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- 2025 -7 JanuaryHigh Street
BRC warns of 2025 falling sales volume despite December sales growth
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned of possible falling sales volume in 2025 despite the modest increase in total retail sales experienced in December 2024. UK total retail sales in December 2024 increased by 3.2% year on year, against a growth of 1.9% in December 2023, according to new…
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Dec- 2024 -23 DecemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-23/12/24
Fashion retailer Quiz plans to delist from the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) and re-register as a private company following weak sales and financial strain. A shareholder vote, requiring a 75% majority, is scheduled for 8 January 2025, with the transition set for 23 January if approved. The company cited regulatory…
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23 DecemberHigh Street
BRC warns of ‘spending squeeze’ in January
The British Retail Consortium has warned of a January spending squeeze, as BRC-Opinium data between 10 and 13 December showed that people’s spending intentions dropped 6pts. It comes as public confidence in the state of the economy “took a nosedive”, falling 8pts to -27, creating a widening gap between expectations…
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17 DecemberPeople Moves
Retail loses 225,000 jobs in five years
The retail industry has lost 225,000 jobs in the last five years, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). On a four-quarter average there were 40,000 less jobs in the industry compared with last year. Overall there were 2.81m jobs in retail in September 2024, although this…
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3 DecemberNews
UK retail sales dip 3.3% in November
UK total retail sales decreased by 3.3% year on year in November, against a growth of 2.6% in November 2023, the British Retail Consortium showed. According to the new figures, this was below the 3-month average growth of -0.1% and the 12-month average growth of 0.5%. However, the BRC said…
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2 DecemberFeatures
What is the Retail Crime Bill and its implications for retailers?
The UK Retail Crime Bill, introduced in the 2024 King’s Speech, is a legislative response to the rise in retail crime, including theft, organized retail theft, and assaults on shopworkers. The bill represents a step forward in addressing the financial, operational, and emotional toll retail crime has on businesses, employees,…
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Nov- 2024 -28 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/11/24
Consumer confidence remains subdued as the festive season nears, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). While personal retail spending rose slightly to +3 in November from +2 in October, and overall spending expectations stayed at +17, worries about the broader economy persist. Financial expectations improved marginally to -3, but…
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28 NovemberEconomy
Consumer confidence remains weak as Christmas approaches
Consumer confidence remains weak in the run up to Christmas, according to the the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor. It comes as the survey found that consumer’s expectations for their personal financial situation improved slightly to -3 in November, up from -4 in October. Meanwhile, their expectations for…
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28 NovemberSupermarkets
John Lewis ‘worried’ about increase in National Minimum Wage
John Lewis has told the Telegraph that it is “worried” about the impact of Rachel Reeve’s decision to increase the National Minimum Wage. As part of the budget, the chancellor confirmed that the National Minimum Wage for 18 to 20-year-olds will rise 16.8% from £8.60 to £10, while pay for…
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25 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-25/11/24
Asda has announced the return of Allan Leighton as executive chair, succeeding Stuart Rose. Leighton, who served as CEO of Asda from 1996 to 2001, brings extensive leadership experience, including roles at The Co-op and Loblaw Companies. Rose will remain on the board temporarily to ensure a smooth transition. Under…
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