The need for speed is now a key driver of sales online. A major 78% of consumers now expect same-day and next-day priority deliveries, according to new research from CommerceHub.

Just when it looked like UK consumer confidence was having an end-of-year wobble, numbers on Friday from data company GfK for November were a surprise, and a potential pre-Christmas boost for retailers.

​The work from home era may, on the surface, mean that people are likely to buy less make-up because they're not in the office very often. But the opposite is true with Zoom making them keener than ever to wear make-up.

​Plans have been submitted to Westminster Council for the makeover of the Fenwick building in New Bond Street (the retailer having sold the store and preparing to exit) and the retail space will be drastically reduced.

Major UK trade shows Spring Fair and Autumn Fair have two new team leaders. The events’ organiser/operator Hyve Group has appointed Jackson Szabo as Portfolio Director and Soraya Gadelrab Event Director to both.

It’s going to be big, but not that much bigger than last year. UK spending over the upcoming Black Friday Weekend and Cyber Money (BFCM) is predicted to rise a marginal 0.4% year-on-year to £8.74 billion.

​Stella McCartney has a new CEO arriving within a few days, with Amandine Ohayon joining the eco-focused luxury label from Pronovias at the start of next month.

American cosmetics group Coty has appointed Pierric Duthoit, formerly of Meta, as its chief digital officer. He will take up this position on December 1.

Bluewater has been named the best among the 20 biggest UK shopping centres in a new study, based on the size of the shopping centre, parking fees, the number of stores and restaurants and the number of parking spaces.

​Along with all the Black Friday-Cyber Monday predictions (that are coming thick and fast), it’s easy to forget that the festive shopping season also continues beyond the BFCM period. Remember December?

Fenwick has abandoned plans to open a store in Guildford. The UK independent department store group has ended talks to take over the former House of Fraser store in the Surrey town. 

With sales set to end 2023 at €800 million, the French group specialising in licensed fragrances is forecasting growth of 10% to 12% for 2024.

The UK government has set out a number of financial changes in its Autumn Statement with the Chancellor, announcing something of a giveaway ahead of what’s expected to be a general election next year

Beauty brands are starting to offer their products in refillable form. The Body Shop is a pioneer in the field, offering in-store refills for shampoos, shower gels and even makeup in dozens of countries.

Hailed as a “significant milestone”, value lifestyle/fashion retail giant Primark is celebrating the opening of its 60th store in Spain.

Lone Design Club (LDC), the physical platform for emerging fashion talent, is maintaining its run of opening pop-up stores in impressive retail locations.