United Kingdom
UK Retail: the sector appears to be holding its own
The UK retail sector appears to be holding its own despite fears of increased costs as a result of the new Employment Rights Bill. In particular, retail sales of Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) have risen back-to-back in the first quarter of the year, and the improvement in footwear inflation from negative to neutral in March may suggest a boost to demand. Although consumers aren’t exactly optimistic about the future, especially with new rising bills and the ongoing US trade war, retailers still have reasons to restock
US strikes deal with UK, cuts China tariffs for 90 days
The US will reduce import taxes on a set number of British cars and allow some steel and aluminium into the country tariff-free. It will also lower tariffs on Chinese goods from 145% to 30% for 90 days.
UK & Ireland remains a weak spot for Primark
Associated British Foods, owner of Primark, has released its trading update for the first half of its fiscal year. Primark’s sales grew in the period, despite weaker results in the UK & Ireland market
Asos profitability improves
The UK-based online fashion retailer has reported improved profitability in the first half of its current financial year, underlining the success of its new commercial model
Prada buys Versace from Capri
Prada S.p.A. and Capri Holdings Limited have entered into a definitive agreement regarding the purchase of 100% of Versace by the Milan-based fashion group
Primark CEO resigns amid allegations of misconduct
Associated British Foods (ABF) has announced that Paul Marchant has resigned as CEO of Primark amid allegations of misconduct. He will be replaced on an interim basis by Eoin Tonge, ABF’s finance director
JD Sports cautious on tariff impact as it announces fourth quarter and full year update
The UK-based sportswear retailer has reported a solid fourth quarter and full year performance in its latest trading update. However, it is cautious about the actual impact of tariffs in the current year
Global footwear trade in 2024: China exports slow, US and Germany rebound in imports
China remained the top footwear exporter in 2024, with exports increasing in volume but decreasing in value. Meanwhile, Vietnam and Indonesia consolidated their positions with double-digit export growth. On the import side, the US and Germany reversed their import declines in 2023, which suggests a resurgence in global demand
Footasylum reports strong full year results
The British sportswear retailer has reported “another year of record revenue and profit” in the fiscal year 2025, as it continues its digital-first strategy and ongoing store expansion
Schuh transforms post consumer waste into store fixtures
The British footwear retailer Schuh has teamed up with waste design studio Are You Mad to transform its post-consumer waste into usable and creative objects for its store fixtures
A quarter of a million jobs lost in five years in the UK retail sector
The UK retail sector has lost nearly a quarter of a million jobs over the past five years, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), highlighting the sector’s ongoing struggles
Shoe Zone launches a new app as part of its omnichannel focus
The UK-based footwear retailer has launched a revamped app designed to improve the online shopping experience. The move is part of the expansion of its omnichannel strategy
Schuh cuts jobs as part of wider restructuring
Following a voluntary redundancy process launched by the company in January, the footwear retailer has cut 39 head office and store jobs. This is part of a wider restructuring strategy
Retail Flash: insights from key footwear markets
Explore the main retail trends in France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Spain from our Retail Flash reports, highlighting volatility in 2024 and mixed consumer and retailer sentiment. In particular, new tariffs on key trading partners could put pressure on US footwear prices, Germany’s online sector continues to expand and Japan faces rising inflation
Burberry names Charlotte Baldwin as Chief Information Officer
The UK-based luxury label has named Charlotte Baldwin as Chief Information Officer, effective from the end of March. She will be responsible for leading Burberry’s global technology team-
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