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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update show. Today, we’re diving into some exciting developments in retail and fashion, from employee share windfalls to sustainability ad crackdowns. So, let’s get right into it.

First up, Wickes is rewarding its staff with a significant savings scheme windfall. According to The Retail Bulletin, nearly 1,000 employees who participated in the three-year Save As You Earn scheme can now buy company shares at a discounted price of just £1.04 each. Since the scheme began in 2022, Wickes’ share price has surged by 124%, meaning many colleagues have more than doubled their investment. The average participant saved £199 a month, accumulating over £7,000, which are now worth more than £16,000. For those who maxed out savings at £500 per month, profits could top £22,000.

Next, Victorian Plumbing has reported strong financial performance this year. The Retail Bulletin shared that the bathroom retailer’s full-year revenue rose 5% to £310 million, with order volumes hitting a record 1.1 million. Tiles and flooring sales jumped 42%, and trade revenue increased by 10%. While adjusted EBITDA climbed 17% to £31.8 million, pre-tax profit dipped slightly by 6% to £21.8 million. CEO Mark Radcliffe highlighted new distribution capabilities and brand investments, including the soft launch of the MFI brand, positioning the company for long-term growth.

In fashion news, Inditex, the parent company of Zara, posted solid profit growth for the first nine months of 2025. Retail Sector reports that profit before tax rose 3.6% to €6 billion, supported by a 2.7% increase in revenues to €28.2 billion. EBITDA grew 4.2%, and gross margin improved by 27 basis points to nearly 60%. Inditex continues to expand with new store openings worldwide and invests heavily in logistics and digital integration, aiming to boost store productivity and online sales. They expect some currency headwinds but remain confident in their growth trajectory.

Meanwhile, the Advertising Standards Authority has cracked down on misleading sustainability claims in fashion ads. Retail Gazette reported that ads from Superdry, Nike, and Lacoste were banned for using terms like “sustainable” without sufficient evidence. The ASA’s AI detection system flagged these ads, revealing a wider issue with environmental claims in the sector. Each brand responded with explanations, but the watchdog ruled the ads misleading, emphasizing the need for clear, substantiated claims. This move signals increased scrutiny on greenwashing in retail marketing.

Finally, Victorian Plumbing’s strong category growth is worth a second mention, as it highlights a shift in consumer preferences. The company’s focus on own-brand products now accounts for 81% of total revenue, showing how private labels can drive profitability. With trade and tiles expansions underway, Victorian Plumbing is setting a blueprint for niche market leadership in home improvement retail. It’s a great example of strategic investment paying off in a competitive sector.

So, from employee earnings to sustainability enforcement, it’s clear retail and fashion continue to evolve rapidly. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House. We’ll be back tomorrow with more updates to keep you ahead of the curve.