Productivity
This coverage explores productivity in the UK retail industry, focusing on workforce effectiveness, operational efficiency, process innovation, and cost control. Reporting provides insight into how retailers optimise resources and performance to remain competitive — supporting executives, managers, and professionals driving improvement initiatives.
-
Apr- 2024 -12 AprilPeople Moves
Levi’s names incoming CCO
Levi’s has announced the appointment of Gianluca Flore as executive vice president and chief commercial officer, effective from 29 July. In his new role, Flore will report to president and CEO Michelle Gass and will be responsible for the commercial operations of the Levi’s brand across all global channels, including…
Read More » -
Mar- 2024 -25 MarchDIY
Kingfisher profits drop amid poor international performance
Kingfisher has seen its pre-tax profits drop 25% to £568m for the year ended 31 January, down from £758m the year prior. The company has put this drop down to poor international sales specifically in France and Poland. As a result, the company is now predicting full year profits of…
Read More » -
20 MarchFeatures
Four things we learned from the John Lewis’ latest results
John Lewis held a partnership call with shareholders and members of the press after it revealed it returned to profit for the first time in four years posting a pre-tax profit of £42m before exceptional items for the year ended 27 January 2024. This success came off the back of…
Read More » -
14 MarchDepartment Stores
John Lewis returns to profit but pays no staff bonus
John Lewis has revealed a pre-tax profit of £42m before exceptional items for the year ended 27 January 2024, up from a loss of £78m last year. Despite the return to profit the Partnership will not pay out staff bonuses for the third time in four years. The company stated…
Read More » -
13 MarchClothing & Shoes
Zara owner profits surge by 28% in FY23
Zara owner Inditex has welcomed a “very robust” FY23 performance, as profit-before-tax surged 28.2% to €6.9bn (£5.9bn) while sales rose by 10.4% to €35.9bn (£30.7bn).Gross profits rose by 11.9% to €20.8bn (£17.8bn), and EBITDA increased 13.9% to €9.9bn (£8.5bn) as the group reported strong results both in stores and online. …
Read More » -
7 MarchEconomy
Budget will ‘do nothing to turbocharge investment’, says BRC
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has stated that the latest Budget announcement will “do nothing to turbocharge investment and growth in communities”. This comes after Chancellor Jeremy Hunt revealed his Spring Budget without many big giveaways for retail businesses. Hunt resisted calls from business leaders to reduce business rates, reintroduce…
Read More » -
4 MarchFeatures
A history of John Lewis
In the busy British retail landscape John Lewis stands out as a high street stalwart. From its humble beginnings as a drapery shop in Victorian-era Oxford Street to its evolution into a nationwide chain of department stores, the history of John Lewis is a testament to the enduring values of…
Read More » -
Jan- 2024 -22 JanuaryHigh Street
John Lewis warns staff could face smaller pay rises
John Lewis has reportedly warned staff that they may face smaller pay rises under new salary policies as it continues its turnaround strategy, according to The Telegraph. The outlet reported that the John Lewis Partnership is consulting on the changes that it believes would allow for more “flexibility” and allow…
Read More » -
15 JanuaryClothing & Shoes
WCF Ltd acquires Bella di Notte
Mail-order clothing firm WCF Ltd has acquired a North Yorkshire-based lingerie and clothing firm Bella di Notte as part of its continued expansion for an undisclosed sum. Bella di Notte, which specialises in Italian lingerie and better-fit fashion for mature women, will complement WCF’s existing national mail-order clothing brands which…
Read More » -
2 JanuaryNews
John Lewis to prioritise retail in new turnaround plan
John Lewis Partnership is going to update its turnaround strategy after chief executive Nish Kankiwala has told its staff that the business will focus on retail. Kankiwala, who joined the business in March, said that the Partnership has to operate under a “one retail mindset” for Waitrose, John Lewis, as…
Read More »
