National Insurance
This coverage explores the impact of National Insurance policies and changes on the UK retail sector, focusing on employer contributions, payroll costs, regulatory compliance, and workforce planning. Reporting highlights how retailers adjust strategies to manage costs and meet obligations — providing insight for executives, managers, and HR professionals overseeing financial and operational planning.
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Apr- 2025 -2 AprilDIY
Topps Tiles HY sales jump 4% to £127.7m
Topps Tiles has revealed that its group sales rose 4% to £127.7m for the 26 weeks ended 29 March 2025. Furthermore, it saw underlying sales growth in the second quarter of 4.4% after adjusting for the timing of holiday periods, up from 3.3% underlying growth in the first quarter. Underlying…
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1 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-1/4/25
Retailers are bracing for a £5.56bn rise in costs following the implementation of recent Budget measures, including higher National Insurance contributions and an increased minimum wage. According to Retail Economics, these changes will force businesses to absorb £1.76bn in profit losses while passing £1.72bn onto consumers through price hikes. Chancellor…
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1 AprilEconomy
Retailers face £5.6bn rise in costs as Budget comes into play
New research by Retail Economics, along with frontline specialist Yoobic, has found that retailers face a £5.56bn rise in costs from this week as changes from the Budget are enacted, The Telegraph has reported. The rising bills will reportedly cost shoppers £1.7bn over the next year as costs are passed…
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Mar- 2025 -31 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-31/3/25
Primark CEO Paul Marchant has resigned with immediate effect following an investigation into an allegation regarding his behaviour towards a woman in a social setting. Parent company ABF launched an external probe, after which Marchant acknowledged his “error of judgement” and apologised to the individual, the board, and Primark employees.…
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31 MarchFeatures
Spring Budget 2025: what it means for the retail industry
The UK retail sector has been navigating a volatile economic landscape, with rising operational costs, shifts in consumer spending, and policy changes placing unprecedented pressure on businesses. The Spring Budget 2025, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, was highly anticipated by industry leaders, who had hoped for measures that would alleviate…
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31 MarchHigh Street
Pets at Home warns of profit drop in FY26
Pets at Home has revealed that it expects its retail profits to drop in FY26 to within a range of £115m to £125m, as a result of the uncertain economic backdrop for both demand and inflation. The retailer also stated that it expects increased costs of around £30m following changes…
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27 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-27/3/25
Next has reported record pre-tax profits of £1bn for the year to January 2025, marking a 10.1% increase, and has raised its full-year profit guidance by £20m to £1.06bn. The retailer attributed its strong performance to acquisitions like Reiss and FatFace, with total group sales rising 8.2% to £6.3bn. Online…
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27 MarchDIY
Lakeland becomes latest bid target for Modella Capital
Homewares retailer Lakeland has become the latest takeover target of retail investor firm Modella Capital, Sky News has revealed. The investment firm, which owns Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop, is among a small number of parties trying to acquire a controlling stake in Lakeland. According to retail industry sources,…
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26 MarchEconomy
Chancellor resists calls for business relief in Spring Statement
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has resisted calls from businesses for relief ahead of the upcoming tax changes this April, as part of her Spring Statement today (26 March). UK businesses had been hopeful the chancellor would raise the relief rate for retail, hospitality, and leisure after cutting it to 40% in…
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20 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-20/3/25
The UK retail sector has faced significant challenges over the past five years, with a quarter of a million jobs lost, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The latest data reveals a decline to 2.84 million retail jobs, marking a reduction of 70,000 compared to the previous year.…
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