November
Amazon UK warehouse workers to protest across Black Friday
Hundreds of Amazon warehouse workers are expected to demonstrate at the online retail giant’s warehouses in Rugeley, Swansea, Peterborough, Milton Keynes and Warrington this Black Friday. GMB, the union for Amazon workers, helped organise the Black Friday protests across the UK in anger at what it calls “inhuman conditions” staff…
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22 November
Mothercare revenues down 13% in half-year results
Mothercare’s half year results for the 28 week period to 6 October 2018 saw revenues drop by 13% to £295m. Worldwide sales decreased by 9.8% to £566m, compared with £627m during the period last year, and group adjusted loss before taxation was reported to be £6.2m. In July, the British…
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22 November
Ikea’s ‘business transformation’ leaves 350 UK and Irish jobs at risk
DIY giant Ikea has announced that 350 jobs, out of the 12,100 UK and Ireland roles, may be made redundant during the next two years as part of its ‘business transformation’. Ikea’s owner, Ingka Group, said its transformation plan is “assessing all parts of the organisation” and is simplifying it…
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22 November
Sainsbury’s opens ‘experimental’ Selly Oak superstore
Sainsbury’s has opened a new 67,000 sq ft “experimental” store in Selly Oak, Birmingham, featuring its first eat-in food market. The supermarket is located in the recently regenerated Selly Oak Shopping Park and offers customers a choice of food, general merchandise and fashion. Alongside a wide selection of food and…
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21 November
Crickhowell High Street crowned ‘UK’s best’ in Great British High Street Awards
Crickhowell High Street has been crowned the overall winner of the government-run Great British High Street Awards 2018. The Welsh high street was commended for its community-led initiatives and strong network of independent businesses and was awarded £15,000 for the local community. The result reflects strong public support on social…
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21 November
M&S ‘fancy little knickers’ display branded ‘sexist’ and ‘vomit inducing’
A Nottingham Marks & Spencer window display which said women’s “fancy little knickers” were a “must have” and was placed next to a display which suggested men’s “must have outfits to impress”, has been branded “sexist” and “vomit inducing” by campaigners. The window display was later altered by campaigners to…
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