West Midlands
This coverage examines retail developments across the West Midlands, focusing on store openings and closures, shopping centre activity, high street performance, and consumer behaviour shifts. Reporting includes updates on major hubs like Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, as well as regeneration projects and local retail investment. The content is tailored for retail professionals overseeing regional estate strategy, operations, and market expansion.
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Jul- 2025 -14 JulyLuxury Goods
Louis Vuitton confirms UK customer data stolen in cyber attack
Louis Vuitton has confirmed that data belonging to UK shoppers was stolen in a cyber attack on its systems earlier this month. The luxury fashion brand said an unauthorised third party accessed its UK operations on 2 July, taking names, purchase history and contact details of customers. However, the company…
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11 JulyShopping Centres
NCA arrests four over cyber attacks on M&S, Co-op and Harrods
Four people have been arrested as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into cyber attacks on Marks and Spencer, Co-op and Harrods. Two men aged 19, a 17-year-old boy, and a 20-year-old woman were detained at home addresses in the West Midlands and London on 10 July. They…
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8 JulyHigh Street
Retail footfall rises 1.5% amid warm weather and Oasis revival
Retail footfall rose by 1.5% week-on-week across all retail locations, primarily driven by a 2.9% increase in retail parks, followed by a 1.3% rise in high streets and a 0.9% uplift in shopping centres, according to the latest MRI Software’s data. Warmer weather, seasonal demand and the early momentum of…
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Jun- 2025 -17 JuneHigh Street
Poundland confirms plans to shutter 150 stores
Poundland has confirmed that up to 150 stores and two distribution centres are set to close under a new restructuring plan, subject to court approval. Following Poundland’s acquisition by Gordon Brothers last week, an initial 68 stores will close, and along with rent reduction plans, its estate will eventually fall…
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May- 2025 -30 MaySupermarkets
Aldi to open 10 new stores this summer
Aldi is set to open 10 new stores over the next 14 weeks, while a further 30 stores will undergo a refresh. The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, which now has more than 1,050 stores, will open new locations in Oldbury in the West Midlands, Fulham Broadway in London and Brighouse in…
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Apr- 2025 -23 AprilClothing & Shoes
Outdoor & Cycle Concepts rebrands to Cotswold Outdoor Group
Outdoor and Cycle Concepts, the British company behind high-street brands Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow + Rock, has been renamed to Cotswold Outdoor Group. Founded in the Cotswolds over 50 years ago in 1974, the company has updated its name to better reflect its business portfolio in 2025. The…
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Mar- 2025 -10 MarchHigh Street
UK retail footfall rebounds with high streets leading the way
Retail footfall rose by 1.8% overall for the week ended 7 March 2025 compared with the week before, driven by a 4.2% rebound in high street activity and by 0.1% in retail parks. However, shopping centres saw a 1.6% decline in footfall, reflecting cautious consumer behaviour ahead of Mother’s Day…
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Dec- 2024 -5 DecemberNews
Aldi to open four new stores across the UK
Aldi is set to open the doors to four new stores today (5 December) as it continues its rapid expansion drive across the UK. The stores will be located at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol, Hetton-le-Hole in Tyne and Wear, Ashton-in-Makerfield in Greater Manchester, and Macduff in Banffshire, creating more than…
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Nov- 2024 -28 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Footasylum opens upsized store at Merry Hill
Streetwear retailer Footasylum has launched its upsized store at Merry Hill shopping centre, tripling its footprint. Combining its existing unit with the adjacent space, Footasylum has expanded its presence at Merry Hill from 3,000 to 10,000 sq ft. The upsized store introduces innovative features, including a mobile payment system that…
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15 NovemberHealth & Beauty
Sephora opens new store in Birmingham
Sephora UK has opened a new beauty retail destination in the West Midlands’ shopping heartland, Birmingham’s Bullring and Grand Central. The latest beauty store from the retailer is the sixth store to open in the UK as well as the first in the region. The new store in Birmingham is…
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