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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Oct- 2018 -4 OctoberFeatures
Ten retailers defying high street blues in 2018
This year will likely go down in history as a turning point for high street retail in the UK, with a slew of firms going under, announcing job losses, store closures, or just going under completely. We have put together a list of those which, despite the blues, are making…
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2 OctoberHigh Street
M&S launches checkout free ‘Mobile, Pay, Go’ service
Marks and Spencer has launched a new “checkout free” service called ‘Mobile, Pay, Go’ at six London stores ahead of Christmas, allowing customers to pick up lunch in “under 40 seconds”. The retailer will roll out the service, previously trialled in its Edgware Road and Waterside stores to West Hampstead,…
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Sep- 2018 -28 SeptemberHigh Street
Coroner calls Pret a Manger labelling ‘inadequate’ in allergy death
Pret A Manger’s allergy labelling has been deemed “inadequate” by the coroner investigating the death of a 15-year-old girl who died of an allergic reaction to a baguette she purchased from the store. Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, went into cardiac arrest on board a flightn to Nice after buying a sandwich…
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25 SeptemberHigh Street
‘Weak consumer environment’ hits Card Factory profits
Card Factory has announced that a “weak consumer environment” has had a negative impact on pre-tax profits. The gift shop chain posted pre-tax profits of £22.7m during the six month period ending 31 July 2018, down 14% compared with the previous year. This is despite a total sales increase of…
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24 SeptemberPeople Moves
Richard Bottomley appointed non-executive director of Sports Direct
Sporting retailer Sports Direct has appointed Richard Bottomley as its new non-executive director, with effect from 1 October 2018. Bottomley has over 25 years’ experience working with listed companies during his time as a senior partner at audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG, and continues to be a member of…
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17 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Sports Direct denies Mike Ashley will block Debenhams’ Magasin du Nord sale
Sports Direct has denied the claims which emerged over the weekend that Mike Ashley will attempt to block a sale of Debenhams’ Magasin du Nord business. Reports had suggested the Sports Direct boss could block Debenhams attempt to raise cash through the £250m deal, in order to buy the store…
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17 SeptemberOnline & Digital
Boohoo appoints Primark COO John Lyttle as its new CEO
Online fashion retailer Boohoo has appointed current Primark COO John Lyttle to become its new CEO with effect from 15 March 2019. According to the group Lyttle’s appointment is a “key constituent” of the group’s positioning for its next stage of growth and will be accompanied by a number of…
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13 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Sports Direct rules out Debenhams takeover
Sports Direct has quashed speculation that it could increase its 30% stake in embattled department store Debenhams with a buyout deal. Senior non-executive director Simon Bentley caused confusion when he told reporters that a House of Fraser and Debenhams merger had “been discussed” by the board during its AGM on…
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11 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Debenhams releases statement amid closure rumours to calm investors
Debenhams has released an official statement in response to rumours it was preparing to shutter stores and enter a CVA following the reported appointment of advisory firm KPMG. The department store said “following recent media speculation” it would issue its preliminary results on 25 October 2018 saying it expected a…
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7 SeptemberHigh Street
Wilko appoints Neil Feakins as customer insight and data director
Homeware retailer Wilko has appointed Neil Feakins as as its new customer insight and data director. Feakins has expertise in both insight and data analytics from independent global marketing and media consultancy Ebiquity and industry experience in enabling propositions for customers. This new role is expected to “rally existing Wilko…
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