London
This coverage focuses on retail activity, trends, and developments in London, a central hub of the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights flagship store openings, property developments, regional economic factors, consumer behaviour, and strategic moves by both international and domestic brands. Tailored for retail executives and managers, it offers insights into operating and competing in one of the world’s most dynamic retail markets.
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Sep- 2025 -18 SeptemberHigh Street
Modella Capital leads race to acquire Claire’s UK arm
Modella Capital is leading the race to acquire the UK arm of Clire’s, after reportedly agreeing the outline of a deal with Ames Watson, the new US-based owner of Claire’s, Sky News has reported. The London-based investor, which bought WH Smith’s high street business earlier this year, is said to…
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17 SeptemberHigh Street
The Perfume Shop launches largest Christmas recruitment drive
The Perfume Shop will recruit more than 900 seasonal staff across the UK for Christmas 2025, in what it described as one of its biggest recruitment drives to date. The retailer said it would take on more Christmas sales assistants than in 2024 to meet increased customer demand. Last year,…
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17 SeptemberHigh Street
Poundland halts store closures amid restructuring plan
Poundland has revealed that it has paused its store closure programme after the implementation of its restructuring plan. It has so far announced the closure of 57 stores but has now brought that programme to a conclusion with the remaining 11 closures put on hold. Poundland’s Irvine Rivergate Centre location,…
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15 SeptemberSupermarkets
Aldi to invest record £1.6bn in UK store expansion
Aldi has announced a £1.6bn investment plan to accelerate store openings across the UK over the next two years. The discounter will open 80 stores between 2026 and 2027, including 21 sites in the next 13 weeks in locations such as Shoreditch in London, Durham and Kirkintilloch. Aldi currently operates…
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15 SeptemberShopping Centres
Laura Ashley to return to UK retail with Lakeside flagship
Laura Ashley is set to return to the UK high street with the opening of a 10,000 sq ft flagship store at Lakeside Shopping Centre on 26 September, marking its first physical store launch in five years. The home, fashion and lifestyle brand, founded in London in 1953, has not…
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11 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
Clarks to launch first UK digital marketplace in 2026
Clarks has announced plans to launch its first digital marketplace in the UK in early 2026. The platform, Clarks Marketplace, will bring together a range of partner brands under the Clarks name, extending the retailer’s offer beyond footwear. Confirmed partners include Hunter, Frugi, Antler Luggage, Tinc, Apatchy London, Mini Cuddles,…
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11 SeptemberSupermarkets
Aldi invests £300m in price cuts
Aldi has revealed that it has invested more than £300m in price cuts since the start of 2025. The supermarket has reduced over 900 prices across its range in recent months, including fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, dairy and household essentials. Alongside this drive Aldi is set to open an…
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9 SeptemberHigh Street
Pret to trial new meal deal format amid strong FY24 sales
Pret A Manger has announced its plans to trial new meal deal formats later this year to capture demand for value-led food-to-go, as the company set out a new medium-term strategy to accelerate growth in its home market and internationally. The news comes after Pret reported sales of £1.2bn for…
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9 SeptemberHigh Street
Dunelm profits rise 2.7% to £211m as store footprint increases
Dunelm has revealed that its profit-before-tax rose 2.7% to £211m, up from £205.4m, for the year ended 28 June 2025. Alongside this, the company’s total sales rose 3.8% to £1.77bn, up from £1.70bn. It stated that its digital sales were now 40% of total sales, up from 37% in the…
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3 SeptemberSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s to trial facial recognition tech in two UK stores
Sainsbury’s will reportedly begin an eight-week trial of facial recognition technology in two stores this week, with the possibility of expanding the scheme nationwide, according to The Standard. The technology, provided by Facewatch, will be introduced at the Sydenham superstore in London and the Bath Oldfield Sainsbury’s Local. It will…
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