Retail news

• EU probes Shein over sale of childlike sex dolls and weapons

  17-02-2026 15:29 via retailgazette.co.uk
  The EU is launching a formal investigation into Shein over multiple suspected breaches of European laws, including the sale of childlike sex dolls and weapons.
  The European Commission said on Tuesday (17 February) that it had opened the inquiry after demanding information from Shein in 2025.
  A senior EU official also highlighted reports of cosmetics, clothing and electronic items that did not comply with EU law.
  The inquiry will look into three areas of the retailer’s service which have ra
  
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• What rising unemployment means for an industry already under pressure

  17-02-2026 14:11 via retailgazette.co.uk
  The latest data from the ONS has shown that as of early 2026, unemployment within the UK is facing a five year high.
  The current rate rose to 5.2 per cent in the final three months of 2025, increasing incrementally from 5.1 per cent in the previous quarter and, in turn, reaching its highest level since early 2021.
  Whilst a number of factors caused the rise, the main culprit, according to ONS director of economic statistics, Liz McKeown, was continued a subdued employment market.
  “The numbe
  
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• Boohoo and Debenhams owner raises £35m, risking Mike Ashley clash

  17-02-2026 12:29
  Company, which also owns Oasis, Warehouse and Karen Millen, to use cash to cut debts and fund turnaroundBusiness live – latest updatesThe owner of Boohoo and Debenhams is raising £35m from shareholders in a move that could open a fresh conflict with Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley.The company, which also owns Oasis, Warehouse, Pretty Little Thing and Karen Millen, said on Tuesday that the new cash would help reduce debts and fund its turnaround plans. These involve slashing costs,
  
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• EU to investigate Shein over sale of childlike sex dolls and weapons

  17-02-2026 12:00
  Bloc also examines ‘addictive design’ of shopping site, including rewards, and its recommender systemsBusiness live – latest updatesThe EU is to open a formal investigation into the Chinese retailer Shein over multiple suspected breaches of European laws including the sale of childlike sex dolls and weapons.The European Commission said on Tuesday it had launched the inquiry after demanding information from the fast-growing company last year. Continue reading...
  
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• Brussels investigates Shein for sale of childlike sex dolls

  17-02-2026 12:00 via ft.com
  EU probes platform for sales tactics and offering illegal products
  
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• Asda hails continued ‘strong’ ESG performance

  17-02-2026 11:46 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Asda has celebrated a ‘strong’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance for the third year in a row, following its external assessment by financial services ratings agency Sustainable Fitch. 
  The grocery giant received an entity rating of 3 (1 = excellent, 5 = poor) for the third consecutive year, with an entity score of 57, matching last year’s result.
  The score takes Asda’s “continued efforts to mitigate material environmental and social impacts
  
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• Debenhams shares fall dramatically as group pushes for £35m fundraising 

  17-02-2026 11:28 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Debenhams Group shares fell sharply in early trading after the online fashion retailer confirmed plans for a £35m equity fundraise, reportedly aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and accelerating its turnaround strategy.
  The company said the planned capital raise would improve liquidity, provide greater financial flexibility and support efforts to reduce debt, as it continues its transition towards an asset-light, marketplace-led model.
  Shares opened down 6.7 per cent on Tuesday morni
  
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• Former Matches exec debuts athleisure brand

  17-02-2026 11:22 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Former Matches chief commercial officer (CCO) Carl Tallents has rolled out a new athleisure brand, in a bid to target growth in the premium activewear sector.
  Now You Live launched today (17 February) through its direct-to-consumer website, with wholesale distribution to follow at Harrods, Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, supported by pop-up activations, Drapers reported. 
  The brand’s launch collection includes gymwear, yoga, pilates and athleisure, knitwear, tailoring, loungewear and a
  
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• From the Archive: Freeserve

  17-02-2026 11:10 via theretailbulletin.com
  ‘From the Archive’ is the regular column that revisits some of the more interesting retail stories covered over the past 30 years by Glynn Davis for... View Article
  
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• Co-op launches gender pay gap toolkit

  17-02-2026 10:43 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Supermarket chain Co-op has collaborated with Women in Hospitality, Travel and Leisure (WiHTL) and Diversity in Retail (DiR) to unveil its new gender pay toolkit.
  The toolkit aims to close the gender pay gap by helping organisations pursue “meaningful change” and is designed to prepare companies for strengthened gender pay gap action requirements coming into effect from 2027.
  It provides guidance to businesses on how to identify key ‘drivers’ of the gender pay gaps,
  
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• Topshop launches in 32 John Lewis stores

  17-02-2026 10:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Topshop has returned to the UK high street through a new nationwide partnership with John Lewis, marking the brand’s first large-scale physical retail presence in recent years.
  From this week, the fashion brand launches in 32 John Lewis stores, while Topman will debut in seven locations, with a focused range of menswear essentials.
  In total, around 130 styles across womenswear, menswear and footwear will be available in-store.
  Following strong footwear growth in AW25, John Lewis will also
  
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• John Lewis to roll out Topshop to 32 stores nationwide

  17-02-2026 09:22 via theretailbulletin.com
  John Lewis has brought Topshop and Topman back to physical retail as part of a major fashion push that will also include the addition of a... View Article
  
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• Retail brand monitoring software: Track what customers say

  17-02-2026 09:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  Retail has always thrived on word of mouth. However, the digital shift has changed the stakes: conversations now scale at light speed and leave a permanent,... View Article
  
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• Crew Clothing to join line-up at Bluewater

  17-02-2026 07:46 via theretailbulletin.com
  Crew Clothing is to open a new store at Kent’s Bluewater shopping centre as it continues to strengthen its presence in key retail destinations. Due to... View Article
  
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• How retailers are tackling safety beyond the store

  17-02-2026 07:37 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Violence and abuse have become a perceived part of the job for retail colleagues. This is in addition to the demands on them including shift work, customer-facing roles and high-pressure trading periods.
  While the sector has rightly focused on tackling abuse and violence on the shop floor, safety concerns outside the store – particularly during early morning or late-night travel – are increasingly shaping how retail workers feel about their jobs. Crucially, these concerns are now inf
  
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• [Interview] Danielle Sones, Managing Director of ABa Quality Monitoring 

  17-02-2026 06:55 via theretailbulletin.com
  Why Mystery Shopping is Back at the Heart of Retail Performance The Retail Bulletin sat down with Danielle Sones, Managing Director of ABa, to discuss the... View Article
  
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