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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May- 2025 -16 MayClothing & Shoes
Next suffers shareholder rebellion over pay transparency
Next’s shareholders have pushed back against what some deemed as a lack of transparency over its staff pay after more than a fifth backed a resolution calling for more information. The vote at the retailers AGM yesterday (Thursday 15 May) saw 26.9% of shareholder votes in support of a resolution…
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15 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/5/25
B&M has appointed former Tesco executive Tjeerd Jegen as its new CEO, effective 16 June 2025. Jegen brings 25 years of retail experience from companies including Ahold Delhaize and Woolworths. Chair Tiffany Hall praised his strategic insight and customer-centric approach. Despite a 3.1% drop in UK like-for-like sales to £4.5bn…
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15 MayLuxury Goods
Watches of Switzerland FY revenues hit £1.65bn
Watches of Switzerland has reported an 8% increase in its group revenues to £1.65bn for the 52 weeks to 27 April 2025, after the group saw significant performance improvement in H2, with revenues up 12% to £867m. Meanwhile, in the UK, revenues were up 2% to £866m, while its US…
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14 MayFeatures
A Lidl bit more: Why is Lidl investing in expansion?
On 28 April Lidl announced that it is going to invest £500m in store expansion, aiming to open more than 40 stores in the process. The budget supermarket has been rapidly gaining market share in the UK hitting a record 8.1% in May 2024, according to data from Kantar. With…
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12 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-12/5/25
Boots chairman Stefano Pessina is set to increase his stake in Walgreens Boots Alliance to nearly 50% following the company’s $10bn takeover by private equity firm Sycamore. While Pessina, who previously held a 17% stake, will invest more to expand his share, Sycamore will take majority ownership. The deal, valued…
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12 MayFeatures
Supermarket chains are betting big on small stores
Asda plans to open 25 new convenience stores between June and December, having only opened 12 last year. As part of its latest turnaround strategy, the retailer is moving faster, cutting deeper, and getting closer to where people live. It looks like other retailers are doing the same. Tesco, Waitrose…
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12 MayClothing & Shoes
Skims to debut first UK store in summer 2026
Kim Kardashian’s lingerie brand, Skims, has signed a 10-year lease for its first standalone UK store, which will span 12,000 sq ft at 245-247 Regent Street and is due to open in summer 2026. The brand, which has been credited for creating technically constructed collections that prioritise comfort, fit and…
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9 MayNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-9/5/25
The UK and US have struck a “first-of-a-kind” trade deal, slashing tariffs for UK carmakers, steel, and farmers while maintaining a 10% levy on other goods. Car export tariffs will drop from 27.5% to 10%, benefiting Jaguar Land Rover, while steel and aluminium tariffs fall to zero. The deal includes…
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9 MayEconomy
UK agrees trade deal with US but 10% tariff remains
The UK and the US have reached a “first-of-a-kind” trade agreement, under which the US will slash tariffs on UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. According to the trade deal, car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of…
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9 MaySupermarkets
John Lewis opens Jamie Oliver cookery school at London flagship
John Lewis has officially opened the flagship Jamie Oliver Cookery School and Jamie Oliver Cafe to customers at its Oxford Street store today (9 May). Spanning over 4,600 sq ft on the third floor of the store, the space includes two Cookery School classrooms and a 50-seat Jamie Oliver Cafe.…
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