CaratLane plans 40 new stores in FY27, eyes regional expansion – report
CaratLane plans to open around 40 stores in FY27, with a limited share of outlets to be company-owned, a senior…
30 Mar 2026
Great Britain retail sales dip in February after strong January growth
Retail sales volumes in Great Britain declined in February 2026, reversing some of the gains recorded at the start of the year, according to figures from the Office for National…
30 Mar 2026
Westbridge collapse signals strain in UK furniture sector
Westbridge Furniture and Belfield Leisure entered administration on 23 March, placing around 500 jobs at risk and highlighting growing pressure across the UK furniture sector. The businesses, part of the…
30 Mar 2026
Austria delays JD.com takeover clearance for Ceconomy
Austrian regulators have yet to approve Chinese e-commerce group JD.com’s proposed acquisition of German electronics retailer Ceconomy, leaving a key approval outstanding and putting the wider transaction at risk. Ceconomy…
27 Mar 2026
Iran war push drives UK petrol above £1.50
UK petrol prices have climbed above 150 pence per litre, marking the highest average retail cost since mid‑2024 as the ongoing Iran war continues to influence global oil and fuel markets.…
27 Mar 2026
Italy investigates Sephora for promoting adult skincare to children
Italy’s competition authority has launched an investigation into Sephora and sister brand Benefit Cosmetics, both owned by LVMH, over concerns that adult skincare products are being marketed to children and…
27 Mar 2026
Gap China operator maps out 50-store rollout and Hong Kong return in 2026
Gap is preparing to add 50 new shops in mainland China in 2026, with openings planned across tier-one to tier-three cities. Vincent Qiu, chairman and chief executive of Baozun, the company that runs Gap’s…