Marketing

This coverage explores marketing strategy and innovation across the UK retail industry — from brand campaigns and customer engagement to data-driven advertising and omnichannel communication. Retail Sector reports on retailer marketing performance, creative partnerships, loyalty schemes, and digital transformation shaping how brands connect with consumers. Coverage includes insights into retail media networks, influencer collaborations, social commerce, and the evolving use of AI and analytics in campaign optimisation. For retail professionals, this category offers expert intelligence on how effective marketing drives sales, brand value, and competitive advantage in a dynamic retail environment.

Aug- 2021 -

11 August

Technology

Harry Deacon

Scotmid and Southern Co-ops commence ESL roll out

The Scotmid and Southern Co-ops have announced the introduction of SoluM electronic shelf labels (ESLs) in partnership with Cambridge-based technology integrator, Herbert Retail. Initial trials of the ESLs have seen increased store efficiency, improved pricing and product information compliance, reduced paper wastage, and an enhanced team morale. The technology enables…
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2 August

Online & Digital

Heather Sandlin

Amazon growth slows in Q2

While sales in Amazon’s second quarter soared by 27% to $113bn (£81bn) against 2020, growth slowed down from a 44% climb in the first quarter, as Wall Street had forecast sales of $115bn (£83bn). The deceleration is expected to continue, according to Amazon, as it guided for a 10% to…
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Jul- 2021 -

27 July

Clothing & Shoes

Hemma Visavadia

In The Style return to profit in FY21

In The Style has reported pre-tax profits of £125,000 for the 12 months ended 31 March 2021, up from a previous year’s loss of £2.1m. Revenue also witnessed a sharp increase, rising by 132% to £44.7m up from £19.3m in 2020, benefiting from a 30% growth in customer website visits.…
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20 July

Clothing & Shoes

Hemma Visavadia

Sosandar FY21 profits up 33%

Sosandar has revealed its gross profit for the year ended 31 March increased 33% to £5.8m from £4.4m the previous year, which was aided by a 40% increase in repeated orders. Revenue also grew by 35% to £12.2m from £9.03m with a particular nod to the first quarter which boasted…
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16 July

Department Stores

Hemma Visavadia

M&S extends activewear brand range

M&S has announced that it is launching the latest product range for its activewear brand Goodmove which will be supported by a new customer campaign. The brand was first launched at the beginning of 2020 and has since expanded into both mens and kids wear at the beginning of 2021.…
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16 July

High Street

Hemma Visavadia

Eve Sleep revenue rises 13% in H1

Eve Sleep has announced that for the six months ended 30 June 2021, group revenue increased 13% to £13.9m, up from £12.2m the previous year. The growth was primarily seen through its online sales, with a “softer” performance from retail partners, reflecting lockdown restrictions over the first quarter as well…
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15 July

Supermarkets

Laura McGuire

Lidl announces new healthy food commitment

Lidl has announced a new healthy food commitment, which will see the group increase sales of healthy and healthier products to at least 85% by 2025. As part of the commitment, its teams will assess over 200 lines each year that can be “improved to meet the criteria”. Furthermore, Lidl…
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13 July

Features

Harry Deacon

Amazon got caught, but waste management is an issue for all

June saw an ITV News investigative team release footage that alleged Amazon has been destroying millions of unsold items every year at its Dunfermline fulfilment centre. A leaked document found that one week alone in April led to 124,000 items being marked “destroy” at the warehouse, begging the wider questions…
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12 July

Clothing & Shoes

Hemma Visavadia

Cath Kidston appoints new CCO

Cath Kidston has announced that Suzanne Egleton has been appointed as chief commercial officer (CCO) in a newly created role for the brand that oversees all revenue channels of lifestyle retailers. Egleton is a seasoned digital leader with experience in global fashion and lifestyle brands, with her most recent roles…
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12 July

Comment

Heather Sandlin

Getting email right for a successful Christmas season

Annual retail sales and profits skyrocket over the Christmas season, According to the National Retail Federation, Christmas sales can be 20-40% of a retailer’s annual sales. Given the stop-start nature of 2021, most UK retailers want to close out with the biggest revenues they can this year. During the pandemic,…
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