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 -6 NovemberEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4% ahead of Budget
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to keep interest rates steady at 4% ahead of the upcoming Budget announcement on 26 November. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a majority of five to four to maintain the rate, with four members voting to reduce it by 0.25…
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6 NovemberHigh Street
UK retail footfall dips 1.3% in October
Retail footfall across the UK fell 1.3% in October compared with the same month last year, according to data from MRI Software. The decline was led by a 2.3% drop in high street visits, while shopping centres and retail parks recorded smaller decreases of 0.2% and 0.4% respectively. The report…
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4 NovemberLuxury Goods
Mulberry boss calls on govt to scrap tourist tax
Mulberry CEO Andrea Baldo has called on the government to consider scrapping the tourist tax as it looks to increase growth in the economy. Baldo told The Telegraph that reintroducing tax-free shopping for tourists would “be beneficial for the economy”. He also believes that it would help luxury manufacturers such…
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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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