Retail news

• Castore secures £7.5m to fund expansion

  18-02-2020 12:00 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Castore raises £7.5m to fund move into professional football
  // The online premium sportswear retailer backed by private investors to finance expansion in team sportsCastore has raised £7.5 million from undisclosed private investors to help expand its range into professional team sports kit and footwear as well as accelerate international growth.
  The online retailer, which specialises in premium sportswear, said it would leverage its expertise in technology driven product developm
  
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• Portwest transforms global product data and accelerates catalogue production with Akeneo

  22-07-2026 13:08 via theretailbulletin.com
  Leading workwear manufacturer reduces catalogue production time by five months and delivers significant cost savings through centralised product information. Akeneo, the Product Experience (PX) Company and…
  
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• How to Prevent AI-Driven Fraudulent Claims in Retail, Leisure and Hospitality

  22-07-2026 12:53 via theretailbulletin.com
  By Teresa Long  AI can make fraudulent claims look more credible, especially when your teams are under pressure. How can going ‘back to basics’ help protect…
  
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• From hype to high performance: what viral product launches reveal about retail’s new marketing playbook

  22-07-2026 12:13 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  As the Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino, which became a viral sensation in the US when launched in 2017, comes to the UK for the first time – it is clear that viral product launches are no longer moments of luck.
  In the first six months of 2026 brands from a range of sectors moved away from traditional campaign cycles and instead built launches designed to travel: across TikTok feeds, through group chats and into stores.
  The most successful product drops so far this year have blurred the line
  
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• HMV to host Spider-Man: Brand New Day event at Oxford Street

  22-07-2026 12:04 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  HMV Oxford Street is hosting an event day to celebrate the release of Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day film on 29 July.
  The event, which will run on 23 July, will see shoppers greeted by a costumed Spider-Man for a “selfie moment” upon entering the shop.
  The retailer’s store will also feature a curated selection of Marvel products, including t-shirts, collectibles, figurines, graphic novels and films.
  On the store’s first floor, customers will be able to pla
  
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• Pip & Nut’s Pippa Murray on distinctiveness, AI and building trust

  22-07-2026 11:58 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Pip & Nut has turned a leaping squirrel, an unstabilised product and its founder’s story into a coherent brand. Pippa Murray explains how it has kept that identity while moving into mass media and new categories…
  Pip & Nut has two extremely strong brand signals. One is visual: the now-iconic leaping squirrel across its packaging and advertising. The other is physical: the natural oil that rises to the top of its nut butter.
  The first, the squirrel, drives recognition whilst
  
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• Bugaboo and Stella McCartney unveil global stroller collaboration

  22-07-2026 11:47 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Bugaboo has partnered with Stella McCartney on a new special-edition collection of luxury parenting products, set to launch globally in September 2026.
  The partnership brings together Bugaboo’s engineering and product design expertise with Stella McCartney’s fashion-led approach to responsible luxury. It will form the first stage of a multi-year collaboration focused on conscious design, self-expression and innovation.
  The launch marks Bugaboo’s first major brand collaboration
  
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• Jack & Jones to launch Bluewater store this October

  22-07-2026 11:13 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Fashion retailer Jack & Jones has reportedly confirmed that it is launching an outlet at Bluewater shopping centre later in the year.
  The Danish business is opening a 6,370 sq ft unit on the centre’s Lower Thames Walk in October.
  The store is set to display the brand’s men and children range in a “sleek, modern and highly curated store environment”.
  Jack & Jones head of retail Tom Shutlar said: “Securing a space at Bluewater is a huge win for us.  Relat
  
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• Starbucks bringing viral Unicorn Frappuccino to UK for first time

  22-07-2026 10:29 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino, which became a viral sensation in the US when launched in 2017, will be available for three days only at UK coffeehouses.
  The mango flavoured layered drink is finished with whipped cream, blue drizzle and a pink and blue topping. One swirl of the cup reveals colour-changing “enchantment”.
  Following a guest appearance at Coachella Music Festival earlier this year, it will be available in participating Starbucks stores across the UK from 15–17 Augus
  
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• Blue Diamond snaps up Highfield Garden World in expansion push

  22-07-2026 09:56 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Blue Diamond has acquired Highfield Garden World in Gloucestershire, taking its portfolio to 55 garden centres across the UK and Channel Islands.
  The family-run business, located in Whitminster near Gloucester, has joined the group after more than a century of independent trading.
  Founded in 1920 as a traditional nursery, Highfield has grown into one of the South West’s leading destination garden centres, spanning plants, garden products, homewares, gifts, food and hospitality.
  Blue Diamon
  
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• B&Q raids Amazon for new retail media chief

  22-07-2026 09:50 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  B&Q has reportedly hired former Amazon executive Laura Karsunky as its new director of retail media, with the goal of ramping up its advertising and data capabilities.
  Karsunky joins B&Q after spending more than a decade in senior leadership roles at Amazon, including within its advertising business.
  She brings more than 20 years’ experience across media, advertising and technology and will be tasked with leading the next phase of B&Q’s retail media proposition.
  Karsunky
  
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• Mulberry hails year of ‘meaningful progress’ as turnaround gathers pace

  22-07-2026 09:43 via theretailbulletin.com
  Mulberry has hailed a year of “meaningful progress” as it reported narrowed losses and increased revenue. The luxury handbag brand posted a 4% rise in group…
  
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• Mulberry cuts losses by £23m as sales rebound

  22-07-2026 09:43 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Mulberry has dramatically narrowed its annual losses as higher sales, reduced discounting and tight cost control boosted its turnaround efforts.
  The luxury retailer’s reported pre-tax loss fell to £8.9m in the 52 weeks to 28 March, compared with a restated £32.2m loss the previous year.
  Underlying pre-tax losses narrowed to £8m from £24.1m, while the business posted positive underlying EBITDA of £800,000, against a £16.8m loss last year.
  Group revenue in
  
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• UK inflation drop a ‘gift-wrapped goodie basket’ for Burnham

  22-07-2026 09:36 via retailgazette.co.uk
  UK inflation fell to 2.6 per cent in June as lower fuel costs and easing food price rises offered some respite to cash-strapped households.
  The Consumer Prices Index dropped from 2.8 per cent in May and came in below economists’ forecasts of 2.7 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics.
  It marked the weakest increase in consumer prices since March 2025, although inflation remains above the Bank of England’s two per cent target.
  Transport and food and non-alcoholic be
  
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• Hasbro ups full-year outlook due to trading card sales surge

  22-07-2026 09:29 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Hasbro has raised its full-year forecasts after booming sales of Magic: The Gathering and continued demand for digital games boosted its second-quarter performance.
  The company, which owns the likes of Monopoly and Play-Doh, now expects annual revenue to rise between 5 per cent and 7 per cent on a constant-currency basis, up from its previous forecast of between three per cent and five per cent.
  Hasbro also increased its adjusted EBITDA forecast to between $1.45bn and $1.5bn, compared with its p
  
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• Q&A: Jake Allmond, Managed Services Director at PMC

  22-07-2026 09:28 via theretailbulletin.com
  PMC combines strategic consulting, engineering, our own platform Graphene and Managed Services to simplify complexity, connect data and deliver scalable commerce transformation for retailers, including Primark,…
  
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• Ocado to open 55,000 sq ft automated fulfilment centre in Stoke-on-Trent

  22-07-2026 09:28 via theretailbulletin.com
  Ocado Group is to open a 55,000 square foot automated customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Stoke-on-Trent in a move that is expected to create hundreds of…
  
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• Decathlon launches ‘Middle Aisle’ to take on discounters

  22-07-2026 09:28 via theretailbulletin.com
  Decathlon has launched its first-ever “Middle Aisle” across its UK and Ireland stores, website and shopping app as it looks to take on discounters. The first…
  
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• Ocado lands deal to build robotic warehouse for unnamed European retailer

  22-07-2026 09:23 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Ocado has secured a deal to build a large robotic warehouse for an ‘unnamed, fast-growing’ European retailer.
  The group will install its latest automation systems at the new customer fulfilment centre, which is due to go live during Ocado’s 2028 financial year.
  The site will use Ocado’s Re technology suite, including its 600 Series robots, On-Grid Robotic Pick system and fully automated freezer technology.
  Ocado said the retailer plans to quickly transfer its existing onl
  
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• Nike shakes up distribution strategy with online sales halt for China

  22-07-2026 09:17 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Nike is set to stop most of its retail partners in mainland China from selling its products online as part of a major overhaul of its distribution strategy.
  From 1 January 2027, Nike will concentrate ecommerce sales through its own website and app, alongside official Nike stores on Tmall, JD.com and Douyin.
  The majority of Nike’s 16 retail partners in China, which operate thousands of its physical stores, will no longer be authorised to sell the brand online and will instead focus primaril
  
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• JD Sports appoints Darren Shapland as interim chair after Higginson exit

  22-07-2026 09:11 via theretailbulletin.com
  JD Sports has appointed Darren Shapland as interim chair following the conclusion of its 2026 annual general meeting. Shapland has taken on the role with immediate…
  
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• B&M fined £2m after mouse infestations caused enforced shutdowns

  22-07-2026 09:10 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  B&M has been fined £2m after serious food hygiene failures were uncovered at three of its Birmingham stores.
  Birmingham City Council launched enforcement action following complaints about branches at St Andrew’s Retail Park, Priory Square Shopping Centre and The Fort Shopping Park.
  Inspections carried out between November 2024 and October 2025 found evidence of mouse infestations at all three locations.
  The value retailer pleaded guilty to food hygiene offences at Birmingham Magi
  
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• JD Sports appoints Darren Shapland interim chair after Higginson exit

  22-07-2026 08:44 via theretailbulletin.com
  JD Sports has appointed Darren Shapland as interim chair following the conclusion of its 2026 annual general meeting. Shapland has taken on the role with immediate…
  
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• B&Q appoints Laura Karsunky as director of retail media

  22-07-2026 07:56 via theretailbulletin.com
  B&Q has appointed Laura Karsunky as director of retail media as part of a strengthening of its commercial proposition. The retailer said the move will help…
  
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• Nike to reduce online distribution channels in China sales overhaul

  22-07-2026 06:16 via ft.com
  US sportswear brand has struggled in one of its most important markets
  
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• Nike to cut ties with online distributors in China sales overhaul

  22-07-2026 06:16 via ft.com
  US sportswear brand has struggled in one of its most important markets
  
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• Urban Outfitters to join Sheffield’s Heart of the City transformation

  21-07-2026 14:59 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Urban Outfitters is taking up space at Sheffield City Council’s flagship Heart of the City regeneration project, after agreeing a lease for 8,500 sq ft of retail space.
  Working alongside its asset management partner RivingtonHark, Sheffield City Council confirmed that the retailer would join businesses including Superdry, Fjallraven, and Lucy & Yak, as part of the Heart of the City’s “evolving mix of international, regional, and independent retail brands”.
  The 1.5m sq
  
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• Depop introduces The Zara Larsson Edit with global campaign

  21-07-2026 14:52 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Resale marketplace Depop has unveiled its newest campaign starring Zara Larsson, with the multi-platinum artist also providing an exclusive edit featuring 20 to 30 pieces.
  Launching at 1500 EST on 21 July, the shop is curated from the pop artist’s personal wardrobe, alongside upcycled merchandise and “one-of-a-kind fashion finds” including designer pieces.
  Offered at attainable price points, the collection gives fans the opportunity to own a piece of Larsson’s personal st
  
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• Decathlon launches ‘Middle Aisle’ in discounter push

  21-07-2026 13:09 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Decathlon has introduced its own version of the famed ‘Middle Aisle‘ promotion across its UK and Ireland stores, websites and app.
  The company’s new value-focused offer will feature a rotating selection of products linked to seasonal events, with prices fixed for six weeks at a time.
  Its inaugural promotion, running until 30 August, focuses on back-to-school essentials including children’s footwear, backpacks and water bottles.
  Among the launch deals are Decathlon Kids&rs
  
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• B&Q appoints former Amazon lead as director of retail media

  21-07-2026 12:43 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Home improvement giant B&Q has appointed Laura Karsunky as director of retail media, as it looks to strengthen its commercial proposition.
  The appointment is designed to support B&Q’s ambition to deliver more relevant experiences for customers, while enabling suppliers and brand partners to engage more effectively with B&Q customers.
  Karsunky joins from Amazon, where she spent more than a decade in senior leadership roles. With over 20 years of experience spanning media, advert
  
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