Waterstones
This coverage focuses on Waterstones’ strategy, operations, and role within the UK bookselling and retail sector. Reporting highlights store performance, expansion plans, leadership decisions, marketing initiatives, and responses to consumer trends and industry challenges. Designed for retail executives, brand managers, and operations professionals, the content provides insights into how Waterstones maintains its position in a competitive market.
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Aug- 2025 -18 AugustHigh Street
Waterstones to open 10 new stores a year amid BookTok craze
Waterstones has revealed that it is opening 10 new stores a year as it looks to capitalise on social media trends such as BookTok leading to more young people reading. The retailer which owns the Waterstones, Foyles, Hatchards and Blackwell’s brands told The Guardian that its sales were up 5%…
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12 AugustHigh Street
Waterstones secures £125m to fund growth
Waterstones has secured £125m in syndicated financing to support its operations and expansion plans. The UK-based bookseller said the package, jointly arranged by Barclays UK Corporate Bank and HSBC UK Bank, includes a £75m term loan and a £50m revolving credit facility. The funding will go towards the company’s ongoing…
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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 JanuaryHigh Street
Waterstones profits quadruple to £43m as office workers return
Waterstones has seen pre-tax profits rise from £11.2m to £42.9m in the year to 27 April 2024, whilst reporting a 16% sales rise to £528.4m. It comes as Waterstones experienced “encouraging” growth in London and other metropolitan city centres, as tourist numbers increased and workers returned to offices. The retailer’s…
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6 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-6/1/25
Fast-fashion retailer Shein is set to face scrutiny from a Parliamentary Committee over labour practices in its supply chain. The inquiry, part of the government’s employment rights initiative, also involves Chinese firm Temu. The committee, chaired by ex-Labour minister Liam Byrne, aims to tackle forced labour concerns and inadequate protection…
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6 JanuaryNews
Waterstones plans dozens of new bookshops in 2025
Waterstones chief executive James Daunt plans to open dozens of new bookshops this year, according to the FT. Daunt, who is also the boss of Barnes and Noble in the US, oversaw the opening of 57 stores in the US and 12 in the UK during the year and now…
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Nov- 2024 -22 NovemberFeatures
Reimagining retail through the physical store experience
In an ever-evolving retail landscape, Marcus Fox, CEO of Agile Retail, has distinguished himself as a leader who is rewriting the rules of the game. With nearly two decades of experience spanning supermarket giants Sainsbury’s and Morrisons and now leading a nimble, 50-person business, Fox embodies a unique blend of…
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Mar- 2024 -25 MarchShopping Centres
Cribbs Mall to welcome Sweaty Betty store
Cribbs Mall has announced that Sweaty Betty will be opening a new 1,714 sq ft store at the West Country shopping centre. The activewear retailer’s arrival comes as the shopping centre experienced a bumper 2023, with over 110,000 sq ft of leasing activity that took the occupancy rate to nearly…
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Feb- 2024 -20 FebruaryNews
Today’s news in brief-20/2/24
Julian Dunkerton is reportedly in discussions with US investor Davidson Kempner regarding a potential deal to take the company private. While talks are in the early stages, Dunkerton aims to acquire the majority stake in Superdry that he doesn’t already own. The company has faced challenges, including a YoY sales…
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20 FebruaryElectrical
Currys shares soar 36% amid takeover interest
Currys shares soared 36% to 64.9p on Monday after it was revealed that Chinese e-commerce company JD.com has joined the potential list of suitors looking to acquire the retailer. The bid currently faces competition from US Investment Group Elliott, owner of Waterstones, which recently made a £700m preliminary offer for…
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