Covid-19
This coverage examines the effects of Covid-19 on the UK retail industry, focusing on operational disruption, financial pressures, consumer behaviour shifts, and recovery strategies. Reporting includes lockdown impacts, safety measures, supply chain challenges, online growth, and leadership decisions that shaped responses to the crisis. Designed for executives and managers, it offers lessons and insights for navigating future disruptions.
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Nov- 2025 -12 NovemberHigh Street
Toy sales rise for first time since Covid as adult collectors boost market
The UK toy market has grown for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new data from market analyst Circana, as rising demand from adult collectors and strong sales of building sets helped lift the sector. Toy sales reached £3.9bn in the 12 months to August 2025, up…
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Oct- 2025 -29 OctoberOnline & Digital
Amazon to cut 14,000 jobs globally amid AI shift
Amazon is reportedly set to cut around 14,000 corporate jobs worldwide as part of a restructuring drive linked to the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), raising uncertainty for the company’s 75,000 UK workers, according to Sky News. The US technology group said affected teams would be informed by management…
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1 OctoberPeople Moves
Debenhams creative director departs role to join Wax London
Patrick Duggan has left his role as creative director at Debenhams after more than five years with the wider Boohoo group. Duggan joined in 2020, initially working across Karen Millen and Coast during the Covid-19 pandemic, before moving to Debenhams following Boohoo’s acquisition of the brand. During his time with…
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Sep- 2025 -2 SeptemberSupermarkets
Aldi to offer virtual work experience to 10,000 young people by end of 2025
Aldi has pledged to provide virtual work experience to 10,000 young people across the UK by the end of 2025. The free online course is open to students aged 13 and over and introduces participants to careers in retail, including warehouse operations, store management and office-based roles. It includes videos…
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Aug- 2025 -26 AugustHigh Street
New Look owners appoint Rothschild to oversee sale process
New Look owners, Alcentra and Brait, have reportedly hired Rothschild to advise on a strategic review, which is expected to lead to a sale of the high street fashion chain next year, according to Sky News. It is understood that the appointment of the investment bank took place in recent…
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6 AugustPeople Moves
Sainsbury’s announces leadership changes to drive Next Level strategy
Sainsbury’s has announced significant changes to its operating board in a bid to further strengthen leadership across customer experience, technology, commercial and sustainability, and support delivery and acceleration of its ‘Next Level’ strategy. The move sees Tracey Clements appointed to the operating board as chief retail, logistics and supply chain…
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Jun- 2025 -5 JuneEconomy
Consumer confidence hasn’t recovered since Brexit vote, Barclays finds
Consumer confidence reached its highest point in the past 10 years in September 2016, at 48%, just after the Brexit referendum, according to Barclays’ “10 Years of Spend” report. Barclays has been tracking consumer confidence monthly since 2015 and also surveyed 2000 people in the UK for the report, which…
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May- 2025 -8 MayHigh Street
Mothercare retail sales fall 18% in FY25
Mothercare, the specialist global brand for parents and young children, has reported an 18% decline in its worldwide retail sales by franchise partners of £231m (FY24: £281m) for the 52 week period to 29 March 2025 (FY25). According to the group, the decline largely resulted from the unchanged trading conditions…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilComment
Four D2C trends to watch in 2025
Personalisation Personalisation has long been a buzzword in retail, but in 2025 it is becoming a baseline consumer expectation, with many now viewing tailored shopping experiences as a standard rather than a luxury. Personalisation in 2025 goes beyond just product recommendations; it’s about creating an entire experience that speaks to…
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22 AprilHigh Street
New Original Factory Shop owner eyes major rent cuts as part of CVA
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) landlords could face a package of major rent cuts as its new owner aims to finalise plans for a CVA for the group, with potential store closure also featuring as part of the move. According to Sky News, Modella Capital is now preparing to unveil a…
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