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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Dec- 2022 -20 DecemberHigh Street
Rail strikes and cold weather sees high street footfall fall 10%
The rail strikes and a bout of cold weather negatively impacted high street footfall last week, a key period for retailers in the run up to Christmas, with footfall falling -10.2, according to the latest figures from Springboard. Footfall across all UK retail destinations was -0.9% lower than last year…
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20 DecemberSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s to hire 18,000 seasonal workers
Sainsbury’s is hiring for 18,000 additional roles over the Christmas period to help meet extra demand over the peak season, with 15,000 roles created at Sainsbury’s, 2,000 roles at Argos and 1,000 in logistics. The temporary workers will help to serve customers, keep shelves stocked and pick, pack and deliver…
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19 DecemberDepartment Stores
Ikea UK profits fall by nearly a fifth despite £2.2bn in sales
Ikea UK has announced that its profits have fallen nearly a fifth to £49.6m, despite posting sales of £2.2bn for the full year ended 31 August 2022. The company’s total online sales grew to 36% compared to 19% in 2019. Consumers also returned to stores, with store visitation increasing by…
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14 DecemberHigh Street
Footfall rises marginally as cold snap impacts performance
Footfall across UK retail destinations rose marginally last week (Dec 5-12) by +0.3% from the week before, with a varied performance across the three key destination types, according to Springboard. It found that shopping centres were boosted by their ability to offer shelter from the elements, as footfall rose by…
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7 DecemberDepartment Stores
Fenwick sells Bond Street store for £430m
Fenwick, the 140-year-old department store, has announced that it will be closing its New Bond Street branch in central London as it has been sold to Lazari Investments for £430m. As a result, it is reported that the store, along with the adjoining property, will shut its doors sometime in…
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6 DecemberSupermarkets
Asda to create 10,000 new jobs
Asda has announced plans to create 10,000 new jobs over the next four years as it rolls out its Asda Express convenience store concept. The supermarket chain opened its second Asda Express Tottenham Hale, north London and confirmed its plans to open 300 more by the end of 2026. New…
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6 DecemberHigh Street
Footfall rises 5.4% amid ‘cause for optimism’
Footfall rose by +5.4% across all UK retail destinations last week from the week before, with increases across all three key destination types (+6.9% in high streets, +4.8% in shopping centres and +3% in retail parks), according to Springboard. Springboard said this offers a “cause for some optimism” for retailers…
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6 DecemberHealth & Beauty
Sephora appoints new UK managing director
Sephora has announced the appointment of Sarah Boyd as its new managing director for the UK business. She is due to start her role on 2 January 2023, reporting to Sylvie Moreau, the president of Sephora Europe and Middle East. The news of her appointment follows the French beauty retailer’s…
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2 DecemberDepartment Stores
Frasers Group acquires Amara
Frasers Group CEO Michael Murray has confirmed that the group has acquired Amara, a luxury homewares brand, as it looks to “build on its ambition” of creating a “credible homeware destination” for Flannels. In a statement on Linkedin, Murray said: “I am pleased to announce, we have acquired Amara.com, a…
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2 DecemberDepartment Stores
John Lewis confirms £500m rental home venture
The John Lewis Partnership has agreed a £500m joint venture with global investment company abrdn to deliver around 1,000 new homes across three local communities. In Bromley and West Ealing in Greater London, subject to planning permission, Waitrose shops will be redeveloped to provide new homes and improved stores. In…
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