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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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchFeatures
Topshop’s comeback: a boon for the high street?
Topshop is back. Once a beacon of British high street fashion, the brand has teased its return to reclaim its position in the retail landscape. But in an era dominated by digital-first brands, resale platforms, and evolving consumer habits, does Topshop have what it takes to thrive again? The journey…
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19 MarchHigh Street
New TOFS owner eyes potential CVA and store closures
Modella Capital, the owner of The Original Factory Shop (TOFS), is reportedly working with Interpath Advisory on a potential company voluntary arrangement, according to Sky News. Having acquired the retailer four weeks ago with no remaining bank debt, Modella is seeking to restructure the business and is currently “exploring options”. …
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4 MarchSupermarkets
Supermarket sales rise 3.6% in February
Take-home sales at the grocers rose by 3.6% over the four weeks to 23 February compared with one year ago, according to the latest data from Kantar. It also found that retailer promotions helped to hold grocery price inflation steady at 3.3% in February 2025, as spending on deals rose…
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Feb- 2025 -24 FebruaryFeatures
The decline of UK department stores: can they survive?
The decline of department stores in the UK has been one of the most significant shifts in the retail sector in recent years. High street giants that once defined the shopping experience have faced unprecedented challenges, leaving behind empty storefronts and a stark reminder of how much the landscape has…
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Jan- 2025 -24 JanuaryFeatures
The rise of AI-driven cosmetics retail
The world of cosmetics retail is changing at an unprecedented pace. From the rise of AI-driven shopping experiences to the growing consumer demand for sustainability, brands must now navigate a dynamic and increasingly competitive landscape. Few professionals understand this better than Felicity Gain, business development manager for Smile Science Harley…
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13 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/1/25
Asda announced a significant overhaul of its operations, cutting 13 regional manager roles and consolidating management of supermarkets and express stores into 22 sub-regions from 30. The changes, driven by poor Christmas performance with a 5.8% drop in sales and a decline in market share to 12.5%, mark Allan Leighton’s…
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13 JanuaryHealth & Beauty
Boots sales rise 8.1% in Q1
Boots has delivered a “strong” first quarter with total comparable retail sales up 8.1% YoY for the three months ended 30 November 2024. The UK’s leading health and beauty retailer saw growth across all categories and channels, on top of a “significant increase” in the prior year. Boots’ digital sales…
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Sep- 2024 -30 SeptemberHigh Street
Dreams sales jump 2.2% amid record store investment
Dreams has revealed turnover increased by 2.2% to £395.4m for the 52 weeks ending December 2023, following a period of record investment in store expansion and refits and upgrading its technology system. The specialist bed retailer said the performance was underpinned by 4.4% orders like-for-like (LFL) growth and continuous market…
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Aug- 2024 -27 AugustNews
Today’s news in brief-27/8/24
UK shop prices have fallen for the first time since October 2021, with the BRC-NielsenIQ index reporting deflation of 0.3% in August, down from July’s 0.2% inflation. Non-food items saw a deeper deflation of -1.5%, driven by heavy discounts on summer stock, while food inflation slowed to 2%, with fresh…
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Jul- 2024 -31 JulyPeople Moves
Fenwick appoints new CEO
Fenwick has appointed Nigel Blow, the current CEO of department store Morleys, as its new chief executive officer. His appointment comes as Fenwick CEO John Edgar leaves business after four and a half years, as part of “wider changes” to its senior management structure. The appointment of Blow, who joins the…
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