Next unveils huge development in £2.5bn economy boost March 26, 2026 Retail giant Next has unveiled a huge new development which it says will add £2.5bn to the economy, as the FTSE 100 firm invests over £300m in its warehouses. The firm has been granted planning permission to build a new 1.2m sq ft warehouse in its Elmsall complex in Yorkshire, with construction set to commence [...]
Co-op takes £126m knock from cyber attack as boss quits March 26, 2026 Retailer Co-op has slumped to a £126m loss as it reels from the cyber attack which cost the firm nearly £300m last year, as its chief executive quit. The grocery chain is preparing to slash costs in the coming year, as it plans to cut £200m of spending in 2026. Co-op’s cyber attack in April [...]
Next: Iran war costs retailer £15m and could push up prices March 26, 2026 High street giant Next has said it will take a £15m hit from the soaring air freight and fuel prices caused by the Iran war, as it races to make savings elsewhere to offset the costs. The FTSE 100 firm said it expects the conflict to constrain its growth in the Middle East, which accounts [...]
Dragons Den star steps in to save Robert Dyas March 16, 2026 A former Dragons Den star has stepped in to “steady the ship” at a beloved high street hardware store as losses climb. Theo Paphitis, who owns a string of retailers, has installed himself as interim chief executive at Robert Dyas, as the home improvement and electrical appliance seller battles “testing times”. Paphitis bought the retailer [...]
TG Jones owner Modella Capital weighs latest asset sale March 10, 2026 The investment firm which owns TG Jones is reportedly considering the latest exit from its string of retail acquisitions. Modella Capital has been discussing a potential sale of Wynsors World of Shoes, a northern shoeseller which the firm acquired just three months ago, according to Sky News’ Mark Kleinman. The private equity firm has repeatedly [...]
Staff bonus up in air as John Lewis tempers expectations March 8, 2026 Many of John Lewis’ more than 70,000 employees will be hoping for some good news next week, as the retail giant will announce whether it will be reinstating its sorely missed staff bonus after years of freezes. The bonus handed out to staff had long been a central part of John Lewis’ brand, as symbolic [...]
Matalan gets £25m investment boost for store upgrades March 6, 2026 Clothing retailer Matalan has secured a £25m funding boost from its investors despite facing falling revenue and job losses last year, Morning Wire can reveal. The firm’s core investor group – Invesco, Tresidor, Man Group and Napier Park – have committed the funding to accelerate the retailer’s plans to revamp its stores. The funding boost [...]
Rain drives shoppers off high streets in blow to retailers March 6, 2026 This year’s record wet weather has kept Brits indoors and away from the high street, in a blow to retailers as they face growing costs. Retail footfall fell by 4.5 per cent in February year on year, down from January’s 0.6 per cent decrease, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). UK retailers are sounding [...]
Owner of former WH Smith shops calls for help as stores at risk March 2, 2026 The investment firm which owns a string of former WH Smith stores has called in emergency advisors as it prepares for a drastic restructuring which could leave 80 stores at risk. Modella Capital, which bought stationers WH Smith’s retail division in June 2025, has brought on advisers at consultancy firm Teneo to direct its restructuring, [...]
Admiral pubs boss: business rates will ‘kill off the high street’ February 23, 2026 The boss of a northern-based pubs company has claimed business rates will “kill off” the high street as well as pubs unless the levy is fundamentally reformed. Chris Jowsey, chief executive of Admiral Taverns, told Morning Wire the government must deliver on its pledge to overhaul the business rates system, which he said “penalises bricks [...]