
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
- News
Fortnum & Mason launches rapid delivery service
Famous London food retailer Fortum & Mason has launched an on-demand delivery service.
- Video
Watch: M&S CEO Stuart Machin wins Retail Leader of the Year
Stuart Machin’s success at Marks & Spencer was recognised as he was named Salesforce Retail Leader of the Year at this year’s Retail Week Awards. M&S’ strong performance under Machin showed his impact on the business, where there have been improvements in every aspect.
- Interview
Retail Week Awards 2025: From the trolley park to the boardroom – Leader of the Year Stuart Machin
When Marks & Spencer chief executive Stuart Machin is being interviewed, it’s day 1,008 in the role.
- Interview
Retail Week Awards 2025: Andy Higginson on crises, competition and customers wanting it all
Andy Higginson has played a key part in transforming the retail landscape and consumer expectations, as well as fighting for the interests of the whole industry.
- News
‘Destination wellness zone’ to make its debut at Westfield London
Leading shopping mall Westfield London is to unveil a dedicated health and wellness area which it described as “a major milestone in the centre’s evolution”.
- News
Marks & Spencer launches spring fashion advertising campaign
Marks & Spencer has unveiled a spring advertising campaign to promote its new season’s womenswear.
- Opinion
‘Supermarket share price rout is testament to Asda’s turnaround potential’
Asda is no spent force, but rival grocers’ share price clobbering sparked by the fear of price wars looks overdone, believes George MacDonald
- News
Superdrug plans raft of ‘best in class’ store openings this year
Health and beauty powerhouse Superdrug intends to open dozens of new shops, creating 600 jobs.
- News
Morleys takes over historic department store to create ‘exceptional shopping experience’
Department store group Morleys is to take over one of the sector’s most famous shops.
- News
Former Wilko boss takes up senior role at Poundland
The ex-chief executive of embattled variety store group Wilko has joined the leadership team of value specialist Poundland as its owner considers a sale, Retail Week can reveal.
- Interview
Interview: Majestic Wine CEO John Colley on creating a ‘Screwfix of wine’
Last year’s acquisition of wine bar chain Vagabond provides an opportunity to draw upon the power of data and take Majestic into a new phase, chief executive John Colley reveals as he explains the thinking behind the deal.
- Analysis
John Lewis: Never Knowingly Undersold sales boost, investment up and Tarry’s first impressions
After a big increase in annual earnings, the mood music at John Lewis Partnership is upbeat as it presses on with a turnaround on the back of improved profitability, productivity and cash generation
- News
Majestic unveils plans for first Vagabond openings since acquisition
Wine specialist Majestic is to embark on an opening programme for the Vagabond wine bar chain it bought last year, Retail Week can reveal.
- News
Marks & Spencer adds to third-party brands line-up
Marks & Spencer has bolstered its third-party fashion offer with two more partnerships.
- Opinion
‘Boots faces uncertain time as new owners prepare to take control’
Boots is doing well, but the sale of parent Walgreens Boots Alliance raises questions about the future ownership of the UK High street institution, says Retail Week executive editor George MacDonald. A sale or IPO of Boots may follow. And what role might dealmaker Stefano Pessina play?
- News
John Lewis Partnership unveils inflation-busting pay rise
The John Lewis Partnership is to significantly increase staff pay from next month.
- News
New owner for Boots as parent Walgreens acquired in $10bn deal
Walgreens Boots Alliance, owner of Boots in the UK, is to be sold to a private equity group.
- News
Co-op found to have illegally blocked rival store openings
Regulator the Competition and Markets Authority has found that the Co-op unlawfully stopped competitors from opening shops near its branches.
- News
Marks & Spencer unveils ‘biggest ever’ investment in staff pay
M&S said that since 2022 it has invested more than £285m in retail pay.
- News
Tesco names new leader for clothing and home business
Tesco has appointed an H&M executive to run its F+F clothing and home business.