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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May- 2025 -15 MayEconomy
UK economy grows by more than expected 0.7% in Q1
The UK economy performed better than expected in the first quarter of the year, with GDP growing by 0.7% between January and March, following a 0.1% rise the prior quarter. This was ahead of analysts’ expectations, who had forecast a growth of 0.6% for the period. According to the Office…
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8 MayDepartment Stores
Next ups profit guidance as Q1 sales rise by 11.4%
Next has upped its full-year profit guidance as it welcomed “better than expected” sales in the first quarter, with full price sales up by 11.4% as trade was boosted by the warmer spring weather. The “overperformance” meant sales were £55m higher than its forecast for the period, with the group…
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Feb- 2025 -13 FebruaryEconomy
Economy unexpectedly grows by 0.1% in Q4
Britain’s economy unexpectedly grew in the final quarter of 2024, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, easing pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves.Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, after zero growth the previous quarter, beating forecasts of economists and the…
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Jan- 2025 -16 JanuaryEconomy
UK economy narrowly returns to growth in November
The UK economy narrowly returned to growth in November as real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 0.1%, largely because of a growth in services. The increase comes after two consecutive months of decline, however, real GDP is estimated to have shown no growth in the three months to November 2024,…
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Dec- 2024 -23 DecemberEconomy
UK economy heading for ‘worst of all worlds’, CBI warns
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned that the UK economy is headed for “the worst of all worlds” as business activity is set to decline at the start of the new year. Private sector firms expect activity to fall in the three months to March (weighted balance of…
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Nov- 2024 -15 NovemberEconomy
UK economy stagnates in three months to September
UK gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have stagnated during the third quarter of the year as uncertainty ahead of the budget affected decision making, according to the latest figures from the Office For National Statistics. The ONS found that UK GDP increased by 0.1% in Quarter 3 (July…
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Sep- 2024 -11 SeptemberEconomy
UK economy stagnates for second consecutive month
The UK economy experienced no growth for the second consecutive month in July, underperforming analysts’ expectations of 0.2% growth for the month. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that services output is estimated to have increased by 0.1% in July 2024, following a decrease of…
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Aug- 2024 -15 AugustEconomy
UK economy grows by 0.6% despite June flatline
The UK economy has grown by 0.6% between April and June, in part boosted by the service sector, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. The second quarter growth follows a GDP rise of 0.7% in the first quarter of the year. Despite this, GDP showed no…
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Jul- 2024 -11 JulyEconomy
UK economy beats expectations as GDP jumps 0.4%
UK gross domestic product (GDP) beat expectations in May, increasing 0.4%, as a result of better weather, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). An unseasonably wet April dented consumer sentiment and hurt construction leading to the slight increase. Construction grew at the fastest rate in almost…
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Jun- 2024 -24 JuneFeatures
How can retail recruitment face down the gig economy threat?
One way of achieving that customer experience is to play to the strengths of physical retail, offering something that the online world will struggle with: the human touch. People buy from people, and the use of brand ambassadors to focus on positive customer experiences, is a win for brand, retailer…
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