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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Apr- 2023 -3 AprilDepartment Stores
John Lewis pension assets plunge £2.8bn
John Lewis Partnership saw the market value of its pension assets plunge by £2.8bn last year amid a set of poor financial results. As revealed in its recent annual results, the value of the fund fell from £7.23bn to £4.42bn, largely due to a fall in the value of liability-driven…
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Mar- 2023 -29 MarchNews
Unbound Group shares surge amid possible takeover
Unbound Group saw its shares surge on Tuesday (28 March) after the clothing company announced a possible cash offer by WoolOvers Group, a knitwear company which targets the same demographic. Under the terms of the offer, Unbound shareholders would receive a 10.5 pence in cash and 1 contingent value right…
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29 MarchClothing & Shoes
Next acquires Cath Kidston for £8.5m with job losses expected
Next has agreed to acquire the brand name, domain names and intellectual property of Cath Kidston for £8.5m, with job cuts expected as the group is wound down and its remaining stores close. The group said the cathkidston.com domain will be licenced back to the administrators for a period of…
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28 MarchSupermarkets
Supermarket sales up 8.6% as grocery inflation hits 17.5%
Take-home grocery sales increased 8.6% over the most recent 12 week-period as grocery price inflation reached record levels. According to the latest figures from Kantar, grocery price inflation reached 17.5%, adding £837 to the average household’s annual bill, with prices rising fastest in eggs, milk and cheese. Across the retailers,…
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28 MarchClothing & Shoes
Next eyes Cath Kidston acquisition
Next is reportedly in advanced talks to rescue the Cath Kidston brand, in a move that would further expand its portfolio following the acquisitions of Joules and Made last year. According to Sky News, a deal could be closed as early as today (28 March), though some sources told Sky…
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27 MarchFeatures
It’s always someone’s birthday: gift cards remain evergreen
Inflation and rising living costs have turned consumers into paranoid penny-pinchers, who are cautiously awaiting the next fiscal catastrophe to empty their wallets once again. According to Barclays, nearly six in 10 Brits are actively curbing their discretionary purchases, which has led to just a 5.5% uplift in year-on-year spending…
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27 MarchHealth & Beauty
Boots owner eyes sale or float by year’s end
Boots faces being sold or floated by the end of 2023, following US boss’ wish to separate the global pharmacy retailer, reports This is Money. The news comes as investors and board members want the retailers’ senior leadership team to speed up plans to refocus the business on the US…
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24 MarchProperty
Fortnum and Mason revamps flagship to appeal to wider audience
Fortnum and Mason is attempting to shed its image as a grocer for the super rich by revamping its flagship store in Piccadilly, according to reports from The Telegraph. The retailer will re-open the third floor of its store on Piccadilly in London as a “creative hub” focused on food…
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24 MarchEconomy
Retail sales rise 1.2% in February
The ONS has reported today (24 March) that retail sales for February have increased by an estimated 1.2%, following a rise of 0.9% in January, despite a fall in sales volumes of 3.5% when compared to the same month last year. In addition, the ONS found that sales volumes fell…
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23 MarchDepartment Stores
Ownership of business will ‘remain a constant’, says John Lewis chair
John Lewis chairwoman Sharon White has assured that employees’ ownership of the John Lewis Partnership will “remain a constant”, following reports that the group was considering selling a minority ownership stake. It comes as reports emerged earlier this week that the employee-owned group could dilute its 100% staff ownership structure…
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