Sportswear retailer New Balance has named former Frasers Group exec Ger Wright as its new VP sales for the EMEA region. Source

Very Group owner Carlyle is reportedly planning to sell the business for £2bn after its acquisition from the Barclay family last year. Source

Next has joined forces with stock clearance specialist Retail Realisation as it seeks a takeover of Russell & Bromley. Source

According to Ocado Retail, 78% of UK adults believe hydration is as important in winter as it is during the summer months. New research, published yesterday (29 December), highlighted 22% have replaced caffeinated tea or coffee. This figure rises to 36% for Gen Z and Millennials. It also stated 38% of respondents find it more……

New data has highlighted that Christmas Day has become a “meaningful” trading day. Source

Technology retailer Currys has collaborated with programmable financial services firm Stripe to install the Fintech company’s payment terminals across its 300 UK and Ireland stores. The partnership forms part of the retailer’s store transformation programme, which has introduced employee headsets and electronic shelf edge labelling in stores. According to Currys, these upgrades will improve customer……

Sainsbury’s chief executive officer, Simon Roberts, is among those who were celebrated in His Majesty’s The King’s New Year’s Honour List today. Source

After a whirlwind 2025, the retail industry looks towards 2026. In the second of a two-part series, Retail Gazette hears from seven more industry experts who share their thoughts on what the industry can expect over the next 12 months. Catering for humans and bots Mike Fantis, VP managing partner of marketing agency DAC Group UK,……

Waitrose has introduced higher welfare standards for its own-brand continental meat. Source