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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Jun- 2025 -10 JuneFeatures
Why the mood economy is shaping the retail landscape
Retail therapy is nothing new. For decades, shoppers have found comfort in the act of buying here and there to lift their mood, mark a moment, or simply to reclaim a sense of control. But lately something feels different in Britain’s buying habits, and it runs deeper than the occasional…
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10 JuneFeatures
The nostalgia trend: Why do companies revive old brands?
A cultural institution in the 90s, defunct in the 00s and making a comeback in the 20s. MFI Furniture is set to relaunch on the British high street after owner Victorian Plumbing revealed plans to relaunch the brand in early 2026, promising a refresh without the frustrations of long online…
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9 JuneClothing & Shoes
River Island owners prepare rescue plan amid tough market conditions
High street fashion brand River Island has reportedly appointed advisers from PwC to draft a restructuring plan amid tough trading conditions, which could result in store closures and job losses, according to Sky News. Sources revealed to the outlet that although no definitive decisions have been made about the company’s…
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4 JuneHigh Street
WH Smith travel sales jump 7% ahead of high street arm sale
WH Smith has reported that its travel business revenues have increased 7% on a constant currency basis during the 13-week period to 31 May. The update follows WH Smith’s sale of its high street estate to Modella Capital on 28 March, meaning that it now identifies as “a pure play…
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May- 2025 -14 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-14/5/25
Luxury fashion brand Burberry has announced plans to cut up to 1,700 jobs globally following a challenging financial year. The company reported a £3m loss, a sharp decline from last year’s £418m profit, with revenues falling 17% to £2.46bn amid a “difficult macroeconomic backdrop.” The restructuring, part of the ‘Burberry…
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14 MayPeople Moves
Not On The High Street appoints Jessica Nesbitt as CEO
Not On The High Street has appointed Jessica Nesbitt to the role of CEO, replacing Leanne Rothwell, who is stepping down after two-and-a-half years at the helm of the company and an overall 13-year tenure. Nesbitt, Not On The High Street’s current chief growth officer, will step into the role…
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6 MayHigh Street
WH Smith buyer faces year-long ban from mass store closures
The new owner of WH Smith’s high street chain has effectively been banned from enacting widespread store closures for at least 12 months following the acquisition of the chain in March. According to Sky News, WH Smith would have the right to cancel a year-long transitional services agreement (TSA) with…
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Apr- 2025 -30 AprilOnline & Digital
Ann Summers and Maplin launch virtual storefronts through Deliveroo
Deliveroo has announced the launch of a new virtual store concept for retailers, with Ann Summers and Maplin Electronics named as the first to use virtual storefronts through the app. Available to customers in London and Cambridge, their fully-branded virtual storefronts will operate within the Deliveroo app to offer customers…
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28 AprilHigh Street
Hilco Capital and Endless table offers for Poundland
Several potential buyers have reportedly tabled their offers to acquire Poundland, after the retailer has been hit by struggling sales and mounting losses in recent months. According to Sky News, Hilco Capital and turnaround investor Endless both set forth their respective proposal offers on Friday (25 April) ahead of a…
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11 AprilEconomy
Footfall sees sharp 5.4% drop in March due to late Easter
Total year-on-year footfall in the UK dropped sharply by 5.4% in March, up from a 0.2% fall in February, according to BRC-Sensormatic data, which has been attributed to the timing of Easter later this April. Due to last year’s Easter falling in March, the calendar change has distorted the year-on-year…
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