Today’s news in brief-11/2/25
Fast fashion giant Shein has scrapped plans to open a UK warehouse in the Midlands, initially intended to support its anticipated £50bn London Stock Exchange listing. The company had explored sites in Derby, Coventry, and other locations but confirmed no immediate need for a UK facility. The decision follows mounting challenges, including criticism from UK MPs over alleged forced labor in its supply chain and a lack of transparency around sourcing materials, particularly cotton from China. Executives faced scrutiny in a January parliamentary committee hearing, accused of “wilful ignorance.” Meanwhile, regulatory pressures in the US and EU threaten Shein’s tax-efficient business model. Former US President Donald Trump recently moved to close a tax loophole benefiting Chinese imports, while the EU plans similar measures. Reports suggest Shein’s valuation has dropped from £50bn to £40bn, casting further doubt on its listing ambitions.
River Island has announced immediate leadership changes, with Chair Richard Bradbury stepping down for personal reasons. Ben Lewis, former CEO and nephew of founder Bernard Lewis, will reassume the CEO role, having previously led the company from 2010 to 2019. Clive Lewis, Bernard’s son, returns as non-executive chair. Bradbury, who rejoined as executive chair in 2022, praised the team’s achievements and expressed confidence in Ben Lewis’s leadership.
Dunelm CEO Nick Wilkinson will retire following seven years at the helm, after the home furnishings retailer reported resilient first-half results. Total sales rose 2.4% to £893.7m, with pre-tax profit edging up 0.2% to £123.2m. Digital sales accounted for 39% of revenue, up from 36% a year earlier, driven by improvements in online platforms and store expansions, including new locations in inner London and Ireland via the Home Focus acquisition.
Amazon plans to offer over 1,000 apprenticeships in the UK in 2025, spanning roles in AWS, Prime Video, and logistics. The programs will include data science, cybersecurity, and facilities operations, with many incorporating generative AI training. Since 2013, Amazon has provided 7,000 apprenticeships, transferring £11m of its apprenticeship levy to support SMEs and public sector organizations, including the NHS. The company also runs a Supported Internship program for young people with disabilities.
UK retail sales rose 2.6% year-on-year in January, surpassing the 12-month average of 0.8%, driven by food sales growth of 2.8% and non-food sales increasing 2.5%. In-store non-food sales grew 2.6%, while online sales rebounded by 2.2% after prior declines. The British Retail Consortium attributed the uptick to post-Christmas promotions and favorable timing, though storms temporarily dampened demand. BRC CEO Helen Dickinson warned of inflationary pressures and £7bn in upcoming business costs, including wage hikes and new levies, which could force price increases.
