Economic Growth
This coverage reviews UK economic growth trends and their impact on the retail sector, focusing on consumer spending, GDP indicators, inflation, and regional performance. Reporting examines how macroeconomic shifts shape retail investment, pricing strategies, and store expansion decisions—offering insights for retail executives, CFOs, and business leaders navigating market cycles and strategic planning.
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Feb- 2025 -26 FebruaryHigh Street
M&S and John Lewis top list for highest female board representation
M&S and John Lewis are among several retailers who are leading the way for gender equality in boardrooms. According to the FTSE Women Leaders Review report for 2025, women now occupy nearly 43% – or a total of 1,275 – of roles on company boards in the UK. A number…
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26 FebruaryProperty
Hammerson rental income falls as it slashes net debt
Hammerson has seen its gross rental income fall from £208m to £189m for the year ended 31 December 2024. As a result, the company posted a loss of £526m, up from a £51m loss in the previous year, with the company putting £497m of this loss down to impairment in…
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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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6 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-6/2/25
Tesco is reportedly considering a takeover of over 100 Crown Post Office branches, potentially safeguarding them from closure as the state-owned Post Office reviews its directly managed network. Post Office chairman Nigel Railton informed MPs that Tesco expressed interest in acquiring the loss-making branches, part of a broader strategic review…
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Jan- 2025 -23 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-23/1/25
Primark has revised its sales forecast for 2025 downwards following a challenging autumn trading period in the UK and Ireland. The company reported a 6% decline in like-for-like sales in these regions, largely attributed to cautious consumer sentiment and mild weather affecting seasonal clothing purchases. Despite a modest recovery during…
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23 JanuaryGovernment
CMA appoints Doug Gurr as interim chair
Former Amazon boss Doug Gurr has been appointed as interim chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), in a bid to boost growth and support the economy. Gurr, currently the director of the Natural History Museum, will bring a wealth of experience in the technology sector as the former…
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16 JanuaryHigh Street
High Streets UK launches to tackle key high street issues
Business representatives from the nation’s flagship high streets have come together to launch High Streets UK, a new partnership which aims to tackle the “most pressing” issues facing the nation’s flagship high streets. Founding members of High Streets UK include leading Business Improvement Districts from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool,…
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16 JanuaryEconomy
UK economy narrowly returns to growth in November
The UK economy narrowly returned to growth in November as real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 0.1%, largely because of a growth in services. The increase comes after two consecutive months of decline, however, real GDP is estimated to have shown no growth in the three months to November 2024,…
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15 JanuaryAnalysis
Is New Look right to close up shops?
The tax increases unveiled in the October 2024 budget have further complicated the outlook for retailers in the new year. One such high street retailer, New Look, which has managed to narrow its pre-tax loss to £21.7m in the year to March 2024, now faces the difficult task of balancing…
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13 JanuaryNews
Tesco urges gov to deliver plan for UK agriculture
Tesco is calling on the government to provide a clear and comprehensive plan to support UK farmers transition to net zero as it announces new plans to set up two low carbon concept farms in its supply chain to trial low carbon farming methods and help suppliers accelerate innovation. Speaking…
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