Tesco, Sainsbury’s and M&S shares take £4bn hit amid Asda price war fears Asda claims to have ‘pretty significant war chest’ but analyst says it is unclear if it can commit to months of cuts
What next for Mike Ashley’s patchwork retail empire? The tycoon’s Frasers Group faces a tricky next chapter after decades of relentless deal-making
Price of instant coffee rises by up to 40% in a year for some brands, Which? finds Increases of at least 8% also found across 11 out of 12 brands in first two months of 2025, compared with year earlier
Asda to invest in price cuts to battle drop in sales and market share Supermarket chain’s sales drop 1% to £21.7bn despite food price inflation of 3% for most of 2024
European shares reverse gains as trade war fears escalate – as it happened Donald Trump threatens 200% tariff on EU wine, champagne and other alcohol
John Lewis profits triple to £126m but hopes for staff bonus dashed again Cash reward at staff-owned group ruled out for third year in a row, with focus on £600m plans to transform business
Nearly one in four Britons have witnessed shoplifting, study shows Nearly a quarter have seen staff abused as shops say crime is spiralling out of control with 55,000 thefts a day
Poor results at Puma and Zara owner fuel fears of slowing US consumer demand Inditex shares plunge as some analysts say data suggests falling demand across Americas amid tariff uncertainty
New name but same old struggles for Boohoo Rebrand to Debenhams won’t solve the company’s issues – the retailer may simply have already had its day in the sun
Boohoo rebrands as Debenhams amid drop in youth labels’ sales Chief executive says sales figures are down by more than a fifth but its brands still carry ‘significant potential’
Lego to build up digital games plus Nike and F1 tie-ups to keep tweens’ interest Toy company’s sales rose 13% last year, buoyed by Technic, City, Star Wars and Harry Potter-themed sets
Valentine’s Day proves a gift for UK retailers, as consumers hold back on big-ticket items Jewellery purchases linked to 14 February give lift to otherwise lacklustre month, British Retail Consortium says
Just two buyers left in race to buy WH Smith high street division – report Alteri and Modella Capital are the only two parties remaining in talks, according to Sky News
John Lewis partners watch the profits rack up – but still not the bonuses After a tricky few years, the group has bounced back, but, says its new chair, cash rewards for workers must wait
US owner of UK pharmacy chain Boots to be taken private in $10bn deal Sale of Walgreens Boots Alliance to Sycamore Partners will mean further uncertainty for staff of pharmacy chain