Shopping News & Updates
The trade body for independent retailers across the UK has welcomed a major new government offensive targeting organised crime on Britain’s high streets, describing illicit traders as an emerging and serious threat to legitimate local shops.
Consumer confidence across the Midlands has dropped significantly as households are braced for rising costs, according to a new report.
Let me play devil’s advocate – do we focus too much on our large town centres and city centre high-streets, writes Gary Phelps?
Shoplifting offences in England and Wales have fallen for the first time in years, new ONS figures show, but a leading independent retailers association is warning that half a million offences a year is still far too high.
- 5th April 2026
Sales works best when it’s rooted in understanding, empathy and genuine intention to help. When people feel heard and not judged, they open up more, building trust and stronger relationships that lead to better long-term results.
- 27th March 2026
Harvey Norman - a multi-national retailer in furniture, bedding, appliances, and technology - will soft open its new store at The Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield next week.
An independent retailers association has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports
A leading association representing independent retailers across the UK has thrown its support behind new ‘Which?’ research revealing widespread dangerous product safety failures on major online marketplaces.
A leading association representing independent retailers across the UK has thrown its support behind new ‘Which?’ research revealing widespread dangerous product safety failures on major online marketplaces.
- 4th March 2026
A leading independent retailers association has added its voice to a landmark cross-industry campaign calling for urgent reform of the business electricity market, as small retailers continue to struggle with disproportionately high energy costs.