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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Apr- 2025 -16 AprilEconomy
Inflation falls more than expected to 2.6% in March
Inflation has fallen more than expected to 2.6% in the 12 months to March 2025, down from the 2.8% rise in February, driven largely by a fall in petrol prices. According to the ONS, the largest downward contributions came from recreation and culture and motor fuels, with a further large…
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15 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/4/25
Halfords has appointed Henry Birch, former CEO of The Very Group, as its new chief executive, replacing Graham Stapleton, who steps down after seven years. Under Stapleton’s leadership, Halfords transformed from a cycling and motoring retailer into an omnichannel motoring services specialist, growing annual revenues from £1.1bn to £1.7bn. Birch,…
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15 AprilEconomy
UK sales increase 1.1% in March thanks to good weather boost
UK Total retail sales increased by 1.1% year on year in March, against a growth of 3.5% in March 2024, with gardening and DIY sales being boosted by good weather. New data from the BRC and KPMG revealed that the increase was below the 3-month average growth of 1.6% and…
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14 AprilHigh Street
Hilco closes in on Lakeland deal
Family-owned homeware retailer Lakeland is close to being acquired by high-street investment firm Hilco Capital, according to reports from Sky News. Hilco, which has previously backed retailers including HMV and Superdry, could agree a deal in the coming days, according to insiders. If confirmed, the deal would follow months of…
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9 April
Today’s news in brief-9/4/25
Boots UK reported a 1.6% sales increase in Q2, with comparable retail sales up 5.1% year-on-year across all categories. Pharmacy sales rose 5%, while online sales surged 19.5%, now accounting for over 20% of total retail sales. Parent company Walgreens Boots Alliance saw global Q2 sales grow 4.1% to $38.6bn…
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9 AprilHealth & Beauty
Boots UK sales see 1.6% uptick in Q2
Boots UK sales have risen by 1.6% in the second quarter of trading, as owner Walgreens Boots Alliance saw Q2 sales rise 4.1% year-on-year to $38.6bn (£30bn).Boots UK comparable retail sales rose by 5.1% against the prior year, with growth reported across all categories. Elsewhere, comparable pharmacy sales increased 5%…
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8 AprilHealth & Beauty
Lush to pass on Trump tariffs to US consumer as its losses widen
Cosmetics retailer Lush has revealed it is set to pass on the effects of Donald Trump’s tariffs to its US consumers as it looks to navigate a difficult trading environment, which has seen its group losses before tax increase 52% to £42.6m. According to its latest accounts on Companies House,…
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3 AprilHigh Street
Co-op FY profits soar sixfold but warns of cost pressures ahead
Co-op has seen its full-year pre-tax profits rise by nearly sixfold, soaring by £133m to £161m, up from £28m the prior year, despite facing over £200m of new headwinds and investment costs across the group. The surge in profits was driven by increased operating profits, which rose by £34m to…
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2 AprilSport & Leisure
Decathlon revenues rise 5.2% in 2024 amid cost-control efforts
Decathlon has seen its revenues rise by 5.2% in 2024, but when adjusted for “unfavourable” exchange rates, revenues increased by 3.8% to €16.2bn (£13.5bn). It comes as the group underwent “rigorous” cost-control measures to mitigate the impact of cost inflation, which has allowed the sports retailer to maintain its commercial…
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1 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
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