A German discount retailer brand operating 13,500 stores in 18 countries
England prepares for a 1am local kickoff in Mexico City as the World Cup last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico tests players, staff, and fans. Altitude, travel fatigue, and sleep schedules are shaping preparations, while employers weigh flexible working policies for workers watching late games.
A round-up of fresh company updates shows mixed earnings across retailers and tech-adjacent firms. Pennon sees improving profit as storms and tariffs weigh on penalties; Mitie reports rising revenue and progress on strategy ahead of leadership change; S4 Capital trims job cuts while pursuing AI-driven growth; Debenhams, Macy’s, Ulta and Asda publish updates amid a churning retail landscape.
A Lidl wine-tasting event is reshaping its rotation into a three-month seasonal system, following a London tasting that highlighted Iberian picks and cautioned against older whites and rosés. The piece surveys consumer-friendly ranges and notes best buys across major retailers.
Currys has reported solid trading with rising profits and revenue, propelled by World Cup-related demand for large TVs and home entertainment gear, and by AI-driven growth in computing. The group plans to appoint Fredrik Tonnesen as chief executive as it continues its turnaround.
Kroger has announced its plan to acquire Giant Eagle, a family-owned grocer with 197 supermarkets and 11 pharmacies across five states. The deal, approved by Kroger’s board, will broaden Kroger’s reach into adjacent markets and is expected to close in 2027 after regulatory clearance. Some analysts predict price competition may ease in the near term, while others warn prices could rise in less competitive areas over the long term.
Primark plans two new 30,000-square-foot stores in Willowbrook Mall (Houston area) and Castleton Square Mall (Indianapolis), marking its Midwest/Midsouth growth as it continues U.S. expansion. The openings follow a New York City flagship and broaden Primark’s footprint while mall redevelopments reshape anchor spaces.