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.

Oct- 2025 -

30 October

High Street

Cynera Rodricks

HMV to open three new stores as part of UK and European expansion

HMV has announced plans to open three new stores in Peterborough, Cork and The Hague as part of its ongoing expansion across the UK and Europe. The new locations represent a further step in its investment in high-street retail following a period of growth and refurbishment across its existing estate. …
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May- 2025 -

16 May

Health & Beauty

Sofia Floris

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…
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Mar- 2025 -

7 March

News-In-Brief

Liam J Moran

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…
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7 March

High Street

Corina Duma

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…
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6 March

Online & Digital

Heather Sandlin

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.…
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Feb- 2025 -

27 February

Supermarkets

Cynera Rodricks

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…
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4 February

People Moves

Sofia Floris

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…
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Jan- 2025 -

22 January

High Street

Corina Duma

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…
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Nov- 2024 -

27 November

Sport & Leisure

Corina Duma

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…
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26 November

M&A

Lewis Catchpole

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…
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