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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update on the latest in retail and logistics. Today, we’ve got some big moves from ABF, Aldi, and Fiege, plus an important campaign to support retail workers and a festive John Lewis story. Let’s dive right in.
First up, Associated British Foods is thinking about splitting Primark from its food business. According to The Retail Bulletin, ABF’s board is reviewing its group structure to maximise long-term value, though no final decision has been made yet. Primark’s UK sales dipped slightly, but improved in the second half of the year thanks to better womenswear and digital engagement. Meanwhile, Primark’s adjusted operating profit rose two percent to £1.1 billion, showing resilience despite a 13% drop in ABF’s overall profits. CEO George Weston highlighted the strong international brand and growth opportunities for Primark, alongside the food business’s global expertise.
Next, the Retail Trust has launched a campaign to tackle the rising abuse of retail workers. The Let’s Respect Retail initiative encourages shoppers to show simple gestures of respect like smiling and saying thank you, as reported by The Retail Bulletin. A survey of 1,000 retail employees found that 77% experienced intimidating behaviour and 23% faced physical assault in the past year. Worryingly, 43% reported abuse every week, a 10% increase from last year, highlighting the urgent need for cultural change. Retail Trust CEO Chris Brook-Carter stressed that laws alone won’t solve this and that kindness can make a big difference.
On the retail expansion front, Aldi is opening 16 new UK stores before Christmas. Retail Gazette shares that these locations span Scotland, London, and across England, boosting access to Aldi’s low prices and Specialbuys range. The supermarket is investing £650 million this year and plans a £1.6 billion spend over two years, aiming to open 40 stores annually. Each new store is expected to create about 40 jobs, supporting a recruitment drive for over 4,500 seasonal roles with competitive pay starting at £13.02 per hour. This rapid expansion underscores Aldi’s commitment to growth and affordability in the UK market.
In logistics news, Fiege has established its first UK base at Prologis Park Hams Hall, according to Retail Times. The 261,147 square foot facility near Birmingham supports a major e-commerce client, enhancing cross-border fulfilment and reducing delivery times. Fiege benefits from a net-zero carbon build with BREEAM Excellent certification and smart features like LED lighting and EV-ready parking. Prologis’ turnkey Essentials package helped Fiege start operations quickly, while the park is now fully occupied with top brands like Jaguar Land Rover and DHL. This move marks a strategic expansion in one of the UK’s most competitive logistics hubs.
Finally, John Lewis has revealed its 2025 Christmas advert featuring a 90s club classic. The Retail Gazette reports the ad tells a touching father-son story set to Alison Limerick’s “Where Love Lies,” reimagined by Labrinth. John Lewis will also sell a limited edition vinyl of the track, with profits supporting their Building Happier Futures programme for care leavers. Brand director Rosie Hanley said the campaign blends emotion, storytelling, and family ties with a fresh musical twist.
That’s it for today’s rundown on retail and logistics. We’re seeing significant shifts in business structures, new store openings, and heartfelt campaigns shaping the industry. Thanks for joining The Checkout by Kuro House—catch you tomorrow for more updates.
