Inflation
This coverage analyses the impact of inflation on the UK retail industry, focusing on costs, pricing strategies, consumer spending, and operational challenges. Reporting highlights economic trends, retailer responses, supply chain pressures, and leadership decisions to manage margins and demand. Designed for executives and managers, it offers insights to navigate inflationary pressures while maintaining competitiveness.
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Feb- 2025 -13 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/2/25
Fast-fashion giant Shein is relocating some Chinese supplier operations to Vietnam to circumvent U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, including a 10% levy on Chinese goods and the removal of a $800 de minimis exemption. Incentives for suppliers include procurement price hikes of up to 30%, alongside Vietnam’s lower…
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13 FebruaryClothing & Shoes
Birkenstock FY turnover rises 25% to £59.8m amid store expansion
Birkenstock has reported that its turnover rose 25.1% to £59.8m in the year ended 30 September 2024, thanks to a rise in UK revenues due to a bricks-and-mortar store expansion. According to the footwear brand, its sales during the period have been “above initial expectations”. This was also attributed to…
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13 FebruaryEconomy
Economy unexpectedly grows by 0.1% in Q4
Britain’s economy unexpectedly grew in the final quarter of 2024, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, easing pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves.Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2024, after zero growth the previous quarter, beating forecasts of economists and the…
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10 FebruarySupermarkets
UK retailers still facing ‘mountain of costs’, M&S CEO warns
M&S CEO Stuart Machin has warned that UK retailers are still facing a mountain of costs despite Rachel Reeve’s push for growth. Writing in the Sunday Times, Machin said that the government should lighten “the burden” the budget has loaded on the retail sector, claiming that the industry is being…
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6 FebruaryEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4.5%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5%, the lowest level since June 2023, but warned that GDP growth has been “weaker than expected”. At its meeting this week, the bank’s monetary policy committee voted by a majority of 7–2 to reduce the…
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5 FebruarySupermarkets
Grocery sales climb 4.3% in January amid wellness boost
Take-home sales at the grocery retailers rose by 4.3% over the four weeks to 26 January compared with one year ago, according to Kantar’s latest grocery market share data, in part boosted by a rising demand for wellness products. It comes as January also spelled relief for shoppers as grocery…
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3 FebruaryDIY
Emma Bridgewater posts pre-tax losses of £4.1m
Stoke-on-Trent based pottery company Emma Bridgewater has reported a pre-tax loss of £4.1m for the 12 months to 27 April 2024. The group’s turnover also decreased by 16% to £31.6m (2023: £37.8m), primarily driven by reduced sales across e-commerce and wholesale channels, partially offset by growth in physical retail store…
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Jan- 2025 -28 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/1/25
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly exploring a bid for WH Smith’s high street arm after the retailer announced plans to sell its 500-store chain. Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft, is also in talks regarding a potential acquisition, although the outcome remains unclear. WH Smith’s move comes as its high…
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28 JanuaryEconomy
January sales see shop price deflation hit 0 .7%
January sales helped shop price deflation reach 0.7% in January, above deflation of 1.0% in the previous month, as retailers attempted to attract post-Christmas shoppers, according to the latest figures from the BRC-NilesenIQ Shop Price Index. Shop price annual growth is at its lowest rate since August 2021 as non-food…
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27 JanuaryHigh Street
Lakeland owner brings chain to market ahead of tax rises
The family behind kitchenware retailer, Lakeland, has reportedly recruited advisers to explore a sale after more than 60 years as growing cost pressures loom, according to Sky News. According to accounts filed at Companies House for 2023, that year faced “the most challenging economic conditions for several decades” with high…
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