High Street
This coverage explores the state and evolution of the UK high street, with reporting on store openings and closures, footfall trends, redevelopment projects, policy impacts, and changing consumer behaviour. Insights are designed to help retail managers and executives understand the challenges and opportunities shaping high street retail operations and strategy.
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Sep- 2025 -18 SeptemberHigh Street
Modella Capital leads race to acquire Claire’s UK arm
Modella Capital is leading the race to acquire the UK arm of Clire’s, after reportedly agreeing the outline of a deal with Ames Watson, the new US-based owner of Claire’s, Sky News has reported. The London-based investor, which bought WH Smith’s high street business earlier this year, is said to…
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16 SeptemberFeatures
Why Inditex is betting on speed while rivals retract
Fashion retail is in a moment of reckoning. Inflation, freight costs and currency headwinds are pressuring margins across the board, while digital disruption continues to reshape how consumers shop. Many players have responded by scaling back their physical footprint, trimming overheads, or leaning heavily into online channels. But Inditex, the…
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15 SeptemberShopping Centres
Laura Ashley to return to UK retail with Lakeside flagship
Laura Ashley is set to return to the UK high street with the opening of a 10,000 sq ft flagship store at Lakeside Shopping Centre on 26 September, marking its first physical store launch in five years. The home, fashion and lifestyle brand, founded in London in 1953, has not…
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8 SeptemberHigh Street
Modella and Doug Putman vie for collapsed Claire’s UK stores
Modella Capital along with Doug Putman, the businessman who rescued HMV, are both reportedly bidding to take over Claire’s UK operations after the fashion accessories chain fell into administration, according to Sky News. Modella Capital, which this year agreed to buy WH Smith’s 480 UK high street stores and plans…
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5 SeptemberFeatures
What does the future hold for Poundland?
Last week Poundland was saved from collapse just days before the company ran out of money after its restructuring plan was approved by a High Court. Barristers told a hearing that it would fall into administration by Friday and could run out of money by 7 September if the plan…
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5 SeptemberHigh Street
M&S launches first stoma underwear for men
Marks and Spencer has become the first UK high street retailer to sell stoma underwear for men, with a new line of trunks designed to provide comfort and support for those living with a stoma. The retailer said that more than 200,000 people in the UK currently live with a…
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4 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
Topshop to return to high street through John Lewis partnership
Topshop and Topman will return to the high street through a new partnership with John Lewis, five years after it closed all of its UK stores. From February 2026, Topshop will be available in 32 John Lewis stores while Topman will be available in six. The brand will also be…
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Aug- 2025 -27 AugustComment
Is M&S signalling a structural shift in property strategy?
Mainstream retailers are increasingly treading on the discounters’ turf – and it appears that out-of-town retail parks are now the prime battleground. Few recent examples demonstrate this as clearly as Marks & Spencer’s strategy, which is pivoting its food hall rollout toward retail park sites in order to compete directly…
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26 AugustHigh Street
Business rates ‘double hit’ to cost English firms £2.5bn
Businesses the length and breadth of England are “staring down the barrel” of a £2.5bn hike in property taxes from April 2026, as inflation and a new government stealth tax will combine to drive up business rates bills, according to analysis by global tax firm Ryan. A nationwide revaluation of…
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26 AugustHigh Street
New Look owners appoint Rothschild to oversee sale process
New Look owners, Alcentra and Brait, have reportedly hired Rothschild to advise on a strategic review, which is expected to lead to a sale of the high street fashion chain next year, according to Sky News. It is understood that the appointment of the investment bank took place in recent…
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