Retail news

• Can French Connection make FCUK fashionable again?

  31-01-2026 15:00
  With a North American licensing deal under its belt, the reinvented high-street giant is growing again under new owners and a global strategyFrench Connection is back on the trail of global expansion with the aid of its cheeky initials-based slogan that made it so popular in the late 1990s.The label once known for clothes bearing FCUK is seeking to reinvent itself again under the ownership of a group of British entrepreneurs based in the north of England who rescued it in 2021. Continue reading.
  
  Read more

• Urban Outfitters, Dreams and Royal Parks cafes criticised for use of gig economy app

  31-01-2026 12:00
  TUC urges ministers to bring forward changes to protect workers amid concerns over apps such as TemperThe fashion retailer Urban Outfitters, the bed specialist Dreams and the operator of several Royal Parks cafes have been criticised for the use of the gig economy app Temper to take on staff – some of whom can end up earning below minimum wage.The TUC is urging the government to bring forward promised reforms to protect gig economy workers amid concerns that those hired by apps such as Tem
  
  Read more

• Friends with benefits: how referral schemes can really pay off

  31-01-2026 12:00
  Earn money and other rewards by linking friends and family up to companies you use, from banks to energy firmsHow much do you love your energy company – enough to recommend it to a friend? How about if £50 was up for grabs?Richard from Suffolk is a customer of Octopus Energy, and now eight of his family and friends are, too, after he recommended the provider to them all through its referral scheme. “I really think [referral schemes] are a good idea. It’s an incentive to s
  
  Read more

Follow @retailuknws on Twitter!