Administration
This coverage explores retail administrations and insolvencies within the UK market, examining the circumstances, decisions, and consequences for businesses, employees, and creditors. Reporting highlights notable cases, restructuring efforts, store closures, and leadership actions aimed at recovery or winding down. Designed for executives and managers, it offers insights into risk, resilience, and lessons from commercial failures.
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May- 2025 -15 MayHigh Street
MFI to make comeback after nearly two decades
Furniture retailer MFI is set to return to the high street almost 20 years after it fell into administration. Owner Victorian Plumbing is planning to relaunch the retailer in the first half of 2026 and pledged to invest £3m into people and property ahead of its return to the market.…
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1 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/2/25
The Co-op has shut down parts of its IT systems after hackers attempted unauthorised access, causing minor disruptions to call centres and back-office operations. Stores, funeral homes, and quick commerce services remain unaffected. The company assured customers no action is required but is monitoring the situation. This follows a recent…
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1 MayLuxury Goods
Frasers Group eyes Matches relaunch as exclusive members’ club
Frasers Group is reportedly looking to relaunch Matches Fashion as an exclusive members’ club, according to The Times. Having brought the luxury fashion platform back in a pre-pack deal last April for £19m, Frasers is understood to have collated proposals that could see Matches be turned into “the Soho House…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilFeatures
Why is Hilco Capital looking to acquire Lakeland?
British retail is no stranger to seeing a heritage brand acquired by a private equity firm. The latest name on that list seems to be family-owned homeware retailer Lakeland which is reportedly on the verge of being acquired by Hilco Capital. It was revealed in January that the company had…
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25 AprilHigh Street
Topshop to return to high streets through wholesale partners
Asos has signed agreements with a selection of wholesale partners to put Topshop back on the high street, the group has confirmed in its financial results released yesterday (24 April). While these deals will bring the brand back to brick-and-mortar retailers, Asos is still prioritising the relaunch of a standalone…
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23 AprilFeatures
How the US tariffs could redefine the future of UK retail
The UK retail industry is bracing for disruption as the US prepares to enforce a sweeping set of tariff increases, marking what experts are calling the most consequential shift in global trade policy in over a century. With economic, operational and consumer-facing impacts already being felt, British retailers must now…
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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 -31 MarchFeatures
Topshop’s comeback: a boon for the high street?
Topshop is back. Once a beacon of British high street fashion, the brand has teased its return to reclaim its position in the retail landscape. But in an era dominated by digital-first brands, resale platforms, and evolving consumer habits, does Topshop have what it takes to thrive again? The journey…
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24 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-24/3/25
Harrods is nearing the finalisation of compensation payments for victims of sexual abuse by its former owner, Mohamed al Fayed, who died in 2023. According to draft terms seen by Sky News, some claimants could receive over £300k, depending on whether they opt for a psychiatric assessment. Those choosing the…
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24 MarchClothing & Shoes
In The Style owed more than £20m before rescue deal
In The Style had over £20m in debt when it was rescued following its collapse into administration, according to a new document filed at Companies House. The Manchester-based fashion brand was recently rescued by Alps Sourcing Limited, saving 87 jobs at the company. The brand was originally founded in 2013…
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