PWC
This coverage examines PwC’s analysis and advisory work within the UK retail sector. Reporting focuses on insights from PwC’s Retail Outlook 2025, which addresses margin pressures, cost headwinds, and consumer sentiment trends. Coverage includes PwC’s commentary on retail sales figures, store openings and closures, and the impact of economic policies on retail operations. These insights are tailored for retail executives, financial planners, and professionals seeking data-driven perspectives on retail strategy and performance.
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Mar- 2020 -23 MarchHigh Street
Laura Ashley slashes 721 roles as 70 stores shutter
Embattled retailer Laura Ashley has shuttered 70 of its stores leaving almost 721 people out of work, administrator PWC has said. The ‘Big Four’ accountancy firm said it will be working with those employees to help them understand “what this means for their roles” and provide all “necessary support” including…
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Feb- 2020 -17 FebruaryFeatures
Book Smart: Why the independent bookshop is here to stay
The bookselling industry is subject to constant speculation. In a world where Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos reigns and tablet devices are a mainstay, one would be forgiven for assuming the end is nigh for independent booksellers’ success. But despite the rise of retail giants and fall of book…
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Jan- 2020 -15 JanuaryFeatures
How catering to older consumers can help save the high street
2019 was the “worst year on record” for retail according to figures released by the BRC last week, with commentators quick to blame the rise of internet shopping or the impact of Brexit, but the reality can be seen to be much more complex. Across the UK, high streets are…
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Dec- 2019 -18 DecemberOnline & Digital
400 jobs at risk as The Book People enters administration
The Book People has entered into administration, putting 400 jobs at risk. Toby Underwood and Zelf Hussain, of PWC, have now been appointed as joint administrators of the bookseller. According to PWC, the administration is a result of the “difficult” trading environment that the business has been experiencing, combined with…
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Nov- 2019 -29 NovemberShopping Centres
Intu drafts in PwC advisers
Intu properties has appointed PwC advisers to help the restructuring of its balance sheet. According to Sky News, the shopping centre has hired PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to work alongside its existing City advisers. It is understood the appointment has taken place in the last few days ahead of the festive period.…
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6 NovemberHigh Street
2800 jobs affected as Mothercare ceases UK trading
Mothercare has announced it is to cease all trading within the UK, putting a potential 2800 jobs at risk. Operating stores will close over the coming weeks and months, with the potential loss of 2485 retail jobs and 384 head office positions. Further losses will be seen at warehouses and…
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Oct- 2019 -24 OctoberHigh Street
Sports Direct appoints RSM UK as new auditor
Sports Direct has announced the appointment of RSM UK Group as its new auditor with immediate effect. It ends a six-week hunt for a new auditor, after Grant Thornton announced it was stepping down from the position on 13 August 2019. At the time, the firm said “following a review…
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Sep- 2019 -11 SeptemberHigh Street
Store closures hit record levels in the first half of 2019
The number of stores closing down in the first six months of the year has reached its highest levels, with 2868 closures recorded for the period. An average of 16 stores a day shut their doors, according to research by the Local Data Company (LDC) and accounting firm PwC. The…
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Aug- 2019 -21 AugustHigh Street
Sports Direct approaches mid-tier firms in race for new auditor
Sports fashion retailer Sports Direct has approached mid-tier accountancy firms BDO and Mazars as it races to appoint a new auditor, according to a report by the Financial Times (FT). FT said the retailer is aiming to avoid government intervention and a possible suspension from the London Stock Exchange (LSE)…
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14 AugustHigh Street
Grant Thornton quits as Sports Direct auditor
Sports Direct has confirmed accountancy firm Grant Thornton is to step down from its role as auditor. Sports Direct said on 13 August 2019 it received notice from Grant Thornton, “following a review of its client portfolio”, it intended not to seek reappointment as the company’s auditors and will cease…
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