Doom loop of decline: how struggling high streets fuel far-right sympathies in UK

Retail accounts for 5% of the UK economy – but its visibility gives it an outsize influence on public perception

The Original Factory Shop calls in administrators, putting 1,200 jobs at risk

Homeware chain will continue to trade on high streets while administrators ‘assess options’ for business

Labour risks election wipeout unless it improves Britain’s high streets, study finds

Decay of town centres a top issue among voters especially Reform UK supporters and is fuelling resentment against Westminster

‘You’d be ashamed to bring someone here’: The struggling billionaire-owned high street that shows Reform’s road to No 10

Newton Aycliffe was meant to be a model town for a fairer postwar Britain. But unaffordable rents on a high street amounting to 0.12% of its property tycoon owner’s holdings have made it a symbol of decline – and a warning for Labour

How has your local high street changed since 2019? Check your postcode

The makeup of Great Britain’s high streets has changed dramatically. See what the data says about where you live

Hobbycraft issues full recall of asbestos-tainted children’s play sand

Craft retailer says there is ‘risk to health’ after some vials in Giant Box of Craft set contained fibrous tremolite asbestos

National insurance hike and energy bills behind food price rise, say UK retailers

Latest BRC figures show year-on-year rate of increase was 3.9% in January, up from 3.3% the month before

UK supermarkets push for Amazon soy safeguards after traders abandon ban

European retailers urge traders to adhere to commitments after Brazilian lawmakers wreck forest protection pact

Waterstones boss defends government’s business rates shake-up

James Daunt is relaxed about bills and the higher living wage, and says bookselling is having ‘a nice time’

‘We need Target to stand up’: activists in Minneapolis press retailer amid ICE arrests at its stores

Activists say the retailer has met with clergy but not spoken out against ICE or safeguarded employees and customers

Asbestos found in children’s play sand sold in UK

Hobbycraft removes product from sale after parent sent samples to a lab for testing but declines to issue a recall

Poundland shuts 149 stores, cuts 2,200 jobs and focuses on £1 items

Discounter relaunches Pep & Co clothing brand after a switch to ranges supplied by its former parent group hit sales

British retail sales jump as online jewellery firms offer surprise Christmas sparkle

Sales volume rise of 0.4% in December confounds forecasts as new survey shows sharp rebound in consumer confidence

B&M and The Works hit by tough Christmas trading

Retailers report weaker sales over festive period amid ‘subdued consumer confidence’

Next buyout saves footwear brand Russell & Bromley but 400 jobs likely to be lost

Retailer buys chain from administration for £3.8m adding to portfolio ranging from FatFace to Made.com