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 -16 JuneHigh Street
Largest retailers to pay £600m extra in business rates from 2026
Major supermarkets and West End stores are set to pay an extra £600m in business rates from April 2026 following government reforms, according to analysis by property firm Colliers for The Times. The changes will lower the business rates multiplier for smaller retail, hospitality and leisure sites, with the shortfall recouped by…
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13 JuneHigh Street
10,000 Wilko workers to get £2m pay out
Almost 10,000 former Wilko workers have been awarded a £2m pay out after the high street retailer failed to properly consult with workers prior to going bust in 2023. It comes as the GMB union said it had won a legal case on behalf of thousands of members who lost…
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12 JuneEconomy
Retailers welcome £2bn police boost but urge for more action
Retail trade bodies have welcomed the £2bn funding boost for police forces in England and Wales, but cautioned that the investment alone will not be enough to tackle rising levels of high street crime. It comes as Rachel Reeves announced in yesterday’s Spending Review (11 June) that the police’s spending…
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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 -15 MayHigh Street
MFI to make comeback after nearly two decades
Furniture retailer MFI is set to return to the high street almost 20 years after it fell into administration. Owner Victorian Plumbing is planning to relaunch the retailer in the first half of 2026 and pledged to invest £3m into people and property ahead of its return to the market.…
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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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