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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Jul- 2025 -30 JulyClothing & Shoes
Crocs opens at London Designer Outlet
Crocs has become the latest brand to open at London Designer Outlet (LDO). The new 1,456 sq ft store has been designed with an elevated layout to create an “inviting atmosphere with bold displays and striking fixtures” which showcase the latest seasonal styles from the footwear brand. One of the…
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29 JulySupermarkets
Aldi lifts hourly pay for shop workers to £13
Aldi has announced it is set to become the first supermarket to pay store assistants at least £13.00 an hour. The new minimum rate, which increases to £14.33 within the M25, will take effect from 1 September 2025 and further exceeds the Real Living Wage of £12.60 an hour that…
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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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28 JulyClothing & Shoes
Primark unveils new mannequin designed to represent wheelchair users
Primark has unveiled a new seated mannequin designed to represent wheelchair users, created in collaboration with television presenter and disability advocate Sophie Morgan. The mannequin, named ‘Sophie’, is the result of a 12-month project initiated by Morgan, who first designed a wheelchair display prototype, the Mannequal, in 2009. It will…
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28 JulyShopping Centres
Hotel Chocolat opens flagship store at Manchester Arndale
Hotel Chocolat has opened one of its largest stores at Manchester Arndale, signing a 10-year lease to occupy the 7,288 sq ft unit. The new flagship store includes a café space whilst also selling its range of ethically sourced chocolate bars, hot drinks and gifts. Since being founded in…
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25 JulyHealth & Beauty
Boots unveils its first-ever fragrance-only concept store
Boots has announced the launch of its first-ever fragrance-only boutique – Boots Fragrance, opening in Broadgate Central, London, in autumn 2025. The launch of Boots Fragrance follows the opening of its beauty-only store at Battersea Power Station in 2023, as Boots continues to develop and launch innovative new store concepts.…
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24 JulyDIY
IKEA opens first new small-format store in Harlow as part of UK expansion
IKEA has opened a new small-format store in Harlow, Essex, the first of three such sites due this year, just over 100 days after acquiring the lease. The new store, which opened on 24 July, is located in a retail park and designed to offer a quicker and more accessible…
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24 JulyClothing & Shoes
River Island at risk of collapse without creditor support
River Island is reportedly at risk of collapse within weeks unless landlords and creditors approve a major rescue plan, according to the Telegraph. The retailer has proposed a restructuring strategy that includes closing 33 stores, reducing rents on 71 more, and writing off debts to avoid a cash crisis. If…
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24 JulyLuxury Goods
Byredo debuts first standalone store outside London in Leeds
Luxury brand Byredo has opened its first standalone store outside London at Victoria Leeds, marking the latest high-end retail addition to the city centre shopping destination. The new 2,154 sq ft unit is located in Victoria Quarter and serves as Byredo’s northern flagship. It features two distinct areas: a main…
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23 JulyClothing & Shoes
Topshop revives partnership with Cara Delevingne
Topshop has named model and actor Cara Delevingne as the face of its new Autumn/Winter 2025 campaign, 10 years after their first campaign together and marking the start of a wider brand relaunch. The partnership begins with a 30-piece capsule collection described as a reflection of Delevingne’s “London edge”, featuring…
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