Retail Week
@retailweek.bsky.social
At the heart or retail. The UK's leading provider of retail news, analysis, interviews, data, special reports and events. retail-week.com
“While the scale of Walmart may not be replicated by British companies, they can still take inspiration from it.”
It can be dangerous to get carried away with share prices, but Walmart’s ascent is a testament to successful adaptation, says George MacDonald.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/walm...
It can be dangerous to get carried away with share prices, but Walmart’s ascent is a testament to successful adaptation, says George MacDonald.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/walm...
‘Walmart’s $1trn valuation shows retailers can make most of pace of tech change’
It can be dangerous to get carried away with share prices, but Walmart's ascent is a testament to successful adaptation, believes George MacDonald
www.retail-week.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:19 AM
“While the scale of Walmart may not be replicated by British companies, they can still take inspiration from it.”
It can be dangerous to get carried away with share prices, but Walmart’s ascent is a testament to successful adaptation, says George MacDonald.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/walm...
It can be dangerous to get carried away with share prices, but Walmart’s ascent is a testament to successful adaptation, says George MacDonald.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/walm...
Reposted by Retail Week
🚨 You can’t say there isn’t a societal problem when 92% of Brits say shoplifting is common, making UK shops appear more vulnerable to crime that literally anywhere else in the world…
Fascinating stuff from @retailweek.bsky.social
Fascinating stuff from @retailweek.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 11:05 AM
🚨 You can’t say there isn’t a societal problem when 92% of Brits say shoplifting is common, making UK shops appear more vulnerable to crime that literally anywhere else in the world…
Fascinating stuff from @retailweek.bsky.social
Fascinating stuff from @retailweek.bsky.social
With the popularity of outlet centres far from waning, Retail Week looks at how they have been performing recently and how they plan to keep up the momentum.
www.retail-week.com/stores/outle...
www.retail-week.com/stores/outle...
Outlets remain the UK’s top shopping destination – why?
Footfall to UK shopping destinations has been abysmal to say the least. We don't yet have an idea of how January panned out, but December footfall was down 2.9% year on year and 0.8% month on month, a...
www.retail-week.com
February 5, 2026 at 9:12 AM
With the popularity of outlet centres far from waning, Retail Week looks at how they have been performing recently and how they plan to keep up the momentum.
www.retail-week.com/stores/outle...
www.retail-week.com/stores/outle...
Thanks to exclusive consumer data collected for Retail Week by YouGov, we can lift the lid on what British shoppers really think about shoplifting.
www.retail-week.com/stores/the-s...
www.retail-week.com/stores/the-s...
The shoplifting report: what consumers really think about retail crime
Thanks to exclusive consumer data collected for Retail Week by YouGov, we can lift the lid on what British shoppers really think about shoplifting.
www.retail-week.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Thanks to exclusive consumer data collected for Retail Week by YouGov, we can lift the lid on what British shoppers really think about shoplifting.
www.retail-week.com/stores/the-s...
www.retail-week.com/stores/the-s...
“It’s a very tough market.”
With legacy sports brands beginning to see green shoots in their performance, is a market bounceback on the horizon?
www.retail-week.com/sports-and-l...
With legacy sports brands beginning to see green shoots in their performance, is a market bounceback on the horizon?
www.retail-week.com/sports-and-l...
With Adidas firmly back on its feet, can the rest of sportswear keep pace?
Momentum is building in the sportswear sector, with Adidas enjoying double-digit growth in its most recent quarter and Puma receiving a vote of confidence in its turnaround after Chinese giant Anta Sports scooped up a €1.5bn stake.
www.retail-week.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:51 AM
“It’s a very tough market.”
With legacy sports brands beginning to see green shoots in their performance, is a market bounceback on the horizon?
www.retail-week.com/sports-and-l...
With legacy sports brands beginning to see green shoots in their performance, is a market bounceback on the horizon?
www.retail-week.com/sports-and-l...
Marks & Spencer’s use of social media has transformed in recent years and more innovation is planned, says marketing director for fashion, home and beauty, masterbrand and loyalty Sharry Cramond.
www.retail-week.com/people/qanda...
www.retail-week.com/people/qanda...
Q&A: M&S marketing director Sharry Cramond on how ‘social sits right at the heart of our storytelling’
Marks & Spencer's use of social media has transformed in recent years and more is planned, marketing director for fashion, home and beauty, masterbrand and loyalty Sharry Cramond explains
www.retail-week.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Marks & Spencer’s use of social media has transformed in recent years and more innovation is planned, says marketing director for fashion, home and beauty, masterbrand and loyalty Sharry Cramond.
www.retail-week.com/people/qanda...
www.retail-week.com/people/qanda...
In the latest preview of our Digital Capability Index with @thegrocer.bsky.social, we analyse how changes in consumer browsing behaviour are wreaking havoc on visitor numbers to retail ecommerce websites.
www.retail-week.com/customer/nea...
www.retail-week.com/customer/nea...
Nearly two-thirds of major UK retailer websites had fewer visitors in 2025
Changes in consumer browsing behaviour are wreaking havoc on visitor numbers to retail ecommerce websites, with nearly two-thirds of major UK retailers facing falls in unique visitors last year.
www.retail-week.com
January 30, 2026 at 11:46 AM
In the latest preview of our Digital Capability Index with @thegrocer.bsky.social, we analyse how changes in consumer browsing behaviour are wreaking havoc on visitor numbers to retail ecommerce websites.
www.retail-week.com/customer/nea...
www.retail-week.com/customer/nea...
“A Saturday job is often the first taste of money earned for time spent working hard.”
The retail industry’s longstanding reputation for fostering the careers of young people risks being lost, which is worrying for retailers and society, writes Charlotte Hardie.
www.retail-week.com/people/demis...
The retail industry’s longstanding reputation for fostering the careers of young people risks being lost, which is worrying for retailers and society, writes Charlotte Hardie.
www.retail-week.com/people/demis...
‘Demise of the retail Saturday job is more significant than it sounds’
Is the retail industry's longstanding reputation for fostering the careers of young people at risk of being lost, asks Charlotte Hardie
www.retail-week.com
January 30, 2026 at 9:04 AM
“A Saturday job is often the first taste of money earned for time spent working hard.”
The retail industry’s longstanding reputation for fostering the careers of young people risks being lost, which is worrying for retailers and society, writes Charlotte Hardie.
www.retail-week.com/people/demis...
The retail industry’s longstanding reputation for fostering the careers of young people risks being lost, which is worrying for retailers and society, writes Charlotte Hardie.
www.retail-week.com/people/demis...
Not only has UK retail got the worst engagement score of any industry, but people who work in retail are the most likely of any sector to say they plan to leave their job.
However, some retailers are bucking the trend...
www.retail-week.com/people/ranki...
However, some retailers are bucking the trend...
www.retail-week.com/people/ranki...
Ranking: the retailers with the happiest workforces in the UK
New data has revealed the companies with the happiest workforces, according to participants in WorkL's Happy at Work Test employee survey.
www.retail-week.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:09 AM
Not only has UK retail got the worst engagement score of any industry, but people who work in retail are the most likely of any sector to say they plan to leave their job.
However, some retailers are bucking the trend...
www.retail-week.com/people/ranki...
However, some retailers are bucking the trend...
www.retail-week.com/people/ranki...
Check out the latest partnership update, Retail Week’s round-up of the latest innovative technology and supply chain tie-ups in retail, featuring JD Sports, Morrisons, Ikea and more.
www.retail-week.com/technology/p...
www.retail-week.com/technology/p...
Partnership update: JD Sports’ agentic AI collaboration, Morrisons branches into travel, and more
Welcome to the Solutions Spotlight partnership update: Retail Week's round-up of the latest innovative technology and supply chain tie-ups in retail.
www.retail-week.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:53 AM
Check out the latest partnership update, Retail Week’s round-up of the latest innovative technology and supply chain tie-ups in retail, featuring JD Sports, Morrisons, Ikea and more.
www.retail-week.com/technology/p...
www.retail-week.com/technology/p...
There were a lot of predictions and research around how customers would use AI over the peak period.
Now that a new year is in full swing, Retail Week explores how the UK shopped with AI over Black Friday and Christmas, and if this is set to get bigger in 2026.
www.retail-week.com/technology/h...
Now that a new year is in full swing, Retail Week explores how the UK shopped with AI over Black Friday and Christmas, and if this is set to get bigger in 2026.
www.retail-week.com/technology/h...
How UK consumers shopped with AI over Christmas
AI is not only being harnessed by retailers looking to simplify operations, cut costs and save time, but by consumers who want an easier and improved shopping experience.
www.retail-week.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:39 AM
There were a lot of predictions and research around how customers would use AI over the peak period.
Now that a new year is in full swing, Retail Week explores how the UK shopped with AI over Black Friday and Christmas, and if this is set to get bigger in 2026.
www.retail-week.com/technology/h...
Now that a new year is in full swing, Retail Week explores how the UK shopped with AI over Black Friday and Christmas, and if this is set to get bigger in 2026.
www.retail-week.com/technology/h...
"The excitement has come back, we're beating all expectations."
Tom Joule is entering 2026 with pep in his step. His eponymous brand - a favourite among the middle classes for its town wellies and preppy jumpers - is on track to turn its first profit since 2022.
www.retail-week.com/people/inter...
Tom Joule is entering 2026 with pep in his step. His eponymous brand - a favourite among the middle classes for its town wellies and preppy jumpers - is on track to turn its first profit since 2022.
www.retail-week.com/people/inter...
Interview: Tom Joule on what’s coming next for the British lifestyle brand
Tom Joule is entering the new year with a pep in his step. His eponymous lifestyle brand - a favourite among the middle classes for its town wellies and preppy jumpers - is on track to turn its first ...
www.retail-week.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:47 AM
"The excitement has come back, we're beating all expectations."
Tom Joule is entering 2026 with pep in his step. His eponymous brand - a favourite among the middle classes for its town wellies and preppy jumpers - is on track to turn its first profit since 2022.
www.retail-week.com/people/inter...
Tom Joule is entering 2026 with pep in his step. His eponymous brand - a favourite among the middle classes for its town wellies and preppy jumpers - is on track to turn its first profit since 2022.
www.retail-week.com/people/inter...
How did Russell & Bromley go from setting a new strategy to calling in administrators in less than a year?
And what will happen to the retailer under its new owner, Next?
www.retail-week.com/fashion/what...
And what will happen to the retailer under its new owner, Next?
www.retail-week.com/fashion/what...
What’s next for Russell & Bromley under new ownership?
Russell & Bromley was scooped up by high street giant Next this week, acquiring the specialist retailer's brand and assets in a pre-pack deal.
www.retail-week.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:35 AM
How did Russell & Bromley go from setting a new strategy to calling in administrators in less than a year?
And what will happen to the retailer under its new owner, Next?
www.retail-week.com/fashion/what...
And what will happen to the retailer under its new owner, Next?
www.retail-week.com/fashion/what...
"If anyone was expecting more gloom today, I’m afraid we can’t provide that because we’re feeling pretty pleased with some strong peak trading and an upgrade in our profit expectations."
CEO Alex Baldock explains why Currys is “looking ahead with confidence”.
www.retail-week.com/electricals/...
CEO Alex Baldock explains why Currys is “looking ahead with confidence”.
www.retail-week.com/electricals/...
Currys boss Baldock looks ahead with confidence after ‘strong peak trading’
"If anyone was expecting more gloom today, I'm afraid we can't provide that because we're feeling pretty pleased with some strong peak trading and an upgrade in our profit expectations," Currys chief ...
www.retail-week.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:11 AM
"If anyone was expecting more gloom today, I’m afraid we can’t provide that because we’re feeling pretty pleased with some strong peak trading and an upgrade in our profit expectations."
CEO Alex Baldock explains why Currys is “looking ahead with confidence”.
www.retail-week.com/electricals/...
CEO Alex Baldock explains why Currys is “looking ahead with confidence”.
www.retail-week.com/electricals/...
“It’s not just about representing ye old days of Boots, I want to make sure I’m capturing what Boots is doing today.”
Boots head of archives Sophie Clapp tells us how the retailer's long history is inspiring its latest innovations.
www.retail-week.com/health-and-b...
Boots head of archives Sophie Clapp tells us how the retailer's long history is inspiring its latest innovations.
www.retail-week.com/health-and-b...
Boots head of archives on the retailer’s near 200-year history and new partnerships
Boots has been busy of late. It opened its first fragrance-only store in October 2025, has been helping more of the UK public thanks to the government's "pharmacy first" initiative, and is now a stand...
www.retail-week.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:12 AM
“It’s not just about representing ye old days of Boots, I want to make sure I’m capturing what Boots is doing today.”
Boots head of archives Sophie Clapp tells us how the retailer's long history is inspiring its latest innovations.
www.retail-week.com/health-and-b...
Boots head of archives Sophie Clapp tells us how the retailer's long history is inspiring its latest innovations.
www.retail-week.com/health-and-b...
Brits are a nation of in-store grocery shoppers, but what’s putting people off online deliveries?
New research commissioned by Retail Week and @thegrocer.bsky.social explores the reasons.
www.retail-week.com/customer/cha...
New research commissioned by Retail Week and @thegrocer.bsky.social explores the reasons.
www.retail-week.com/customer/cha...
Chart of the Week: Why Brits are avoiding online grocery shopping
Brits are a nation of in-store grocery shoppers, but what's putting people off online deliveries?
www.retail-week.com
January 21, 2026 at 8:11 AM
Brits are a nation of in-store grocery shoppers, but what’s putting people off online deliveries?
New research commissioned by Retail Week and @thegrocer.bsky.social explores the reasons.
www.retail-week.com/customer/cha...
New research commissioned by Retail Week and @thegrocer.bsky.social explores the reasons.
www.retail-week.com/customer/cha...
WHSmith has announced the appointment of turnaround veteran Leo Quinn as its new executive chair.
Retail Week analyses what the former Balfour Beatty boss will bring to the business, and what it means for the retailer’s plans.
www.retail-week.com/general-merc...
Retail Week analyses what the former Balfour Beatty boss will bring to the business, and what it means for the retailer’s plans.
www.retail-week.com/general-merc...
Leo Quinn: The non-retail turnaround veteran charged with getting WHSmith back off the ground
The embattled travel retailer announced the appointment of turnaround veteran Leo Quinn today. Retail Week analyses what the former Balfour Beatty boss will bring to the business, and what it means fo...
www.retail-week.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:49 AM
WHSmith has announced the appointment of turnaround veteran Leo Quinn as its new executive chair.
Retail Week analyses what the former Balfour Beatty boss will bring to the business, and what it means for the retailer’s plans.
www.retail-week.com/general-merc...
Retail Week analyses what the former Balfour Beatty boss will bring to the business, and what it means for the retailer’s plans.
www.retail-week.com/general-merc...
Reposted by Retail Week
A look ahead to 2026 from BRC CEO, Helen Dickinson, in
@retailweek.bsky.social. 📰
'Clarity and partnership must be the theme of 2026' with plenty of new regulations on the horizon. 💬
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
@retailweek.bsky.social. 📰
'Clarity and partnership must be the theme of 2026' with plenty of new regulations on the horizon. 💬
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
'What retail needs from the government in 2026'
From employment through to advertising and producer responsibility, this will be a year of regulatory change for retailers, observes BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson
www.retail-week.com
January 20, 2026 at 10:10 AM
A look ahead to 2026 from BRC CEO, Helen Dickinson, in
@retailweek.bsky.social. 📰
'Clarity and partnership must be the theme of 2026' with plenty of new regulations on the horizon. 💬
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
@retailweek.bsky.social. 📰
'Clarity and partnership must be the theme of 2026' with plenty of new regulations on the horizon. 💬
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
New research commissioned by Retail Week and @thegrocer.bsky.social shows that shoppers are sceptical about AI’s role in online grocery shopping, while over half say points and discounts for loyalty card members are what they value the most.
www.retail-week.com/technology/d...
www.retail-week.com/technology/d...
Data: Grocery shoppers say meh to AI, yeah to loyalty discounts
New research commissioned by Retail Week and The Grocer shows that shoppers are sceptical about AI's role in online grocery shopping, while over half say points and discounts for loyalty card members are what they value the most when shopping in-store
www.retail-week.com
January 20, 2026 at 9:25 AM
New research commissioned by Retail Week and @thegrocer.bsky.social shows that shoppers are sceptical about AI’s role in online grocery shopping, while over half say points and discounts for loyalty card members are what they value the most.
www.retail-week.com/technology/d...
www.retail-week.com/technology/d...
Google announced that its virtual try-on tool would be available in the UK in December.
Retail Week tried it to see how well it could generate clothing for a full-body image.
There were some surprises along the way, but read here to find out our verdict:
www.retail-week.com/technology/t...
Retail Week tried it to see how well it could generate clothing for a full-body image.
There were some surprises along the way, but read here to find out our verdict:
www.retail-week.com/technology/t...
Test drive: Google’s virtual fashion try-on tool
Google launched its virtual fashion try-on tool in the UK and India in December, a few months after its US launch, leveraging AI so users can see what apparel items may look like on their bodies
www.retail-week.com
January 19, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Google announced that its virtual try-on tool would be available in the UK in December.
Retail Week tried it to see how well it could generate clothing for a full-body image.
There were some surprises along the way, but read here to find out our verdict:
www.retail-week.com/technology/t...
Retail Week tried it to see how well it could generate clothing for a full-body image.
There were some surprises along the way, but read here to find out our verdict:
www.retail-week.com/technology/t...
"What do we want from the government? I would love to say to get out of the way, but that doesn’t seem likely."
This will be a year of regulatory change for retailers but hopefully progress, too, writes @britishretail.bsky.social chief executive Helen Dickinson.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
This will be a year of regulatory change for retailers but hopefully progress, too, writes @britishretail.bsky.social chief executive Helen Dickinson.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
'What retail needs from the government in 2026'
From employment through to advertising and producer responsibility, this will be a year of regulatory change for retailers, observes BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson
www.retail-week.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:16 AM
"What do we want from the government? I would love to say to get out of the way, but that doesn’t seem likely."
This will be a year of regulatory change for retailers but hopefully progress, too, writes @britishretail.bsky.social chief executive Helen Dickinson.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
This will be a year of regulatory change for retailers but hopefully progress, too, writes @britishretail.bsky.social chief executive Helen Dickinson.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/what...
A disappointing Christmas marked the end of a tough 2025 for retail - and it’s already clear that many of the headwinds that retail faced in December are still blowing.
Retail Week analyses the main themes emerging from Christmas and how they will shape 2026.
www.retail-week.com/analysis/gho...
Retail Week analyses the main themes emerging from Christmas and how they will shape 2026.
www.retail-week.com/analysis/gho...
Ghosts of Christmas past: What a ‘drab’ festive period means for retail heading into 2026
The key trends and takeaways from Christmas that will shape the retail landscape heading into 2026.
www.retail-week.com
January 16, 2026 at 10:57 AM
A disappointing Christmas marked the end of a tough 2025 for retail - and it’s already clear that many of the headwinds that retail faced in December are still blowing.
Retail Week analyses the main themes emerging from Christmas and how they will shape 2026.
www.retail-week.com/analysis/gho...
Retail Week analyses the main themes emerging from Christmas and how they will shape 2026.
www.retail-week.com/analysis/gho...
“Weight-loss additives look set to go through another gear soon, as diet-suppressant injections are replaced by tablets.”
While supermarkets sold millions of mince pies at Christmas, new behaviour is taking hold, writes Clive Black.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/are-...
While supermarkets sold millions of mince pies at Christmas, new behaviour is taking hold, writes Clive Black.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/are-...
‘Are we looking at the first GLP-1 festive season in the UK?’
While supermarkets sold millions of confectionery tubs and mince pies at Christmas, growth trajectories may be permanently changing as new behaviour takes hold observes Shore Capital's Clive Black
www.retail-week.com
January 15, 2026 at 12:32 PM
“Weight-loss additives look set to go through another gear soon, as diet-suppressant injections are replaced by tablets.”
While supermarkets sold millions of mince pies at Christmas, new behaviour is taking hold, writes Clive Black.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/are-...
While supermarkets sold millions of mince pies at Christmas, new behaviour is taking hold, writes Clive Black.
www.retail-week.com/opinion/are-...
"Are the only true fans of social media those who reap commercial reward? Many of them, even, will no doubt feel conflicted."
Retailers have poured resources into social media strategies but as the mood turns, what will happen if that route to customers closes?
www.retail-week.com/opinion/ther...
Retailers have poured resources into social media strategies but as the mood turns, what will happen if that route to customers closes?
www.retail-week.com/opinion/ther...
‘There are powerful signs that the social media tidal wave is ebbing’
Retailers have poured resources and expertise into social media strategies but as the mood increasingly turns against such networks, what will happen if that route to customers closes, asks Charlotte Hardie
www.retail-week.com
January 15, 2026 at 9:10 AM
"Are the only true fans of social media those who reap commercial reward? Many of them, even, will no doubt feel conflicted."
Retailers have poured resources into social media strategies but as the mood turns, what will happen if that route to customers closes?
www.retail-week.com/opinion/ther...
Retailers have poured resources into social media strategies but as the mood turns, what will happen if that route to customers closes?
www.retail-week.com/opinion/ther...
"The moment you set metrics as targets, you drive lots of very dysfunctional behaviour."
Ahead of his must-see session at LIVE 2026, Edited chief retail scientist Michael Ross tells us about the dangers of the wrong metrics and what to really be tracking.
www.retail-week.com/technology/k...
Ahead of his must-see session at LIVE 2026, Edited chief retail scientist Michael Ross tells us about the dangers of the wrong metrics and what to really be tracking.
www.retail-week.com/technology/k...
KPIs: Edited chief scientist Michael Ross on retail’s ‘red flag’ metrics
Edited chief retail scientist Michael Ross will be taking to the stage at Retail Week x The Grocer LIVE to unpack why many retailers need to rethink their measurements of success.
www.retail-week.com
January 14, 2026 at 11:01 AM
"The moment you set metrics as targets, you drive lots of very dysfunctional behaviour."
Ahead of his must-see session at LIVE 2026, Edited chief retail scientist Michael Ross tells us about the dangers of the wrong metrics and what to really be tracking.
www.retail-week.com/technology/k...
Ahead of his must-see session at LIVE 2026, Edited chief retail scientist Michael Ross tells us about the dangers of the wrong metrics and what to really be tracking.
www.retail-week.com/technology/k...