British Retail Consortium
This coverage focuses on the British Retail Consortium’s role, initiatives, and influence within the UK retail industry. Reporting includes policy advocacy, industry reports, regulatory developments, public statements, and leadership actions that shape the sector. With a focus on commercial implications and operational challenges, it provides valuable context for retail executives and managers navigating industry-wide issues and strategic decisions.
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Jan- 2024 -24 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-24/1/24
The Chair of B&M, Peter Bamford, has confirmed his retirement this calendar year after serving in the role since March 2018. An executive search firm has been appointed to initiate the recruitment process for a new chair, led by senior independent director Tiffany Hall. While no retirement date has been…
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24 JanuaryGovernment
BRC launches ‘Manifesto for Retail’ ahead of General Election
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has announced the launch of its “Manifesto for Retail” ahead of the anticipated General Election this year. The organisation has laid out a vision with three main aims, a more coordinated approach to tax and regulation, jobs and Net Zero and the circular economy. On…
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9 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-9/1/24
The UK saw record-breaking grocery sales of £4.8bn during the week ending December 23, 2023, representing a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year. Aldi and Lidl continued to outperform the market, with a combined market share increasing to 20.1%. Total spending on groceries increased by £657m over the four…
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9 JanuaryHigh Street
Festive period fails to boost retail sales, BRC finds
Total retail sales in the UK rose by only 1.7% in December, against a growth of 6.9% the prior year, as Christmas failed to “make amends” for what was a challenging year in retail. December’s growth was below the three-month average growth of 2.3%, and below the 12-month average growth…
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2 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-2/1/24
Central Group is reportedly considering increasing its stake in luxury department store Selfridges as co-owner Sigma faces financial issues. Central recently became the largest shareholder, converting a £317m loan into equity. Sigma’s Prime Selection unit filed for insolvency, possibly leading to liquidation of assets worth over €19bn, impacting its stake…
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2 JanuaryEconomy
Shop price inflation flatlines in December
The annual shop price rise was slower than the three-month average rate of 4.6% at 4.3%, the lowest since June 2022, according to the BRC’s latest shop price index. The index, which compiled data from the first week of December, showed that non-food price inflation picked up to 3.1% in…
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Dec- 2023 -14 DecemberNews
Today’s news in brief-14/12/23
Farfetch is reportedly in talks with Apollo Global Management to secure emergency funding as it faces financial challenges. Farfetch, once valued at $23bn (£18bn) in 2018, now has a market value of $221m (£175m). While discussions with Apollo are ongoing, it is uncertain whether the funding will be provided as…
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14 DecemberNews
Retailers urge government to reform Apprenticeship Levy
Three leading trade bodies and seven food retailers are calling for urgent action to reform the broken Apprenticeship Levy system and address the “critical and persistent” labour shortages in the food supply chains. In a letter sent to the government, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the National Farmers Union (NFU)…
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1 DecemberNews
Today’s news in brief- 1/11/23
Matthew Moulding, the founder of THG, has acquired a 3.2% stake in Kelso Group, a shareholder critical of THG’s business leadership. Moulding’s investment of approximately £300,000 comes amid Kelso’s consistent claims that THG is undervalued, advocating for the separation of its divisions. Kelso, launched in 2022, raised £3m to invest…
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1 DecemberHigh Street
Early signs of footfall recovery ahead of festive trading, BRC finds
The retail sector experienced early signs of footfall recovery in November as total UK footfall decreased by 0.7% in November(YoY), an improvement on -5.7% in October, according to the latest data from the BRC. High Street footfall decreased by 1.7%, an improvement on -4.6% in October, whereas Retail Parks again…
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