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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Mar- 2025 -19 MarchClothing & Shoes
Office sees profits top £100m amid improved trading and new stores
Footwear retailer Office has seen its full-year pre-tax profits more than double to £102.4m as it experienced better trading conditions and expanded its store estate. According to its latest accounts filed with Companies House, its revenues for the 52-weeks ended 30 June 2024 increased to £294.3m, up from £265.4m the…
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18 MarchSupermarkets
Tesco announces £180m investment in staff pay
Tesco has reached an agreement with trade union USDAW that will increase the hourly pay rate for staff in stores, from £12.02 to £12.45 from 30 March 2025, and again to £12.64 from the end of August. This two-stage rate increase represents an above-inflation increase of 5.2% builds on the…
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17 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-17/3/25
Fenwick, the family-owned retailer, is facing significant financial challenges, with pre-tax losses widening to £38.1m in the year to January 2024, up from £28.4m the previous year. The company has been operating at a loss for six years due to high inflation, increased costs, and tough market conditions. Despite efforts…
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17 MarchDepartment Stores
Fenwick eyes restructuring as losses widen
Fenwick has reportedly called in restructuring professionals from AlixPartners as it looks to address its mounting losses and cost pressures, according to The Times. The news comes as the family-owned company, which operates a total of eight stores across the country, saw its pre-tax losses widen to £38.1m in the…
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12 MarchClothing & Shoes
Stella McCartney profits and revenues plummet in FY23
Stella McCartney has seen a decline in profits and revenues, as its losses widened from £10m to £24.68m in FY23, while revenues fell from £40.06m to £21.9m. The group stated that in 2023, it faced significant pressure from inflation on materials and salaries, with adverse effects in particular on the…
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7 MarchFeatures
WHSmith’s high street exit: what it means for the retail industry
After more than 230 years as a staple of British high streets, WHSmith is considering selling off its entire high street business. With around 500 stores facing an uncertain future, the company is shifting its focus to travel retail — airports, railway stations, and motorway service areas — where it…
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6 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-6/3/25
Pepco Group is considering the sale of Poundland as part of a strategic shift to focus on its Pepco brand, which drives the majority of its earnings. Despite a 1.5% increase in group like-for-like sales in early 2025, Poundland has struggled with declining performance, exacerbated by a challenging UK retail…
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6 MarchSupermarkets
M&S invests £95m into pay increase for retail staff
M&S has announced a £95m investment in its retail pay offer, its biggest ever investment in pay and third consecutive increase since Stuart Machin became CEO in 2022. From 1 April, the rate of pay for UK customer assistants will increase from £12 to £12.60 per hour, representing a 5%…
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6 MarchElectrical
Currys introduces ‘inflation-beating’ pay boost
Currys has announced an “inflation-beating” boost of 6% to colleague pay thanks to an £8m investment that will see a raise in the hourly rate paid to employees, combined with the retailer’s bonus programme. This boost means that skilled hourly paid store workers will have their minimum hourly rate rise…
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5 MarchSupermarkets
M&S among winners as shoppers spend almost £1bn this Valentine’s Day
M&S was among the winners and losers this Valentine’s Day as shoppers spent almost £1bn to celebrate the day, according to NIQ. NIQ found that £962m was spent across Valentine’s Day on food and gifting with £100m (+6.6%) spent on Cut Flowers, £5.8m (+27%) spent on Toiletries Gift Packs and…
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