Amex research: UK small business owners turn to AI for advice – but human connection matters most
New research from American Express reveals a growing shift in how UK small business owners seek advice and insight, with many now turning to Artificial Intelligence (AI) [...]
New McDonald’s distribution centre brings 200+ jobs to Darlington
McDonald’s UK & Ireland and Martin Brower, a leader in supply chain solutions, recently opened a state-of-the-art distribution centre in Darlington, representing a significant investment in the [...]
Co-op expands its electric online home delivery fleet with Toyota
Co-op is expanding its electric home delivery fleet with Toyota with a £1.5 million investment to replace and upgrade its own vehicle fleet and to support carbon reduction [...]
TFG London picks Northern Ireland location for first tri-brand outlet store
A Northern Irish outlet continues its streak of ‘first to market’ store concepts as it signs TFG London’s first ever tri-brand outlet store, combining Hobbs, Whistles and [...]
Livingston Designer Outlet announces 2026 charity partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland
Livingston Designer Outlet in Scotland is proud to announce its 2026 charity partnership with Down’s Syndrome Scotland, a charity dedicated to supporting people with Down’s syndrome and their families across Scotland. Every [...]
B&Q celebrates International Women’s Day 2026
This International Women’s Day, B&Q is embracing the global Give to Gain theme by championing the power of giving women opportunity, support and visibility across both its [...]
EE brings experiential store format to London’s Oxford Street
The EE store on London’s Oxford Street brings the latest in connected technology from the UK network to one of the nation’s busiest retail destinations Love Island star and [...]
Creative Retail Awards unites industry at EuroShop
Creative Retail Connections, the networking event organised by the Creative Retail Awards and the Shop and Display Equipment Association (SDEA), took place on the Tuesday evening at [...]
Inditex triples down at Metrocentre with Bershka signing
The Metrocentre Partnership has announced the signing of global fashion powerhouse Bershka for its regional debut, reinforcing the centre’s position as the go-to retail destination in the North East. Bershka will open a 16,000 sq ft unit in Red Mall, joining other Inditex brands Stradivarius and Zara [...]
Borough Yards launches public ‘Love Letter’ installation for International Women’s Day
Borough Yards in London is marking International Women’s Day 2026 with a powerful public art installation celebrating the women who have shaped our lives. From 5th – 8th [...]
Three AI moves retailers should prioritise ahead of Mother’s Day
By Richard Potter, CEO and Co-founder at Peak, a UiPath company Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and this year it coincides with a shift towards more agentic, [...]
Lindt unveils indulgent new chocolate shop in retail destination, Westfield Stratford
Exactly one year after its Flagship Piccadilly store opening, the Swiss chocolatier expands its UK footprint with its latest chocolate paradise on 20th March, with exclusive products in [...]
North East community groups to benefit from free radio campaign to celebrate 40 years of Metrocentre
An award-winning North East radio station has come up with a gem of an idea to help celebrate Metrocentre’s ruby anniversary -by giving away £100,000 worth of [...]
Victoria Leeds admits Randox Health for regional debut
Victoria Leeds, owned and operated by Redical, has announced that the private diagnostics clinic, Randox Health, has signed to the destination’s Victoria Quarter, marking the brand’s first [...]
WHSmith opens at Extra’s Leeds Skelton Lake Services
WHSmith has opened at Leeds Skelton Lake services (J45, M1), operated by Extra Motorway Service Area (MSA). This is the seventh store to open in its network, [...]
URW and Ingka Centres launch Sustainable Retail Index Association
Industry-first association will develop a coalition of stakeholders to promote a recognised standard for engaging the commercial real estate sector in the sustainable transition of retail Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield [...]
Asda announces Peterborough as first location in 10-store rollout of new George concept
Asda has announced that Peterborough will be the next location to unveil its new stand-alone George concept store, as the retailer accelerates plans to rebrand 10 Asda [...]
Buy Women Built takes over Whole Foods Market High Street Kensington windows to celebrate female founders
Whole Foods Market is proud to announce another landmark partnership with Buy Women Built (BWB), launching a bold window takeover at its High Street Kensington flagship store from [...]
Søstrene Grene accelerates UK expansion as Manchester opening marks 400th global store
Danish homewares retailer Søstrene Grene will open its 400th store worldwide at Manchester Arndale on 26th March, marking a significant milestone as the business continues to accelerate [...]
Festival Place leading the way with new inclusivity initiative
Festival Place in Basingstoke has become the first shopping centre in the UK to launch a new inclusivity partnership designed to transform the experience of disabled visitors. [...]
February 2026 issue
2025 A1 Buyers Guide
