UK consumer confidence continues to move higher. From the record lows of late 2022, a steady recovery has gathered pace. 

​Greenwashing isn’t only a problem simply because the authorities are focusing on it these days. It’s an issue for consumers too. They don’t like it and will shun brands caught embellishing their green credentials.

​The result might not have been a good one for the UK’s entrant at last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest, but Liverpool, which staged the event, enjoy record 2023 footfall and sales at its key shopping mall.

April’s Easter holiday uplift in England was also seen north of the border last month as Scottish sales for the 2-29 April period rose 9%.

Online fashion giant Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP) has named Celine Lefebvre as its General Manager for the Middle East, effective 23 May.

UK high street nursery brand Mamas & Papas has expanded its commitment to the resale/second-hand market, launching a ‘Loved for Life’ initiative.

Inazaki, an artist from Takamatsu, Japan, was chosen from 30 finalists by a distinguished jury, including Loewe creative director, Jonathan Anderson.

First the good news. For the year ending 31 March, commercial property giant British Land leased out 3.4 million sq ft of space and portfolio occupancy is now 96.7%.

​Shoppers are ready to embrace the world of technology that’s opening up before them, new research from BNPL giant Klarna claims.

​We can expect to see more products on sale globally carrying the distinctive roundel and moquette fabric designs used by London’s public transport system Transport for London (TfL).

Nike’s latest community-focused concept, Nike Unite, has opened at Merry Hill, just two months after the US sportswear giant first announced the statement opening for the West Midlands mall.

Land Securities has swung to an annual loss, as surging interest rates and broader economic woes weighed on the valuation of its portfolio. But it’s progressing reasonably well in terms of letting prime retail space.

​It may not come as a surprise, but research seems to have confirmed that the highest value e-shoppers are the most sustainability-focused in a world of consumers who are generally prioritising eco-awareness more often.

The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has appointed a new ad agency. Saatchi & Saatchi has become the UK retail giant’s new creative marketing partner from this summer for both John Lewis and its supermarket brand Waitrose. 

Expect a wave of pent-up consumer spending to significantly boost the British economy this year. It’s heading to the UK from China and it’s called ‘Revenge Spending’ with shoppers backed by £760 billion in savings. 

London property giant GPE is progressing with its eco strategy and on Monday gave us an update on its 2020-launched Sustainability Statement of Intent, entitled 'The Time is Now’.