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.

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.

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?

​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. 

As the cost-of-living crisis grinds on, UK families have been using more debt to cover their bills as inflation has been stretching household finances, according to new research.

​Shein’s British arm — Shein Distribution UK Limited — has filed its accounts at Companies House for the 16 months up to the end of last year and it showed revenue reaching £1.121 billion.

UK property giant Hammerson is continuing to attract key retailers with two new openings supporting its strategy “to enliven and reinvigorate its portfolio of city centre assets”.

A host of bidders are ready to buy The Body Shop after Brazilian beauty giant Natura signalled this summer it’s ready to sell the ethical international beauty retailer.