Pepco Group had lots of news on Thursday with a trading update and a CEO announcement. Executive Chairman Andy Bond unveiled Stephan Borchert as its new CEO and the firm reported lower like-for-like sales.

UK retail businesses lost £11.3 billion to fraud, cyber-attacks or data leaks in 2023, according to new research. And the picture was bleak for UK consumers with a third claiming to have been victims of identity theft.

Hong Kong-based AS Watson has promoted Malina Ngai to the role of group chief executive, effective from the start of next month.

​Tesco had some good news when it released its preliminary results on Wednesday with the UK's largest supermarket operator saying that clothing growth beat the wider market and womenswear was particularly strong.

In a surprise move, the UK government has announced moves to deter the increasing number of attacks on shop workers. It has also committed more funding to tackle the explosion in shoplifting post-pandemic.

As Shein grows increasingly popular in the UK, the e-tailer is continuing to reach out to consumers and is planning a pop-up at the Liverpool One mall running for three days from 19 April.

Westfield London and sister mall Westfield Stratford are primed to host London’s biggest Eid al-Fitr festival again with separate events. Combined, the weekends' occasions are expected to attract over 300,000 visitors.

Liverpool One, the major retail and entertainment destination, said it’s expecting a major boost to footfall during the spring/early summer second quarter trading period.

​M&S on Tuesday announced a raft of new investments in collaborative, pioneering projects, funded through its Plan A Accelerator Fund as it continues to target its Net Zero by 2040 goals.

Premium beauty giant Sephora is ramping up its store opening activity in the UK market with its arrival in Newcastle this autumn.

Puig Brands SA is betting on the Fragrance Index for its multibillion-euro initial public offering. 

​Warpaint London, the stock exchange-listed beauty specialist, delivered a short update on Tuesday and said that strong trading had continued in Q1.

​E-tail giant The Very Group has promoted its Retail Managing Director Robbie Feather to Group CEO, succeeding Lionel Desclée, “who has chosen to step down and pursue new opportunities”. 

​UK consumer and retail spending stayed sluggish in March, two reports showed on Tuesday with Barclays (consumer and retail spending) and the BRC (retail only) both suggesting Britons haven’t got the urge to splurge.

Naming and shaming fashion retailers that exaggerate their eco credentials may not be productive, says the BRC, which has stepped in after the CMA's targeting of dubious eco-friendly claims made by retailers.

​After its UK arm’s administration filing, Ted Baker is to close 15 of its British stores with as many as 245 jobs being lost as a result.