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.
-
Feb- 2025 -24 FebruaryFeatures
The decline of UK department stores: can they survive?
The decline of department stores in the UK has been one of the most significant shifts in the retail sector in recent years. High street giants that once defined the shopping experience have faced unprecedented challenges, leaving behind empty storefronts and a stark reminder of how much the landscape has…
Read More » -
24 FebruaryHigh Street
DFS appoints former Holland and Barrett CEO as NED
DFS Furniture has announced the appointment of former Holland and Barrett CEO Tony Buffin as an independent non-executive director. Buffin was the leader of the health and wellness retailer between 2019 and 2021 and will join the DFS board with immediate effect. He is also the chair of Nobia AB,…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
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…
Read More » -
Jan- 2025 -17 JanuaryDIY
DFS sales and profits rise in H1 amid market share gains
DFS has reported strong trading in its half-year results, largely driven by market share gains, lower operating costs and gross margin improvement, adding it was “cautiously optimistic” for the year ahead, despite inflationary pressures and a tough market outlook. In the half-year ended 29 December 2024, its profits are expected to…
Read More » -
15 JanuaryEconomy
Inflation unexpectedly falls to 2.5% in December
The rate of Consumer Price Index inflation unexpectedly fell one percentage point to 2.5% in December, dipping for the first time in three months, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). It comes as hotel prices fell and tobacco costs eased, which have been credited with helping offset a…
Read More » -
9 JanuaryDepartment Stores
M&S celebrates bumper Xmas as sales top £4bn
M&S has reported a successful Christmas trading update as its total group sales increased by 5.6% to £4bn in the 13 weeks to 28 December 2024. The group’s food sales increased 8.7%, with LFL sales up 8.9%. Core categories, such as meat, produce, grocery and in-store bakery grew double-digits as…
Read More » -
7 JanuaryNews
Bestway Retail removes fuel levy charge for Costcutter stores
Bestway Retail has announced the removal of the fuel levy charge, previously at £3.66 per delivery, for all mainland Costcutter stores for deliveries made on or after 1 January 2025. In addition to lifting the fuel levy charge, Bestway has also led the market in announcing an investment of more…
Read More » -
3 January
Today’s news in brief-3/1/25
Revolution Beauty has resolved its legal dispute with former shareholder Chrysalis Investments through a confidential settlement. Despite earlier threats of claims exceeding £45m, the company paid a “non-material sum” under 1% of Chrysalis’s stock market value. The agreement involved no admission of liability, and Chrysalis dropped further legal action. Chrysalis…
Read More »
