#uk-retail

#uk-retail

Lidl plans to invest £500 million to open over 40 new stores in the UK, showcasing ambition for growth and response to government planning reforms.

Retailers were already dealing with an additional £5.6 billion in costs from the October Budget, driven by rises in the National Living Wage, National Minimum Wage, and employers' National Insurance contributions.

Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, emphasized that the latest analysis identifies Aldi as the cheapest supermarket, with Lidl trailing closely behind, particularly vital given current food inflation.

Toys R Us has revealed it will be opening a further 37 new stores in the UK before Christmas this year, following a relaunch and expansion plans. The toy shop chain went bust in February 2018, shutting down 100 shops and resulting in significant job losses. Despite these setbacks, the company is set to capitalize on the Christmas season with new openings every week, indicating a strong demand for its products once again.

The upcoming tribunal ruling on whether Asda retail workers' jobs are of equal value to male warehouse staff could lead to over £1.2 billion in back pay liabilities.

Nature-inspired jewellery is becoming increasingly popular with British consumers as they place more and more value on designs that are connected to the natural world.