Wages
This coverage examines wage trends and policies in the UK retail sector, focusing on pay levels, employer contributions, labour cost management, and compliance. Reporting highlights how changes in wages impact staffing budgets, recruitment, retention, and operational planning — offering insight for executives, HR leaders, and finance professionals managing workforce investments.
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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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10 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-10/3/25
WH Smith is nearing a decision on the sale of its high street business, with two bidders, Alteri Investors and Modello Capital, remaining in the race. The retailer, which has seen its Travel business outperform high street outlets, confirmed in January it was exploring strategic options, including a potential sale.…
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Feb- 2025 -24 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-24/2/25
Shein, the global online fashion retailer, saw its profits plummet by 40% to $1bn in 2024. The company faced a challenging final quarter and intensified competition from rival Temu. Shein’s declining profitability complicates its efforts to secure regulatory approval for a London listing, with some investors urging a valuation reduction…
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24 FebruaryFeatures
The decline of UK department stores: can they survive?
The decline of department stores in the UK has been one of the most significant shifts in the retail sector in recent years. High street giants that once defined the shopping experience have faced unprecedented challenges, leaving behind empty storefronts and a stark reminder of how much the landscape has…
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13 FebruaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/2/25
Fast-fashion giant Shein is relocating some Chinese supplier operations to Vietnam to circumvent U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, including a 10% levy on Chinese goods and the removal of a $800 de minimis exemption. Incentives for suppliers include procurement price hikes of up to 30%, alongside Vietnam’s lower…
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Jan- 2025 -21 JanuaryHigh Street
Shoe Zone profits fall in ‘year of two halves’
Shoe Zone has revealed that its profit before tax fell to £10.1m for the year ended 28 September 2024, down from £16.2m in the previous year. Alongside this, the company’s revenues fell to £161.3m, down from £165.7m in the same period last year. Shoe Zone stated that the decline was…
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20 JanuaryNews
Bira calls for gov action following ‘disappointing’ December sales
The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) is calling for urgent government intervention following “disappointing” December retail figures, which show sales volumes fell by 0.3% following a modest 0.1% rise in November 2024. The figures, released by the BRC on Friday (17 January), revealed that while non-food stores such as clothing…
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10 JanuaryFeatures
From comedy to commerce: Vix Leyton on the data that drives retail
In the fast-paced, data-driven world of retail analytics, Vix Leyton, Head of Content at Pepper.com, stands out for her unique career journey and dual life as a stand-up comedian. In a candid interview, Leyton shared her insights on the industry’s evolution, the trends that defined 2023, and where the retail…
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Dec- 2024 -19 DecemberEconomy
BoE holds interest rates at 4.75%
The Bank of England (BoE) has voted to hold interest rates at 4.75%, following a recent hike in both inflation and wage growth. At its meeting this week, the bank’s monetary policy committee voted by a majority of 6–3 to maintain the current rate. Three members voted to reduce interest rates…
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18 DecemberHigh Street
Shoe Zone halves profit guidance and warns of store closures
Shoe Zone has halved its profit expectations for the year to 27 September 2025, downgrading it to “no less than” £5m, down from the previous guidance of £10m. It comes as the high street shoe retailer experienced “very challenging trading conditions” for the first two months of FY25 and the…
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