Leicester
This coverage explores developments in Leicester relevant to the UK retail industry, with a focus on the city’s retail economy, store openings and closures, supply chain issues, and workforce matters. Reporting highlights how local events and trends — including labour practices, factory conditions, and community initiatives — shape retail operations and brand strategies. Designed for executives, managers, and professionals assessing market conditions and ethical considerations in Leicester’s retail landscape.
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Jul- 2020 -8 JulyClothing & Shoes
Boohoo launches independent review of supply chain
Boohoo has launched an “immediate, independent” review of its supply chain, following revelations of poor working conditions in a Leicester warehouse. Boohoo first responded to allegations of malpractice earlier this week, after a Sunday Times exposé highlighted the conditions at supplier Jaswal Fashions in an undercover report. The retailer had…
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6 JulyClothing & Shoes
NCA confirms probe into Boohoo working conditions
The National Crime Agency has confirmed it is investigating fashion retailer Boohoo following allegations of poor working conditions in a Leicester warehouse. An NCA spokesman told Retail Sector: “Within the last few days NCA officers, along with Leicestershire Police and other partner agencies, attended a number of business premises in…
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6 JulyClothing & Shoes
Boohoo to investigate illegal practices at factory
Boohoo has responded to allegations of slavery and poor working conditions after a Sunday Times exposé highlighted the conditions at supplier Jaswal Fashions in a recent undercover report. Only last week, the fashion retailer defended its business practices against accusations that it was putting workers at factories in Leicester at…
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3 JulyClothing & Shoes
Boohoo denies it ‘puts workers at risk’
Online clothing retailer Boohoo has defended its business practices against accusations that it was putting workers at factories in Leicester at risk of contracting coronavirus. The allegations made by worker’s rights group Labour Behind the Label come after the East Midlands city was placed under lockdown earlier this week. The…
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Jun- 2020 -1 JuneCoronavirus
Topps Tiles announces £18.1m sale of HQ and warehouse
Topps Tile has agreed a sale and leaseback of its head office and central warehouse building to UK Warehouse Properties for £18.1m amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The retailer revealed the proceeds from the sale of the properties situated in Leicester and will “further strengthen” the group’s financial position as it…
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Apr- 2020 -29 AprilBusiness Bites
The aviation industry is now in very serious trouble
In a sign of just how distressed the aviation industry is, British Airways has announced plans to lay off 30% of its workforce, or about 12,000 employees, and says it expects it to take several years before passenger volumes return to 2019 levels. The chief executive, Alex Cruz, wrote to…
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Feb- 2020 -6 FebruaryHigh Street
63% of midlands shoppers want to support independents, survey reveals
A new survey on the shopping habits of residents in Birmingham, Derby, Leicester, Lincoln and Nottingham has revealed that 63% of all respondents consider it “highly important to support local businesses and independent retailers”. Retail PR group Cartwright Communications, which conducted the survey, said that at a time when “empty…
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Jan- 2020 -10 JanuaryHigh Street
Game to shutter 40 UK stores
Video game retailer Game has confirmed it intends to shutter 40 stores throughout the UK. To date, 13 sites have had notice served including existing Game sites in Mansfield, Canterbury, Watford, Glasgow Fort and Leicester. On 8 January notice was served on a further 14 sites impacting outlets owned mostly…
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Aug- 2019 -7 AugustHigh Street
Boots to trial in-store interpretation service
Health and beauty retailer Boots is trialing an interpretation service for non-English speaking pharmacy patients, starting in five stores across the UK. The service is being provided by US firm Voyce, with the service being accessible via in-store iPads. Voyce connects colleagues and patients with interpreters who can translate over…
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Mar- 2019 -21 MarchGovernment
Retailers left waiting for rates discounts as deadline approaches
Businesses in England were promised millions of pounds in support by the chancellor last October but, less than two weeks before the start of the new tax year on 1 April, many are still either waiting for discounts worth up to £8,000 or haven’t yet applied. The government announced a…
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