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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Apr- 2025 -24 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-24/4/25
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reviewing the Low Value Import scheme, which allows goods under £135 to enter the UK tariff-free, amid concerns over Chinese companies flooding the market with cheap products. Major retailers like Next, Currys, and Sainsbury’s have warned that such imports could undercut UK businesses. The potential reform…
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24 AprilEconomy
Trumps trade war rocks consumer confidence, BRC finds
Consumer expectations in the UK dropped significantly to -48 in April, down from -35 in March, according to the latest BRC-Opinium data. The data was collected days after US president Trump announced worldwide tariffs, between 4 and 7 April. The personal financial situation worsened to -16 in April, down from…
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15 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/4/25
Halfords has appointed Henry Birch, former CEO of The Very Group, as its new chief executive, replacing Graham Stapleton, who steps down after seven years. Under Stapleton’s leadership, Halfords transformed from a cycling and motoring retailer into an omnichannel motoring services specialist, growing annual revenues from £1.1bn to £1.7bn. Birch,…
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15 AprilEconomy
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
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11 AprilEconomy
Footfall sees sharp 5.4% drop in March due to late Easter
Total year-on-year footfall in the UK dropped sharply by 5.4% in March, up from a 0.2% fall in February, according to BRC-Sensormatic data, which has been attributed to the timing of Easter later this April. Due to last year’s Easter falling in March, the calendar change has distorted the year-on-year…
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7 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-7/4/25
US President Donald Trump has defended his newly announced tariffs, describing them as necessary “medicine” to address trade imbalances. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump warned that governments would need to pay “a lot of money” to lift the sweeping tariffs, which include a baseline 10% levy on imports from…
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7 AprilGovernment
Entry-level job costs jump over 10% for retailers
The cost of employing people into entry-level jobs has increased over 10% for retailers as a result of the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NICs) coupled with the increase to the National Living Wage, according to the British Retail Consortium. Alongside this, the trade body has claimed that the cost…
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2 AprilFeatures
How can a late Easter impact retailers?
Seasonal calendar moments continue to be crucial drivers for retailers. According to the latest BRC-Sensormatic data, total year-on-year footfall in the UK dropped by 5.4% in March—an increase from the 0.2% decline in February—largely due to Easter falling in April this year, compared with March last year. This calendar shift…
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1 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
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1 AprilSupermarkets
Asda launches facial recognition trial in five stores
Asda has announced that it has begun trialling Live Facial Recognition in five of its stores in Greater Manchester. The supermarket is aiming to assess if this technology can be used to improve staff and customer safety in store. The technology is integrated into Asda’s existing CCTV network and works…
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