Competition and Markets Authority
This coverage examines the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) interventions and decisions affecting the UK retail sector, focusing on mergers, market investigations, pricing policies, and consumer protections. Reporting highlights how regulatory actions influence retail competition, compliance obligations, and strategic planning — offering insight for executives, legal counsel, and professionals navigating regulatory risks and market oversight.
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Jul- 2024 -29 JulyNews
Today’s news in brief-29/7/24
Ted Baker is reportedly considering closing all its UK stores within weeks. After entering administration earlier this year, the fashion retailer has already shut 15 stores, resulting in job losses. The brand, now owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG), is seeking a partner to manage its UK and Europe operations.…
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29 JulySupermarkets
CMA deems supermarket loyalty promotions not misleading shoppers
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has officially cleared supermarkets of using misleading loyalty promotions, having failed to find any evidence to the contrary in the industry. It comes as the authority published its cost-of-living report last week, which recognised that “effective competition” between retailers was keeping prices as low…
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24 JulyNews
Iceland boss calls for review of supermarkets’ restrictive covenant ban
Iceland managing director Richard Walker has urged the new Labour government to review the ban for supermarkets to use restrictive covenants in property deals. In a LinkedIn post, Walker claimed that “legal tricks” have been used in the past by German-owned supermarkets Aldi and Lidl to prevent competition on retail…
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23 JulyDIY
Tapi rescues Carpetright brand as 1,500 jobs lost
Rival brand Tapi has acquired the Carpetright brand and 54 of its stores out of administration but more than 1,500 jobs are set to be axed, it has been revealed. Whilst the deal has saved over 300 jobs, administrators from PwC said it was with “deep regret” that 1,018 employees were…
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May- 2024 -9 MayNews
Today’s news in brief-9/5/24
Frasers Group is reportedly finalising a deal to become the new partner of struggling retailer Ted Baker following the collapse of its previous UK licensing partner, No Ordinary Designer Label (NODL). Sources indicate an agreement with NODL’s administrators could be reached in the coming days. This move would add Ted…
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9 MaySupermarkets
CMA calls on grocers to prioritise accurate pricing
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has called on grocers to prioritise accurate pricing following a review of the way in-store prices are displayed. The review, which looked at the price marking practices of 139 grocery stores, assessed whether prices were “clear, accurate and matched the price people were charged…
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Apr- 2024 -8 AprilNews
Today’s news in brief-8/4/24
The John Lewis Partnership has chosen Jason Tarry, former UK boss of Tesco, as its new chairman. Tarry, with over three decades of experience in retail, will succeed Sharon White in September. White led the company through challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic crises. Tarry’s leadership is expected…
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8 AprilClothing & Shoes
BRC boss warns greenwashing crackdown will discourage retailers
The CEO of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson, has warned that the CMA’s crackdown on greenwashing risks retailers scaling back their sustainability efforts. Dickinson’s comments to The Times follows the CMA’s announcement that it had secured “landmark changes” after the authority investigated the eco-friendly claims made by Asos, Boohoo…
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Mar- 2024 -27 MarchNews
Today’s news in brief-27/3/24
Fashion giants ASOS, Boohoo, and George at Asda have pledged to overhaul their green marketing tactics following a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation. The CMA’s scrutiny was prompted by concerns of greenwashing in the fashion industry. The firms will now ensure that their green claims are clear, specific, and…
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27 MarchClothing & Shoes
Asos, Boohoo and Asda commit to green claim changes after CMA probe
Asos, Boohoo and George at Asda have committed to change the way they display, describe, and promote their green credentials, after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation to scrutinise their fashion ‘green claims’. The CMA launched the review in July 2022 having identified concerns of possible greenwashing…
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