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What's happened in retail this week? 💼 Sycamore Partners is reportedly in talks to acquire Boots UK from Walgreens Boots Alliance, in a deal valuing the retailer at over $10bn (£7.8bn). Stefano Pessina, holding a 17% WBA stake, may play a significant ownership role post-deal. 📍 John Lewis Partnership opened six in-store Caffè Nero cafés including Westfield, White City. The cafés complement Waitrose’s free hot drinks programme for loyalty members, with further expansion opportunities planned. 🛍️ Kim Kardashian's SKIMS is in talks to take over Ted Baker's former Regent Street store, marking its first UK physical store. 💳 Iceland Foods extended its interest-free ‘microloans’ scheme, offering up to £100 via preloaded cards for use at Iceland and Food Warehouse stores. The scheme, supporting over 23,000 families since 2022, will continue throughout 2025. 🚨 SHEIN’s London IPO, valued at £50bn, faces delays due to UK regulatory scrutiny over supply chain practices and labour allegations. The Financial Conduct Authority and China’s securities regulator are assessing approvals for the IPO expected in early 2025. ⚖️ Boohoo Group PLC urged shareholders to vote against appointing Mike Ashley and Mike Lennon to its board, accusing Frasers Group of prioritising self-interest. Boohoo referenced similar actions by Frasers at Studio Retail Group, highlighting potential risks to shareholder value. 📈 Inditex reported a 9% sales rise for six weeks to 9 December. Nine-month pre-tax profit rose by 9.9% to €5.8bn (£4.78bn), with €900m (£741.8m) allocated for logistics expansion focusing on sustainability and technology. 💡 Currys plc posted a 1% sales rise to £3.91bn and adjusted pre-tax profit of £9m for its first half to 26 October, compared to a £10m loss last year. UK sales grew 6%, driven by its own mobile network offer iD Mobile, which saw subscribers grow 32% to two million. CEO Alex Baldock warned of price increases due to new government policies. 📉 Pepco Group reported a €662m (£548m) net loss for the year ending 30 September, citing a €775m (£642m) impairment charge for Poundland & Dealz. Underlying EBITDA rose to €944m (£823m), with plans to refocus Poundland on FMCG-led strategies. 🎄 ProCook recorded a 7.5% revenue increase to £28.3m for its first half to 13 October. Like-for-like revenue rose 4.2%, with 315,000 new customers and 12 new stores expected this financial year. Christmas campaigns and product launches drive current momentum. 🍷 Naked Wines reported a pre-tax loss of £5.6m for its first half to 30 September, improving from £9.7m losses last year. Revenue fell 15% to £112.3m. The retailer emphasised solid trading and progress in customer acquisition and retention under its turnaround plan. This is just a selection of news this week. Sign up below for more insight ⬇️ https//lnkd.in/d-z25aM

What’s been happening in retail this week? · Tesco continues its strong momentum, raising full-year profit guidance to c.£2.9bn for 2024/25 after reporting a 15.6% rise in adjusted operating profit to £1.6bn in its first half to 24 August. Investment in prices and stores led to a 3.5% increase in group sales to £31.5bn. · Mulberry England turned down an £83m takeover offer from Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, stating the bid undervalues the company’s future potential. · Bravissimo was acquired by long-term partner Wacoal Europe - advised by Grant Thornton UK LLP (well done Nicola Sartori and team). The acquisition ensures Bravissimo will continue operating as a separate entity, retaining its UK stores and headquarters. · SHEIN is reportedly preparing informal investor meetings for its planned London IPO, as the fast fashion giant awaits UK regulatory approval. · LOOKFANTASTIC.COM launched its first permanent store in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, following the success of previous pop-up events. The new store features over 90 global beauty brands, in-store experts and beauty services. · John Lewis & Partners reported an increase in website visits by 89,000 daily and significant growth in store traffic and sales over the past three weeks, following the reintroduction of the Never Knowingly Undersold price pledge. · B&Q launched a new refurbished product range sourced from customer returns, ensuring items meet "like new" standards and are available at discounted prices. · AO announced the acquisition of second-hand tech specialist musicMagpie for £10m, aiming to enhance its consumer tech offering and strengthen its online capabilities. · Asda reportedly hit a setback in its search for a new CEO, with head-hunters struggling to attract candidates as numerous potential leaders declined the offer. · Tapi Carpets & Floors reported its first profit outside the pandemic, with a 7.9% revenue increase to £171m in 2023, and an operating profit of £8.1m, compared to a loss of £1.7m in 2022. · Dreams experienced a 2.2% sales increase to £395.4m for the year to December 2023, alongside a rise in underlying EBITDA to £59m. · JD Sports Fashion reported a 2% rise in profit before tax to £405.6m and a 5.2% increase in group sales, exceeding £5bn for the 26 weeks to August. The acquisition of Hibbett solidified North America as JD's largest revenue region. · Simon Roberts, Sainsbury's CEO has said Brits hit by the cost-of-living crisis are unlikely to resume strong spending until the new Labour government sets out its tax and spending plans, and interest rates fall further. 📣 ALERT! Please register for our webinar in partnership with beBettor on the outlook for Christmas and beyond! 📅 >> Tuesday 15 October 12:00-12:45 >> REGISTER FREE NOW: https://lnkd.in/et9fph9v We've surveyed over 100 UK retailers to assess their expectations of the Budget. Not to be missed!

What’s been happening in retail this week? · Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa is stepping down from the executive role to focus on EG Group, with day-to-day operations being managed by Lord Stuart Rose and the senior management team. Asda continues the search for a new chief executive. · The latest data from Kantar shows Asda’s sales fell 5.6% in the 12 weeks to 1 September, with its market share dropping 1.2 percentage points to 12.6%. · Well done to Next as it raises its full-year profit guidance to £995m, up 8.4%, following a 7.1% surge in profit to £452m and 8% sales growth to £2.95bn for the six months ending July, driven by overseas expansion and brand growth. · Nike has hired former senior executive Elliott Hill as its new CEO, taking over the reins from John Donahoe as the brand’s president and chief executive. The share price has fallen almost 50% since the start of 2022. · Hotel Chocolat promoted Lysa Hardy to chief executive following its £534m acquisition by Mars. Hardy, formerly UK managing director, replaces co-founder Angus Thirlwell. · Tesco is launching a facility in Northamptonshire to process 1,000 tonnes of surplus food weekly into animal feed. The move aims to reduce food waste, focusing on fresh produce and bakery items, with separate processing for pet food. · Frasers Group will open 12 new stores in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg as part of its latest acquisitions. The retailer aims to become the largest multi-brand sports retailer in the Benelux region. · Moonpig teamed up with The Entertainer to offer 200 new toy products, including brands like Paw Patrol and Barbie, alongside personalised cards. · The Range and wilko’s parent company, CDS Superstores, partnered with THG Fulfil to support its omnichannel expansion. THG Fulfil will provide warehouse automation and courier services, including advanced robotic systems, to support product pick and pack operations. · The Very Group launched the Very Media Group, a retail media network in partnership with SMG. It aims to provide brands with enhanced consumer insights using personal, shopping, and financial data to drive sales and engagement through targeted campaigns. · Ocado Retail raised its full-year sales guidance after a strong quarter, with retail revenue rising 15.5% to £658m for the 13 weeks to September. · Boohoo Group PLC Group has opened a new showroom for its five core brands including flagship labels Boohoo, Boohoo Man, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen and Debenhams. 📣 ALERT! Please register for our webinar in partnership with beBettor on the outlook for Christmas and beyond! 📅 >> Tuesday 15 October 12:00-12:45 >> REGISTER FREE NOW: https://lnkd.in/et9fph9v We've surveyed over 100 UK retailers to assess their expectations of the Budget. What is expected to be announced? What are their biggest fears? What do retailers want to see? Not to be missed!

What’s been happening in retail this week? · John Lewis & Partners will reintroduce its iconic ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ price pledge, applying it to online rivals as well. Relaunching on 9 September, the AI-powered pledge will compare prices at 25 major retailers, offering money back if customers find cheaper prices within seven days. · Marks and Spencer is launching a new homewares collection with British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE on 12 September. The 75-piece range includes elegant bedding, lighting, and ceramics, showcasing Hoppen’s signature clean lines and neutral tones. A fantastic collaboration Damian Hopkins CBE (PDS Radius Brands) · Tesco’s F&F Clothing debuted its first homeware range, F&F Home. The collection features over 1,000 items, including soft furnishings, bedding, and glassware, with prices starting from 50p. · ASOS.com sold a 75% stake in TOPSHOP TOPMAN to Heartland, part of Danish retailer Bestseller, in a £135m deal. Asos retains 25% and will relaunch Topshop.com within six months. · Gymshark is opening its first permanent store outside the UK in Dubai Mall, one of the world’s most visited shopping destinations. · Primark is launching its first pre-loved Swap Shop pop-up in collaboration with Verte, allowing customers to swap vintage and pre-loved clothes in select stores. Customers can exchange items for digital tokens, supporting circular fashion through events in London, Manchester, and Birmingham. · Morrisons is trialling scan-and-go technology in six stores, similar to Tesco’s Scan as you Shop and Sainsbury’s Smartshop. This move follows efforts by CEO Rami Baitiéh to modernise the retailer, alongside initiatives like trolley advertising and expanding the More Card loyalty scheme. · Clarks has drafted in former CEO Victor Herrero to a "steering committee" to assist with day-to-day operations following another wave of senior management departures. · Currys plc reported a 2% like-for-like sales increase for the 17 weeks to 24 August, with UK and Ireland sales up 5%. Strong demand for AI computing products and England’s Euros success contributed to growth. · Holland & Barrett has partnered with Toyota Material Handling UK to enhance end-to-end logistics at its main distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent. This is a key part of the multi-million-pound redevelopment of the Burton Distribution Centre to support Holland & Barrett’s scale-up of online operations. · Burberry has been demoted from the FTSE 100 following its September quarterly review following its share price fall. 📄 Don't forget to download our report in partnership with Infobip which focuses on the "problem" with retail, quantifying the negative impact of friction points across the customer journey. https://lnkd.in/eWDjcWc7

🗞 What’s been happening in retail this week? 🗞 👗 Marks and Spencer is set to trial a clothing-only store at Battersea Power Station, targeting Gen Z shoppers after a rise in sales from this demographic. Opening this autumn, the boutique-style store will feature curated fashion, beauty products, and personalised styling advice. 🏬 Sainsbury's is acquiring 10 Homebase stores in a £130m deal, adding 235,000 sq ft to its supermarket space and bringing nearly 400,000 more people within a 10-minute drive of its stores. The conversion will create 1,000 jobs and feature Sainsbury’s latest food and sustainability innovations by late 2025. 📉 QUIZ Clothing reported a 10.6% drop in revenue to £82m and a pre-tax loss of £6.7m for the year ending March 2024. The retailer attributed the losses to inflationary pressures and is now focusing on a turnaround strategy under new CEO Sheraz Ramzan. 👟 schuh is enhancing disability inclusion by allowing shoppers with disabilities or limb differences to buy single shoes at a 50% discount across all stores, online, or by phone. ♻️ IKEA is trialling a resale website, Ikea Preowned, in Madrid and Oslo, allowing customers to buy and sell second-hand furniture. The platform will go global by December, supporting Ikea’s sustainability goals. ♻️ eBay is planning its first pre-loved Fashion Week in London and New York putting a spotlight on second-hand designer fashion. They will host live shoppable runway shows ahead of the spring summer 2025. 👕 H&M has wiped its Instagram account ahead of the launch of its new autumn/winter collection next month. Followed by 38.3 million people, up until a couple of days ago the page was completely blank with the date ‘12092024’ left in the bio, which coincides with the global launch. 📺 The Very Group launched its first fashion advert in seven years with an autumn campaign on 29 August. The campaign, through its Haus of Flamingo platform, showcases key trends and aims to capture demand for autumn wear, as customer interest in coats, knitwear, and boots rises. 🌏 Frasers Group acquired a 14.7% stake in the Australia and New Zealand-based Accent Group Limited. This investment supports Frasers’ ambitions to become a global sports retail leader, expanding its presence in key markets with brands like Skechers, UGG, and Vans. 💷 Ocado Retail launched its sixth Big Price Drop, cutting prices on 450 products, including Heinz Baked Beans and Nescafe Gold, by an average of 17%. This initiative, alongside the Tesco Price Promise, aims to offer more value to customers. 👩🌾 Dobbies Garden Centres is reportedly working on restructuring proposals as it considers store closures and rent reductions. Dobbies, which is controlled by Ares Management Corporation, has appointed FTI Consulting to advise on a restructuring plan according to Sky. This is just a selection of news this week. Sign up below for more insight ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/d-z25aM

What’s been happening in retail this week?   ·      Card Factory partnered with Just Eat Takeaway.com to offer on-demand delivery of cards, gifts, and celebration essentials. The service is available at 19 stores across the UK, with plans to expand to 21 more later this year.   ·      Morrisons extended its Deliveroo partnership to include 500 Morrisons Daily convenience stores, offering over 2,500 products for rapid home delivery.   ·      Aldi UK is ending its click-and-collect service after four years. The discounter said the move will help it operate more efficiently and maintain its price advantage. This follows Aldi's previous decisions to scrap home delivery of alcohol, Specialbuys, and its grocery delivery partnership with Deliveroo.   ·      Tesco introduced digital product passports for its F&F clothing collection, providing customers with sourcing and sustainability information. The passports are part of Tesco’s response to upcoming regulations targeting greenwashing and unsustainable stock management.   ·      Amazon opened a £500m robotics fulfilment centre in Leeds, creating 2,000 jobs. The centre, featuring advanced technology and energy-efficient solar panels is Amazon's 31st in the UK.   ·      Amazon is set to trial Prime Air drone delivery services in the UK by the end of the year.   ·      SHEIN is exploring the opening of a warehouse in the UK, potentially within the Midlands’ logistics hub, ahead of its anticipated London Stock Exchange listing. The fast-fashion giant is considering sites between 300,000 and 600,000 sq ft, with plans to finalise a location by the end of the year.   ·      John Lewis & Partners is restructuring its store teams and ramping up tech adoption to enhance customer service. The changes, involving a multimillion-pound investment, include new digital headsets, mobile payments, and simplified processes. These initiatives aim to increase staff efficiency, despite the potential loss of 153 roles. ·      Asda co-owner Mohsin Issa attributed the grocer's 2.2% revenue drop and 5.3% decline in like-for-like sales in Q2 2024 to a "challenging retail environment”. Despite this, Asda reported a strong online performance and plans to boost customer satisfaction, product availability, and loyalty through its Asda Rewards scheme as part of its long-term growth strategy. ·      Mountain Warehouse returned to profit with a pre-tax gain of £26.2m for the year ending February 2024. The retailer achieved record sales and is eyeing expansion by potentially taking over former Carpetright stores, with plans to open up to 50 new stores in 2025.   This is just a selection of news this week. Sign up below for more insight ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/d-z25aM