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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Mar- 2025 -3 MarchSupermarkets
Asda to scrap 10,000 bonuses for managers amid cost-cutting plans
Asda is reportedly set to axe the bonuses of thousands of workers as it looks to cut costs amid troubled trading. According to The Telegraph, more than 10,000 managers were told that they will not receive the payouts, having usually expected to receive bonuses in the first three months of each…
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Feb- 2025 -21 FebruaryEconomy
UK retail sales rise by 1.7% in January
UK retail sales volumes increased by 1.7% in January driven largely by food sales, the ONS has revealed. According to the new figures, sales volumes fell by 0.6% in the three months to January 2025, compared with the three months to October 2024, but rose by 1.4%, compared with the…
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20 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Dolce and Gabbana opens new store in Covent Garden
Italian luxury and lifestyle brand Dolce and Gabbana has opened a first-of-its-kind combined beauty and accessories store in Covent Garden. Situated in the historic Market Building, the opening marks Dolce and Gabbana’s return to Covent Garden following the success of its Christmas pop-up on the Piazza in 2022. Fitted out…
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19 FebruaryEconomy
Inflation hits highest level in 10 months
Inflation hit 3% in January, its highest level in 10 months, as air fairs, new private school fees and the cost of food and drink all rose more than usual for the time of year, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The 3% level…
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12 FebruaryHigh Street
Beales to shutter last remaining store amid budget changes
Beales, one of Britain’s oldest department stores, will shutter its last remaining store after more than 140 years of trading amid cost pressures arising from the latest budget. The business, which opened in Bournemouth in 1881, will close its last remaining store in Poole’s Dolphin Centre at the end of May.…
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11 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-11/2/25
Fast fashion giant Shein has scrapped plans to open a UK warehouse in the Midlands, initially intended to support its anticipated £50bn London Stock Exchange listing. The company had explored sites in Derby, Coventry, and other locations but confirmed no immediate need for a UK facility. The decision follows mounting…
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11 FebruaryEconomy
Retail sales increase 2.6% despite ‘stormy’ January
UK total retail sales increased by 2.6% year-on-year in January, against a growth of 1.2% in January 2024, as consumer sentiment remained resilient despite stormy weather, according to the latest figures from the BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor. This growth was above the three-month average growth of 1.1% and above the…
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7 FebruaryPeople Moves
John Lewis commercial director departs after three years
John Lewis commercial director Kathleen Mitchell has left the business after joining the group three years ago. Before joining the retailer, Mitchell was managing and brand director at Accessorize for three years. She also held various senior roles at Stella & Dot and L’Oréal. In an announcement on LinkedIn, she…
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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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