Retail News; 19.07.25
From store launches and tech innovation to leadership shifts and new brand ventures, here's everything you need to know from the UK retail landscape this week.
Store Openings
Abercrombie & Fitch has opened its newest 6,700 sq ft store at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent.
Lululemon has opened its first European airport store at London Heathrow Terminal 5.
Cotswolds Designer Outlet has launched to the public in Tewkesbury, spanning 136,000 sq ft.
Oliver Bonas is set to open its first outlet store at Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays on 19th July.
Me + Em to open a new 2,200 sq ft store on Manchester's King Street in the coming weeks.
Foot Locker unveiled its largest UK store to date at the Bullring, Birmingham.
Gymshark has opened its first mainland Europe store in Amsterdam, ahead of launching in Manchester next month.
Leadership Changes
Primark has promoted Matt Houston to chief customer and digital officer, as Michelle McEttrick departs to pursue a portfolio career.
Asos has promoted Aaron Izzard to chief financial officer.
TFG London has named Sally Ambrose as chief product officer.
The White Company has appointed Eden Keane as chief creative and innovation officer.
JD Sports announced the departure of Helen Ashton as non-executive director and audit chair.
Matalan marketing director Charlotte Dewhurst has exited after 15 months.
Mango has appointed Helena Helmersson (former H&M CEO) to its board as an independent director.
Harrods has named Geoff Weaver as its new chief financial officer.
Business Moves
Marks & Spencer will hold prices of its school uniform range for the fifth consecutive year.
Clarks is entering the school uniform market, with a collection launching online and in 11 stores on 21st July.
Seraphine, the maternity-wear brand, has ceased trading and filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators.
Coes has taken ownership of menswear independent Trotter & Deane, following the founders' retirement.
&Sons has expanded into wholesale for AW25.
Wyse London has launched a second-hand marketplace for authenticated pre-owned styles.
Topshop will return to the catwalk in August, ahead of its wholesale relaunch and ecommerce return this autumn.
Creative Ventures
Former White Company clothing director Barbara Horspool is preparing to launch new brand Mamu.
Former Selfridges head of sustainability Ella Hopton has launched Clique, an AI-powered fashion-swapping social app.
Former Topshop head of merchandising Fiona Gaughan joins BrandAlley as trading director.
The White Company continues its reinvention under new creative leadership.
Innovation, Loyalty & Digital
Marks & Spencer's Sparks loyalty scheme has returned online following April’s cyber-attack.
Waitrose has introduced the Waitrose Delivery Pass, a subscription model for online grocery delivery.
Mango launches an AI-powered virtual stylist: Mango Stylist.
Tesco continues its sustainability push, rolling out solar-powered refrigeration units across its delivery fleet.
M&S has become the first UK supermarket to roll out invisible UV tags to track milk bottle recycling.
International & Wholesale Expansion
M&S enters international wholesale fashion, with bestselling styles launching in David Jones, Australia.
Pottery Barn is set to launch online in the UK this autumn.
Fashion & Culture
John Lewis x Rejina Pyo exclusive collection launches to elevate the store’s premium fashion credentials.
Retail Crime & Policy
H&M trials bodycams for staff in UK stores to combat rising retail crime.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper launches a “summer blitz” on shoplifting, targeting town centres.
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