Sports Direct
This coverage focuses on Sports Direct’s activities and position within the UK retail market, detailing store developments, acquisitions, financial results, leadership changes, and strategic initiatives. Reporting examines how the company shapes its sportswear and leisure offering, adapts to market trends, and competes in a dynamic retail environment — providing retail managers and executives with insights into its operations and growth strategies.
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Sep- 2025 -3 SeptemberSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s to trial facial recognition tech in two UK stores
Sainsbury’s will reportedly begin an eight-week trial of facial recognition technology in two stores this week, with the possibility of expanding the scheme nationwide, according to The Standard. The technology, provided by Facewatch, will be introduced at the Sydenham superstore in London and the Bath Oldfield Sainsbury’s Local. It will…
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Aug- 2025 -27 AugustHigh Street
Frasers acquires minority stake in We Do Play
Frasers Group has announced the acquisition of a minority investment in UK leisure, retail, and hospitality experts, We Do Play. The group said this strategic investment marks Frasers’ debut into the leisure market, diversifying its consumer offering through synergies with its existing ecosystem, including Sports Direct and its growing real…
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Jul- 2025 -17 JulyDepartment Stores
Frasers warns of £50m budget hit despite FY25 profit rise
Frasers has seen pre-tax profits rise by 2.8% to £560.2m in its full-year results, but has warned it faces over £50m in extra costs caused by last year’s budget. In the year ended 27 April 2025, trading was particularly strong in the second half, where profits were up by 8.3%,…
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May- 2025 -13 MayTechnology
Frasers Group launches new retail media network
Frasers Group has officially launched Elevate, a new retail media network powered by Frasers’ first-party data that helps brand partners connect with customers through highly personalised advertising. In line with Fraser’s vision of “building the planet’s most admired and compelling brand ecosystem”, Elevate is said to be designed to empower…
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Apr- 2025 -15 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/4/25
Halfords has appointed Henry Birch, former CEO of The Very Group, as its new chief executive, replacing Graham Stapleton, who steps down after seven years. Under Stapleton’s leadership, Halfords transformed from a cycling and motoring retailer into an omnichannel motoring services specialist, growing annual revenues from £1.1bn to £1.7bn. Birch,…
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15 AprilSport & Leisure
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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3 AprilFeatures
Is going private the next big trend in retail?
Walgreens Boots Alliance was acquired by the American private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal valued at up to $23.7bn (£18.3 billion). Around the same time, Pepco Group, owner of Poundland, received interest from potential buyers for its 825-store Poundland business in the UK. With major retailers opting for…
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Mar- 2025 -26 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-26/3/25
John Lewis is close to securing approval for its housing project in Reading, transforming a former customer collection facility into 215 homes, including 49% family-sized units and 10% affordable rentals. The development, featuring shared workspaces, a gym, and communal areas, is part of an £80m investment in rental housing. A…
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26 MarchClothing & Shoes
Frasers expands Sports Direct in Southeast Asia and India
Frasers Group has announced the expansion of its existing partnership with MAP Active to launch Sports Direct in five new markets across Southeast Asia and India. The retailer will utilise MAP Active’s infrastructure, local expertise and distributed brands to position Sports Direct as the premier sports retailer in the region. …
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Feb- 2025 -26 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-26/2/25
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned that one in 10 part-time retail jobs, equating to up to 160,000 roles, could be at risk over the next three years due to rising employment costs. The BRC highlighted that part-time jobs are particularly vulnerable to changes in employer National Insurance Contributions…
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