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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Apr- 2025 -24 AprilFeatures
Retail’s staffing crisis: why jobs are disappearing and what’s next
Across the UK, retail employment remains 5% below pre-pandemic levels, according to Deputy’s Big Shift 2025 report. The decline is steady, pushed along by automation, e-commerce, and shifting worker expectations. In contrast, London’s hospitality sector is booming – fuelled by the city’s night-time economy, now worth a quarter of all…
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24 AprilClothing & Shoes
Mori unveils first-ever acquisition with Kidly deal
Baby clothing brand Mori has made its first-ever acquisition with the purchase of UK-based children’s retail brand Kidly, for an undisclosed sum. Founded as a curated marketplace for modern families, Kidly has become known for its own-label range, Kidly Label, particularly its jelly shoes, which have sold over 250,000 units…
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23 AprilOnline & Digital
Vinted partners with Alexa Chung to sell her designer wardrobe
Vinted has partnered with Alexa Chung to sell personal luxury fashion pieces from her wardrobe. All sales proceeds from Alexa’s wardrobe on Vinted will be donated to Endometriosis UK as her charity of choice. Chung’s clothes will be available to purchase from 4 May at 6pm for Vinted members in…
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22 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-22/4/25
Marks & Spencer has apologised to customers after a technical glitch disrupted contactless payments and click-and-collect services over the Bank Holiday weekend. Shoppers reported frustration at being unable to complete purchases, with some forced to abandon full trolleys. The issue also affected M&S’s email and chat systems, preventing advance customer…
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22 AprilHigh Street
Easter gives much needed footfall boost
The later timing of the Easter bank holiday weekend provided retailers with a much-needed footfall boost, with the number of shoppers visiting the high street up 15.7% compared with last Easter, according to the latest MRI Software data. In the week leading up to Easter, overall retail footfall remained flat…
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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 AprilClothing & Shoes
UK watchdog faces criticism over Shein IPO approval
UK watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority, is facing criticism from UK investor groups after reports from Reuters that it has given Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein the go ahead for a London listing. A top UK managers’ trade group, including Aviva Investors, Schroders and M&G has criticised the watchdog’s decision,…
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14 AprilLuxury Goods
Watches of Switzerland set to close 16 showrooms
Luxury watch retailer Watches of Switzerland is reportedly set to close 16 showrooms across the UK, putting 40 jobs at risk, according to the BBC. Watches of Switzerland told the outlet that affected staff from its 709-strong team will be redeployed where feasible, adding that its “priority [was] to support…
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11 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-11/4/25
Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing has raised its profit forecast for the third consecutive year, driven by strong sales in Japan and key international markets, including Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. The company reported a 12% rise in revenue to JPY 1.79trn (£12.28bn) and an 18.3% increase in profit for…
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11 AprilSupermarkets
Met Police challenges Asda’s Park Royal redevelopment amid safety concerns
The Metropolitan Police is reportedly threatening to block Asda’s proposed mixed-use redevelopment in west London amid concerns over public safety.According to The Telegraph, the Met is demanding “hundreds of thousands” of pounds in developer contributions to fund dealing with the expected surge in residents and to help maintain the “safety…
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