It’s proving tough going for many small retail businesses with almost 2,000 more UK independent stores left empty in the first half of 2023.

​H&M is diving even deeper into beauty this autumn with the company saying it’s “reimagined” its own make-up brand, launching a new range of mascaras, blusher, lipsticks and more. 

Next’s half-year results this week were followed by its CEO suggesting an end to the period of marked fashion price rises is in sight. Simon Wolfson said prices are easing faster than expected in its supply chain.

The UK’s August retail sales figures proved to be better than expected and fashion — aided by warmer weather — had a big part to play in this.

Coty Inc., the US beauty and fragrance company, is moving forward with a proposed Paris listing that could take place as soon as the coming weeks, people with knowledge of the matter said.

The ongoing bid to revitalise one of London’s key shopping areas — Oxford Street — has received strong support from a major global retailer.

​Off-price specialist Secret Sales — the UK-based retailer that claims it’s “solving the problem of excess inventory” — has acquired Spanish peer Dreivip.com as it continues its expansion into mainland Europe.

​Next delivered its usual very long report covering its half-year performance on Thursday and it showed that the company is continuing to see rising sales and profits. And it revised guidance for the full year upwards. 

Unilever Plc has hired investment banks Morgan Stanley and Evercore Inc to sell a basket of non-core beauty and personal care brands that include Q-Tips and Impulse, reviving an effort it abandoned two years ago.

The company is venturing into this sector with six offerings: soap, shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm. It commences sales in its physical stores, online, and through select retailers.

Coty Inc. raised its sales outlook for its current fiscal year, citing continued robust demand for its higher-end fragrances.

Post-purchase business Shipup has launched in the UK following its acquisition by Global Blue. And along with its arrival in the country, the company has named Agop Ashjan its new Chief Executive.

British Land has hitched its waggon to retail parks as the sector of choice to deliver success. So how’s that going for the UK property giant?

French label Rabanne, owned by Spanish fashion group Puig, has announced the launch of its first make-up line, spearheaded by British make-up artist Diane Kendal.

​Boohoo Group’s PrettyLittleThing brand is hosting a number of pop-ups at major US college hubs, including New York, Washington DC, Alabama and Florida.

​Beauty specialist Warpaint London’s results for the first half of the year showed buoyant growth in both sales and profits with more to come in H2.