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Sainsbury’s has said it will forgo the business rates relief that the UK government and the devolved administrations have granted to its stores since March. The retailer said it spent £290 million in its first half on Covid-19 measures to keep staff and customers safe, although this was partially offset by...

Cath Kidston has re-opened its global flagship on London’s Piccadilly. Spanning 7,040 square feet, the “Home of Cath Kidston” is set across three floors and is designed to complement the brand’s new digital-first strategy. Homeware and children’s categories feature strongly in the store due to their popularity increasing during the Covid-19...

Tesco is to repay the £585 million worth of business rates relief it received from the UK Government and devolved administrations during the coronavirus pandemic. Tesco said the offer of relief was a game-changer in the early stages of the pandemic as it gave it the immediate confidence to invest in...

eBay UK has hired Eve Williams as its new chief marketing officer. She has joined the company from ASOS where she was global brand director with responsibility for marketing and customer programmes. At ebay, she will be responsible for all marketing activity including brand campaigns. Rob Hattrell, head of eBay Europe...

IKEA is to reopen 19 stores across England from 2 December including its flagship planning studio format in London’s Tottenham Court Road. Peter Jelkeby, UK&IE country chief executive, said: “IKEA believes that home is the most important place in the world and this year more than ever it has played a...

The Arcadia Group has entered administration after the closure of non-essential stores during the second UK Covid-19 lockdown impacted trade. In a statement, the group said Matt Smith and Dan Butters, together with other restructuring partners at Deloitte, have been appointed as joint administrators. While no redundancies are planned at present, the...

The Entertainer is to give its staff a three-day break during the five day period of eased restrictions over Christmas. The company has said all 171 of its stores will close at the end of the day on Christmas Eve and will not re-open until Monday 28 December. Gary Grant, founder...

Marks & Spencer has reversed its decision to open its stores on Boxing Day this year. In a statement, the retailer said it will be closing all of its UK owned stores, customer contact centre and Castle Donnington distribution centre to enable as many staff members as possible to “spend...

The Arcadia Group is reportedly close to collapse after a source told the BBC that it does not expect there to be any last minute rescue deal. This is despite Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group offering Arcadia an emergency £50 million loan to help keep the business afloat. According to the BBC,...

Co-op has re-opened its petrol filling station in Astley following extensive works to build a new, larger food store and overhaul the fuel forecourt with new pumps and a canopy. The new-look shop has more than double the space than the previous store. Paul Griffin, Co-op area manager, said: “We are delighted...