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
‘Will it be zillionth time lucky for Oxford Street pedestrianisation?’
Previous Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans have come to naught, but retailers will hope that differences this time around may lead to a big enhancement of the under-pressure shopping destination, says George MacDonald
- News
Nike’s chief executive is to step down following tough period
The chief executive of sportswear giant and retailer Nike is to stand down next month and be replaced by a veteran of the business.
- News
Retail volumes rose in August helped by weather and Sales
Retail sales volumes advanced last month and over 12 months, reached the highest level in more than two years.
- News
WHSmith has revealed a new tranche of Toys R Us locations ahead of Christmas
WHSmith is set to extend its tie-up with Toys R Us into more stores in time for retail’s peak trading period.
- News
John Lewis premieres ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ ad in early start to Christmas campaign
Department store business John Lewis has unveiled the first in a series of golden quarter adverts, designed to highlight its value-for-money stance and ignite affection for the brand’s “rich heritage”.
- Analysis
Profile: Boots’ new boss Anthony Hemmerdinger – leader with ‘common touch’ who’s come up the ops route
Anthony Hemmerdinger, who is succeeding Seb James as chief executive of health and beauty giant Boots, is very different from his predecessor but shares some of his values.
- Opinion
‘As Asda flounders and Aldi’s sales slow, the battle for this year’s Christmas table will dictate grocery success’
The seasonal showdown in grocery may be particularly interesting this year at the value end of the market where Aldi, Lidl and Asda will slug it out amid shifting dynamics, says George MacDonald
- Analysis
Reasons to be cheerful at John Lewis as it pulls turnaround levers – but there's a long way to go
If the John Lewis Partnership was a quoted company its shares might have ticked up today as first-half losses were slashed and “significantly higher profits” are expected for the full year.
- News
Sainsbury’s plans to ‘revolutionise’ its commercial systems with a new tech partnership
Grocer Sainsbury’s has unveiled a technology partnership designed to “revolutionise” its commercial systems.
- Analysis
Aldi boss Giles Hurley on slower growth, ‘real loyalty’, Christmas prospects and more
Value grocer Aldi achieved record sales last year but some wonder whether its relentless growth can continue.
- News
The Body Shop buyer has lined up working capital deal
The expected purchaser of The Body Shop is in advanced discussions to secure new financing as a deal nears.
- News
Convenience store giant rejects $38bn takeover bid
The owner of c-store powerhouse 7-Eleven has spurned a $38bn takeover bid, but said it is open to further discussions.
- News
John Lewis will revive its famous ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ promise
Department store business John Lewis is to bring back its famous price pledge – ‘Never Knowingly Undersold’ – and apply it to online rivals too.
- Opinion
‘Oasis surge pricing debacle will stoke wider retail digital price gouging fears’
The appearance of digital labels on retailers’ shelves sounds innocuous but is raising suspicions that it will open the way to dynamic pricing. After the row over Oasis tickets, scrutiny of retailers such as grocers’ use of the technology must only be more likely, cautions George MacDonald
- News
John Lewis reveals plans to turn former warehouse into homes for rent
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has submitted plans to turn a former distribution centre in Reading into rental housing.
- News
Andy Clarke’s Farmison is beefing up its wholesale business with a top chef tie-up
Upscale online butcher Farmison is targeting wholesale growth and has teamed up with a top chef to create a specialist range for restaurants.
- News
Dobbies likely to seek rent cuts as restructuring advisers drafted in
Garden centre group Dobbies is working on restructuring proposals that may lead to store closures and rent reductions.
- News
Homebase is poised to kick off talks with potential investors
DIY specialist Homebase is preparing to start discussions with potential new investors, Retail Week can reveal.
- News
Sainsbury’s snaps up a raft of Homebase stores in a deal valued at £130m
Grocer Sainsbury’s is buying a raft of stores from DIY specialist Homebase as it seeks to extend its presence and “offer more food choice to more customers”.
- News
Shein has discovered child labour cases among suppliers
Fast-fashion giant Shein has revealed that it found two cases of child labour at suppliers last year.