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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May- 2025 -16 MayComment
The most sought-after jobs in British retail in 2025
By 2025, the British retail landscape is a mysterious blend of shuttered doors, mass sackings, and a thriving ecosystem of creativity and new career opportunities which can be home-grown. While the closure of thousands of stores and the whole transformation of the high streets made it look like the retail…
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14 MayFeatures
A Lidl bit more: Why is Lidl investing in expansion?
On 28 April Lidl announced that it is going to invest £500m in store expansion, aiming to open more than 40 stores in the process. The budget supermarket has been rapidly gaining market share in the UK hitting a record 8.1% in May 2024, according to data from Kantar. With…
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Apr- 2025 -28 AprilComment
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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25 AprilEconomy
UK retail sales rise 0.4% in March
UK retail sales volumes increased by 0.4% in March 2025, following a rise of 0.7% in February 2025, the ONS revealed. According to the latest figures, clothing and outdoor sales were boosted by good weather although supermarket sales fell partly. However, during the month volumes were down by 0.3%, compared…
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24 AprilFeatures
Retail’s staffing crisis: why jobs are disappearing and what’s next
Across the UK, retail employment remains 5% below pre-pandemic levels, according to Deputy’s Big Shift 2025 report. The decline is steady, pushed along by automation, e-commerce, and shifting worker expectations. In contrast, London’s hospitality sector is booming – fuelled by the city’s night-time economy, now worth a quarter of all…
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23 AprilClothing & Shoes
Represent appoints former Dr Martens CEO as new chair
Luxury streetwear brand Represent has appointed former Dr Martens CEO Kenny Wilson as its new chair and non-executive director. In his new role, Wilson will be responsible for accelerating Represent’s growth and global expansion. He served as Dr Martens CEO from 2018 until March 2025. During his tenure, he successfully…
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22 AprilNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-22/4/25
Marks & Spencer has apologised to customers after a technical glitch disrupted contactless payments and click-and-collect services over the Bank Holiday weekend. Shoppers reported frustration at being unable to complete purchases, with some forced to abandon full trolleys. The issue also affected M&S’s email and chat systems, preventing advance customer…
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22 AprilHigh Street
New Original Factory Shop owner eyes major rent cuts as part of CVA
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) landlords could face a package of major rent cuts as its new owner aims to finalise plans for a CVA for the group, with potential store closure also featuring as part of the move. According to Sky News, Modella Capital is now preparing to unveil a…
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15 AprilSport & Leisure
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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8 AprilHigh Street
Clintons returns to FY profit following store closures
Clintons has returned to profit following a period of store closures and job losses, with pre-tax profits rising to £8.1m in the year ended 29 June 2024, up from a loss of £5.4m the prior year. Full-year sales fell from £96.5m to £82.6m over the period, which was a “satisfactory…
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