George MacDonald

1 week ago | retail-week.com | George MacDonald |George Arnett

Why WHSmith boss Carl Cowling is still betting big on America despite Trump turmoil By George MacDonald and George Arnett2025-04-16T13:37:00 WHSmith is selling its high street business to focus on its successful travel operations—notably the US, described by the retailer as its “most exciting growth market”. The shift comes amid global disruption precipitated by president Trump’s confrontational polices, but WHSmith chief executive Carl Cowling is unfazed and tells Retail Week why.

1 week ago | retail-week.com | George MacDonald

Asda has hired a new chief people officer who will join from rival Tesco as the Leeds grocer pushes ahead with its turnaround programme. Asda has appointed James Goodman, Tesco’s UK and Ireland people director, to the role. He will play a crucial role at Asda, where returned chair Allan Leighton aims to restore its traditional shopfloor strengths among a workforce that had become demoralised under the leadership of the Issa brothers.

1 week ago | retail-week.com | George MacDonald

Retailers flag concerns about Chinese ‘dumping’ on back of Trump tariffs By George MacDonald2025-04-14T06:30:00 Retailers, including Currys chief executive Alex Baldock, have signalled worries about goods being switched from the US to Europe through companies such as Amazon, Shein and Temu.

2 weeks ago | retail-week.com | George MacDonald

Source: John Lewis Partnership Department store business John Lewis is investing in its home range as it seeks to cement its position as a ”lifestyle leader”. John Lewis is adding  30 new brands to the Home offer including Harlequin x Henry Holland, West Elm and By Hope, as well as a collaboration with design house Sanderson.

3 weeks ago | retail-week.com | George MacDonald

Source: Boux Avenue Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis’ lingerie and clothing business Boux Avenue will clock up its first-ever profit in the financial year just ending, Retail Week can reveal. The landmark follows an improved performance the previous financial year and over the two years combined, Boux Avenue’s EBITDA has risen by £7m.