The Commerce Brief: Fri 9th Jan

Welcome to another exciting week in the world of eCommerce and retail 🛍️

🛍️ Primark
Primark delivered 3% sales growth despite a challenging consumer environment, continuing to gain UK market share. Growth was driven by targeted investments to strengthen its value proposition, including improvements to price perception, digital engagement and Click & Collect. This week, the retailer launches its largest-ever activewear range, a 240-piece collection across womenswear, menswear and kids. Prices start from £2.50 for accessories and £4.50 for activewear, positioning Primark firmly in the everyday performance space. (source)

🏃‍♀️ Tala
Activewear brand Tala reported widening losses despite strong top-line growth. Operating losses reached £2.6m for the year to 31 March 2025, while revenues rose 19% to £19.8m, driven by DTC and improved wholesale performance. The brand also scaled back its US operations during the period due to rising import tariffs, highlighting ongoing margin pressure for scaling apparel brands. (source)

👗 ASOS
ASOS continues to reshape its brand portfolio, confirming it will add fashion retailer Noughts & Kisses in 2026. The group has also rolled out an updated UK returns policy aimed at improving transparency and tackling excessive returns during peak periods. (source, source)

📈 Next
Next is on track for profits to exceed £1.1bn following a strong Christmas trading period. Full-price sales rose 10.6% over the nine weeks to 27 December, outperforming guidance. The retailer is also reportedly exploring a potential rescue offer for premium womenswear brand LK Bennett. (source)

⚽ Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger has been named the official global partner of Liverpool FC. The partnership will include seasonal apparel, denim, footwear and accessories, alongside co-branded club capsules, reinforcing the brand’s push into cultural and sports-led collaborations. (source)

🧠 Walmart
Walmart has appointed former Grammarly CEO Shishir Mehrotra to its board of directors. Mehrotra will sit on the technology and e-commerce committee, bringing more than 25 years of product and AI leadership experience as Walmart accelerates its AI strategy. (source)

🌏 Uniqlo / Fast Retailing
Fast Retailing has raised its expectations for the 2025/26 financial year following strong trading and a turnaround in China. Sales rose 14.8% to €5.6bn in the September to November quarter, reflecting improving momentum across key markets. (source)

🚚 Look Fantastic
Beauty retailer Lookfantastic has launched same-day delivery through a new partnership with Uber Eats, expanding its on-demand fulfilment capabilities as consumer expectations around speed continue to rise. (source)

🏬 New Look
New Look reported a dip in sales and profits as heavy discounting and store closures weighed on revenue. However, the retailer remains a major force in UK womenswear, ranking third overall for women aged 18 to 44 and holding the number one position in dresses, jeans and footwear. (source)

💄 Space NK
Space NK delivered another standout year, with turnover rising 35% to £266m. Like-for-like store sales grew 19%, supported by store expansion and continued online growth, underlining the resilience of premium beauty. (source)

🏦 Saks
Saks is reportedly in talks to secure a $1bn financing deal as it seeks to avoid insolvency, highlighting the ongoing capital pressures facing large department store operators. (source)

♻️ Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective co-founder Fanny Moizant has announced her departure from the luxury resale platform, marking a significant leadership change for the business. (source)

🤖 Spangle
Generative AI startup Spangle raised $15m in Series A funding at a $100m valuation. The platform enables brands to create personalised product pages based on ad engagement, with clients including Revolve, Steve Madden and Alexander Wang. (source)

🧭 Gap
Gap has appointed former Marks & Spencer executive Elizabeth Burgess as senior director of strategy, strengthening its leadership team as it works to reset its long-term direction. (source)

👟 Gola
The owner of British sportswear brand Gola has been acquired by the US arm of Japanese conglomerate Marubeni, marking another cross-border deal in the global apparel space. (source)

🚛 Shein
Shein has announced plans to open a major logistics centre near Wrocław, Poland, which will serve as its primary European operational hub and support faster regional fulfilment. (source)