Sustainability
This coverage examines sustainability initiatives and challenges within the UK retail sector. Reporting highlights environmental strategies, supply chain improvements, energy efficiency, packaging innovation, and leadership commitments aimed at reducing impact and meeting regulatory expectations. Tailored for executives and managers, it provides insights to support sustainable decision-making and long-term planning.
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Mar- 2025 -24 MarchFeatures
Are consumers stuck in an endless cycle of ‘aesthetic’ dupes?
The retail landscape is increasingly defined by a relentless cycle of “aesthetic” dupes – fast, trend-driven products designed to mimic high-end styles at a fraction of the cost. From Pinterest and Primark’s new trend-inspired collection to Temu’s staggering 77% product overlap with Amazon – where every tenth item is identical,…
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24 MarchFeatures
Lessons from Forever 21’s decline
The collapse of once-iconic brands like Forever 21 serve as a stark warning for fast fashion retailers globally. Having filed for bankruptcy for the second time in the US, the news highlighted Forever 21’s failure to adapt to the needs of its customers, take note of its competitors and move…
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18 MarchDIY
Ikea to open Oxford Street store in May
Ikea has revealed that it will open the doors of its Oxford Street store on 1 May following an extensive environmental upgrade of the Grade II listed building in central London. The new Oxford Street store will offer the traditional “Ikea experience”: a showroom packed with roomsets, a market-hall filled…
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17 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-17/3/25
Fenwick, the family-owned retailer, is facing significant financial challenges, with pre-tax losses widening to £38.1m in the year to January 2024, up from £28.4m the previous year. The company has been operating at a loss for six years due to high inflation, increased costs, and tough market conditions. Despite efforts…
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17 MarchFeatures
Can Boohoo’s rebrand solve its fast fashion woes?
In the run-up to Boohoo announcing its name change to Debenhams Group, the fashion business had battled an onslaught of media scrutiny – and we’re only halfway through the 2020s. Let’s recap this chain of events: in 2020, a Sunday Times investigation found that Boohoo suppliers in Leicester were getting…
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17 MarchDIY
Screwfix to open 35 new stores by Jan 2026
Screwfix, the omnichannel retailer, has announced plans to open up to 35 new stores across the UK and Ireland by the end of January 2026, creating more than 400 jobs in local communities. The store opening strategy is spearheaded by its recently launched new store format, Screwfix City. Screwfix opened…
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14 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-14/3/25
Shein, the fast-fashion giant, has confirmed its plans to go public, targeting a listing on the London Stock Exchange. Executive chairman Donald Tang emphasised the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability as it transitions to a public entity. However, no specific timeline or valuation was disclosed, with Tang stating the…
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6 MarchElectrical
Currys introduces ‘inflation-beating’ pay boost
Currys has announced an “inflation-beating” boost of 6% to colleague pay thanks to an £8m investment that will see a raise in the hourly rate paid to employees, combined with the retailer’s bonus programme. This boost means that skilled hourly paid store workers will have their minimum hourly rate rise…
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Feb- 2025 -26 FebruaryEconomy
One in 10 part-time retail jobs at risk, BRC says
One in 10 part-time retail jobs, up to 160,000 roles, could be at risk of being lost over the next three years as a result of the rising costs of employment, the BRC has revealed. The retail body has warned of the impact that both the budget and upcoming regulatory…
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25 FebruaryPeople Moves
Co-op unveils new board appointments
The Co-operative Group (Co-op) has appointed Wais Shaifta and Lord Simon Woolley as Independent non-executive directors (NED). Wais is an expert in digital growth and transformation and Co-op said his experience in leading technology businesses brings “depth of understanding of the role technology plays in delivering more value to member-owners”.…
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