Lakeland
This coverage delivers business-focused reporting on Lakeland’s operations and strategic developments within the UK retail sector. Reporting includes updates on store openings and closures, product range expansions, and leadership transitions. Analysis addresses Lakeland’s financial performance, including the 2023 turnover of £153m and pre-tax losses of £2m, as well as the impact of economic challenges such as increased employer National Insurance contributions and rising operational costs. Additionally, insights into the company’s management buyout in April 2025, backed by Hilco Capital, are provided, highlighting the shift in ownership from the founding Rayner family to the current leadership team. This information supports retail executives, brand managers, and professionals overseeing homeware retail operations and strategic planning.
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Jul- 2025 -29 JulyFeatures
Claire’s on the brink: can the chain avoid another collapse?
For decades, Claire’s has been the go-to destination for sparkly earrings, scrunchies and ear piercings – a rite of passage for generations of teenagers. But the glitter is starting to fade. The jewellery and accessories retailer, which operates nearly 300 shops in the UK and more than 2,300 worldwide, has…
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21 JulyHigh Street
Lakeland owner Hilco in race to acquire Claire’s
Hilco Capital, the high street investor behind Lakeland and a former backer of HMV and Superdry, is considering a takeover of Claire’s UK business, according to Sky News. Banking sources have told the outlet that Hilco Capital, who was a recent contender to acquire Poundland, is among the potential bidders…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilFeatures
Why is Hilco Capital looking to acquire Lakeland?
British retail is no stranger to seeing a heritage brand acquired by a private equity firm. The latest name on that list seems to be family-owned homeware retailer Lakeland which is reportedly on the verge of being acquired by Hilco Capital. It was revealed in January that the company had…
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14 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-14/4/25
Currys CEO Alex Baldock has warned of a potential influx of Chinese products into UK and European markets, driven by Donald Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods. Baldock and other retail executives, including Buy It Direct’s Nick Glynne, expressed concerns that Chinese manufacturers may redirect goods originally destined for the US…
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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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Mar- 2025 -27 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-27/3/25
Next has reported record pre-tax profits of £1bn for the year to January 2025, marking a 10.1% increase, and has raised its full-year profit guidance by £20m to £1.06bn. The retailer attributed its strong performance to acquisitions like Reiss and FatFace, with total group sales rising 8.2% to £6.3bn. Online…
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27 MarchDIY
Lakeland becomes latest bid target for Modella Capital
Homewares retailer Lakeland has become the latest takeover target of retail investor firm Modella Capital, Sky News has revealed. The investment firm, which owns Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop, is among a small number of parties trying to acquire a controlling stake in Lakeland. According to retail industry sources,…
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Jan- 2025 -27 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-27/1/25
WH Smith is exploring the sale of its high street arm to focus on its global Travel business, which now contributes 75% of revenue and 85% of profits. The potential sale, managed by bankers at Greenhill, comes amid a 9% decline in high street profits to £39m, although group revenue…
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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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3 JanuaryFeatures
How to transform the world of cross-border e-commerce
In today’s interconnected world, cross-border e-commerce has become the lifeline for retailers looking to expand their markets, but the journey is often fraught with logistical, technological, and financial challenges. For Tony Preedy, Managing Director of Fruugo, simplifying this complex puzzle is the mission. Speaking to Talking Shop, Preedy shared how…
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