Interest Rates
This coverage explores UK interest rate movements and their impact on the retail industry, focusing on monetary policy decisions, borrowing costs, consumer spending, and retailer financing strategies. Reporting highlights how rate changes affect sales dynamics, investment planning, and operational budgets — providing insight for executives, finance leads, and business strategists navigating economic volatility.
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Aug- 2025 -26 AugustHigh Street
Business rates ‘double hit’ to cost English firms £2.5bn
Businesses the length and breadth of England are “staring down the barrel” of a £2.5bn hike in property taxes from April 2026, as inflation and a new government stealth tax will combine to drive up business rates bills, according to analysis by global tax firm Ryan. A nationwide revaluation of…
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20 AugustEconomy
Inflation jumps more than expected to 3.8%
Inflation rose more than expected in July, rising to 3.8%, the highest rate in 18 months. On a monthly basis, it rose by 0.1% last month, compared with a fall of 0.2% in July 2024. This was up from 3.6% in June, and means that inflation is almost double the…
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13 AugustHigh Street
Shoe Zone halves profit forecast amid weak consumer confidence
Shoe Zone expects annual profits to fall by half after seeing a drop in footfall and revenues during June and July, as higher interest rates and weak consumer confidence continue to weigh on spending. The footwear retailer now forecasts adjusted profit before tax of about £2.5m for the year ending…
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7 AugustEconomy
Luxury loses momentum as midmarket braces for impact, Colliers finds
Luxury and midmarket retailers across EMEA are recalibrating strategies in response to a cooling post-pandemic retail environment, according to a report from Colliers. Colliers found that after years of price-led growth, luxury retail is showing signs of fatigue. Brands such as Kering and Chanel reported revenue declines in 2024, while…
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7 AugustEconomy
BoE cuts interest rates to 4%
The Bank of England (BoE) has cut interest rates to 4%, down from the previous rate of 4.25%, marking the fifth rate cut since last year’s peak of 5.25%. At its meeting today (7 August), the bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) voted by a majority of 5 to 4 to…
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Jul- 2025 -3 JulyHealth & Beauty
Superdrug FY profits jump 22.6% amid focus on value items
Superdrug has seen its full-year pre-tax profits jump by 22.6% to £136.8m, as store openings, refurbishments and a focus on value helped offset weaker UK footfall and pressure on consumer spending. It comes as the health and beauty retailer saw its sales rise by 7% during the year to 28…
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Jun- 2025 -30 JuneOnline & Digital
Ocado’s increased debt calls turnaround plan into question
Ocado’s turnaround plans have reportedly been called into question as its heavy reliance on debt in a high inflationary environment threatens its ability to turn a profit, The Telegraph has reported. The online grocer saw its annual debt interest bill climb from around £27m last year to nearly £100m in…
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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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May- 2025 -16 MayProperty
Landsec to invest £1bn in its retail estate amid strong FY25
Property group Landsec has announced plans to increase its investment in its retail estate by £1bn amid strong FY25 performance. The company’s retail portfolio delivered 5.1% LFL net rental income growth for the year ended 31 March 2025, with occupancy up 110bps to 96.6%, £39m of lettings signed or in…
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15 MayEconomy
UK economy grows by more than expected 0.7% in Q1
The UK economy performed better than expected in the first quarter of the year, with GDP growing by 0.7% between January and March, following a 0.1% rise the prior quarter. This was ahead of analysts’ expectations, who had forecast a growth of 0.6% for the period. According to the Office…
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