Consumer Confidence
This coverage explores trends and insights into consumer confidence and their impact on the UK retail sector. Reporting includes survey data, economic indicators, shopper sentiment, and analysis of how confidence levels influence spending patterns, sales performance, and strategic planning. Designed for retail executives and managers, it provides context for understanding demand fluctuations and preparing for market challenges.
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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchHigh Street
Pets at Home warns of profit drop in FY26
Pets at Home has revealed that it expects its retail profits to drop in FY26 to within a range of £115m to £125m, as a result of the uncertain economic backdrop for both demand and inflation. The retailer also stated that it expects increased costs of around £30m following changes…
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27 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-27/3/25
Next has reported record pre-tax profits of £1bn for the year to January 2025, marking a 10.1% increase, and has raised its full-year profit guidance by £20m to £1.06bn. The retailer attributed its strong performance to acquisitions like Reiss and FatFace, with total group sales rising 8.2% to £6.3bn. Online…
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27 MarchDepartment Stores
Next raises outlook as FY profits top record £1bn
Next has reported that pre-tax profits have risen by 10.1% to £1bn for the first time in its history, with the group raising its full-year guidance for the coming year amid further strong trading. In the year to January 2025, full price sales rose by 5.8% while total group sales…
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20 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-20/3/25
The UK retail sector has faced significant challenges over the past five years, with a quarter of a million jobs lost, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The latest data reveals a decline to 2.84 million retail jobs, marking a reduction of 70,000 compared to the previous year.…
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20 MarchEconomy
UK consumer confidence improves in March as Gen Z set to spend
UK consumer confidence improved slightly to -35 in March, up from -37 in February, the BRC has revealed. According to the latest BRC-Opinium data, personal spending on retail rose to 0 in March, up from -5 in February. Meanwhile, personal spending overall rose to +11 in March, up from +4…
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19 MarchClothing & Shoes
Office sees profits top £100m amid improved trading and new stores
Footwear retailer Office has seen its full-year pre-tax profits more than double to £102.4m as it experienced better trading conditions and expanded its store estate. According to its latest accounts filed with Companies House, its revenues for the 52-weeks ended 30 June 2024 increased to £294.3m, up from £265.4m the…
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10 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-10/3/25
WH Smith is nearing a decision on the sale of its high street business, with two bidders, Alteri Investors and Modello Capital, remaining in the race. The retailer, which has seen its Travel business outperform high street outlets, confirmed in January it was exploring strategic options, including a potential sale.…
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10 MarchDepartment Stores
John Lewis staff could miss out on bonus amid missed profit target
John Lewis employees could reportedly miss out on their staff bonus for the fourth time in the group’s history, amid news it could miss its full-year profit targets of £131m following weak festive sales.According to internal documents seen by The Telegraph, John Lewis said “lower consumer confidence and weaker than…
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5 MarchSupermarkets
M&S among winners as shoppers spend almost £1bn this Valentine’s Day
M&S was among the winners and losers this Valentine’s Day as shoppers spent almost £1bn to celebrate the day, according to NIQ. NIQ found that £962m was spent across Valentine’s Day on food and gifting with £100m (+6.6%) spent on Cut Flowers, £5.8m (+27%) spent on Toiletries Gift Packs and…
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3 MarchClothing & Shoes
Club L London acquires Lavish Alice
Club L London has announced it has acquired women’s clothing brand Lavish Alice for an undisclosed sum. The brand said the new venture is a “testament” to its “consistent growth”, driven by “dedication, commitment, and expertise”. The deal sees Club L London acquire the brands’ intellectual property rights, website, inventory,…
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