Author: Scott Dylan

Shop price inflation has eased significantly, reaching its lowest point since October 2021.The BRC-NielsenIQ Shop Price Index showed a reduction to 0.2% in June, down from 0.6% in May.Non-food items continued in deflation, hitting -1% due to retailer strategies to boost sales.The Bank of England’s 2% inflation target has been achieved for the first time in nearly three years.Retail investments in operations and supply chains have been crucial in easing living costs.The decline in shop price inflation to its lowest since October 2021 illustrates a notable change in the economic landscape. The BRC-NielsenIQ Shop Price Index recorded a decline in…

JD Sports Fashion has announced the departure of Chief Operating Officer Sherilyn Paterson, ending her 12-year tenure.Paterson joined JD Sports in 2012 as head of merchandise for footwear before advancing to COO in 2023.Her career includes notable roles at top retailers like Kurt Geiger and Topshop.Paterson’s exit coincides with a 5.7% drop in JD Sports’ share price, linked to recent Nike sales.JD Sports faces challenges with an 8.1% fall in operating profits amidst increasing costs.JD Sports Fashion has confirmed the resignation of its Chief Operating Officer, Sherilyn Paterson, marking the conclusion of her remarkable 12-year journey with the company. Paterson’s…

The V&A Museum is set to showcase 16 iconic looks worn by Taylor Swift in a new exhibition.The exhibition, ‘Taylor Swift, Songbook Trail,’ features costumes from Swift’s personal archive.Visitors will see items such as customised cowboy boots and a black ruffled dress from her latest music video.The exhibition will be free and open to the public from 27 July to 8 September 2024.Swift’s ongoing tour is projected to significantly boost the UK economy.The Victoria & Albert Museum has announced an exciting new exhibition titled ‘Taylor Swift, Songbook Trail’ that will spotlight 16 iconic looks worn by the international pop superstar,…

End Clothing has introduced its latest in-house label, E by End, featuring a collaborative effort with renowned brands.The debut collection includes 26 pieces crafted with collaborations from Levi’s, Champion, and New Era.Unique detailing is a highlight, with exclusive colourways and branding elements integral to the collection.The collection ranges from clothing to lifestyle products, showcasing the brand’s diverse offering.Retail prices are varied, with items available for purchase through End Clothing’s online platform.End Clothing has launched a new in-house brand, E by End, marking a significant expansion in its offerings. This development sees the retailer collaborating with established brands to create a…

Severe disruptions and rising costs threaten the UK and EU horticultural sectors.The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA) and European trade bodies highlight significant delays and increased import costs.The new border system, introduced in April, has caused delivery delays of up to 44 hours.Small businesses face untenable financial pressures due to additional inspection costs.The government asserts the measures enhance biosecurity, but industry leaders call for urgent action.The Horticultural Trade Association (HTA), representing 1,400 UK garden retailers and growers, alongside various European trade bodies, has issued an open letter requesting immediate governmental intervention. They contend that the newly instituted border checks from April…

Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, has raised concerns over the UK’s current planning procedures. These regulations reportedly impede rapid factory construction, making the UK less attractive for pharmaceutical investments.Ricks shared that he had considered the UK for a manufacturing facility over the past decade but chose locations elsewhere. This decision stemmed from the UK’s burdensome planning laws, which lag behind places like the US and Ireland.In a stark critique, Ricks highlighted the UK’s planning processes as sluggish compared to its international competitors. Countries like the US and Ireland have more efficient systems, enabling quicker factory establishment.Ricks elaborated on his…

This week in the fashion industry witnessed significant developments across major brands, each grappling with unique challenges.Nike is launching a new line of affordable trainers following a revenue decline, said to address intensified market competition.Rights group urges FCA to block Shein’s London IPO, citing grave exploitation allegations concerning Uyghur workers in Xinjiang.Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank’s remuneration saw a 55% increase amid his return to the helm, highlighting varying executive reward structures.These updates offer a window into the evolving dynamics and ethical considerations within the global fashion sector.Sportswear giant Nike announced a strategic pivot with the introduction of a new…

Plans are progressing to convert Dorset’s salt caverns for hydrogen storage, a pivotal move for the UK’s energy resilience. Each cavern, comparable in size to St Paul’s Cathedral, aims to provide emergency energy reserves.The project will involve the creation of 19 caverns, each with the capacity to store substantial quantities of hydrogen.Claire Coutinho, the Energy Secretary, has endorsed the project, ensuring government support and taxpayer subsidies.UK Oil and Gas (UKOG) is leading the initiative, with planning permission expected to be sought soon.Portland Harbour, historically significant as a former Royal Navy base, will be transformed into a key site for hydrogen…

In a ground-breaking achievement, UK athleisure brands have secured prominent positions in the Sunday Times’ list of Britain’s 100 fastest-growing private companies, showcasing significant growth rates.Adanola has emerged as a leader, positioned as the 7th fastest-growing company, with a remarkable CAGR of 202% over three years.Passenger, although dropping from 9th to 14th place, remains a significant player with a 171% CAGR, underscoring the brand’s robust expansion.Other notable brands include Manchester-based Castore and Poole’s ThruDark, while AYBL Group caps the list at 100th place.The dominance of Manchester in this sector is evident, with four of the top five fashion brands originating…

Lucy & Yak, a prominent British fashion and lifestyle brand, has inaugurated its new store in Exeter.The Exeter outlet is located at 7 High Street and spans 1,709 square feet, marking the company’s ninth physical location in the UK.The store showcases the brand’s iconic pink aesthetic, with the latest releases and staple collections, including their popular dungarees.In alignment with the brand’s environmental ethos, the store features a buyback scheme, encouraging recycling, repairing, and upcycling.The Exeter store, the most southernly branch yet, supports community creativity and offers workshops that foster customer engagement.Lucy & Yak, the renowned British direct-to-consumer fashion and lifestyle…