Scotland
This coverage explores retail developments and economic conditions across Scotland, featuring reporting on store openings and closures, regional sales trends, employment challenges, and policy decisions affecting the sector. Insights are tailored for retail managers and executives seeking to understand the specific dynamics shaping retail operations in Scottish markets.
-
Jan- 2025 -29 JanuaryShopping Centres
Caledonia Park sees 8% footfall increase in 2024
Scotland’s designer outlet village Caledonia Park experienced a “record-breaking” year thanks to an 8% increase in its footfall in 2024. Standout categories included health and beauty, which saw a sales growth of 26%, as well as F&B which grew by 16%. Black Friday weekend was also “particularly successful” for the…
Read More » -
29 JanuaryHigh Street
Lloyds Banking Group to close 136 branches in further blow to UK high street
Lloyds Banking Group is reportedly set to close another 136 of its branches as it aims to adapt to customers’ shifting preferences for online banking, in what is another blow to the UK high street, according to the Financial Times. Reports suggest the group will close 61 Lloyds branches, 61…
Read More » -
Dec- 2024 -24 DecemberSupermarkets
Aldi to invest over £40m in Scotland over next two years
Aldi is set to invest over £40m into its Scottish store estate over the next two years, with three new sites set to open in 2025.Arbroath, Baillieston and Kirkintilloch stores are set to open next year, while its Carluke, Glenrothes and Stirling stores will undergo a refurbishment. The company said…
Read More » -
Nov- 2024 -28 NovemberNews
Morrisons to cease deliveries from Ocado’s Erith centre
Morrisons has announced that it will gradually cease deliveries from Ocado’s Erith Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC). Ocado has said that the decision comes as Morrisons has decided to process a greater share of its online deliveries through Dordon CFC and with in-store fulfilment. This also means that Ocado Retail will…
Read More » -
6 NovemberNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-6/11/24
Marks & Spencer (M&S) reported a strong half-year performance, with profits rising 17.2% to £407.8m for the period ending 28 September 2024. Revenue increased by 5.7% to £6.48bn, attributed to the company’s “Reshape M&S for Growth” strategy. Food sales grew 8.1%, while Clothing and Home sales rose by 4.7%. Despite…
Read More » -
6 NovemberSupermarkets
Aldi to open 11 new UK stores ahead of Christmas
Aldi is set to open 11 new stores across the UK between now and Christmas. New stores in Sedgley in the West Midlands and Castle Douglas in Scotland are set to open this week, while Horsham in West Sussex and Muswell Hill in London are also gearing up to welcome…
Read More » -
1 NovemberComment
From side hustle to global costume leader – The story of Fraser Smeaton’s costume empire
In 2009, Fraser Smeaton, CEO and co-founder of MorphCostumes, saw an unusual potential in what seemed like an ordinary moment. While walking the streets of Dublin with a friend sporting a bright blue spandex suit, he noticed that people couldn’t help but stop and stare, with many even approaching to…
Read More » -
Oct- 2024 -28 OctoberNews
Asda raises £4m for primary schools across UK
Asda’s Cashpot for Schools initiative, launched on 2 September, has raised £4m for primary schools across the UK. The industry-first campaign sees the retailer donate 0.5% of the value of its customers’ shopping to a primary school of their choice every time they shop using Asda Rewards – with £7.5m…
Read More » -
18 OctoberDepartment Stores
Furniture Village doubles employee profit share payouts
Furniture Village has doubled its employee profit share payouts following its strong trading performance for the year ended in June. After the retailer’s share buyback in October 2022, resulting in the business becoming 100% family owned, it implemented a companywide profit-sharing scheme known as the ‘Family Partnership’. The group’s full-year…
Read More » -
11 OctoberClothing & Shoes
Under Armour opens biggest outlet store in Caledonia Park
Global sports apparel brand Under Armour has opened its biggest outlet store in Scotland at Caledonia Park. The retailer has opened a 3,465 sq ft store at the premium designer outlet village, complementing its high-quality sportswear category alongside anchor brands, Nike and adidas. The store showcases Under Armour’s comprehensive range…
Read More »