Accessibility
This coverage examines accessibility issues and initiatives within the UK retail sector, focusing on inclusive store design, digital access, workforce practices, and regulatory developments. Reporting highlights how retailers address the needs of disabled customers and employees, offering insights for managers, executives, and professionals committed to improving accessibility and compliance in retail environments.
-
Jan- 2026 -7 JanuaryComment
Direct-to-Consumer retail in 2026
As we enter 2026, Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) retail is poised to further reinforce its place as a driving force in the retail landscape. While artificial intelligence (AI) and automation dominate operational efficiency, the real differentiators for D2C brands are profoundly human: authentic interaction, trust-driven decision-making, and flexible entrepreneurship. These trends donโt…
Read More » -
Oct- 2025 -20 OctoberClothing & Shoes
AllSaints appoints Aaron Esh as chief creative officer
AllSaints has appointed East London designer Aaron Esh as chief creative officer, effective 3 November 2025. Esh, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, launched his eponymous label in 2022. His designs draw on Savile Row tailoring and British subculture, earning him a nomination for the LVMH Prize, selection for the…
Read More » -
Sep- 2025 -4 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
Topshop to return to high street through John Lewis partnership
Topshop and Topman will return to the high street through a new partnership with John Lewis, five years after it closed all of its UK stores. From February 2026, Topshop will be available in 32 John Lewis stores while Topman will be available in six. The brand will also be…
Read More » -
Jul- 2025 -28 JulyClothing & Shoes
Primark unveils new mannequin designed to represent wheelchair users
Primark has unveiled a new seated mannequin designed to represent wheelchair users, created in collaboration with television presenter and disability advocate Sophie Morgan. The mannequin, named ‘Sophie’, is the result of a 12-month project initiated by Morgan, who first designed a wheelchair display prototype, the Mannequal, in 2009.ย It will…
Read More » -
15 JulyAdvice
Using AI to modernise CX in retail
The retail sector is at a crossroads. At a time when products and prices can often be easily matched, it is increasingly the customer experience that sets brands apart. Research has shown that companies that prioritise customer experience see revenues typically grow 4 – 8% above competitors1. Whether browsing in-store…
Read More » -
Jun- 2025 -27 JuneFeatures
Has homeware become a fast fashion rite of passage?
This summer marks a bold new chapter in Primarkโs retail journey, as the brand opens its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. Following the success of its debut Home concept in Belfast, this 11,900 sq. ft, two-floor space aims to bring the full breadth…
Read More » -
26 JuneClothing & Shoes
Hobbs opens new store at London Bridge station
Hobbs has opened a new store at London Bridge station, marking the fashion brand’s second travel retail site and its 11th shop in the capital. The 1,340 sq ft unit is the 70th Hobbs store across the UK and Republic of Ireland. It includes a free click-and-collect service aimed at…
Read More » -
May- 2025 -8 MayFeatures
What do supermarkets stand to gain from hosting parcel lockers?
Parcel lockers are everywhere now โ outside supermarkets, in petrol stations, by train lines โ and the numbers back this up. According to recent data from Statista, in 2023, 40% of UK adults used them. The year before, it was 30%. A decade ago, it was barely half of that.…
Read More » -
2 MayFeatures
How is Westfieldโs new Health and Wellness Village reshaping retail spaces
Westfield London has announced the opening of its new Wellness Village, in a move to cater to the growing demand forย accessible health and wellness experiences within a retail setting. The new space offers over 50,000 sq. ft. of health and wellness brands and services.ย According to the latest report…
Read More » -
Apr- 2025 -30 AprilOnline & Digital
Ann Summers and Maplin launch virtual storefronts through Deliveroo
Deliveroo has announced the launch of a new virtual store concept for retailers, with Ann Summers and Maplin Electronics named as the first to use virtual storefronts through the app. Available to customers in London and Cambridge, their fully-branded virtual storefronts will operate within the Deliveroo app to offer customers…
Read More »
