Technology
This coverage explores how technology shapes the UK retail sector, focusing on digital transformation, e-commerce platforms, in-store innovations, data analytics, and supply chain systems. Reporting highlights how retailers leverage technology to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and stay competitive โ offering insight for executives, managers, and professionals driving retail innovation and operations.
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Oct- 2025 -23 OctoberDepartment Stores
Dunelm Q1 total sales rise 6.2% to ยฃ428m
Dunelm has revealed that its total sales rose 6.2% to ยฃ428m for the 13 weeks ended 27 September 2025. The company stated that this growth was driven by both higher volumes and increased average item values from product and category mix. Alongside this, its digital sales represented 40% of its…
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21 OctoberPeople Moves
Laura James appoints new CEO
Homeware and interiors brand Laura James has announced the appointment of Matthew Talbot as its new chief executive officer. Talbot, who previously served as chief operating officer for four and a half years, has overseen a period in which the business more than doubled in size, with increased profitability and…
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17 OctoberPeople Moves
Halfords appoints Sarah Haywood as chief information officer
Halfords has appointed Sarah Haywood as chief information officer, bringing more than two decades of experience in global technology leadership across major consumer brands. Haywood has held senior IT and digital transformation roles at Mondelฤz International, Kraft Foods, Cadbury Schweppes and Carlsberg Group, where she led large-scale technology integration and…
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17 OctoberHealth & Beauty
Zalando appoints LโOreal exec as beauty VP
Zalando has appointed former LโOreal executive Thomas Schwulera as its new vice president for beauty. Schwulera spent more than a decade in senior leadership roles across Europe and the companyโs global headquarters in Paris with a background that includes expertise in digital transformation, e-commerce and premium beauty brand management. He…
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16 OctoberDepartment Stores
John Lewis launches supplier platform to expand premium brands
John Lewis has launched a new supplier platform aimed at speeding up the addition of premium fashion and lifestyle brands to its range, as part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its position in the higher-end retail market. The platform, developed with technology firm Mirakl, allows suppliers to list and…
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15 OctoberOnline & Digital
Ocado Group appoints first chief revenue officer
Ocado Group has appointed its first-ever chief revenue officer as it looks to boost its valuation and drive global sales across the group.ย He joins the group from Atos, a specialist in digital transformation, where he was the global head of sales. He previously held positions at Hewlett Packard and…
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13 OctoberHealth & Beauty
Unfabled raises ยฃ1.3m amid expansion into 737 Boots stores
Womenโs health start-up Unfabled has raised ยฃ1.4m ($1.7m) in new funding and secured national distribution in 737 Boots stores. Founded in 2021 by chief executive Hannah Samano, a former Unilever innovator named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, Unfabled develops supplements addressing cycle-related symptoms such as fatigue, cramps and…
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9 OctoberHigh Street
Shoplifting surge a โlow-level warโ on high streets, warns Iceland chair
Britainโs rise in shoplifting has become a โlow-level war going on every dayโ, Iceland chair Richard Walker has said, urging retailers and the government to treat the problem as a serious threat to the high street. Speaking at the Financial Timesโ Future of Retail conference, Walker said that thefts were…
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6 OctoberFeatures
Fresh no more: Amazonโs online grocery strategy explained
Amazon has announced it will close all 14 of its Amazon Fresh stores in the UK, while converting a further five into Whole Foods Market locations. By the end of 2026, the company will operate 12 Whole Foods stores across the country, including a recently opened branch in Chelsea and…
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3 OctoberComment
D2C: From Ding Dong to Tik Tok
2025 is a milestone year for UK D2C retail body the UK Direct Selling Association, with the organisation celebrating its 60th year, and marking six decades in which all areas of retail โ not least D2C โ have borne witness to significant consumer change. Established in 1965 to โrepresent the…
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