Economy
This coverage explores how economic trends and policies affect the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on GDP, inflation, consumer confidence, interest rates, and broader fiscal measures, assessing their impact on retail sales, pricing strategies, and operational decisions. Tailored for professionals evaluating market conditions, financial risks, and opportunities within a shifting economic landscape.
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Oct- 2025 -24 OctoberEconomy
Retail sales improve as good weather drives clothing sales
UK retail sales rose 0.5% in September as a result of a 1.5% increase in non-store retailing and a 1.2% increase in household goods, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. The rise in total sales in September was the fourth consecutive month of increase as volumes reached…
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24 OctoberEconomy
Consumer confidence edges up as shoppers prepare for Black Friday
Consumer confidence in the UK rose two points to -17 in October, according to the latest GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer, with four measures up and one down compared with September as buying sentiment was lifted by early retail sales events. The monthly survey found that consumers were more positive about…
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22 OctoberFeatures
Is Pets at Home really a victim of a ‘subdued’ pet market?
“It’s not just one issue behind Pets at Home’s challenges. A squeeze on household budgets, rising costs in real estate and shifts in consumer behaviour have combined with the challenges of delivering a broad ‘pet care platform’ strategy,” says Anna King, a retail consultant, of the troubles facing the UK’s…
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21 OctoberSupermarkets
M&S chief urges chancellor to reconsider tax policy ahead of Budget
Marks and Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin has urged chancellor Rachel Reeves to “change course” on economic policy ahead of next month’s Budget, warning that persistent tax rises risk trapping the UK in a “doom loop” of weak growth. Writing in The Times, Machin described the government’s fiscal approach as…
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16 OctoberClothing & Shoes
Shein sales rise 20% in 2024 but profits hit by higher costs
Shein’s global sales soared by 20% to $37bn (£27.7bn) in 2024, though profits were hit by rising costs over the year, whilst the fast-fashion group also warned on the effects of changing US tax laws. According to the Guardian, accounts from the group’s Singapore-based parent company show that pre-tax profits…
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Sep- 2025 -30 SeptemberEconomy
UK economy grows 0.3% in Q2 as services and building work lift output
UK gross domestic product grew by an unrevised 0.3% in the three months to 30 June 2025, slowing from 0.7% in the first quarter, with services and construction offsetting a fall in production, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It comes as services rose…
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25 SeptemberEconomy
AO chief warns UK economy is sliding towards recession
AO World founder and chief executive John Roberts has warned that the UK is heading into recession in a recorded interview with the BBC yesterday (24 September) as inflation and labour pressures weigh on businesses. According to Roberts, Britain is “heading into another” downturn, noting that rising costs were affecting…
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19 SeptemberEconomy
UK consumer confidence falters ahead of Autumn Budget
UK consumer confidence has dropped by two points to -19 in September ahead of the Autumn Budget, according to GfK’s latest long-running index. The survey revealed that all five measures declined in comparison to last month’s announcement. The index measuring changes in personal finances during the last year was down…
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18 SeptemberHigh Street
Next CEO warns UK economy faces ‘anaemic growth’ despite HY profit uplift
Next has revealed that its profit-before-tax rose 13.8% to £515m for the half year ended July 2025 as its CEO warned that the UK is facing “anemic growth”. It comes as the group’s revenues rose 10.3% to £3.25bn, helped by favourable weather and business gained during the M&S cyber attack…
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16 SeptemberEconomy
Retail jobs hit record low, ONS data shows
The wholesale, retail and repair of motor vehicles sector lost over 61,000 payrolled employees since August 2024, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics. Alongside this, the median pay for this sector was £2084 per month in August 2025, below the UK median of £2568. Furthermore,…
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