EDITORIAL Ocado, Joules and the BRC on challenges in retail; RXUK UK Top500 2022 names this year’s leading retailers

In today’s InternetRetailing newsletter, we’re reporting UK retailers who see sales growing but costs rising, with a knock on effect for profitability.

Ocado reports growing retail and technology sales, but says that costs are mounting as wages rise – and its technology team expands – among other factors.

Joules, too, has reported healthy sales growth and but says that its level of profit has been disappointing as costs from distribution to Brexit hit home.

The direction of travel is further underlined in today’s BRC/KPMG retail sales figures, which shows how shoppers bought in January – but warns of challenges to come.

Those rising costs and the knock on effect on Top500 retailers’ delivery promises are a focus in the RetailX UK Top500 2022, published today in association with Klarna. The report names the Top500 retailers in 2022, and uncovers changes in the market stretching from the rise of brands, and brand values, to the shift towards multichannel retailing within the Top500.

In today’s guest comment, James Barlow of Akeneo says company values such as a commitment to sustainability are now key when dealing with product information.