Retail news

• Starbucks’ same-store sales extend fall amid fewer customers at cafés

  28-01-2025 22:11 via ft.com
  New chief executive’s turnaround plan includes code of conduct requiring visitors to make a purchase
  
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• Golden Goose stake sale values luxury sports shoe group at €2.2bn

  28-01-2025 18:30 via ft.com
  
  Transaction comes seven months after majority owner Permira pulled planned IPO of Italian brand
  
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• LVMH sales growth raises hope for end to luxury downturn 

  28-01-2025 18:22 via ft.com
  
  Chief financial officer says performance ‘objectively better in Europe and the US’ in fourth quarter
  
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• Asda ditches Aldi and Lidl price-match scheme just a year after launch

  28-01-2025 17:42
  
  Supermarket to roll out its own price cuts campaign with new boss keen not to ‘dance to the tune of the discounters’Asda is ditching its Aldi and Lidl price-match scheme just a year after launching it, as the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket chain battles to win back shoppers amid rising costs.Stopping the scheme in favour of a wider “Rollback” price cuts campaign is one of the most dramatic moves yet by Asda’s new chair, Allan Leighton, who returned to run Asd
  
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• H&M increases online return fees for UK customers

  28-01-2025 16:33
  
  H&M is increasing its fees for customers choosing to return their online orders by post.
  The fashion retailer currently charges £1.99 per parcel for non-members to return unwanted purchases but this will rise to £2.95 from 3 February and will also apply to those signed up to its membership programme.
  A spokesperson from H&M told The Sun: “From 3rd February a return fee of £2.95 will be deducted from refunds for all customers. We have adjusted our returns fee
  
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• Ikea eyes second-hand expansion across Europe as it scales up trial

  28-01-2025 15:33
  
  Ikea plans expand its second-hand marketplace after successful pilots in Oslo and Madrid.
  Speaking to the Financial Times, Jesper Brodein, CEO of Ikea’s largest franchisee Ingka said its trial of the DIY retailer’s Preowned service has been extended nationwide across Norway and Spain, and will run until August.
  Brodin said: “We have decided to expand it from Madrid to Spain, and from Oslo to Norway. In a couple of years, we want to scale it up to all markets in Europe.”
  T
  
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• WHSmith cuts over 100 travel store manager roles amid overhaul

  28-01-2025 15:08
  
  WHSmith is slashing over 100 manager roles across its travel store network as part of its restructuring plan focused on its growing travel business.
  The business, which now brands itself as “the global travel retailer,” informed managers at around 40% of its UK 579 travel stores that they were at risk of redundancy at the end of November, Daily Mail reported.
  A total of 102 managers have been made redundant, with other staff told they must reapply for newly created roles, which inclu
  
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• Quiz on verge of administration

  28-01-2025 14:31
  
  Quiz Clothing is on the brink of administration as it faces mounting financial pressures.
  The embattled fashion retailer, which recently delisted from the London Stock Exchange, is reportedly set to appoint Teneo as its administrator by the end of next week, according to Sky News.
  Quiz is exploring options such as pre-pack administration or a CVA to facilitate store closures, though one source close to the situation noted that “nothing is being ruled out”.
  The potential pre-pack inso
  
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• Aldi introduces £10 pre-payment to enter its checkout-free store

  28-01-2025 14:16
  
  Aldi has started taking a £10 deposit from shoppers looking to enter its checkout-free store in Greenwich.
  The pre-authorisation payment is taken from the customers’ card before they can pass through a barrier to enter, The Grocer reported.
  The deposit is then deducted from the cost of the shop on exit. However, customers may be left waiting several days for the £10 to return to their account if they walk out empty handed. Related StoryAldi, Lidl and Ocado join NFU calls for a
  
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• Tesco pushes same-day delivery slots four hours earlier than grocery rivals

  28-01-2025 14:10
  
  Tesco is creating more same-day delivery slots for shoppers, pushing its offering four hours earlier than any other full-line retailer.
  The supermarket is making its same-day delivery slots available earlier in the day across more than 400 stores.
  The grocery giant currently offers same day click and collect slots starting from 4pm and home delivery slots from 7pm.
  However, across the selected large UK stores, click and collect slots will begin from midday while home delivery slots will start fr
  
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• Asda axes Aldi and Lidl price match initiative

  28-01-2025 14:08
  
  Asda has pulled its Aldi and Lidl price match scheme after just 12 months in the latest move by returning executive chair Allan Leighton.
  It comes as the supermarket is gearing up to launch its largest Rollback price cuts campaign in years as it fights to revitalise its performance.
  An Asda spokesperson told The Grocer: “We’re focussed on our own great Asda Prices not competitor comparisons.
  “We’ve started 2025 as we mean to go on by cutting prices on thousands of pr
  
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• Nisa’s MADL transforms lives, supporting over 360,000 people in 2024

  28-01-2025 13:35 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Nisa’s charity, Making a Difference Locally (MADL), has cemented its role as a cornerstone of community support across the UK in 2024, achieving incredible milestones and... View Article
  
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• The Perfume Shop unveils an upgraded experiential store in Harlow

  28-01-2025 13:29 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  The Perfume Shop celebrated the scent-sational addition of another new and improved experiential store at Unit 26d, Harvey Centre, Harlow, CM20 1XW. The iconic retailer unveiled... View Article
  
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• Shelley Bishton and Chris Brook-Carter appointed as trustees of the Black British Initiative

  28-01-2025 13:22 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Shelley Bishton, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) at News UK, and Chris Brook-Carter, CEO of the Retail Trust, proudly announce their new roles as... View Article
  
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• Mango to open second Oxford Street flagship amid global expansion

  28-01-2025 13:10
  Mango has signed a new UK flagship store at 415-419 Oxford Street, London as it accelerates its expansion plans.
  The store, which spans circa 17,000 sq ft over ground, basement and first floors, marks the second Oxford Street location for the Spanish fashion retailer.
  Last year, Mango announced more than 20 store openings for 2024, including four stores in London. This is in line with the retailer’s 2024-2026 strategic plan, called the 4E Plan, with the aim of exceeding £3.4bn global
  
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• Asda: Over 60% of UK households entered 2025 with less disposable income

  28-01-2025 12:54
  Over 60% of UK households saw their disposable incomes fall going into the new year, according to Asda, despite its recent income tracker hitting a record high and “capping off a year of solid growth in spending power”.
  Income growth trailed behind annual inflation, which stood at 2.5% in December, according to the Consumer Prices Index (CPI).
  Additionally, lower income households did not benefit from the strong pay growth in the current job market in comparison with higher income fa
  
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• Data: Shoppers fear Labour budget will trigger retail job cuts and price hikes

  28-01-2025 11:06
  
  Shoppers across the UK are expressing growing concerns over the impact of the government’s recent Budget, with many fearing job losses and price increases in the retail sector.
  New research by the Retail Technology Show (RTS) found 62% of consumers worry that rising labour costs, triggered by National Insurance and National Minimum Wage hikes, will lead to fewer staff in stores.
  A significant portion of respondents (67%) also anticipate that these cost pressures will result in fewer employ
  
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• Jollyes lowers prices on 3,000 pet essentials as festive sales climb

  28-01-2025 10:57
  
  Jollyes has reduced the prices on over 3,000 products as part of a multi-million pound investment into improving value for its customers.
  The pet chain’s round of price cuts covers over two thirds of the 4,500 core items that it carries in a typical store.
  It said the move is part of a multi-million pound value investment that will mean the lower price displayed at the shelf will be the price customers pay.
  In some cases, the products will be cheaper than the price offered to the retailer&
  
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• Charles Tyrwhitt founder curbs UK investment following Labour budget

  28-01-2025 10:53
  
  Charles Tyrwhitt founder Nick Wheeler has blamed the Labour Party’s “anti-business” policies for his decision to curb investment in the UK.
  The businessman, who launched the menswear retailer 38 years ago, said policies like the National Insurance changes and minimum wage increases have pushed him to focus on expanding overseas instead.
  Wheeler criticised Labour’s economic stance, particularly comments by Chancellor Rachel Reeves claiming the party is friendly to business
  
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• The Range and Wilko launch ‘customisable’ insurance plans

  28-01-2025 10:40
  
  CDS Superstores is launching an insurance offering across its brands The Range and Wilko.
  The Range is providing insurance covering pets, home contents, gadgets, travel, and bill protection. Wilko’s insurance covers pets, comprehensive gadget and home contents.
  The coverage offered by each service across both retailers is fully customisable, with scalable options available based on the excess and coverage selected.
  CDS Superstores CEO Alex Simpkin said: “This launch is the kickstart
  
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• Mike Ashley urges Chancellor to hold HMRC ‘to account’ after legal victory

  28-01-2025 10:22
  
  Mike Ashley has called on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to hold HMRC “to account” following his victory in a data protection case against the tax authority.
  The High Court ruled yesterday (27 January) that HMRC had taken “too narrow an approach” when it refused to hand over personal information requested by the Sports Direct founder under a subject access request, City AM reported.
  Such requests allow individuals to obtain information held about them by an organisation.
  The re
  
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• January sales drive UK shop prices lower but Budget costs threaten hikes

  28-01-2025 10:16
  
  Shop prices fell again in January but could begin to rise again in the coming months as retailers grapple with growing Budget-related costs.
  According to the BRC-NielsenIQ index, shop prices fell 0.7% last month driven by a 1.8% decline in non-food product prices This follows a 1% drop in December shop prices as non-food deflation continued.
  BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said “extensive January sales was good news for bargain hunters, with non-food products showing significant discounts, particu
  
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• Wickes boosted by increase in retail revenue

  28-01-2025 09:53 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Wickes has reported a 1.8% increase in group revenue to £738.9 million in its second half. In the six months to 28 December, the home improvement... View Article
  
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• Halfords upgrades profit forecast but braces for £23m Budget hit

  28-01-2025 09:49
  
  Halfords has raised its profit expectations for the year following improved trading, but warned it is preparing for a £23m rise in direct labour costs due to changes outlined in the UK’s Autumn Budget.
  The motoring and cycling retailer now expects underlying profit before tax to reach between £32m and £37m, up from previous estimates.
  This comes after a robust performance in Q3, where like-for-like sales growth was positive in both its retail and autocentre divisions
  
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• Wickes raises profit outlook as sales rise

  28-01-2025 09:39
  
  Wickes has upgraded its profit guidance for the year as it reported sales and volume growth in its retail business during the second half.
  The retailer posted a 3% uptick in retail revenues to £579.1m in the 26 weeks to 28 December, with a like-for-like growth of 2.6%, driven by a strong performance in interior paint, decorative accessories and garden projects.
  It said it continued to increase market share during the half as group sales increased 1.8% to £738.9m.
  Design & Install
  
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• WHSmith’s high street exit: Avoidable, or a long time coming?

  28-01-2025 09:39
  
  WHSmith confirmed this week that it has hoisted a ‘For Sale’ sign over its entire high street business, more than 230 years after it opened its first store.
  The retailer known for its stationery, books and magazines said on Saturday that it was “exploring potential strategic options” for the business, including a possible sale of its 500 UK shops.
  The high street stalwart is understood to have caught the eye of several suitors, including Bensons for Bed owner Alteri, Hobb
  
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• Waitrose won’t pay my claim after a £5,000 car park trolley crash

  28-01-2025 09:30
  
  A snake of shopping carts ran into my car, but the insurance payout has been delayed – and my premiums have soaredIn September 2023, a Waitrose partner lost control of a lengthy snake of trolleys which crashed into my car in a store car park causing £5,000 worth of damage.I made a claim through my insurer and Waitrose’s insurer accepted liability. Since then, Waitrose has changed the insurer dealing with the case three times, delaying proceedings, and now, 15 months after promi
  
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• Matalan chief customer officer steps down

  28-01-2025 09:10
  
  Matalan chief customer and omnichannel officer Ali Jones has left the business after almost two years.
  Jones, who joined in April 2023, has become the latest executive to leave the retailer after Drapers reported last week that chief trading officer Ben Smith had stepped down.
  During her tenure, Jones was responsible for leading the retailer’s marketing, ecommerce and international teams. Related Story2024 in review: The biggest hires and fires of the year13/12/2024 x 8:00 AMA Matalan spok
  
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• Pets at Home holds guidance despite sales dip

  28-01-2025 08:57
  
  Pets at Home has maintained its full-year guidance despite reporting softer third quarter trading in its retail arm following a “more challenging UK consumer”.
  Retail sales for the pet specialist fell 2.4% in the 12 weeks to 2 January, down 2.8% on a like-for-like basis, which it blamed on “a more challenging UK consumer backdrop with particularly weak footfall from October”.
  However, it noted an “improved” digital performance and strong growth in its subscrip
  
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• Pets at Home posts drop in retail revenue

  28-01-2025 08:52 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Pets at Home has posted a decline in third quarter retail revenue following the impact of a “challenging UK consumer backdrop”. In the three months to... View Article
  
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• Wingstop cooks up record UK expansion for 2025

  28-01-2025 08:48 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Wingstop has unveiled plans to open at least 20 new sites across the UK in 2025. The chicken chain said ten of the sites are due... View Article
  
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• Marks & Spencer appoints head of social media

  28-01-2025 08:47 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Marks & Spencer has promoted Charlotte Tonry to the position of head of social media. Tonry has worked with the retailer for over seven years in... View Article
  
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• Amazon to launch ‘Prime Air’ delivery drone service in the UK later this year

  28-01-2025 08:39
  
  Amazon is planning to launch Britain’s first drone delivery service in Darlington as it looks for new ways to send customers their orders.
  The retail giant said it would seek permission to send drones from its warehouse on the outskirts of the town but did not specify when it hopes to start the trial.
  The etailer said customers will be able to opt into drone delivery, which could mean packages arrive in as little as 15 minutes, and those not interested will have their orders delivered as u
  
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• HMV owner in talks for WHSmith’s 500 high street stores

  28-01-2025 08:16
  
  HMV owner Doug Putman is considering a bid to snap up WHSmith’s unwanted high street stores.
  Putman, who rescued the record specialist from bankruptcy in 2019, is understood to be in discussions with WHSmith’s advisors, The Sun reported.
  He joins a number a number of suitors eying the retailer’s 500 shops, including Bensons for Beds owner Alteri and Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital.
  It is hoped a deal can be reached within three months, sources have reported. Related StoryHobby
  
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• Ikea looks to expand second-hand marketplace across Europe

  28-01-2025 06:00 via ft.com
  Planned extension of peer-to-peer Preloved platform follows successful pilots in Oslo and Madrid
  
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• Amazon asks permission to launch drones in north-east of England

  28-01-2025 01:01
  
  Deliveries from warehouse in Darlington, County Durham, depend on approval from CAA and local councilAmazon is seeking permission to launch drones from its warehouse in Darlington, County Durham, in the latest step towards using the devices to deliver packages to homes.The technology company is to hold a public meeting with local people next week as it seeks permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to use the airspace around its warehouse on the edge of the town, in the north-east of E
  
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