Expansion
This coverage examines retail expansion strategies and activities within the UK market. Reporting highlights store openings, market entry plans, international growth, investment in new formats, and leadership decisions driving growth. With a focus on commercial opportunities and competitive positioning, it provides insights for executives and managers overseeing strategic development and operational rollout.
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May- 2025 -14 MayFeatures
A Lidl bit more: Why is Lidl investing in expansion?
On 28 April Lidl announced that it is going to invest £500m in store expansion, aiming to open more than 40 stores in the process. The budget supermarket has been rapidly gaining market share in the UK hitting a record 8.1% in May 2024, according to data from Kantar. With…
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12 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-12/5/25
Boots chairman Stefano Pessina is set to increase his stake in Walgreens Boots Alliance to nearly 50% following the company’s $10bn takeover by private equity firm Sycamore. While Pessina, who previously held a 17% stake, will invest more to expand his share, Sycamore will take majority ownership. The deal, valued…
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9 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-9/5/25
The UK and US have struck a “first-of-a-kind” trade deal, slashing tariffs for UK carmakers, steel, and farmers while maintaining a 10% levy on other goods. Car export tariffs will drop from 27.5% to 10%, benefiting Jaguar Land Rover, while steel and aluminium tariffs fall to zero. The deal includes…
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9 MayClothing & Shoes
Primark to expand into Middle East amid Alshaya partnership
Primark has confirmed plans to debut in the Middle East, in partnership with international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group. Primark and Alshaya have confirmed plans to open the first of its new stores before the end of 2025 across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This will start with Kuwait (The…
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7 MayFeatures
Poundland: what does the future hold for the discount retailer?
Poundland, once the epitome of the UK’s discount retail scene, finds itself at a crossroads as it navigates shifting consumer behaviors, rising operational costs, and an evolving market landscape. As the cost-of-living crisis deepens and consumer preferences shift, the discount retail sector faces a host of challenges. For Poundland, staying…
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7 MayHigh Street
Card Factory sales and profits rise in FY25 amid growth strategy
Card Factory has welcomed a year of “resilient” trading, with both revenues and profits rising as the group implemented its growth strategy and expanded its store portfolio and product offerings over the period. In the full-year ended 31 January 2025, adjusted profit before tax rose by 6.3% to £66m, while…
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1 MayLuxury Goods
Frasers Group eyes Matches relaunch as exclusive members’ club
Frasers Group is reportedly looking to relaunch Matches Fashion as an exclusive members’ club, according to The Times. Having brought the luxury fashion platform back in a pre-pack deal last April for £19m, Frasers is understood to have collated proposals that could see Matches be turned into “the Soho House…
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Apr- 2025 -29 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-29/4/25
Primark reported a 1% rise in sales to £4.47bn in the first half of the year, with adjusted operating profit up 8% to £540m. However, UK and Ireland sales fell by 4% due to cautious consumer spending and mild autumn weather affecting seasonal purchases. The retailer’s market share in the…
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29 AprilClothing & Shoes
Gymshark clears £600m revenue barrier for first time
Gymshark has revealed that it posted revenues of £607.3m for the year ended 31 July 2024, surpassing the £600m mark for the first time. This figure was an increase of 9% from the £556.2m it posted in the previous year, marking the 12th consecutive year of growth for the company.…
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28 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/4/25
Mohsin Issa, co-founder of EG Group, has stepped down as CEO but will retain a significant minority stake and remain on the board as a non-executive director. Russell Colaco, the current CFO, will take over as CEO, bringing extensive international retail and investment banking experience. The move reflects EG Group’s…
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