Retail Sector

18 hours ago | retailsector.co.uk | Liam Moran

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reviewing the Low Value Import scheme, which allows goods under £135 to enter the UK tariff-free, amid concerns over Chinese companies flooding the market with cheap products. Major retailers like Next, Currys, and Sainsbury’s have warned that such imports could undercut UK businesses. The potential reform follows similar moves by the US and EU to tighten trade rules.

22 hours ago | retailsector.co.uk | Liam Moran

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering ending the Low Value Import scheme, which currently allows online retailers to bring goods worth up to £135 into the country without paying customs duties. The move comes as the UK prepares for an influx of Chinese companies dumping stock for cheap as a result of the US-China trade war. Reeves announced this review of the scheme in response to concerns raised by major UK retailers, including Next, Currys, and Sainsbury’s.

1 day ago | retailsector.co.uk | Liam Moran

THG has rejected an unsolicited takeover bid for its Myprotein brand from Selkirk, describing the offer as “undervalued” and lacking sufficient funding. The proposal, which valued Myprotein between £400m and £600m, was largely structured in Selkirk shares, with additional cash payments dependent on new equity and debt issuance. THG’s board dismissed the bid due to execution risks and uncertainty over funding, confirming no further discussions with Selkirk.

2 days ago | retailsector.co.uk | Liam Moran

Wittington Investments, the parent company behind Primark and Fortnum and Mason, has reported increased profits across its retail portfolio, going against wider economic trends. The company, which is owned by the Weston Family, paid out £154m in dividends in the year ended 14 September 2024, up from £128m the year before, according to reports from the Times. Of this £154m, it is estimated that around £32m of this was distributed among the family and non-family shareholders.

2 days ago | retailsector.co.uk | Heather Sandlin

The Entertainer is set to introduce a selection of its key toy lines to over 2,000 Tesco Express stores as part of an expanded partnership with the supermarket.   From April 2025, the toy retailer will launch in 2,010 Tesco Express stores across the UK, with its selection of toys including seasonal lines, with prices ranging from £1.50 to £7. You'll need to subscribe to unlock this content. Already subscribed? Login?