MBS Intelligence

Category: Retail

A couple weeks ago, in Part I of my reflections on department stores in the UK and USA, I looked at the starkly different political,

Four years ago, we started a partnership with the British Retail Consortium to hold a mirror up to the UK retail sector – asking how

The MBS Group has partnered with the BRC for the fourth year of research into D&I in the UK retail sector. The report draws on

One of the things I enjoy most about being a headhunter is sitting down with inspiring leaders and hearing what I like to call their

A subject I love talking about and debating is whether ‘retail theatre’ in supermarkets is still as relevant today as it was in days gone

The food-to-go segment has had a rollercoaster few years. Hit hard by the pandemic, sandwich sellers and manufacturers have had to navigate unpredictable trading patterns

Latest News

Primark reports UK sales dip but sees growth abroad. Despite a decline in sales by 4% in the 16 weeks to 4 January 2025 and a fall in like-for-like sales by 6% in the UK, Primark saw stronger sales over the Christmas trading weeks. Sales throughout Europe and the US have grown by 22% and 17% respectively.
Nobody’s Child unveils clothing takeback scheme. The fashion brand has partnered with pre-loved fashion firm, Reskinned, to launch a takeback scheme. The initiative encourages customers to return clothes in any condition, allowing them to be repaired or recycled and aims to give garments a second life.
Waterstones reports significant rise in profits. The bookseller’s profits quadrupled in its most recent financial year, with pre-tax profits of £42.9m in the 12 months to 27 April 2024. Revenues also hit £528.3m. This has been attributed to increased footfall due to workers returning to offices.
Adidas sees double-digit growth. The sporting retailer has delivered ‘better than expected’ results for Q4, with revenues growing by 24% to €5.97bn. Operating profit also rebounded, reaching €57m, compared to an operating loss of €377m in the same period in 2023.
Shoe Zone reports annual results in year of two halves. The retailer posted pre-tax profit of £10.1m, down from £16.2m the previous year, while total revenue slipped by 2.7%. Shoe Zone had a good start to the year, but unseasonal weather in the summer, among other factors, led to a tough second half.
Primark launches adaptive clothing line range with Unhidden founder. The retailer has expanded its adaptive apparel offerings through a partnership with Unhidden founder, Victoria Jenkins. It is a 49-piece collection that has features including magnetic zips and hidden openings for tube, stoma or catheter access.

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