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• Nike’s ‘Made in Vietnam’ trainers run into Trump tariff wall

  06-04-2025 06:00
  
  Nike, Adidas and Puma shifted production to Vietnam for its cheap labour but will now be hit by 46% levy
  
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• Hispanic consumers cut back spending over US deportation fears

  13-04-2025 13:00
  Trump’s immigration policies have contributed to a sales slowdown triggered by his tariffs
  
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• ‘Ghost stores’: the online retailers promoting closing-down sales for physical shops that don’t exist

  12-04-2025 22:00
  
  Australia’s consumer watchdog says it is investigating complaints of social media ads purporting to be from local boutiquesElection 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaignGet our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast“With tears in our eyes, we must share the news with you,” the ads, which have been sponsored to appear on people’s social media feeds, begin. “After so many years of love and dedication to our Maison Canberra boutique,
  
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• We need to take our feathered friends under our wing – before it’s too late | Alison Phillips

  12-04-2025 17:00
  
  My resident blue tit is grumpy, and with avian numbers decreasing at an alarming rate who can blame him?Brian sits, puffed up with his own importance, glowering at me through the kitchen window. He wants to come in and occasionally lunges at the window to make his point. I’m not even sure what he is grumpy about – it’s a great week for Brian. Because blue tit sightings (sorry, did I mention Brian is a blue tit, or Cyanistes caeruleus as he’d put it on his LinkedIn?) in ga
  
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• Eggs or bunnies? The best UK deals on Easter chocolate treats

  12-04-2025 08:00
  
  Rising cocoa costs has led some brands to ramp up prices or shrink their products, so this is how to avoid shelling outAre you going to be handing over more cash for less Easter egg this year? You’ll need to have your wits about you to bag a bargain – or at least not get ripped off – as the surging cost of cocoa has pushed up the price of popular Easter eggs from many big brands, and some have shrunk, too.But the consumer group Which? says there are still plenty of ways to get
  
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• ‘Christmas without the stress’: British shoppers embrace Eastermas

  12-04-2025 08:00
  
  Trees, decorations and gifts such as sheep jumpers and bunny-shaped trinkets are a distraction from the gloomEaster is nearly here, but it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas as Britons decorate trees, buy pricey gifts and pull crackers.High street stores are decked with wreaths, baubles and table decor, although it is the Easter bunny, not Santa, that looms large. With shelves full of chick- and bunny-shaped trinkets it’s clear that putting up an Easter tree, or twig, is increa
  
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• ‘Amazon slayer’: the Dublin minnow taking on the giants in drone deliveries

  11-04-2025 17:00
  
  The Guardian speaks to Manna Aero founder and orders coffee via startup’s app to be delivered to a suburban homeOne drone lifts up into the sky at a shopping centre on the outskirts of Dublin, then another. They rise to 70ft (21 metres), tilt forward and zip away in different directions, each carrying a paper bag.On a sleepy morning in the Irish capital the takeoffs build to a steady one every few minutes, with barely anyone glancing at the constant stream of aircraft buzzing back and fort
  
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• Lakeland close to securing Hilco-backed takeover

  11-04-2025 16:20 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Superdry investor Hilco Capital is close to securing a deal to fund the buyout of Lakeland.
  The ex-Homebase owner and Lakeland’s management are in advanced talks about a deal to take control of the homewares retailer, Sky News reported.
  It is understood a deal could be formally agreed in the coming days.
  The retailer, which employs around 1000 people, operates 59 stores across the UK and is headquartered in Windemere. Related StoryLakeland latest retailer targeted by Modella Capital26/03/2
  
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• Watches of Switzerland to close 16 showrooms, 40 jobs at risk

  11-04-2025 14:13 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Watches of Switzerland is closing 16 of its showrooms across the UK, putting around 40 jobs at risk of redundancy.
  The luxury watch specialist told BBC News that affected staff will be redeployed where possible and that its “priority [was] to support all affected colleagues”.
  The retailer has not yet confirmed which showrooms will close.
  Watches of Switzerland opened 22 showrooms, refurbished 15 and acquired 15 through jewellers Ernest Jones in its most recent financial year. It also
  
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• Shein wins nod from UK regulators for London IPO

  11-04-2025 13:53
  FCA’s preliminary approval comes as the fast-fashion company faces challenges from Trump’s tariffs
  
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• In pictures: B&Q opens first converted ex-Homebase store in Altrincham

  11-04-2025 13:39 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  B&Q has opened the doors to its new Greater Manchester Altrincham store located inside the one of the several former Homebase units it acquired in January.
  The 41,000sq ft store offers over 16,000 home improvement essentials as well as services to local customers, including Valspar paint mixing services, timber cutting and a dedicated TradePoint counter for trade professionals.
  Shoppers will also be able to browse the retailer’s kitchen and bathroom showrooms, as well as stock up on ou
  
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• Iceland to double presence in forecourts with EG On the Move

  11-04-2025 11:01 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Iceland is set to double its forecourt presence in the sector via a new tie up with forecourt operator EG On the Move.
  The frozen food specialist will increase its forecourt offering from 11 to 21 sites during the coming months, with a dedicated Iceland frozen food range to be implemented in 10 EG On the Move sites.
  The partnership will initially launch in two stores opening on 17 April, in Barnstaple and Rotherham. These will house prominent Iceland branding on both fascias and in-store di
  
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• Jack Wolfskin acquired by Anta Sports in £222m deal

  11-04-2025 10:36 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Jack Wolfskin has been sold to Anta Sports for £222.21m ($290m) as part of an agreement by sports equipment company Topgolf Callaway.
  The transaction, which is expected to close during the second or early third quarter of 2025, will allow Topgolf Callaway to focus on its core business of golf.
  It comes after Topgolf Callaway was forecasting the outerwear retailer to contribute £282.47m (€325m) in sales to its brand this year, and £10.43m (€12m) in adjusted EBITDA.
  Ant
  
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• Shein receives UK regulatory approval for London IPO

  11-04-2025 10:18 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Shein has secured approval from the UK’s financial regulator for its planned initial public offering in London.
  The China-founded fast fashion company has been waiting for the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) approval since it first confidentially filed papers last June, Reuters reported.
  Sources said that Shein will also need to gain approval from Chinese regulators to float in London. Related StoryThe Shein effect: Is fashion stuck in a race to the bottom?05/02/2025 x 8:00 AMThe
  
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• Shein gains approval from UK regulators for London float

  11-04-2025 10:08
  
  FCA’s approval comes as the fast-fashion company faces major challenges from Trump’s tariffs
  
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• Enhanced Security in Retail – What Martyn’s Law Means for the Industry [Irwin Mitchell]

  11-04-2025 09:52 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Martyn’s Law: A Crucial Step Towards Enhanced Security in Retail On 3 April 2025, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law,... View Article
  
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• Jack Wolfskin to be sold to Anta Sports

  11-04-2025 09:43 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Topgolf Callaway has agreed to sell German outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin to Chinese sports apparel group Anta Sports. The $290 million transaction is expected to close... View Article
  
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• George at Asda teams up with Erica Davies on unisex kids range

  11-04-2025 09:43 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  George at Asda has teamed up with former fashion editor Erica Davies to launch her first unisex kids range. The Erica Kids collection includes 25 staple... View Article
  
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• Asda’s ‘transformational’ London redevelopment faces Met Police objection

  11-04-2025 09:05 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Asda’s “transformational” plans for a new superstore and housing development in Park Royal, west London, faces opposition from the Metropolitan Police, which has warned it will block the project unless developer contributions are made to fund policing resources.
  The supermarket chain’s proposal for a 60,000sq ft superstore, along with the construction of 1,600 homes, is set to increase the local population by 4,000 residents.
  However the Telegraph reports that the police
  
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• Uniqlo owner raises forecast for third year running

  11-04-2025 08:55 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing has raised its forecast for the third consecutive year of record profits, buoyed by strong sales both in its domestic market and key international regions
  However, the Japanese fashion retailer warned it continues to face challenges in its largest overseas market, China.
  In the six months to February 2025, Fast Retailing posted a 12.0% increase in consolidated revenue, reaching JPY 1.79 trillion (£12.28bn), with a 18.3% rise in operating profit to JPY 304.22bn (
  
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• Tisserand Elevates Health & Wellness Routines with new duo kit launch

  11-04-2025 08:37 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Tisserand, the UK’s leading essential oil brand, is launching its new Wellbeing Routine kits this April 2025 to help capitalise on key wellness trends including sleep,... View Article
  
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• John Lewis invests in home brand with new bi-annual printed publication

  11-04-2025 08:33 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  John Lewis is investing in its home brand with the launch of a new, glossy bi-annual publication. The inaugural issue of ‘Foundation’ will be posted to... View Article
  
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• Bond Street reclaims crown as Europe’s priciest shopping street

  11-04-2025 08:26 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  London’s Bond Street has regained its title as the most expensive shopping street in Europe, driven by a sharp rise in rents and a resurgence in luxury retail demand.
  New data from Savills shows prime rents on the prestigious West End street climbed 20% last year, reaching £13,162 per sq m. That places it ahead of Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone, which now trails slightly with prime rents at £12,872 per sq m, reported the Times.
  The surge propels Bond Street to third place gl
  
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• Retailers brace for stormy spring as March footfall dips amid global uncertainty

  11-04-2025 08:18 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Retailers faced a challenging March as shopper footfall dropped across the UK, with economic uncertainty, a delayed Easter, and rising inflation all dampening consumer confidence.
  Fresh data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Sensormatic found that total UK footfall declined 5.4% year-on-year last month, a sharp reversal from February’s marginal 0.2% dip.
  High streets saw a 4% drop in footfall, while shopping centres fell 5.8%. Retail parks fared better, down just 1.2% as their e
  
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• Mamas & Papas launches new app for parents

  11-04-2025 08:10 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Mamas & Papas has launched a new app under its ongoing mission to empower parents during their pregnancy and parenting journeys.
  As well as being a shopping platform, the baby retailer‘s app provides expert advice and style-led inspiration for parents.
  Its features include a ‘parent hub,’ providing users with access to a series of practical tips, expert insights, and emotional support.
  This includes advice from the retailer’s resident baby sleep experts, which can be
  
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• Sephora trials ‘quiet hours’ in selected stores

  11-04-2025 08:07 via retailgazette.co.uk
  Sephora is trialling ‘quiet hours’ in a selection of its stores to create a more inclusive shopping experience for customers.
  The beauty retailer is running the initiative at its Westfield White City, Birmingham and Manchester Trafford stores every Tuesday and Thursday morning for the next 12 weeks.
  Between 10am to 12pm, the stores will lower or turn off the music, dim the lights where possible and minimise the static digital screens in-store.
  It forms part of Sephora’s commitm
  
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• Mamas & Papas launches new app to support parents during pregnancy and early parenthood

  11-04-2025 07:59 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Mamas & Papas has launched a new app to help parents on their pregnancy and parenting journey. More than a shopping platform, the app aims to... View Article
  
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• US consumers warned of higher prices from tariffs within weeks

  11-04-2025 06:00
  Analysts estimate Donald Trump’s levies could cost the average household $4,700 a year
  
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• Retailers fear Trump tariffs gloom will worsen footfall on UK high streets

  11-04-2025 01:05
  
  Shoppers stayed away in March as footfall declined 5% and stores worry US trade war could have chilling effectShoppers stayed away from the UK high street in March, a situation retailers said could worsen if the economic gloom caused by Donald Trump’s tariff war hits consumer confidence.Footfall fell 5% in March to extend a downturn in February that retailers said could be attributed to a recent rise in inflation and pressure on pay packets since a brief revival during the January sales. C
  
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• Prada buys Versace in €1.25bn deal uniting Italy’s biggest fashion brands

  10-04-2025 21:08
  Prada has secured Versace at a €180m discount amid market turmoil and after months of speculationPrada has agreed to buy the Versace fashion brand for €1.25bn ($1.38bn) from the fashion conglomerate Capri Holdings.It comes after months of speculation about a potential deal to combine the two Italian fashion houses and, more recently, rumours that the acquisition was set to collapse after market upheaval in response to President Trump’s tariff policies. Continue reading...
  
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