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.
-
Jan- 2026 -6 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Next raises profit forecast again after strong Christmas trading
Next has raised its full-year profit guidance for a second time after Christmas trading exceeded expectations, with full price sales rising 10.6% in the nine weeks to 27 December. The group’s performance was ahead of its previous forecast of 7% growth for the period, adding £51m to expected full price…
Read More » -
Dec- 2025 -19 DecemberEconomy
UK consumer confidence edges up but remains flat year-on-year
UK consumer confidence rose modestly in December, but remained unchanged from a year earlier, underlining continued pressure on household sentiment despite easing inflation. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased by two points to -17 in December, with all five underlying measures showing month-on-month improvements. The index has been published jointly…
Read More » -
18 DecemberEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 3.75%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to cut interest rates from 4% to 3.75%, the lowest the level has been since February 2023, and marking the fourth rate cut made this year. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of five to four to reduce the…
Read More » -
18 DecemberEconomy
Consumer confidence remains subdued despite slight December uptick
Consumer confidence remained weak in December despite a modest improvement in expectations about the wider economy, according to new figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Data from the BRC-Opinium survey showed expectations for the state of the economy over the next three months rose to -38 in December, from…
Read More » -
17 DecemberEconomy
Inflation slows more than expected to 3.2% as food prices ease
UK inflation slowed more than expected to 3.2% in November, marking the lowest level in eight months, as food, alcohol and clothing prices helped drive the rate down.The news comes a day ahead of the Bank of England’s expected decision on interest rates, which are expected to be cut to…
Read More » -
8 DecemberSupermarkets
Iceland boss to be appointed Labour peer
Iceland chairman Richard Walker is set to be appointed to the House of Lords as a Labour peer, according to reports from the BBC. Walker left the Conservative Party in 2023, and was later seen at the launch of Labour’s manifesto for the 2024 general election. Labour party sources told…
Read More » -
Nov- 2025 -28 NovemberSupermarkets
Lidl outlines £14.5bn economic contribution in FY24
Lidl GB has reported £14.5bn in gross value added to the British economy during the 2024 financial year, according to its first socioeconomic impact report. The document sets out the retailer’s contribution through its operations, supply chain and employment. The report states that Lidl paid more than £1bn in tax…
Read More » -
28 NovemberEconomy
Half of Britons say Budget leaves them worse off, YouGov finds
Britons view the 2025 Budget as unfair and unaffordable, with only a small minority believing the measures will leave the country or their own finances better off, according to new YouGov polling. Half of those polled say the measures will leave the country worse off, with 50% saying the same…
Read More » -
27 NovemberEconomy
Budget reaction: Retail split as business rates and import rules shift
The retail industry has labelled the Autumn Budget as a “mixed bag” for retail, offering relief for many shops, but bringing in new costs for others Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered Labour’s first Autumn Statement, outlining permanent business rates reductions for 750,000 retail, hospitality and leisure businesses and confirming new customs…
Read More » -
26 NovemberHigh Street
West End footfall set for strongest year since 2020, HOLBA finds
London’s West End is on track for its busiest year of footfall since 2020, according to a report from Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) and property firm Colliers, following a sharp rise in visitors through October. Visitor numbers in October were up 16% on the same month last year…
Read More »
