​UK retail sales continued to grow at a rate well above the long-run average in the year to July, but clothing and footwear stores are yet to see demand recover to usual levels, the CBI’s latest survey has showed.

The New York-based cosmetics brand and the Texas-born rapper are launching their limited-edition Hot Girl Sunset Collection via the online marketplace and resale platform’s DropX DTC product release model.

The company's loan will be linked to its environmental performance, with a focus on two main indicators: direct emissions and indirect emissions generated by electricity purchased and consumed by the group. 

​Department stores chain John Lewis reportedly has a new trading director who will join the retailer in mid-September. The company has appointed Accessorize’s MD Kathleen Mitchell to the role.

​Any brand or retailer still thinking that ethical issues don't matter should look at a new report. The study says that as many as 35% of online shoppers in the UK will only associate with "responsible" brands. 

​Harrods opened its new Hair & Beauty Salon on Monday after a makeover for the location. The 16,985 sq ft space has new “game-changing” features and “must-have” products from “the world’s most innovative beauty brands”.

​Footfall across the UK rose 3.3% last week (compared to the previous seven days) with a “staggering” 16.5% uplift on Freedom Day last Monday, although from Tuesday onwards the rise was only 1.7%.

​Visitors have been returning to the West End of London in large numbers in the past week since so-called Freedom Day last Monday when just about all lockdown restrictions were eased in England.

Selfridges is for sale with a formal auction process about to start. It hasn’t been announced by its owners, the Westons, but a news report said Credit Suisse will be canvassing prospective buyers “imminently”.

UK consumer confidence finally edged ahead of its March 2020 pre-lockdown score in July, with shoppers in a spending frame of mind. It was still negative (at -7), but it's held firm or improved for six months in a row.

​LVMH’s premium beauty operation Sephora has confirmed the widely expected acquisition of Feelunique. It has signed a deal with Palamon Capital Partners and other shareholders to take over the UK-based beauty e-tailer.

​Finnish retail giant Stockmann's Q2 and half-year results showed a dramatic improvement all round. Revenue rose over 20% in the last three months, while the gross margin and adjusted operating profits jumped too.

​Carnaby Street is continuing to see a raft of interesting store openings and the latest is make-up brand War Paint for Men. It has opened at 29 Carnaby Street in a 499 sq ft space.

UK beauty brand Refy has secured a major deal with Sephora in the US and Canada, just six months after launch. The brand's first brow collection range debuted online and in 320 Sephora stores in North America this month.

​Concerns have emerged that Morrisons may face heavy costs after it's been taken over by private equity. The lead bidder will conduct a review of the property portfolio, raising the spectre of sale/leaseback deals.

In a surprise move, Ted Baker said on Friday that it’s moving to a new London HQ. It will resettle in Fitzrovia, with the new home costing much less than the existing head office it has operated from for 20+ years.