EG Group to Divest French Operations
EG Group announced it will sell its French operating business, including 260 convenience and fuel sites, to co‑founder Zuber Issa’s vehicle EG On Move via a put option. The divestiture follows a staged exit that began with the sale of its Vitry fuel depot in December 2025 and includes additional sales of Paris‑area sites to property developers. The transaction is slated for the second quarter of 2026 and is part of a broader strategy to reduce debt, sharpen focus on core growth markets, and prepare for a planned New York flotation later this year.
Co-Op Appoints Andy Wilmot as Group Supply Chain and Logistics Director
Co‑op announced the appointment of Andy Wilmot as group supply chain and logistics director, effective April 2026. Wilmot, a veteran of A.F. Blakemore and DHL, replaces Derek Furnival, who is retiring after three decades. The hire is positioned to accelerate Co‑op’s operational...
Rebuilding Retail in 2026: Why CDO Retail Exchange Arrives at a Critical Turning Point
The CDO Retail Exchange 2026 brochure has launched as UK and EMEA retailers move from experimental pilots to commercially‑driven data and AI initiatives. After two years of proof‑of‑concept projects, retailers are demanding measurable ROI on pricing, replenishment, personalization and loyalty programs....
The Rise of Contactless Payments in Retail Post-Pandemic
Contactless payment adoption has accelerated in retail since the pandemic, driven by consumer demand for safety and speed. NFC cards and mobile wallets are now standard, prompting retailers to upgrade POS terminals and train staff. These investments have cut cash‑handling...
Victorian Plumbing Announces Change of Leadership as Founder CEO Prepares to Step Down
Victorian Plumbing announced that founder‑CEO Mark Radcliffe will step down and move to a non‑executive director role, with group managing director Stephnie Judge taking over as chief executive on 1 April 2026. Judge, who joined the company in 2013, is credited...
Clarks Managing Director of EMEA Exits the Business
Olivier Motteau, Clarks' managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, announced his departure after nearly four years at the helm. He joined the historic footwear brand in February 2022, bringing senior experience from New Balance, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland...
Zadig & Voltaire Appoints Dan Sablon as Creative Director
Zadig & Voltaire has named Dan Sablon as its new creative director. Sablon, formerly fashion director at Lui, culture director‑at‑large for Vogue France, and former womenswear designer for Marc Jacobs, also collaborated on Carhartt and Fenty × Puma projects. Founder Thierry Gillier...
IKEA to Open a Decathlon in Its Croydon Store
Swedish furniture giant IKEA is piloting a partnership with French sports retailer Decathlon by opening a standalone Decathlon shop inside its Croydon store this spring. The 1,188‑square‑metre unit will feature a dedicated entrance and more than 5,000 items across hiking,...
Sephora UK to Open New Small Format Store in London’s West End
Sephora UK will launch a 4,400 sq ft boutique on London’s Carnaby Street, marking its first West End presence. The store features 2,600 sq ft of trading space, a distinctive façade, and a curated product mix aimed at speed and expertise. It will incorporate...
Complaints From Fashion Shoppers Surge
Citizens Advice logged nearly 18,000 fashion‑related complaints in 2025, a 21% jump from the previous year. Online orders generated 82% of the grievances, while women’s apparel accounted for almost half of all issues. The most common problems were faulty goods,...
Pandora Appoints David Boynton as Managing Director for Northern Europe
Pandora announced David Boynton as managing director for Northern Europe, bringing a seasoned retail background to the jewellery brand. Boynton previously led The Body Shop, Charles Tyrwhitt and L’Occitane, and served as interim general manager for Pandora’s Central Eastern Europe...
Asda Opticians Announces Store Investment and Strengthens Leadership Team
Asda Opticians is committing £2.5 million to upgrade its optical estate, refit 18 stores and modernise diagnostic equipment. The investment also funds a new suite of technical, leadership and personal‑development training, plus a third Level 6 Dispensing Optician apprenticeship cohort beginning September 2026....
Hobbycraft Owner Explores Potential Sale of the Business
Modella Capital, which bought Hobbycraft from Bridgepoint in 2024, is reportedly preparing to explore a sale after receiving interest from an undisclosed buyer. The retailer posted a 6.3% revenue increase in the six weeks to 28 December, helped by a partnership...
Co-Op Q-Commerce Managing Director Steps Down
Co‑op’s managing director of quick‑commerce, Chris Conway, announced his departure after eight years at the retailer. Conway, who joined from Morrisons in 2018 after a long tenure at Asda, oversaw the growth of Co‑op’s online and q‑commerce platform. Under his...
Tapi Opens New Edinburgh Store on Former Carpetright Site
Tapi Carpets & Floors opened a new outlet at Hermiston Gait Retail Park in Edinburgh, converting a former Carpetright location into its latest storefront. The addition brings Tapi’s UK footprint to more than 215 stores. The expansion follows Tapi’s July 2024...
Kookaï to Make UK Store Debut in Soho’s Carnaby Street
Kookaï, the Australian‑owned womenswear label, will open its first permanent UK store on Soho’s iconic Carnaby Street, occupying a 1,800‑square‑foot space. The move follows strong performance across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, where the brand already runs more than 57 boutiques....
Flying Tiger Appoints New CEO as It Looks to Strengthen International Growth
Flying Tiger Copenhagen has promoted Jens Aarup Mikkelsen to group chief executive, succeeding Martin Jermiin after a seven‑year tenure. Mikkelsen, who previously led the company’s international division, will steer the retailer’s next phase of growth. The appointment underscores a strategic...