Grace Bowden
Grace is a reporter for Retail Week.
She covers a variety of sectors including value, sports & leisure, health & beauty and lingerie, as well as wider technology developments across retail.
She is interested in new appointments, store formats and how retailers are keeping pace with the myriad of technological developments across the industry, from their boardrooms to shop floors.
Contact info
- Tel:
- +44 (0)20 3033 4338
- Email:
- grace.bowden@retail-week.com
AnalysisSpecial report: Can robots help run your business?
In our new special report, Retail Week looks at the far-reaching impact of robotics across retail and what retailers should be doing now to prepare for the new wave of automation.
AnalysisAnalysis: What Sports Direct's swoop spells for HoF
Sports Direct tycoon Mike Ashley realised his dream of owning a department store business with an audacious £90m pounce on House of Fraser. Retail Week considers the implications.
NewsPoundworld brand could be resurrected by rescue bid
The Poundworld brand and a handful of its shops could be saved following an eleventh hour rescue bid by Irish retail family the Hendersons.
VideoThe Retail Week: How HoF fits into Ashley's masterplan
Mike Ashley has snapped up House of Fraser hours after it entered administration. So where does the business fit into his strategy?
NewsCard Factory trims profit guidance despite sales rise
Card Factory has downgraded its full-year profit expectations despite registering a boost in interim sales.
NewsHoF creditors to pick a rescue bid as early as today
House of Fraser’s lenders could reportedly decide on bids from at least three white knights today, including Mike Ashley, Philip Day and Alteri Investors.
NewsHouse of Fraser on the brink as rescue deal collapses
House of Fraser’s future has been plunged into doubt after potential new owner C.Banner pulled out of a takeover deal.
NewsConsumer confidence dips despite warm weather
Consumer confidence dropped one point in July as shoppers’ concerns about their personal finances overshadowed the heatwave and World Cup.
NewsWickes profits decline in 'challenging' first half
Wickes’ parent company Travis Perkins is launching a “significant cost reduction programme” at the DIY retailer after recording a slump in interim profits.
NewsMike Ashley in discussions for £50m HoF rescue bid
Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley is reportedly in talks with House of Fraser’s advisers to offer a £50m lifeline to the struggling department store chain.
NewsThe Hut Group secures $1bn banking facility
The Hut Group’s banking facility has surpassed the $1bn mark for the first time, with additional funds earmarked for US and European expansion.
NewsHoF £70m cash injection delayed by legal action
House of Fraser’s slated £70m investment from C.banner has been delayed due to the legal challenge brought against the retailer by landlords following its CVA.
NewsAmazon posts record profit growth as sales soar
Amazon has reported a 12-fold increase in its second-quarter profits driven by demand for Amazon Web Services and increased online sales.
VideoThe Retail Week: What Ikea's store U-turn means for retail
This week we learnt Ikea is moving into the high street and Hammerson is moving out of retail parks. The team discuss what is motivating these strategies, what they say about shopping habits and if the new approaches will pay off.
NewsShop Direct reshuffles board, Jon Rudoe exits
Shop Direct has reshuffled its board to increase its focus on the customer, with retail technology and data director Jon Rudoe stepping down.
NewsNet-a-Porter’s former CEO Mark Sebba dies
Net-a-Porter’s well-loved former boss Mark Sebba died this week due to a sudden heart attack.
NewsJoules profits spike spurred by international sales
Joules has continued to defy the fashion doldrums with another set of full-year results that boast strong profit and sales growth.
NewsEvans Cycles narrows losses as sales edge up
Evans Cycles has reported reduced losses at the full-year mark as the retailer pumped up sales through rising demand for e-bikes.
AnalysisCan Sports Direct’s new stores elevate profits?
Sports Direct posted a healthy rise in underlying earnings in its preliminary results, which the retailer largely attributed to its next-generation store portfolio.
NewsRetail sales dip in June, strongest quarter since 2015
Retail sales edged down in June as shoppers prioritised the World Cup and hot weather over non-food purchases.