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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Oct- 2024 -21 OctoberHigh Street
WHSmith stores to sell vinyl records for first time in 30 years
WHSmith has revealed it is to start selling vinyl records in 80 of its high street stores across the UK in response to growing customer demand. Stores including Canterbury, Chester, Edinburgh Gyle and York will stock a selection of chart hits and classic albums on vinyl, from Taylor Swift to…
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4 OctoberNews
UK footfall jumps 3.3% in September
UK footfall has risen by 3.3% in September, up from 0.4% in August, as shopper numbers return to increase for the first time in over a year. According to the BRC, retail parks enjoyed the biggest boost with a 7.3% increase during the month, up from 2.6% in August. Shopping…
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Sep- 2024 -20 SeptemberHigh Street
WHSmith to open 37 Toys’R’Us ‘shop-in-shops’
WHSmith has announced that it is set to open 37 new Toys“R”Us outlets inside its stores. It comes after the retailer opened 39 locations resulting in 76 shop-in-shops in total across UK high streets. The next round of Toys“R”Us openings from WHSmith will start on Saturday 28 September, with Bexleyheath,…
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Aug- 2024 -30 AugustNews
UK retail sales dipped 0.7% in August, BDO reveals
Total retail sales have increased by just 0.7% compared to August last year, according to this month’s High Street Sales Tracker from BDO. Despite reports signalling that retail prices had fallen for the first time in three years during August, sales growth figures are still running below the rate of…
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27 AugustHigh Street
Modella Capital acquires Hobbycraft from Bridgepoint
Privately-owned specialist retail investment boutique Modella Capital has announced its acquisition of Hobbycraft, the largest arts and crafts retailer in the UK, from majority investor Bridgepoint for an undisclosed sum. Founded in Bournemouth in 1995 and acquired by Bridgepoint in 2010, Hobbycraft has grown to a nationwide business with over…
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May- 2024 -10 MayHigh Street
WHSmith reveals 17 new Toys R Us locations
WHSmith has announced that it will open 17 Toys R Us shops over the summer months across the UK. The retailer is set to open a further 30 shop-in-shops before Christmas after the launch of nine Toys R Us concessions a year ago. The 17 locations opening in the summer…
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3 MayHigh Street
Retailers face slow start to Spring as footfall declines 7.2% in April
Retailers experienced a slow start to Spring as total UK footfall decreased by 7.2% in April (YoY), down from -1.3% in March, according to the latest figures from the BRC. However, the BRC revealed the figures were slightly distorted due to the earlier Easter which led to tough comparables. High…
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Apr- 2024 -16 AprilClothing & Shoes
Primark lowers prices on hundreds of kidswear items
Primark is lowering prices on hundreds of its essential kids clothing and accessories as the retailer reaffirms its commitment to keeping prices low on kidswear. The move applies to the price points of selected summer essentials and aims to help families make their money go further as they start planning…
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Mar- 2024 -4 MarchNews
Today’s news in brief-4/1/24
M&S emerged victorious against Michael Gove’s decision to block its redevelopment plans for its Marble Arch flagship branch. The High Court ruled that Gove’s decision was “unlawful” and had misinterpreted planning policy. This decision paves the way for M&S to proceed with its plans, which include demolishing the existing Art…
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4 MarchClothing & Shoes
Retail records fifth consecutive month of negative sales, BDO finds
Total in-store and online sales have dropped -1.3% in February, marking the fifth consecutive month of negative sales results, according to new data from BDO’s High Street Sales Tracker. BDO’s data, which looks at sales across discretionary spend categories, showed that despite online sales growing by +2.9% compared with last…
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