Business Rates
This coverage examines business rates policy and its implications for the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on government decisions, reforms, rate relief measures, and their impact on store operations, profitability, and investment decisions. Tailored for retail executives and managers, it provides analysis to help navigate costs, advocate for change, and plan effectively in response to fiscal pressures.
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Aug- 2025 -8 AugustEconomy
Footfall declines in July for second consecutive year
UK footfall fell by 0.4% year on year in July, according to data from the British Retail Consortium–Sensormatic IQ, marking a second consecutive year of decline for the month. The figure was a slight improvement on June’s 1.8% fall. High street footfall declined by 1.7%, compared with a 3.0% drop…
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7 AugustClothing & Shoes
River Island’s High Court hearing delayed by one day
River Island’s High Court hearing has been delayed by a day, and will now take place tomorrow morning (8th August), having originally been scheduled for today. The sanction hearing will decide on whether a restructuring plan outlined by the retailer can be approved. Under the plan, River Island would look…
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5 AugustClothing & Shoes
River Island restructuring in question after landlord rebellion
A High Court judge will decide the future of River Island this week after a rescue plan for the company did not secure full support from its landlords and lenders. According to The Telegraph, River Island is looking to shutter 33 stores, slash rents on a further 71 shops and…
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Jul- 2025 -29 JulyFeatures
Claire’s on the brink: can the chain avoid another collapse?
For decades, Claire’s has been the go-to destination for sparkly earrings, scrunchies and ear piercings – a rite of passage for generations of teenagers. But the glitter is starting to fade. The jewellery and accessories retailer, which operates nearly 300 shops in the UK and more than 2,300 worldwide, has…
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24 JulyClothing & Shoes
River Island at risk of collapse without creditor support
River Island is reportedly at risk of collapse within weeks unless landlords and creditors approve a major rescue plan, according to the Telegraph. The retailer has proposed a restructuring strategy that includes closing 33 stores, reducing rents on 71 more, and writing off debts to avoid a cash crisis. If…
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24 JulyEconomy
Consumer confidence dips in July as inflation bites
Consumer confidence dipped in July as inflation and economic contraction weighed on household sentiment, new figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show. According to the BRC-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor, expectations for the UK economy over the next three months fell to -33, down from -28 in June. Forecasts for…
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22 JulyHigh Street
Independent retailers warn of ‘mounting pressure’ as half consider closure
More than half of the UK’s independent retailers have considered closing their business, according to a new survey from Spring and Autumn Fair and Save The High Street.org. Some 63.4% of respondents cited reduced customer spending and footfall as their greatest challenge, followed by competition from online platforms (57.4%) and…
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15 JulyHigh Street
Warm weather and promotions boost retail sales 3.1% in June
Total UK retail sales grew by 3.1% year-on-year in June, reversing a 0.2% decline in the same month last year, as the summer heatwave and promotions elevated performance, according to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. It comes as food sales rose 4.1% compared with a 1.8% increase in June…
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14 JulyGovernment
Reeves eyes business rates rise for supermarkets and department stores
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering increasing business rates for department stores and supermarkets as she looks to raise £1.7bn from businesses this autumn, according to The Telegraph. The outlet revealed that the chancellor is looking to plug the £5bn hole left after the government was forced to abandon cuts…
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9 JulyFeatures
Can generalist retailers survive in today’s retail environment?
Last month B&M posted results which saw its profit-before-tax fall 13.2% to £431m, with the company’s UK revenues falling 3.1% as a result of inflation. While the headline figures may appear troubling, the company remains optimistic about its future especially as it is embarking on an expansion drive. The bigger…
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