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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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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26 NovemberOnline & Digital
France seeks three-month Shein suspension over illicit products
France will ask a Paris judge today (Wednesday 26 November) to suspend Shein’s website for three months after officials said that childlike sex dolls and banned weapons had been identified on the platform, Reuters has reported. The request follows the disabling of Shein’s marketplace in France on 5 November, though…
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24 NovemberSupermarkets
Co-op pledges £70m to create 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030
Co-op has pledged £70m to support 7,000 apprenticeships by 2030 through its Levy Share scheme, as apprenticeship starts in England continue to fall and skills shortages persist. The initiative has already directed £40m of unused levy funds to organisations across the UK since 2021, matching more than 3,800 apprenticeships. Around…
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14 NovemberDIY
DFS hails strong early trading as order intake rises
DFS Furniture said it had made a solid start to its new financial year, reporting higher order intake and improved margins across the first 19 weeks of its trading period ended 9 November 2025. The group said its scale, vertical integration and use of data continued to support performance, adding…
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13 NovemberEconomy
UK economy slows to 0.1% in third quarter
The UK’s economic growth slowed to 0.1% in the third quarter, falling short of expectations from City analysts and the Bank of England (BoE). The Office for National Statistics said monthly output slipped 0.1% in September, with earlier figures for July and August revised down. The data arrives ahead of…
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12 NovemberHigh Street
82% of shoppers to use promotions this Christmas, says Blackhawk
Over 80% of shoppers across Europe are planning to use price promotions such as buy one get one free to save money this Christmas, according to a survey from Blackhawk Network. Furthermore, nearly half (47%) also expect to use ‘buy now, pay later’ or earn-a-gift-card incentives, signalling that value added…
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12 NovemberHigh Street
Toy sales rise for first time since Covid as adult collectors boost market
The UK toy market has grown for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new data from market analyst Circana, as rising demand from adult collectors and strong sales of building sets helped lift the sector. Toy sales reached £3.9bn in the 12 months to August 2025, up…
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