Australian pharmaceutical group Sigma Healthcare has dropped its $10bn pursuit of UK retail chain Boots, stating the deal would not meet its strategic and capital investment objectives. The withdrawal extends uncertainty for the 177-year-old chain, which was put up for sale in 2022. Sigma shares rose 6% on the news.
British Heart Foundation to close ~150 shops (1/4 of UK stores) and cut jobs due to rising costs and online shift, despite overall 'healthy' financial position, to sustain funding for cardiovascular research.
Swatch CEO Nick Hayek Jr. defended the chaotic launch of the Royal Pop timepiece, which caused store disruptions globally. He cited 'overcrowding like hell' but emphasized continued production and positive consumer interest driven by social media hype.
Swatch has closed its UK stores in London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield due to safety concerns after hundreds queued for a new limited edition watch. A man was arrested in Cardiff.
Swatch closed UK stores after hundreds queued for a new limited watch. The 'Royal Pop' collaboration with Audemars Piguet, priced at £335, saw shoppers camping for days, leading to safety concerns and police reports of aggressive behavior.
Claire's has shut all 154 of its UK and Ireland stores, resulting in over 1,300 job losses. The closures, confirmed in late April 2026, are attributed to a combination of online retail pressures, rising costs, and financial losses.
Claire's is closing its final UK stores on Tuesday, cutting approximately 1,000 jobs and ending three decades on British high streets. The jewellery and ear-piercing retailer, which collapsed into administration in January, has seen more than 100 shops cease trading. The move does not affect 356 concessions in Asda stores or the head office. The UK arm struggled against online competition from Amazon and social media sales via TikTok.
Ex-Mattel boss behind Barbiemania pivots retailer towards more premium fashion after reopening UK storesFrom the 80s through to the early noughties it was the go-to high street store for casual hoodies and jeans, before falling out of favour. Now almost 30 years after its heyday, Gap is hoping to turn things around. Key to its comeback strategy? A pivot to more premium fashion.On Thursday the retailer will unveil a collection with the luxury fashion designer Victoria Beckham. The collaboration is the next step in the luxification of Gap being led by Richard Dickson, who joined Gap Inc as its president and chief executive from Mattel, the US toymaker, in 2023. Continue reading...
