Southampton
This coverage examines retail activity, store developments, and market trends in Southampton, offering insights into the city’s role as a regional retail hub. Reporting highlights property investments, brand openings, consumer behaviour, and economic factors shaping the local retail landscape. Retail executives, managers, and stakeholders can use this content to inform strategies for operations and growth in the area.
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Nov- 2019 -18 NovemberDepartment Stores
John Lewis and Waitrose to launch first ever concept store
John Lewis and Waitrose have announced the launch of a new ‘concept’ store, set to open in Southampton later this week. The John Lewis Partnership said the store hopes to create “experience playgrounds” for customers, with greater focus on increasing hands-on experiences whilst shopping. The store will incorporate multiple new…
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Aug- 2019 -7 AugustHigh Street
Boots to trial in-store interpretation service
Health and beauty retailer Boots is trialing an interpretation service for non-English speaking pharmacy patients, starting in five stores across the UK. The service is being provided by US firm Voyce, with the service being accessible via in-store iPads. Voyce connects colleagues and patients with interpreters who can translate over…
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Jul- 2019 -23 JulyHigh Street
Lego Group to open two new stores this year
The Lego Group is bringing two new stores to Birmingham’s Bull Ring and Southampton West Quay Shopping Centre. The two stores are planned to open just before the Christmas season, and the retailer claims the stores will have the “widest selection” of the latest Lego sets and a host of…
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Jun- 2019 -24 JuneAdvice
Why experiential retail has never been more important
Picture the scene: A 400m maze with 8ft high walls and a tree-house retreat as its centrepiece, with yoga sessions held on its roof; immersive, interactive light shows that enchant young and old alike; exclusive events with global online influencers and 90s boyband popstars. These types of experiences are a…
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Feb- 2019 -19 FebruaryDepartment Stores
John Lewis shortlists six start-ups for its innovation programme
The John Lewis Partnership has shortlisted six retail start-ups to its innovation programme JLAB, who could “transform how we shop in the future”. Over 160 new start-ups and more established businesses entered John Lewis’ ‘experiential retail challenge’ with the chance of being selected to develop their ideas with the company.…
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Jan- 2019 -31 JanuarySupply Chain
Lidl opens 13th and largest UK distribution centre
Lidl UK has announced the opening of its 13th and largest Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) in Doncaster. The warehouse, which represents a £70m investment in Lidl’s expansion and logistics, will initially provide support to 53 Lidl stores across south Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Midlands. Earlier this month, Lidl opened a…
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Jun- 2018 -1 JuneHigh Street
Lush ‘anti-police’ campaign heavily criticised
Cosmetics retailer Lush has been shrouded in controversy after releasing window displays described by many on social media as “anti-police”. According to Lush the window displays are aimed at the undercover policing scandal and at highlighting the “current lack of progress of the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the granting of…
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Feb- 2018 -27 FebruaryNews
Hammerson Intu takeover plans still firm
Shopping centre owner Hammerson will continue with its plans to takeover rival Intu for £3.4bn. This was announced as the firm revealed that net rental income increased by 6.9% year-on-year from £346.5m to £370.4m. Hammerson showed its interest in purchasing Intu in December and has announced a new £1.5bn credit…
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Jan- 2018 -31 JanuaryHigh Street
B&Q plans to cut 200 headquarters jobs
DIY retailer B&Q has announced it will cut over 200 roles at its Southampton headquarters. In a statement, the group said the it was due to a “cost-cutting drive and restructure”, and hopes that axing the jobs will “improve efficiency and simplify ways of working”. The company is the latest…
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2 JanuaryNews
Co-op to open 100 new food stores in 2018
The Co-op has confirmed plans to open 100 new food stores across the UK in 2018, creating an estimated 1,600 jobs. It comes as part of the £160m investment programme for the community retailer that includes new stores and major refurbishment for a further 150 outlets. More than 20 new…
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