retail
Surprise flop in retail sales in December after ‘poor’ month for supermarkets
The volume of retail sales, which measures the quantity bought, fell by 0.3% in December, the Office for National Statistics said.
DFS profits rise but warns of rising costs post-Budget and weaker sofa demand
The furniture group said it expects to see an increase in costs this year, in part due to business tax rises announced in the October Budget.
Chick-Fil-A to open two new restaurants at Applegreen sites in the north
US fast food outlets will not open on Sundays, adhering to the values of its Christian founder
Poundland owner to take ‘immediate measures’ to halt chain’s sales slump
Pepco Group said the UK business will increase the number of products it sells for £1 or less in a bid to improve its performance.
Primark to open first ever standalone homewares store in Belfast this March
Retailer will return to its Fountain House premises in the coming weeks
Nine-in-ten businesses in north say they are under pressure to hike prices on back of UK budget
‘This will have direct consequences for the prices charged to customers’
Two thirds of leading retailers warn Budget will force them to hike prices
The BRC poll of 52 chief financial officers found 70% are ‘pessimistic’ or ‘very pessimistic’ about trading conditions over the coming 12 months.
Who were the winners and losers on the high street this Christmas?
Here the PA news agency looks at who the festive success stories are so far, and which retailers have appeared more downbeat.
JD Sports cuts yearly profit outlook after rivals apply festive discounts
‘King if trainers’ reports weaker demand in the UK and North America
Poundland invests in new security technology after millions lost to shoplifting
The bargain retailer, which sells a large proportion of its products for £1 or less, said it had been a particular target for theft and abuse.