Christmas
This coverage explores the critical Christmas trading period in the UK retail sector, focusing on sales performance, promotional strategies, consumer trends, supply chain planning, and operational challenges. Reporting highlights how retailers prepare for and execute peak season campaigns to maximise revenue and manage demand. Designed for executives and managers, it provides insights into effective planning and competitive positioning during the festive season.
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Feb- 2025 -6 FebruaryFeatures
Are we in the golden age of drinking at home?
The wine retail market has shown surprising resilience over the 2024 Christmas period, with a number of wine-specific groups outperforming the broader market. With trends shifting towards at-home experiences, and with people reportedly frequenting pubs less and less outside of special occasions, it’s tempting to wonder: Are we living in…
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4 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-4/2/25
Shein’s planned £50bn London IPO is under threat due to potential US tariff reforms and ongoing allegations of forced labor in its supply chain. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the ‘de minimis’ tax rule—which allows duty-free imports of small packages under $800 from China, Canada, and Mexico—could significantly…
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4 FebruaryHigh Street
High street sales rise 7.1% in January but concerns on rising costs remain
Total retail sales in discretionary spend categories grew by 7.1% in January amid concerns that 2025 is set to be another “difficult” year for retail as rising costs continue to mount, according to BDO’s latest High Street Sales Tracker. The latest report from BDO shows that the 7.1% growth comes…
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4 FebruarySupermarkets
Aldi to create 1,600 new store roles
Aldi is set to create 1,600 new store roles this year as it aims to continue its significant investment across the UK. Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket, which currently has more than 1,050 stores, has plans to open even more across the UK as part of its £650m investment in Britain. Roles…
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Jan- 2025 -31 JanuaryShopping Centres
Gloucester Quays sees 7.4% sales uptick in FY24
Gloucester Quays has announced a “record” Christmas trading with sales a 7.4% sales increase in FY24, 6.7% ahead of the national average. With Black Friday falling on November payday in 2024, and some retailer offers in advance of that date, the Christmas period proved successful for Gloucester Quays’ tenants. Across…
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31 JanuaryDepartment Stores
John Lewis warns staff on profits amid missed sales targets
The John Lewis Partnership has fallen short of its profit targets in Q4 after both Waitrose and John Lewis “missed their sales targets” over Christmas, according to reports from The Telegraph. The partnership cited “lower consumer confidence and weaker than expected market confidence” for the softer sales in the month…
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29 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-29/1/25
Lord Wolfson, CEO of Next and Conservative peer, has leveraged his House of Lords position to propose amendments phasing in upcoming National Insurance (NI) reforms. The budget measures, effective April, will raise employers’ NI contributions from 13.2% to 15% and lower the secondary threshold to £5,000 annually. Wolfson supports staggered…
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29 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Castore revenues up 16% YOY in December
Castore has revealed that its revenues grew 16% year-on-year in December, a record Christmas period for the brand. The brand put this down to the sportswear market remaining resilient compared with other retail markets. Castore revealed that over 150,000 football shirts were sold in the final weeks before Christmas. The…
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29 JanuaryOnline & Digital
Virgin Wines revenues rise 6.7% over Xmas season
Virgin Wines has reported that revenues rose by 6.7% year-on-year during the six-week period to 27 December 2024, as sales were 9% higher than the Christmas before – the highest level since the pandemic lockdowns. According to the online wine retailer, its performance over Christmas was underpinned by initiatives to…
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28 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/1/25
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly exploring a bid for WH Smith’s high street arm after the retailer announced plans to sell its 500-store chain. Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft, is also in talks regarding a potential acquisition, although the outcome remains unclear. WH Smith’s move comes as its high…
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