Economic Headwinds
This coverage analyses the economic headwinds confronting the UK retail sector in 2025. Reporting focuses on factors such as rising operational costs—including increased employer National Insurance contributions and higher minimum wages—reduced consumer spending due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and a challenging macroeconomic environment marked by consecutive GDP contractions. Additionally, the coverage examines the impact of these pressures on retail operations, including store closures, job losses, and shifts in consumer behaviour. These insights are tailored for retail executives, financial planners, and professionals navigating strategic decision-making amid economic uncertainty.
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Jul- 2025 -8 JulyClothing & Shoes
Seraphine enters administration after sales slump
Maternity fashion retailer Seraphine has ceased trading and entered administration, with most of its 95 employees made redundant. It comes after the retailer officially appointed Will Wright and Chris Pole from consultancy firm Interpath as joint administrators yesterday (7 July). According to the administrators, they are now exploring options for…
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4 JulyDIY
Bensons for Beds losses widen as market pressures persist
Bensons for Beds has reported widening losses of £22m for the year ended 28 September 2024, up from £19.9m the previous year, as it continues to face external market pressures and internal operational issues. The group’s pre-tax loss included £8.8m in interest payments, £5.6m in depreciation, and £4.4m in International…
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Jun- 2025 -27 JuneDIY
Søstrene Grene to open 500 stores amid ‘record’ trading
Danish homewares brand Søstrene Grene is set to expand into Italy and Poland in 2026, as it plans to operate 500 stores by 2027. The news comes on the heels of the group’s strong trading across the UK and wider European markets. According to Søstrene Grene, it expects to deliver…
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May- 2025 -14 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-14/5/25
Luxury fashion brand Burberry has announced plans to cut up to 1,700 jobs globally following a challenging financial year. The company reported a £3m loss, a sharp decline from last year’s £418m profit, with revenues falling 17% to £2.46bn amid a “difficult macroeconomic backdrop.” The restructuring, part of the ‘Burberry…
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Apr- 2025 -14 AprilHigh Street
Hilco closes in on Lakeland deal
Family-owned homeware retailer Lakeland is close to being acquired by high-street investment firm Hilco Capital, according to reports from Sky News. Hilco, which has previously backed retailers including HMV and Superdry, could agree a deal in the coming days, according to insiders. If confirmed, the deal would follow months of…
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Mar- 2025 -25 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-25/3/25
WH Smith has successfully completed a refinancing deal, securing a £200m US Private Placement and a new £120m bank term loan. The move diversifies its debt financing ahead of a potential sale of its high street business, which includes over 500 stores. Two firms, Alteri Investors and Modello Capital, remain…
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24 MarchFeatures
Are consumers stuck in an endless cycle of ‘aesthetic’ dupes?
The retail landscape is increasingly defined by a relentless cycle of “aesthetic” dupes – fast, trend-driven products designed to mimic high-end styles at a fraction of the cost. From Pinterest and Primark’s new trend-inspired collection to Temu’s staggering 77% product overlap with Amazon – where every tenth item is identical,…
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21 MarchClothing & Shoes
In The Style rescued from administration with Alps Sourcing deal
Online fashion retailer In The Style has been sold out of administration to Alps Sourcing Limited, saving 87 jobs in the UK. The pre-pack sale of the company was negotiated by Marco Piacquadio and Alan Coleman from FTS Recovery Limited, who were appointed as joint administrators on Monday 10 March. …
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Jan- 2025 -29 JanuaryOnline & Digital
Virgin Wines revenues rise 6.7% over Xmas season
Virgin Wines has reported that revenues rose by 6.7% year-on-year during the six-week period to 27 December 2024, as sales were 9% higher than the Christmas before – the highest level since the pandemic lockdowns. According to the online wine retailer, its performance over Christmas was underpinned by initiatives to…
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9 JanuaryDepartment Stores
M&S celebrates bumper Xmas as sales top £4bn
M&S has reported a successful Christmas trading update as its total group sales increased by 5.6% to £4bn in the 13 weeks to 28 December 2024. The group’s food sales increased 8.7%, with LFL sales up 8.9%. Core categories, such as meat, produce, grocery and in-store bakery grew double-digits as…
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