Topic
retail
Business Sainsbury's Agrees £120m Sale of Argos to Swift Partners to Focus on Core Food Business
Sainsbury's has agreed to sell Argos for £120m to Swift Partners, a newly created company that includes former Co-operative Group boss Richard Pennycook. The supermarket chain aims to focus on its core food business, while Argos will continue operating in Sainsbury's shops, selling Habitat products and offering Nectar points. The deal is expected to complete next February.
Logistics Housing Market Crash Slams Last-Mile Delivery: Growth Halved, Consolidation Looms
The big-and-bulky last-mile delivery segment is seeing growth halved to roughly 5% annually through 2027, driven by a stalled housing market with 6-7% mortgage rates. A joint report from Armstrong & Associates and the National Home Delivery Association highlights intensifying competition, the need for AI-driven execution, and looming consolidation. Labor availability is also tightening due to CDL enforcement.
Technology Geek+ robots from China automate UK retail warehouses for Tesco, Asda and Next
Geek+, the world's largest supplier of autonomous mobile robots, has deployed over 2,000 units across 10 UK warehouse sites via partner MotionTech. Retail giants Tesco, Asda and Next are using the Chinese-built robots to increase picking speeds, improve storage density and reduce errors. The technology addresses persistent UK productivity challenges and labour shortages, though unions urge caution on job impacts.
Primark Slashes Prices Up to 29% in Response to Pressure from Shein and Temu
Primark has announced price cuts of up to 29% on hundreds of clothing items, responding to intense competition from online fast-fashion rivals Shein and Temu. The move comes as Primark's like-for-like sales drop and its parent company plans a stock market spin-off. The price war highlights the pressure on traditional retailers from cross-border e-commerce platforms that benefit from low operational costs and import duty exemptions.
Regulations & Compliance B&M Retail Ltd Fined £2m for Serious Food Hygiene Offences at Three Birmingham Stores
B&M Retail Ltd has been fined £2 million by Birmingham Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to serious food hygiene offences at three Birmingham stores. Inspections following public complaints revealed mouse droppings and gnawed products on sale. The company must pay the fine and costs within 28 days.
Logistics Trucking Market Update: International Container Spot Rates Surge 400% as Retail Peak Season Looms
International container spot rates have surged 400%, according to FreightWaves CEO Craig Fuller. The domestic trucking market remains quiet but strong intermodal activity and an anticipated surge of long-haul volume from the West Coast signal a tightening freight market ahead of the retail peak season. Regulatory crackdowns are further impacting capacity.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces TikTok Live Shopping Drives £100,000 Sales in a Day for UK Seller, but Fees Bite
TikTok Shop UK sellers report massive live-streaming sales, including £100,000 in a single day for one beauty brand. However, platform fees of up to 9p per £1 sold (9%) raise cost concerns, with eBay Live offering a combined fee of up to 8.42p. Industry research shows 30% of shoppers have bought via live shopping, highlighting rapid consumer adoption.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Reliance Retail Maps Online Business Growth with JioMart and Dark Store Expansion in FY27
Reliance Retail outlines a three-year roadmap to scale its online business, led by JioMart and dark store expansion, with a focus on improving unit economics, omni-channel integration, and profitability through private labels and marketplace income.
Business Reliance Retail Q1 Results: Quick-Commerce Spends Drag PAT 14% YoY to Rs 2,806 Crore; Revenue Rises 7%
Reliance Retail reported a 14% YoY drop in PAT to Rs 2,806 crore for Q1 FY27, as investments in quick-commerce weighed on earnings. Revenue grew 7% (or 11.6% adjusted for the Consumer Brands demerger), while EBITDA margin contracted 80 bps to 7.9%. Digital commerce average daily orders surged 116% YoY, and the store network expanded to 20,169 stores. The company outlined a 3-year plan to double operating EBITDA through scale, unit economics, and omni-channel growth.
Logistics Pin Code Wars: Quick Commerce Cos Add 900 Dark Stores in 3 Months, Intensifying Metro Battles
India's largest quick commerce operators added nearly 900 dark stores between April and July 2026, according to Bernstein. Blinkit, Flipkart Minutes, and Amazon Now led the expansion, but most new stores opened in already-served pin codes, intensifying competition in metro areas. The total dark store network grew to about 6,650-6,750, while metro pin code saturation rose from 26% to 44%.
Logistics Maersk to Operate $100M Fulfillment Center in Boston Suburb for Major Retailer
Maersk will open a 617,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Hopedale, Massachusetts, in late August, serving a single large e-commerce customer. The $100 million facility features advanced conveyor and sortation technology and can process up to 330,000 parcels per day. The investment highlights Maersk's evolution from a container shipping line to an end-to-end supply chain provider.
Business Ecommerce Chiefs Evolve Into Full-Stack Strategists, FMCG and Retail Leaders Say at ETRetail Summit 2026
At the ETRetail Summit 2026, industry leaders from ITC, Zydus Wellness, Bajaj Consumer, IKEA India, and Campus highlighted that ecommerce roles have evolved from channel management to enterprise-wide strategy ownership, driven by supply chain agility, platform algorithms, and quick commerce growth.
Business Coughlans Bakery Closes: Romesh Ranganathan 'Gutted' as 89-Year-Old Chain Enters Liquidation
Coughlans Bakery, an 89-year-old chain across southeast England and part-owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, has ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation. Managing director Sean Coughlan blamed increased national insurance contributions, high business rates, fuel costs, and heatwaves for the closure. Ranganathan expressed being 'gutted' over the shutdown.
Up to 150 Former WH Smith Stores to Close After Court Approves TG Jones Rescue Deal
The High Court has approved a rescue deal for TG Jones, the owner of former WH Smith high street stores, allowing up to 150 store closures and steep rent cuts. Modella Capital, which acquired the chain last year, said the plan is vital to avoid insolvency and will invest savings into a turnaround strategy.
Trade CaratLane Pauses Own West Asia Entry, May Use Damas Stores via Titan Deal
Titan-owned jeweller CaratLane has paused independent plans to enter the Middle East due to regional conflicts, but will likely use the recently acquired Damas Jewellery's 140+ GCC stores for future entry. Titan bought a 67% stake in Damas for Rs 1,630 crore earlier this year, with an option to buy the remaining 33% by 2029.
Business Weight-loss jabs reshape UK shopping habits, cutting grocery spending by £780m
New research reveals that more than two million UK users of weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are significantly altering their spending patterns. Households with GLP-1 users spend an average of £418 less on groceries annually, contributing to a £780m national decline. The shift extends to product choices, with reduced purchases of chocolate, pastries and alcohol, and increased spending on protein-rich foods, mouthwash and hair dyes – the latter to counter common side effects. Retailers and food manufacturers are adapting product sizes and marketing strategies.
Business Colombian specialty coffee chain Libertario ramps up India expansion, bets on premium coffee culture
Colombian specialty coffee chain Libertario is accelerating its India expansion, planning four new cafés in Delhi-NCR this year and entering Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru in early 2027. Founded in 2015 by a Colombian coffee-producing family, the company follows a localisation strategy, sourcing 70-80% of its coffee from local markets. Co-founder and India CEO Miguel Villaquiran highlighted the brand's mix of local and international coffees, including three Indian-origin profiles in India.
Technology AI-Driven Personalization Now Drives 75% of Meesho Orders, Signals Shift in Consumer Commerce
At the ETRetail E-Commerce and Digital Natives Summit 2026, Meesho's Goyal revealed that over 75% of orders now come from AI-powered personalized feeds. He outlined how AI is shifting commerce from search-led discovery to an intent-first model, with benefits across the value chain including reduced customer acquisition costs and improved inventory planning.
Commodities Retail diesel falls for eighth week while crack spreads surge to near-record levels
Retail diesel prices fell for the eighth consecutive week to $4.668/gal, down 97.2 cents from the May 4 peak, according to DOE/EIA data. Meanwhile, the 3:2:1 crack spread surged to near-record levels above $50/bbl, signaling a product shortage that analysts say may be temporary as crude supply from the Strait of Hormuz flows freely.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces AI reshapes D2C growth engines but human judgment still defines brand outcomes, say founders at ETRetail Summit
At the ETRetail E-Commerce and Digital Natives Summit 2026, leaders from Zivame, Urban Ladder, Yoga Bars, DrinkPrime, and Trustsignal discussed how AI is transforming performance marketing, retention analytics, and content speed, but emphasized that critical decisions around brand trust, positioning, and customer experience still require human oversight. Panelists highlighted AI's role in reducing customer acquisition costs and accelerating content production, while noting its limitations in emotional nuance, strategic decision-making, and new customer acquisition.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Why trust, authenticity and wellness are redefining the future of beauty brands, says Blossom Kochhar at ETRetail E-Commerce and Digital Natives Summit 2026
Blossom Kochhar, Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, told the ETRetail E-Commerce and Digital Natives Summit 2026 that modern beauty consumers demand science-backed transparency and holistic wellness. She emphasized that trust, ethical practices, and AI-driven personalization are defining the next generation of brands.
Business Why scaling after Rs 500 crore shifts from strategy to execution, founders say at ETRetail Summit 2026
At the ETRetail Summit 2026, founders from Lahori Zeera, Sangeetha Mobiles, CaratLane, Libas, and Anand Sweets unanimously agreed that once a business crosses the Rs 500 crore revenue mark, growth becomes an execution problem rather than a strategy problem. Key challenges include supply chain discipline, inventory control, people systems, and operational consistency. The panel highlighted that scaling requires systematic problem-solving, technology backbone, and capital discipline.
Business India's insurgent consumer brands grow 3x faster than market, generating $7.5B in FY25
India's upstart consumer brands are growing three times faster than established FMCG companies, generating an estimated $7.5 billion in revenue in FY25, up from $2 billion five years ago, according to a report by Bain & Company and DSG Consumer Partners. Insurgent brands in jewellery, beauty, and home categories are expanding 6x faster than their broader markets, but scaling beyond Rs 500 crore remains a challenge.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Amazon chief Andy Jassy presses Quick-commerce pedal: Now to expand to 300+ cities
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, on his first visit to India since 2021, announced Amazon Now will expand to over 300 cities from 15, backed by a fresh $300 million investment. The quick-commerce service has seen orders double every quarter since launch, positioning Amazon to challenge incumbents Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Flipkart Minutes.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces India’s next e-commerce growth wave will come from Tier-II and Tier-III consumers, not metros
At the ETRetail E-Commerce and Digital Natives Summit 2026, panelists including CEOs of Tata CLiQ, Snapdeal, and Yatra said India's next e-commerce growth will come from Tier-II and Tier-III consumers. Key data points: 63% of outbound travel originates from these cities, and more than half of Tata CLiQ Luxury's business comes from non-metro locations. Panelists cautioned against overestimating growth pace but highlighted significant untapped demand.
Technology How Flipkart Uses Generative AI to Shift E-Commerce from Search to Intent-Led Commerce
At the ETRetail E-Commerce and Digital Natives Summit 2026, Flipkart executives outlined how generative AI and agentic systems are transforming e-commerce from search-driven transactions to intent-led commerce. The shift enables conversational discovery, AI-powered seller tools, and agent-based workflows across the value chain.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Prime Day Vacuum Deals: Top Discounts on Cordless, Robot, and Wet Vacuums from Shark, Dyson, Bissell
WIRED reports on Prime Day vacuum deals for 2026, featuring discounts on cordless vacuums like the Shark PowerDetect ($300, $100 off), the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder ($150), and the Dyson Gen5Detect. Robot vacuums such as the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal ($850) and Dreame X50 Ultra also see sales. Wet vacuums include the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine and Narwal S30 Pro ($330).
Business FY27 Kicks Off Strong: Double-Digit Sales Growth in Apparel, ACs, and Premium Goods, But Monsoon and Inflation Risks Loom
India’s new fiscal year has opened with robust double-digit sales growth in apparel and white goods, driven by a scorching summer and GST rate cuts. However, companies and analysts warn that an uneven monsoon and accelerating inflation could weigh on demand in coming months. A Bank of America report highlights El Nino risks to retail inflation.
Business Inflation Starting to Take Toll on Indian Consumers, P&G India CEO Warns of Headwinds
Procter & Gamble India CEO V Kumar said inflation is making consumers more disciplined in spending, projecting short-term headwinds. The company faces a 50% spike in plastic costs due to the West Asia war, and global parent P&G warned of a $1 billion post-tax hit to fiscal 2027 profit. Delayed monsoons add to risks, but the company remains positive on India's medium-term growth.
Technology Amazon and Walmart Battle for Lowest Price on Apple AirPods Pro 3, Dropping to $169
Walmart has dropped the Apple AirPods Pro 3 to $169.99, a record low, while Amazon lists them at $179. The price war highlights competitive dynamics in e-commerce ahead of Amazon Prime Day on June 23.
Business Lidl Opens First Pub in Northern Ireland to Circumvent Restrictive Licensing Laws
Lidl has opened its first-ever pub, The Middle Ale, in Dundonald, Northern Ireland, investing £500,000 and hiring eight staff. The move circumvents Northern Ireland's strict licensing laws that prevented the supermarket from obtaining a standard off-licence. The pub, named as a play on Lidl's famous middle aisle, is a strategic response to local licensing hurdles and population growth in the area.
Supply Chain CVS Shifts to Aluminum Pill Bottles: What Supply Chain Leaders Need to Know
CVS is transitioning select over-the-counter pill bottles from plastic to aluminum, citing sustainability and product protection benefits. The change is part of a brand refresh following 270 store closures. Supply chain and procurement leaders should note the material shift, potential cost neutrality, and limited initial rollout for store-brand allergy and pain relief medications.
Business US retail giant Target signs ₹1,250 crore lease for 8.3 lakh sq ft at Bengaluru's Manyata Business Park
US retailer Target has taken on a 10-year lease for 8.3 lakh sq ft at Manyata Embassy Business Park in Bengaluru, with a total rental value of ₹1,250 crore. The lease, starting September 2025, includes a monthly rent of ₹8.73 crore and a 15% escalation every three years, underscoring the growing trend of GCC expansion in Bengaluru's tech ecosystem.
RetailBench Benchmark Tests LLM Agents on Long-Horizon Retail Decisions
Researchers introduced RetailBench, a simulation benchmark for evaluating LLM agents in single-store supermarket management over 180 days. Tests on seven models showed only a subset completed the full horizon, and even the best fell far behind an oracle policy due to incomplete evidence acquisition and lack of consistent strategy.
Business New York's Candy Stores Sweeten Economic Gloom as Consumer Sentiment Hits Record Low
Despite US consumer sentiment hitting an all-time low in May, candy stores in and around New York City are expanding. Third-generation owner Mitchell Cohen of Economy Candy notes that consumers still buy affordable treats during economic downturns. Swedish chains BonBon and Candy King are opening new outlets, leveraging the 'lipstick effect'.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces B&H Photo Promo Codes and Deals This June: Insights for Trade Executives
B&H Photo is running Father's Day promotions on cameras, video gear, and electronics. Deals include discounts on Nikon Z6III, GoPro Hero 13, and Sony a7R V. Free shipping on orders over $49 and a student discount program are available. No specific trade flow data is provided in the source article.
Finance Nexus Select Plans ₹2,000 Crore Northeast Retail Expansion; Diamond Plaza Acquisition Nears Close
Nexus Select Trust plans to deploy up to ₹2,000 crore towards acquisitions this year, expanding its retail real estate footprint in eastern and northeastern India. The proposed acquisition of Kolkata's Diamond Plaza mall is expected to close within one-and-a-half to two months, pending legal and corporate restructuring. Two additional acquisition deals are in advanced stages, targeting the Northeast and adjoining West Bengal. Chief Investor Relations Officer Pratik Dantara highlighted that the Northeast has emerged as an attractive consumption market, particularly for beauty and personal care products, with spending significantly above the national average.
Commodities Brent Crude Falls to $83 on US-Iran Deal, UK Petrol Prices Set to Drop Further
Brent crude oil prices have fallen to around $83 a barrel following a US-Iran framework deal that ended the war and raised hopes for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. UK petrol prices, which peaked at 159.53p on 28 May during the conflict, have started declining, with the RAC forecasting a further drop to 148p if oil stabilises around $85. The article details the impact of the war on global oil flows and UK retail fuel costs.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Home Depot Promo Codes Up to 50% Off in June 2026: Implications for Importers and Trade Executives
WIRED's roundup of Home Depot promo codes for June 2026 reveals discounts ranging from 20% to $100 off, with up to 50% off on power tools, lawn equipment, and appliances. Importers and trade executives should monitor these promotions as they signal potential shifts in consumer demand for imported goods, particularly from brands like Milwaukee, DEWALT, and Electrolux.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Columbia Promo Codes: B2B Implications of 15% Off and Membership Discounts
Columbia offers multiple promo codes for June 2026, including 15% off first orders via Greater Rewards, $20 off $100+ with email and text sign-ups, and discounts for students, teachers, military, and first responders. These deals are relevant for B2B buyers and resellers looking to source outdoor gear at reduced prices.
Business Ikea's New Outdoor Dining Range: Affordable Elegance
Ikea has launched a new outdoor dining range featuring understated colors and practical designs, with prices starting at just 59 cents. The range is made from durable polypropylene plastic and is dishwasher-safe, appealing to consumers seeking both style and functionality.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Dyson Offers Up to 35% Off with New Promo Codes
Dyson is offering significant discounts through promo codes, including up to 35% off on select products. These offers are available for both new and existing customers, providing opportunities for savings on Dyson's high-quality appliances.
Frasers Group Bids £1.73bn for Full Control of Hugo Boss
Frasers Group, led by Mike Ashley, has proposed a £1.73bn takeover of Hugo Boss, seeking to acquire the remaining shares of the German fashion brand. The offer values Hugo Boss at €38 per share, surpassing its recent market price.
Business German Retailers Anticipate Modest World Cup Sales Boost
German retailers expect only a modest boost in sales from the World Cup, as the event is held outside Germany. A survey by HDE indicates that only a quarter of retailers are stocking World Cup-related products, with limited impact anticipated across sectors.
Illegal Mini-Marts Face Year-Long Closure Under New UK Law
Effective early 2027, illegal mini-marts in England and Wales could be shut for up to 12 months under new legislation. This change follows a BBC investigation into organized crime linked to these establishments. The Home Office aims to curb illegal activities and restore public confidence.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Ulta Beauty's Latest Promo Codes Offer Up to 50% Off
Ulta Beauty is offering significant discounts through various promo codes, including up to 50% off for members. These codes apply to a wide range of products and services, enhancing savings for both online and in-store purchases.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Naturepedic Offers 20% Off and Free Pillows with Promo Codes
Naturepedic is offering a 20% discount and free pillows with promo codes on their organic bedding products. The brand is known for its certified organic mattresses and bedding, providing high-quality options for consumers. Free ground shipping is available for orders within the continental U.S.
Business Regional Retailers Eye IPOs to Fuel Expansion
Regional retail companies in India are planning IPOs to fund expansion as small towns become retail growth hubs. Companies like Sathya Agencies and SS Retail have filed for IPOs, aiming to capitalize on rising incomes and digital connectivity.
Commodities Diesel Prices Decline Amid Inventory Concerns
Diesel prices continue to decline, with the DOE/EIA reporting a drop to $5.21/gallon. Concerns about low inventory levels and potential export bans are influencing market dynamics.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Logitech Offers $100 Off with June Promo Codes
Logitech is offering significant discounts and free gifts with select purchases this June. Customers can save up to $100 on refurbished gear and enjoy free shipping on orders over $29.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces eBay Offers 20% Off Coupons for June 2026
eBay is offering 20% off coupons for June 2026, providing significant savings on a wide range of products including tech gadgets and home essentials. Sellers and buyers can benefit from these discounts, alongside free shipping options and the eBay Mastercard rewards program.
E-Commerce & Marketplaces Amazon Announces 2026 Prime Day Dates for Australia
Amazon Australia has announced its 2026 Prime Day sale will run from July 7 to July 13. This event offers exclusive deals for Prime members and discounts on major brands.
Business British Heart Foundation to Close 150 Charity Shops Amid Rising Costs
The British Heart Foundation plans to close 150 charity shops over the next two years, citing rising costs and changing consumer habits. This move affects nearly a quarter of its retail locations across the UK.
Business M&S Launches Traineeship for 1,000 Young People
Marks and Spencer has announced a new traineeship program aimed at providing 1,000 young people in the UK and Ireland with career opportunities in retail. This initiative addresses the rising youth unemployment and aims to transform retail into a viable long-term career path.
Business High Street Reflects UK's Political and Economic Instability
The UK's High Street has become a microcosm of broader political and economic instability, with organized crime and money laundering prevalent. This situation reflects wider societal issues, including income inequality and the rise of online shopping.
Logistics Target Opens $367M Food Distribution Center in Colorado
Target has inaugurated a $367 million food distribution center in Thornton, Colorado, aimed at improving supply chain efficiency and product availability for 129 stores across 11 states. This facility, the largest of Target's nine food distribution centers, will expedite replenishment and reduce transportation costs.