George MacDonald
George MacDonald is executive editor of Retail Week.
He has worked on the title since 1998, originally starting as a reporter, and has covered sectors ranging from grocery to department stores. During that time, George has carved out a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable, trustworthy and respected retail journalists in the UK.
George has interviewed many of the biggest names in retail and is often asked to comment in the wider media on the latest industry developments.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 (0)20 3960 9227
- Email:
- george.macdonald@retail-week.com
- Opinion
‘WHSmith, JD Sports and Primark can successfully target a slice of American retail pie’
Retailers from this side of the pond have frequently come a cropper when attempting to expand in the US, but the signs look good for JD Sports, Primark and WHSmith judging by the retailers’ updates this week, believes George MacDonald
- News
WHSmith rolls out store-in-store tie-up with Toys R Us
WHSmith is to extend its partnership with Toys R Us to more branches following the success of the first wave of store-in-stores.
- News
Getir raises cash to fund UK and Europe retreat
On-demand food retail platform Getir is seeking funding from investors to cover its retrenchment from Europe.
- News
John Lewis finance boss heads for the exit
John Lewis Partnership finance supremo Bérangère Michel is to leave after more than a decade at the retailer, where she held a raft of top roles.
- News
Retail sales flat in March, official data shows
Retail sales growth was flat last month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported.
- Analysis
Sephora CEO Guillaume Motte reveals secrets of retailer’s success
It’s 10am and the doors to Sephora’s Champs-Élysées flagship are opened to an expectant queue of customers in the heart of Paris.
- Gallery
Paris flagship stores – Sephora, Galeries Lafayette, JD Sports and Etam
Take a tour of some of the French capital’s latest retail openings, including Sephora and JD Sports, as well as the world-famous Galeries Lafayette department store
- News
Shein executive distances retailer from ‘labour practices’ concerns
A senior Shein director has maintained that technological prowess rather than supply chain working conditions have driven the pureplay fashion giant’s success.
- Opinion
‘The voice of 3 million retail workers is finally being heard on crime’
A new law that makes assaulting store staff a specific offence is welcome news and shows that retail – an industry that sometimes feels ignored by those making decisions – can still exert influence in the corridors of power, says George MacDonald
- News
M&S teams up with HSBC to enhance digital customer experience
Marks & Spencer’s banking arm has struck a new deal with HSBC to bring together digital payments and loyalty and create a more personalised experience for customers.
- Analysis
Is Jason Tarry the right choice to turn things round at John Lewis?
The appointment of former long-serving Tesco executive Jason Tarry as the next chair of John Lewis has been welcomed as a return to retailing focus. However, experts agree the former boss of the UK and Ireland business of the UK’s largest retailer has a big job ahead of him
- News
John Lewis names former Tesco boss Tarry as new chair
Former Tesco UK chief executive Jason Tarry has been appointed chair of the John Lewis Partnership, succeeding Dame Sharon White.
- Opinion
‘Superdry investors face stark choice as Dunkerton takeover bid stumbles’
In the few days since everybody was feasting on Easter eggs, Superdry’s share price has shattered into more pieces than Humpty Dumpty
- News
Exclusive: Theo Paphitis hits out over business rates as footfall return lifts Ryman
Retail entrepreneur Theo Paphitis has criticised the government for a “disappointing” attitude to the industry’s importance as his business achieved improved profitability.
- News
New Frasers director is boyfriend of Mike Ashley’s daughter
New Frasers Group director David Al-Mudallal is the boyfriend of owner Mike Ashley’s daughter, it has been revealed.
- News
Shein doubles profits as it ponders IPO
Online fashion giant Shein has more than doubled its profits as it considers a possible listing in New York or London.
- Opinion
‘Under new management, customer complaints are music to the ears at Morrisons’
It was Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates who said “your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning” – now Morrisons seems to be taking the same view.
- News
Exclusive: M&S drafts in ex-Morrisons director to top stores role
Marks & Spencer has appointed a former Morrisons retail operations boss to become its director of central store operations.
- News
Marks & Spencer launches TV search for design talent
Marks & Spencer is seeking its “next top designer” through a TV talent show tie-up with broadcaster ITV.
- News
Pets at Home comfortable on outlook as financial year closes
Pets at Home anticipates that profits for the year just ended will meet guidance and said it is “comfortable” with expectations for the year to come.