Supply Chain
This coverage examines supply chain strategy and performance within the UK retail industry. Reporting highlights logistics innovation, inventory management, sourcing practices, supplier relations, technology adoption, and responses to disruption. Focused on efficiency, resilience, and commercial impact, it provides insights for retail executives and managers optimising operations and ensuring continuity.
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Feb- 2025 -10 FebruarySupermarkets
UK retailers still facing ‘mountain of costs’, M&S CEO warns
M&S CEO Stuart Machin has warned that UK retailers are still facing a mountain of costs despite Rachel Reeve’s push for growth. Writing in the Sunday Times, Machin said that the government should lighten “the burden” the budget has loaded on the retail sector, claiming that the industry is being…
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7 FebruaryPeople Moves
M&S recruits John Lyttle as clothing MD amid leadership reshuffle
M&S has announced that John Lyttle, the former CEO of Boohoo, will be joining as managing director of clothing, home and beauty on 3 March. The news comes as the retailer’s current MD of clothing, home and beauty, Richard Price, who has held the role since 2020, will be leaving…
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4 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-4/2/25
Shein’s planned £50bn London IPO is under threat due to potential US tariff reforms and ongoing allegations of forced labor in its supply chain. Former President Donald Trump’s proposal to eliminate the ‘de minimis’ tax rule—which allows duty-free imports of small packages under $800 from China, Canada, and Mexico—could significantly…
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4 FebruaryHigh Street
High street sales rise 7.1% in January but concerns on rising costs remain
Total retail sales in discretionary spend categories grew by 7.1% in January amid concerns that 2025 is set to be another “difficult” year for retail as rising costs continue to mount, according to BDO’s latest High Street Sales Tracker. The latest report from BDO shows that the 7.1% growth comes…
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4 FebruaryOnline & Digital
Shein’s London float in danger as Trump tariffs target US tax loophole
Shein’s £50bn London IPO plans could be in danger after Donald Trump set his sights on closing a tax loophole that allows retailers like Shein to avoid tax charges in the US.Trump is set to scrap the ‘de minimis’ rule, which allows small packages worth less than $800 (£645) to…
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3 FebruaryPeople Moves
N Brown appoints Clare Empson as chief customer operations officer
N Brown Group has revealed Clare Empson has been promoted to the newly created role of chief customer operations officer. Empson joined N Brown in January 2024 as director of supply chain and is expanding her remit to lead the customer operations domain. The newly created role of chief customer…
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Jan- 2025 -22 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-22/1/25
River Island has engaged AlixPartners to manage cost reductions ahead of impending tax hikes in April. Despite a £33.2m pre-tax loss and a 19% drop in turnover to £578.1m for 2023, the retailer plans no formal restructuring affecting its 250+ stores. Waterstones reported a substantial rise in pre-tax profits to…
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22 JanuaryPeople Moves
Asda appoints David Lepley as new chief supply chain officer
Asda has announced that David Lepley will join its executive team as chief supply chain officer, to lead its food and general merchandise supply operations. Lepley joins from Morrison’s where he was the executive group operations director. The move is a return ‘home’ for Lepley, having previously spent 15 years…
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20 JanuaryFeatures
What can the luxury retail sector expect in 2025?
As we step into 2025, the luxury retail sector finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The industry, which witnessed a golden era of growth between 2019 and 2023, is now facing a multitude of macroeconomic headwinds, evolving consumer preferences, and an urgent need to redefine its value proposition. According to…
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15 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-15/1/25
Inflation in the UK unexpectedly fell to 2.5% in December, marking its first decline in three months, according to the ONS. The decrease, attributed to reduced hotel and tobacco prices despite rising fuel costs, exceeded expectations, as analysts had predicted inflation would remain steady at 2.6%. While inflation remains above…
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