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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily dose of AI and tech news. Today, we’re diving into some exciting retail expansions, strong sales performances, and major upgrades in electric vehicle charging. Let’s get right into it.
Lidl GB is accelerating its growth with a bold expansion plan. According to Retail Bulletin, Lidl will open 19 new stores across the UK in just eight weeks. This move will create up to 640 new jobs and extend Lidl’s reach into towns like Calne in Wiltshire and Brough in Yorkshire. The company is also investing over £40 million to modernize more than 70 existing stores. Upgrades include new tills, larger freezers, and energy-saving features like chillers using natural refrigerants and smart lighting systems. Richard Taylor, Lidl’s chief real estate officer, says this investment aims to enhance customer experience and deepen community impact.
The Perfume Shop has wrapped up the festive season with impressive sales growth. As reported by Retail Bulletin, sales of perfume bottles rose 6% year-on-year between November 30th and December 24th, with over 1.58 million bottles sold. December sales increased by 1.6%, led by popular scents like Dior Sauvage and Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. Gift sets performed well, up 4%, while online personalisation soared by nearly 24% compared to last year. The Perfume Shop’s managing director, Gill Smith, highlighted that customers are seeking thoughtful, high-quality gifts both in-store and online.
Lululemon is raising its sales expectations for the fourth quarter, signaling strong holiday performance. Retail Gazette reports that the activewear brand now anticipates net sales toward the high end of its previous £2.59 billion to £2.66 billion guidance. Despite the CEO Calvin McDonald announcing his departure at the end of January, the company remains confident in its growth trajectory. The CFO Meghan Frank emphasized their focus on driving improvements in the U.S. market and executing their strategic action plan. This update reflects solid momentum heading into the new year.
THG has delivered its strongest sales performance of the year in the fourth quarter. Retail Gazette notes that sales rose 7% at constant currency, surpassing earlier guidance with a 6.7% increase in the second half of 2025. THG Beauty saw its best quarter since 2021, led by Lookfantastic’s 16.2% growth in the UK and Ireland. THG Nutrition also recorded its fourth consecutive quarter of growth, driven by Myprotein and global retail expansion. CEO Matthew Moulding credits their focus on core categories, AI-driven personalisation, and digital leadership for this success.
InstaVolt has completed a major upgrade of its ultra-rapid EV charging network at Penny Petroleum sites. Retail Times reports that older chargers have been replaced with faster 120kW BYD120 units, improving reliability and speed for drivers. Five locations now feature fully accessible charging bays, supporting inclusivity and ease of use for all drivers. Additionally, parking bays have been widened and realigned to accommodate larger vehicles more easily. CEO Delvin Lane emphasizes their commitment to consistent, 24/7 charging powered by 100% renewable energy as the UK transitions to electric vehicles.
That’s a wrap on today’s top stories. From retail expansions to tech upgrades, it’s clear that innovation and growth are shaping the landscape. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House. Catch you next time for more updates.
