The Retail Trust and AlixPartners have been tracking the well-being of people working in our sector for three years, and 2025 looks set to be the toughest year for the industry recorded by the Retail People Index, writes the chief executive of the Retail Trust, Chris Brook-Carter. Source
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Food-to-go retailer Greggs has announced the opening of its 600th franchise shop in Stonecross Services, Bexwell, Norfolk, The opening, which is just off the A10, is the latest collaboration with long-term franchise partner Motor Fuel Group (MFG). Greggs said its franchise partnerships “play a central role in unlocking high-traffic and otherwise restricted locations”, including motorway……
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Insurance company Hiscox has unveiled a checklist for small businesses to keep their staff safe this Christmas. Source
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Former M&S boss Lord Stuart Rose has questioned Labour’s delivery against its pre-election promise to be the most pro-business government. Speaking on LBC’s Nick Ferrari at Christmas programme, Lord Rose expressed deep disappointment with the Government’s current approach to growth and business confidence. Describing himself as “a Conservative with a small ‘c’”, Lord Rose said……
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Music and pop culture chain HMV will open a new shop in Amsterdam next year, following the launch of The Hague store in November. Source
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The Entertainer has reported another year of significant growth across the UK and international markets, underpinned by continued investment in its store estate, online innovation and the rapid expansion of its ‘Toy-Box’ commercial partnerships. The year marked a major milestone for the toy shop as it transitioned to an Employee-Owned Trust, becoming the UK’s second……
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Last month’s budget (on 26 November) gave consumers little comfort as they chose to double-down on saving in favour of spending, according to RSM UK’s latest research. RSM’s quarterly Consumer Outlook survey found that if given a £5,000 windfall this week, nearly 60% of consumers would choose to either save it (38%) or pay down……
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Retailers should expect a modest sales increase in the days leading to Christmas, according to new figures by tax and advisory consultants PwC. The firm predicts consumers will spend as much as £24.6 billion on gifts and events this festive period, an increase of 3.5% on the same period last year. The PwC research, which……
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Sandwich chain Pret A Manger has named Ross Warnes as its new UK and Ireland president.. Source
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Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald is set to depart from the retailer in 2026, after seven years in the role. Source
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