Retail news

• M&S might just serve up something fresh in 2026

  12-01-2026 16:24 via ft.com
  Retailer’s improvements have been subtle but effective, helping it to keep up with the pack
  
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• The Little Loop appoints Gwynn Milligan as a non-executive director

  12-01-2026 15:48 via theretailbulletin.com
  The Little Loop has appointed former JoJo Maman Bébé chief executive Gwynn Milligan as a non-executive director. The news comes as the business gets set for... View Article
  
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• Jollyes sales climb over Christmas as pet parents ‘prioritise value’

  12-01-2026 13:56 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Jollyes Pets recorded a sales rise during its latest December trading period. 
  The pet specialist saw total sales growth of 10.4% and like-for-like growth of 6% over the trading period of 1 to 24 December 2025.
  The business, which removed all small animals from its UK stores last year, attributed the sales increase to pet owners balancing “rising household costs with a continued desire to care for, and treat their pets” over Christmas.
  The results come as figures from the O
  
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• WHSmith draws up plans to appoint new chair, says report

  12-01-2026 12:05 via retailgazette.co.uk
  WHSmith is reportedly drawing up plans to find a new chair as it battles to regain investors’ faith in the business.
  A search for two new non-executive directors is anticipated to lead to the hiring of a candidate capable of taking over from Annette Court within around 18 months, Sky News reported.
  Court has served as chairwoman of WHSmith since December 2022, taking over from Henry Staunton.
  It comes as the travel retailer said it wants to hire a new board member with experience of the No
  
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• Q&A with Rob Nay, co-Head of Legal at LegalVision

  12-01-2026 11:26 via theretailbulletin.com
  Rob Nay is co-Head of Legal at LegalVision and specialises in commercial contracts, data & privacy, IT and construction & infrastructure. Rob manages a team of... View Article
  
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• Uniqlo owner lifts forecast after Q1 profits soar

  12-01-2026 10:57 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Uniqlo’s parent company Fast Retailing has kicked off FY2026 with a record first-quarter performance and raised its full-year forecasts as global demand and its store expansion continue to gather pace.
  For the 12 weeks ending November 2025, business profit jumped 31% to ¥205.6bn (£975m), while consolidated revenue rose 14.8% to ¥1.03 trn (£4.9bn).
  Uniqlo International delivered revenue up 20.3% to ¥603.8bn (£2.9bn) and business profit up 38% to ¥117.3bn (&
  
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• Primark opening first London shop in ten years

  12-01-2026 10:22 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Primark is planning to launch its first new London store in a decade.
  The discount fashion giant’s new shop will be based in the former Debenhams unit in the Wimbledon Quarter shopping centre.
  The 24,000 sq ft store is scheduled for later in the year, or in early 2027.
  It is set to sell the retailer’s women’s, men’s and children’s wear ranges, as well as beauty and homeware.Related Story Next reportedly partners with stock clearance specialist for Russell &
  
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• JD introducing AI ‘single click’ purchase for US customers

  12-01-2026 10:19 via retailgazette.co.uk
  JD Sports Fashion has announced a global agreement with digital platform Commercetools to enable one-click purchases on AI platforms including Copilot, Gemini and ChatGPT.
  Starting in the US, JD says it will become the first retailer to leverage their Agentic Commerce Suite (ACS) to connect AI-driven search to secure checkout and payments
  Customers will be able to purchase directly through leading AI platforms including Copilot (Microsoft), Gemini (Google) and ChatGPT (OpenAI).Related Story JD S
  
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• Jollyes Pets reports strong Christmas sales growth

  12-01-2026 09:38 via theretailbulletin.com
  Jollyes Pets has recorded like-for-like sales growth of 6% in the three weeks to Christmas Eve as it focused on keeping prices low on customers’ favourite... View Article
  
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• JD Sports plans to let shoppers buy through AI platforms

  12-01-2026 09:13
  Retailer to allow ‘one-click purchases’ through assistants such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, beginning in USBusiness live – latest updatesJD Sports has said it plans to allow customers to buy its products directly through AI platforms without leaving the apps.The British trainer and sportswear company will allow “one-click purchases” through platforms such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, as big retailers attempt to keep up with AI-powered shopping. Continue r
  
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• New Balance appoints vice president of sales for EMEA

  12-01-2026 08:01 via theretailbulletin.com
  New Balance has appointed the former managing director of sport at Frasers Group as its vice president sales EMEA. Ger Wright worked with Frasers Group for... View Article
  
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• Anya Hindmarch and Boots team up to launch 1970s inspired concept store

  12-01-2026 07:41 via theretailbulletin.com
  Anya Hindmarch has teamed up with Boots to launch a 1970s inspired concept store celebrating Boots’ pharmacy heritage. The collaboration has also included the launch of... View Article
  
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• Turning surplus into purpose: How retailers can solve overstock while supporting the community

  12-01-2026 07:07 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Overstock. It’s a real challenge. Especially in peak trading seasons, returns, unsold lines and excess stock can pile up quickly. It places pressure on warehouse space, cashflow and ultimately brand value, as steep discounting becomes the norm and the traditional solutions are rarely ideal.But there is a smarter, more purposeful alternative that’s helping retailers turn excess stock into positive impact. Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL, the trading arm of The Salvation Ar
  
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• Next pursues interest in Russell & Bromley

  12-01-2026 07:03 via theretailbulletin.com
  Next is working with a stock clearance specialist on its interest in footwear brand Russell & Bromley, according to a report by Sky News. The news... View Article
  
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• The reinvention of America’s shopping malls

  12-01-2026 06:00 via ft.com
  Changes in shopping habits have widened the split between those catering to well-off customers and those facing bankruptcy
  
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