Board
This coverage highlights board-level developments shaping the UK retail industry, from executive appointments and leadership reshuffles to governance strategy and corporate direction. Retail Sector reports on boardroom changes across major retail brands, supermarkets, and e-commerce operators, analysing how leadership decisions influence company performance, culture, and market positioning. Coverage includes director appointments, succession planning, governance best practices, and strategic decision-making at the highest levels. For retail professionals, these insights illuminate how leadership dynamics drive operational change, investor confidence, and long-term growth across the sector.
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Dec- 2018 -18 DecemberEconomy
HMV’s Hong Kong operations enter liquidation following 41% revenue fall
HMV is to wind up its Hong Kong stores after entering liquidation today (18 December), the company blamed a 41% revenue fall on the previous year along with the “global development of information and economic climate”. The retailer said the company’s insolvency was also to blame for the liquidation along…
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13 DecemberDepartment Stores
Mike Ashley asks Debenhams to ‘reconsider’ £40m offer in ‘frustrated’ email
Mike Ashley has asked Debenhams to “reconsider” his £40m investment offer which he described as “a very public statement of support at a critical time for Debenhams’ business” in an email in which he described himself as “frustrated”. In the letter Ashley expresses his frustration that Sports Direct’s “assistance” has…
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13 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Bonmarché shares halve amid second profit warning
Shares in fashion retailer Bonmarché halved this morning (13 December) from 81 pence to 47 pence after announcing it expects losses of £4m for the current financial year. The group blamed the “uncertainty surrounding Brexit” as a significant factor affecting demand, and expects like-for-like sales for Q3 to drop by…
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12 DecemberM&A
Walmart to acquire online home decor retailer Art.com
US retail group Walmart has announced it is to acquire online home decor retailer, Art.com for an undisclosed sum. The retail group is expected to close the deal next year, which it says will “enhance the customer experience” in the wall art sector. Art.com, which has been running since 1998,…
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12 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Superdry mulls store closures as profits drop 49%
Fashion retailer and brand Superdry has issued a profit warning after pre tax profits fell 49% to £12.9m in the 26 weeks to 27 October 2018. Group revenue was up 3.1% to £414.6m in FH19 compared with £402m in the first half of 2018. With regards to its outlook the…
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7 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Ted Baker CEO and founder in ‘leave of absence’
The chief executive of Ted Baker, who is facing allegations of misconduct, has taken a “leave of absence” from the company according to an announcement. Read the full statement: On 3rd December 2018 Ted Baker plc (the “Company”) announced that it had appointed an independent committee of Non-Executive Directors (the “Committee”)…
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7 DecemberEntertainment
Games Workshop defies ‘high street woes’ with strong H1 results
Fantasy miniatures retailer Games Workshop has reported sales of £124m and operating profits of £41m for the first six months of its 2018/19 financial year. The group said the results were “in line with expectations” for the year ending 2 June 2019, but added that the board is “aware it…
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6 DecemberHigh Street
Ted Baker launches investigation into CEO ‘hugging’ allegations
Fashion retailer Ted Baker has launched an investigation into harassment allegations against its founder and CEO Ray Kelvin, after reports claimed he hugged workers and kissed their necks and ears. The group has appointed independent law firm Herbert Smith Freehills to conduct an independent external investigation into the reports it…
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5 DecemberDIY
Travis Perkins contemplating future of Wickes brand
Parent company Travis Perkins is contemplating the future of its Wickes brand as it seeks to “simplify its business to improve returns”. Following a comprehensive review of the business announced it July, the board of Travis Perkins concluded that the group will focus on “serving trade customers through advantaged businesses…
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5 DecemberHigh Street
Joules reveals ‘contingency plan’ for a hard Brexit amid strong H1 results
Fashion retailer Joules’ group revenue has increased by 17.6% to £113.1m for the first half 2019 financial year, covering the 26-week period to 25 November 2018. However, the retailer’s executive board anticipates that trading conditions in the UK “will remain challenging over the near term”, with continued “macroeconomic uncertainty, rapidly…
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