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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Aug- 2025 -5 AugustShopping Centres
British shoppers drive surge in EU VAT-free spending after UK scheme scrapped
British spending on VAT-free shopping in the European Union (EU) has risen more than fivefold since 2021, as consumers increasingly choose to buy luxury goods abroad rather than in UK stores, according to the Times. New figures from the Association of International Retail (AIR) show that Britons spent £742m in…
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Jul- 2025 -29 JulySupermarkets
M&S launches one-year guarantee on children’s clothing
Marks and Spencer has introduced a one-year quality guarantee on all children’s clothing, becoming the first UK high street retailer to offer such a scheme. The policy, which excludes footwear and accessories, allows customers to claim a full refund within 365 days if items do not meet the retailer’s quality…
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24 JulyEconomy
Consumer confidence dips in July as inflation bites
Consumer confidence dipped in July as inflation and economic contraction weighed on household sentiment, new figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) show. According to the BRC-Opinium Consumer Sentiment Monitor, expectations for the UK economy over the next three months fell to -33, down from -28 in June. Forecasts for…
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22 JulySupermarkets
UK food inflation forecast to hit 5.1% this summer
Food inflation in the UK is expected to peak at 5.1% in late summer 2025, outpacing general inflation, according to a report by grocery research group IGD. In its latest Viewpoint report, IGD warned that rising food prices will put further strain on households and businesses as the UK economy…
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21 JulyLuxury Goods
Burberry CEO calls for VAT-free shopping return
Burberry CEO Joshua Schulman has called on the government to reinstate VAT-free shopping for international visitors claiming it will help Britain become Europe’s top shopping destination once again. Schulman told The Times that international consumers were “still not shopping in the UK to the extent that we would like” as…
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16 JulyEconomy
Inflation jumps to 18-month high of 3.6% in June
Inflation unexpectedly increased to a near 18-month high of 3.6% in June, driven by the rising cost of transport and food, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The figure is the highest recorded since January 2024, when the rate was 4.0%. On a monthly…
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14 JulyGovernment
Reeves eyes business rates rise for supermarkets and department stores
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering increasing business rates for department stores and supermarkets as she looks to raise £1.7bn from businesses this autumn, according to The Telegraph. The outlet revealed that the chancellor is looking to plug the £5bn hole left after the government was forced to abandon cuts…
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11 JulyEconomy
Economy unexpectedly shrinks 0.1% in May
Monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) unexpectedly fell 0.1% in May 2025, following an unrevised fall of 0.3% in April 2025 and growth of 0.4% in March 2025, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.5% in the three…
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10 JulySupermarkets
Tesco to open multi-million pound distribution hub in London
Tesco has announced plans for a new distribution centre at DP World London Gateway, set to open in 2029. The supermarket said the site would strengthen its logistics network and support growth across its store estate. It described the move as a long-term investment in ensuring operations remain “fit for…
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7 JulySupermarkets
Tesco to open 10 new stores in Ireland amid €40m investment
Tesco Ireland is to create 400 new jobs as part of a €40m (£34m) investment that will see 10 new stores open across the country in the next 12 months. The move will bring the supermarket’s permanent workforce to more than 13,500, reinforcing its position as one of the largest…
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