Today’s news in brief-8/4/25

Levi Strauss & Co reported a strong start to 2025, with Q1 sales rising 3% to $1.5bn (£1.17bn) and adjusted EBITDA surging 47% to $204m (£159m), exceeding expectations. Direct-to-consumer revenues grew 9%, while wholesale sales increased 3%. The Levi’s brand saw an 8% global organic growth, with the Americas up 6% and Asia up 7%, though Europe declined 5%. CEO Michelle Gass credited the company’s transformation strategy, citing a robust product pipeline and cultural relevance. The group maintained its fiscal 2025 guidance, projecting organic revenue growth of 3.5%-4.5% and an adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of 70-90 basis points.

Clintons returned to profitability in FY2024, posting a pre-tax profit of £8.1m, a significant turnaround from a £5.4m loss the previous year. Sales fell to £82.6m from £96.5m, which directors deemed “satisfactory” amid ongoing store closures. The retailer reduced its estate to 170 stores and cut headcount from 1,757 to 1,415. Acquired by Pillarbox Designs (parent of Cardzone), Clintons has focused on closing underperforming locations and mitigating cost pressures, including rising wages and energy expenses. The company acknowledged persistent high street challenges but remains committed to improving efficiency.

LVMH announced leadership changes across three brands. Ramon Ros, currently Louis Vuitton’s China president, will become Fendi’s CEO from July 2025. Daniel DiCicco, formerly of Apple Retail, will take over as Louis Vuitton’s China CEO from April 2025. Charlotte Coupé, Louis Vuitton’s men’s wear director, will lead Kenzo from May 2025. The appointments aim to strengthen brand desirability and expansion. Sylvain Blanc, Kenzo’s outgoing CEO, will depart to pursue new ventures.

Lush reported widening losses, with pre-tax losses up 52% to £42.6m in FY2024, as sales dropped to £647.5m from £708.1m. The US, its largest market, saw a 4% decline, offset by growth in Japan (8%) and the UK (1%). The retailer will pass on Trump-era 25% tariffs on Canadian exports to US consumers following the closure of its Dusseldorf manufacturing site. Despite a strong Q1, Lush struggled to maintain momentum, though it highlighted record sales days in key markets and plans for a UK hotel partnership.

Sainsbury’s and Royal Mail partnered to roll out parcel lockers in Sainsbury’s stores, expanding Royal Mail’s network to meet growing demand for convenient parcel services. Launched in December 2024, the lockers offer affordable drop-off and collection, with label printing via QR codes. Six lockers are already operational, with more planned. Royal Mail’s Jack Clarkson cited the partnership as key to expanding access, while Sainsbury’s Patrick Dunne emphasized convenience for shoppers.

Primark is doubling its footprint at Leeds’ White Rose Shopping Centre, expanding from 26,200 sq ft to 55,700 sq ft, with completion expected by 2027. The move follows JD’s recent expansion at the site. Primark also plans its first standalone homewares store in Belfast, opening March 2025, offering bedding, décor, and kitchenware. The 8,700 sq ft store follows a small-format pilot in Portugal. Landsec’s Pablo Sueiras noted retailers are investing in larger, experiential stores to attract shoppers.