Retail sales in Great Britain weaker than expected despite early Black Friday deals

Sales volumes up 0.2% month on month in November but economists had forecast 0.5% rise

Watchdog intervenes in Yorkshire farmer’s £3.7m sprout dispute with Aldi

W Clappison Ltd claims its supply agreement was ended at planting time without reasonable notice

Ethical beauty chain books £2m profit in first three months after rescue from administration in September

Retailer hit by ‘challenging trading conditions’ and says wage and NIC changes made a number of shops ‘unviable’

Reformhaus retains an unmatched selection of tea and slippers but is morphing to stay competitive

Largest private employer in US pledged to tackle inequities after George Floyd murder but has now dropped initiatives

Lush and Gymshark among chains using apps promoted by TikTok influencers to take on gig economy assistants lacking basic protections, say unions

Workers fear cover charge will prompt diners to cancel paying optional service charge, hitting their income

Three days of action include Boxing Day sales but union says no option as management ‘refuses to engage’

Shoppers will pay £32.57 for festive meal for four as potato and carrot prices leap, says Kantar

Average spend on gifts and celebrations expected to rise 5% to £433 for each consumer, says PwC

ISS reportedly tells fast-fashion firm that Frasers Group approach is ‘superficial’ and ‘offers no plans for change’

The online retailer needs a shake-up – but the Sports Direct supremo is far from an unconflicted party

Result comes as blow to coffee chain’s hopes of cracking local market after posting a surplus in 2023

New powers to force landlords to let their empty shops are one way we can rejuvenate these vital community spaces, says architect Holly Lewis