Economic Headwinds
This coverage analyses the economic headwinds confronting the UK retail sector in 2025. Reporting focuses on factors such as rising operational costsโincluding increased employer National Insurance contributions and higher minimum wagesโreduced 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).ย 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 ยฃ22m for the year ended 28 September 2024, up from ยฃ19.9m the previous year, as it continues to face external market pressures and internal operational issues. The groupโs pre-tax loss included ยฃ8.8m in interest payments, ยฃ5.6m in depreciation, and ยฃ4.4m in International…
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Jun- 2025 -27 JuneDIY
Sรธstrene Grene to open 500 stores amid โrecordโ trading
Danish homewares brand Sรธstrene 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 groupโs strong trading across the UK and wider European markets.ย According to Sรธstrene Grene, it expects to deliver…
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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 -24 MarchFeatures
Are consumers stuck in an endless cycle of โaestheticโ dupes?
The retail landscape is increasingly defined by a relentless cycle of โaestheticโ dupes โ fast, trend-driven products designed to mimic high-end styles at a fraction of the cost. From Pinterest and Primarkโs new trend-inspired collection to Temuโs staggering 77% product overlap with Amazon โ 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.ย 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.ย ย …
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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 โ the highest level since the pandemic lockdowns.ย 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 ยฃ4bn
M&S has reported a successful Christmas trading update as its total group sales increased by 5.6% to ยฃ4bn in the 13 weeks to 28 December 2024. The groupโs 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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Sep- 2024 -18 SeptemberOnline & Digital
Moonpig to meet full-year guidance despite market challenges
Moonpig has revealed that it expects to hit its guidance for FY25 despite the ongoing โchallenging environmentโ and consumers pulling back on larger gifting items. In a trading update, it said it expects revenue growth to be at a mid-to-high single digit percentage rate, underpinned by growth in orders within…
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Feb- 2024 -20 FebruaryAdvice
New season, new start – what’s next for the retail sector
As retailers look to unveil the new products of the season, there is an opportunity to start afresh โ and consider how best to evolve operations to meet the demands of an ever-evolving breed of customers. While this is no small undertaking, it does provide a real opportunity to enhance…
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