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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Jan- 2024 -29 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
Hela Apparel Holdings acquires Focus Brands
Sri Lankan clothes manufacturer, Hela Apparel Holdings, has announced its acquisition of Focus Brands, a brand management company in one of its key markets. The acquisition comes as Focus Brands currently holds exclusive licensing agreements for the design and distribution of a number of major names, including Ellesse and Nautica…
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29 JanuaryHigh Street
Retail accounted for 19% of 2023 UK administrations, study finds
The retail sector accounted for 19% of administrations in 2023 – the highest industry in the UK, according to analysis by full-service law firm Shakespeare Martineau. A total of 1,641 businesses, 239 of which came from the retail sector, filed for administration last year – marking a 22% increase compared…
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29 JanuarySupermarkets
Iceland boss backs Labour government
Richard Walker, managing director of Iceland and former Tory donor, has publicly backed Keir Starmer to be the next Prime Minister. Walker told The Guardian that the Labour leader understands how the cost of living crisis has put an “unbearable strain” on families. He wrote in the newspaper that Starmer…
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24 JanuaryNews
ProCook announces commitment to Real Living Wage
ProCook has announced today its commitment to paying at least the Real Living Wage for all colleagues, reflecting its ongoing investment in its people. The base rate of £12 per hour will be offered as a minimum to all colleagues regardless of age, with London workers receiving £13.15 per hour. …
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23 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-23/1/24
Boohoo has changed its leadership as Shaun McCabe has stepped down as CFO, and Stephen Morana has been appointed as the new CFO. Morana, known for his ecommerce expertise, will assume the role on 19 February 2024. Boohoo highlighted Morana’s experience, including leading businesses through IPOs and creating significant shareholder…
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23 JanuaryNews
Merry Hill signs 65 new leases in 2023
Retail and leisure destination Merry Hill has completed 65 leasing deals covering more than 330,000 sq ft in 2023. The destination also increased its sales – 2023 exceeding 2022 by 7%, and December up 6.5% year-on-year – while footfall rose by 9.4% in the 12 month period. In total, the…
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23 JanuaryHigh Street
Storm Isha dampens early week footfall
Battering winds from Storm Isha hit retail over Sunday and Monday with footfall across all UK retail destinations down -4.6% on the week previous and down -5.1% on 2023 levels, according to the latest data from MRI Springboard. Against 2023 levels, footfall on UK high streets slumped by -14.4% on…
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16 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-16/1/24
Card Factory reported a 10% increase in total sales for the 11 months ending December 2023, reaching £476.9m, driven by robust Christmas trading. The like-for-like (LFL) store revenue surged 7.8% in November and December, attributed to increased transactions and higher average basket values. The Store Evolution Programme positively impacted space…
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16 JanuaryHealth & Beauty
Superdrug sales rise 9.2% in December
Superdrug has experienced a strong Christmas trading period, as total sales rose 9.2% in the four weeks ended 30 December and like-for-like sales rose 7.1%. The retailer attributed its continued focus on its online and in-store offering, as well as investment in providing “high performance” products at an affordable price. …
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15 JanuaryNews
Today’s news in brief-15/1/24
Shein, the fast-fashion brand, is reportedly facing delays in its plan to go public on the US stock exchange due to the need for approval from a Chinese regulator. The approval process is expected to be lengthy, and Shein is also expected to face stricter scrutiny from US regulators. The…
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