Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.

Amazon opens biggest office yet

Amazon has opened its biggest office in the world. The etailer said that the ‘campus’, in Hyderabad, India, covers 9.5 acres, will be home 15,000 employees, and “reaffirms Amazon’s long-term commitment to India”.

The office is Amazon’s first owned office building outside the US and its largest tech base outside its home city of Seattle. It signifies “how India continues to be a key market as well as talent hub for Amazon”.

Amazon vice-president of global real estate and facilities John Schoettler said: “The infrastructure has been designed as per Amazon’s exacting standards, to foster inclusion and a sense of belonging among all Amazonians, including colleagues with special needs.

“Comfortable and flexible workspaces encourage creativity, productivity, and collaboration, which are key tenets of Amazon’s work culture. This is Day One for us in India, and we look forward to creating an environment where diverse contributions are welcomed and innovation encouraged for the long term.”

Retailers fear trading downturn in coming months

Retailers expect to suffer the sharpest deterioration in business conditions since the aftermath of the financial crisis in the coming months, according to the CBI.

The business organisation voiced retailers’ fears as it published its latest Distributive Trades Survey.

CBI deputy chief economist Anna Leach said: “Sentiment is crumbling among retailers, and unexpectedly weak sales have led to a large overhang of stocks. With investment intentions for the year ahead and employment down, retailers expect a chilly few months ahead.

“It is unsurprising that business confidence has deteriorated sharply, with a potential no-deal Brexit on the horizon. But retailers are also buckling under the cumulative burden of costs, including an outdated business rates system and the apprenticeship levy. Businesses will be looking for government action at the Budget in the coming months to alleviate some of these pressures.”

Morrisons to shut four branches, jeopardising 400 jobs

Morrisons is to close four stores, putting about 400 jobs at risk.

The closures follow a review by Morrisons of its 494-branches estate , The Guardian reported.

The shops to shut are in Crawley, West Sussex, Ince in Wigan, Shirley in Solihull and Swindon town centre – the latter branch has been open for less than five years.

Reiss sales soar as investment pays off

Fashion retailer Reiss has reported a surge in first-half sales.

Reiss said that total group sales rocketed 23.7% to £102.9m in the first half of its financial year to August 3. Like for likes climbed 25.6% on a constant currency basis.

Reiss chief executive Christos Angelides said: : “I am very pleased with Reiss’s first half performance and encouraged by the promising start we have made to the Autumn/Winter ’19 season.