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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update. Today, we’re diving into some major moves in retail and tech that could shape the year ahead. From job cuts to store expansions, there’s plenty to unpack.
First up, Ocado Group is reportedly planning to cut up to 1,000 jobs, about 5% of its workforce. This comes after a tough year for its automated warehouse business, according to The Retail Bulletin. The job losses are expected mainly at Ocado’s UK head office and could affect technology, legal, finance, and HR roles. While discussions are still early, an announcement could happen as soon as this month. Ocado says it regularly reviews operations and is committed to supporting employees through any changes.
In brighter news, Dunelm is boosting its executive team with two senior hires. Laura Harricks will join as chief customer officer, bringing experience from Ocado Retail and Currys, as reported by The Retail Bulletin. Caroline Angell steps in as chief people officer, with a strong background in retail people management. The CEO highlighted their roles in accelerating digital transformation and evolving company culture. This leadership shakeup aims to sharpen Dunelm’s focus on customers and growth.
Tesco is ramping up its bricks-and-mortar presence in 2026 with some exciting store openings. According to Retail Gazette, Tesco plans to open more than 70 Express stores by March 2027, building on last year’s 60 new openings. This includes five former Amazon Fresh locations in London, set to reopen as Tesco Express stores before summer. They’re also expanding large stores with new locations in Scotland’s Pitlochry and Heartlands. Tesco’s property director emphasized the company’s commitment to serving communities and supporting local jobs.
Wingstop UKI has officially opened its first site in Derby, marking a key milestone in its UK and Ireland expansion. The new outlet is located in Derbion Shopping Centre and offers 70 covers with a full menu of wings, tenders, and burgers, reports Retail Times. To celebrate the launch, the first 100 customers received free chicken wings. Wingstop UKI currently operates 88 sites and aims to grow to 200 locations within five years. The brand’s success is driven by bold flavours and cultural marketing that resonates with younger audiences.
Back to Ocado for a moment, Retail Gazette also highlights the company’s ongoing review of its global workforce. The redundancies are part of a strategy to lower costs and position the company for long-term success after a challenging period. Ocado is committed to communicating transparently with affected employees and providing support. This story underscores the shifting landscape in automated retail operations.
That’s our roundup for today on The Checkout by Kuro House. From job cuts to new openings, it’s clear the retail world is adapting fast in 2026. We’ll keep tracking these stories and more, so you’re always in the loop. Thanks for listening, and catch you next time.
