Pandemic
This coverage examines the impact of pandemics on the UK retail industry, focusing on operational disruption, financial challenges, consumer behaviour shifts, and recovery strategies. Reporting highlights store closures, safety measures, supply chain pressures, leadership decisions, and lessons learned to enhance resilience. Tailored for executives and managers, it provides insights to navigate crisis situations and strengthen preparedness.
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Jul- 2025 -23 JulyDIY
Portmeirion H1 sales rise 1.3% to £37.1m despite US tariffs
Homeware retailer Portmeirion Group has reported a sales rise of 1.3% to £37.1m in the six months to 30 June, thanks to a rebound in South Korea and strong international demand despite disruption in the US, its largest market. The group, which operates brands Spode, Portmeirion, Royal Worcester, Nambé, Pimpernel…
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21 JulyDepartment Stores
John Lewis workers could receive bonus for first time in four years
John Lewis workers could reportedly receive their bonus for the first time in four years if the company beats its £200m profit target amid turnaround plans, The Financial Times has reported. In an internal update seen by the paper, the employee-owned company said that if profits exceeded the target then…
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17 JulyComment
What will separate supply chain winners and losers in the years to come
For decades, logistics and supply chain operations have been the unsung heroes of commerce—efficiently humming behind the scenes, away from public attention. But in a world shaped by pandemic shocks, geopolitical tensions, and shifting consumer expectations, supply chains have stepped into the spotlight. For Emile Naus, Partner at BearingPoint, this…
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Jun- 2025 -27 JuneFeatures
Has homeware become a fast fashion rite of passage?
This summer marks a bold new chapter in Primark’s retail journey, as the brand opens its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. Following the success of its debut Home concept in Belfast, this 11,900 sq. ft, two-floor space aims to bring the full breadth…
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20 JuneHigh Street
Retail sales see sharpest monthly fall since December 2023
Retail sales volumes fell by 2.7% in May, according to the latest retail sales figures from the ONS, marking the sharpest monthly decline since December 2023. The fall followed a revised 1.3% rise in April and was driven largely by reduced spending in food stores and weaker sales of clothing…
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13 JuneHigh Street
Activist investor builds stake in WH Smith
Activist investor Palliser has reportedly acquired close to a 5% stake in WH Smith, worth about £65m at its current share price, according to reports from Sky News. Palliser is thought to hold WH Smith’s management team, led by chief executive Carl Cowling, in high regard with the move coming…
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10 JuneFeatures
Why the mood economy is shaping the retail landscape
Retail therapy is nothing new. For decades, shoppers have found comfort in the act of buying here and there to lift their mood, mark a moment, or simply to reclaim a sense of control. But lately something feels different in Britain’s buying habits, and it runs deeper than the occasional…
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2 JuneDepartment Stores
John Lewis bosses face calls to bring back bonuses
The John Lewis Partnership is facing calls to reinstate staff bonuses, having last paid out bonuses in FY22, as it looked to turnaround the business in recent years. According to The Financial Times, some workers have now shared an open letter and launched a petition through Organise calling on bosses…
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May- 2025 -27 MayHigh Street
Oxford Street vacancies drop below pre-pandemic levels
The rate of vacancies on Oxford Street in London has fallen to 0.5%, the first time it has fallen below 1% since before the pandemic, according to data from Savills. Savills attributed this to an undersupply of quality vacant space, noting that good quality retail space has become “increasingly constrained”.…
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21 MayClothing & Shoes
JD Sports pre-tax profits drop 4% to £923m in FY25
JD Sports has seen its pre-tax profits and adjusting items drop 4% to £923m during the year ended 1 February 2025, due largely to the group’s continued investment in infrastructure, controls and security. Without adjusting items, profits before tax fell 11.8% to £715m during the financial year. However, the retailer…
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