Belgium
This coverage examines developments in Belgium’s retail sector with relevance to UK-based retail professionals. Reporting includes market entries and exits by UK retailers, shifts in consumer behaviour, regulatory changes, property trends, and macroeconomic factors influencing cross-border operations. The content supports executives and managers evaluating opportunities, partnerships, and risks in the Belgian market.
-
May- 2025 -16 MayHealth & Beauty
Holland and Barrett FY revenues rise by 10% to £884m
Holland and Barrett has seen revenues rise by 10% to £884.5m in what has been a “landmark year” for the group. In the financial year ended 30 September 2024, gross profit for the health retailer totalled £524.2m, up from the £475.7m reported in FY23. The retailer credited its performance to…
Read More » -
Mar- 2025 -7 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-7/3/25
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Sycamore Partners in a deal worth £23.7bn. The transaction is expected to close in late 2025 and will see WBA become a private company, delisting from Nasdaq.WBA shareholders will receive $11.45 per share in cash, with potential…
Read More » -
7 MarchHigh Street
HMV halts UK expansion amid rising wage costs
HMV has halted its UK expansion in anticipation of the rising wage costs due to commence next month, and will open stores in Ireland and Belgium instead, The Guardian has reported. According to managing director Phil Halliday, HMV had ambitions to open as many as 10 additional stores in the…
Read More » -
6 MarchOnline & Digital
Temu earns high marks from top German consumer watchdog
Temu, the online marketplace, has received strong endorsements for its quality, data security, and customer-friendly returns in a recent evaluation conducted by Stiftung Warentest, Germany’s leading consumer testing organisation. Stiftung Warentest, known for its rigorous and impartial assessments, awarded Temu a “good” rating for its data handling and shopping experience.…
Read More » -
Feb- 2025 -27 FebruarySupermarkets
EG Group profits surge 9% in FY24
EG Group has reported a 9% increase in EBITDA to $992m (£782.5m) in FY24 driven by significant contributions from its US and European divisions. Grocery and merchandise gross profit rose by 7% to $1.26bn (£994.1m), driven by a gross margin increase of 193bps to 31.1%. Meanwhile, foodservice gross profit was…
Read More » -
4 FebruaryPeople Moves
HMV appoints new commercial director and head of marketing
HMV has appointed David Athey to the new role of commercial director and Kate Longbottom as the new head of marketing. The two new roles have been created as Patrizia Leighton, HMV’s marketing and commercial director, has decided to leave the business after a 12-year career at the retailer. Athey…
Read More » -
Jan- 2025 -22 JanuaryHigh Street
Waterstones profits quadruple to £43m as office workers return
Waterstones has seen pre-tax profits rise from £11.2m to £42.9m in the year to 27 April 2024, whilst reporting a 16% sales rise to £528.4m. It comes as Waterstones experienced “encouraging” growth in London and other metropolitan city centres, as tourist numbers increased and workers returned to offices. The retailer’s…
Read More » -
Nov- 2024 -27 NovemberSport & Leisure
JD Sports acquires Courir in €520m deal
JD Sports has completed its acquisition of French sneaker retailer Group Courir for €520m (£433m), which will be paid through a combination of existing cash and a drawdown on the group’s revolving credit facility. The acquisition, which was first announced on 9 May 2023, follows receipt of conditional clearance from…
Read More » -
26 NovemberM&A
Secret Sales expands European presence with Afound acquisition
Secret Sales, the marketplace for off-price retail in fashion, sportswear and beauty, has acquired H&M Group’s digital fashion outlet, Afound. The company said the move solidifies its position in European off-price retail, establishing operations across 10 countries including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Spain and the…
Read More » -
11 NovemberNews
HMV to expand into book sales
HMV is set to embark on a new chapter as it expands into the sale of books this November. The move marks the retailer’s first major foray into literature as a standalone offering within its retail space. HMV is devoting an entire floor of its flagship store to its newest…
Read More »
