Debenhams
This coverage examines Debenhams’ trajectory, strategies, and impact within the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on store operations, online developments, financial performance, brand repositioning, product ranges, and executive changes. Designed for retail professionals, it offers analysis of commercial decisions, market challenges, and opportunities relevant to department store management and broader apparel and homeware retailing.
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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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19 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-19/2/25
Inflation in the UK reached its highest level in 10 months, hitting 3% in January 2025, up from 2.5% in December 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Key drivers included rising air fares, private school fees, and food and drink prices. Air fares did not fall as…
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19 FebruaryProperty
Landsec given permission to revamp former Debenhams into city square
Landsec has secured planning permission from Cardiff City Council to transform a former Debenhams unit into a 102,000 sq ft city square. The redevelopment, designed in collaboration with over 5,000 local residents, will respond to consumer demand for high-quality leisure experiences, green spaces, and family-friendly environments. Bruce Findlay, managing director…
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5 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-5/2/25
A Welsh fashion designer has taken Boohoo, and its affiliated brands PrettyLittleThing, Nasty Gal Limited, Misspap, and Debenhams, accusing it of copying her signature designs. Sonia Edwards claims that her designs, including a halter-neck bikini top, a rib organza mesh puff-sleeve top, a velvet ruched midi-skirt, a twist-front skirt, and…
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5 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Designer takes Boohoo to court over alleged copyright infringement
A Welsh designer has accused Boohoo of copyright infringement, claiming it has sold copies of her “signature” bikini top amongst other designs, a claim the retailer has denied.According to The Times, designer Sonia Edwards told a High Court judge that the online fashion company infringed her copyright in five designs.…
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Jan- 2025 -8 JanuaryComment
Shaping the future of retail analytics
Diane Wehrle, co-founder of Springboard, is a name synonymous with retail data innovation. Her journey from a business graduate to a pioneer in retail analytics is a testament to vision, resilience, and seizing untapped opportunities. In an industry often starved for real-time, actionable insights, Wehrle’s work has transformed how retailers…
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Dec- 2024 -12 DecemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-12/12/24
Central Group’s executive chair Tos Chirathivat admitted to overpaying in hindsight for Selfridges and other European luxury department stores as part of a £4bn deal in 2021. Chirathivat told the FT the price felt steep given rising global interest rates but noted the valuation may look more reasonable in a…
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12 DecemberNews
Debenhams has ‘greater value’ than current group valuation, says Boohoo CEO
Boohoo group CEO Dan Finley has said that Debenhams single-handedly brings “greater value” than the market cap of the rest of the Boohoo brands, reaffirming his confidence in the group and how he thinks the brand is currently undervalued. In a video posted on the boohooforall website, Finley said: “I…
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9 DecemberClothing & Shoes
Boohoo calls on shareholders to reject Mike Ashley’s board bid
Boohoo has urged its shareholders to vote against Mike Ashley’s board appointments ahead of its AGM on 20 December. In an update posted this morning, Boohoo revealed that independent proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has recommended shareholders vote against Fraser’s bid for board representation which would see Ashley as…
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Nov- 2024 -21 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Frasers calls on Boohoo to oust founder Kamani as row continues
Frasers has openly called for Boohoo shareholders to oust Mahmud Kamani from the company and instead appoint Mike Ashley to the board, citing that “urgent change is needed” at Boohoo following its latest “dismal” results.In its latest open letter to shareholders, the Mike Ashley-owned group, which is a majority shareholder…
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