Omnichannel

Halfords profits rise 6.4% to £38.4m in FY25

Halfords has reported that its underlying profit before tax rose 6.4% to £38.4m for the year ended 28 March 2025, above the previously guided £32m to £37m range. Alongside this, its group sales rose 2.5% on a like-for-like basis while its overall revenues inched up 0.1% to £1.72bn. However, the…

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Cotswold Outdoor Group to launch new retail media network

Cotswold Outdoor Group is set to launch a new retail media network in partnership with Zitcha, a unified retail media platform that allows retailers to build and scale their retail media networks. According to the group, it’s the next step in its strategy to deliver a “best-in-class, omnichannel retail experience…

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What’s next for next-day deliveries?

Once the gold standard of eCommerce innovation, next-day delivery was long seen as the pinnacle of convenience – a service so fast, so frictionless, it fundamentally altered consumer expectations across retail categories.  It forced grocers, fashion brands, electronics giants, and independent merchants alike to rethink supply chains, last-mile logistics, and…

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Supermarket chains are betting big on small stores

Asda plans to open 25 new convenience stores between June and December, having only opened 12 last year. As part of its latest turnaround strategy, the retailer is moving faster, cutting deeper, and getting closer to where people live.  It looks like other retailers are doing the same. Tesco, Waitrose…

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Retailers at risk: how cyber threats are shaping the future of commerce

In recent weeks two major UK retailers – Marks and Spencer and Co-op – have fallen victim to high-profile cyber attacks that sent ripples through the entire retail sector. These breaches were a stark reminder that no company, no matter how established or trusted, is immune from cyber threats.  As…

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Today’s news in brief-29/4/25

Primark reported a 1% rise in sales to £4.47bn in the first half of the year, with adjusted operating profit up 8% to £540m. However, UK and Ireland sales fell by 4% due to cautious consumer spending and mild autumn weather affecting seasonal purchases. The retailer’s market share in the…

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Gymshark clears £600m revenue barrier for first time

Gymshark has revealed that it posted revenues of £607.3m for the year ended 31 July 2024, surpassing the £600m mark for the first time. This figure was an increase of 9% from the £556.2m it posted in the previous year, marking the 12th consecutive year of growth for the company.…

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Four D2C trends to watch in 2025

Personalisation Personalisation has long been a buzzword in retail, but in 2025 it is becoming a baseline consumer expectation, with many now viewing tailored shopping experiences as a standard rather than a luxury. Personalisation in 2025 goes beyond just product recommendations; it’s about creating an entire experience that speaks to…

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Today’s news in brief-15/4/25

Halfords has appointed Henry Birch, former CEO of The Very Group, as its new chief executive, replacing Graham Stapleton, who steps down after seven years. Under Stapleton’s leadership, Halfords transformed from a cycling and motoring retailer into an omnichannel motoring services specialist, growing annual revenues from £1.1bn to £1.7bn. Birch,…

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Former Very Group CEO to take over as Halfords boss

Halfords has announced that Graham Stapleton is stepping down as CEO, with Henry Birch replacing him in the role. Stapleton has led Halfords for over seven years, and during his tenure has helped see annual revenues grow from £1.1bn to £1.7bn, with more than half of sales now service-related. Henry…

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