B&M and The Works hit by tough Christmas trading

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Jasper JollyJanuary 22, 2026 at 11:56 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Discount retailers B&M and The Works reported disappointing Christmas trading periods in the UK, reflecting broader challenges for British stores. B&M cut its profit forecast after UK sales fell 0.6% in its third quarter, despite improved sales in December after price reductions. The Works experienced a 4.2% sales decrease due to online delivery issues and subdued consumer confidence, causing a significant drop in share value. These results highlight the impact of higher unemployment and rising prices on consumer spending during the crucial festive season. B&M is implementing a "back to basics" strategy to improve sales, while The Works acknowledged the challenging consumer environment. Other retailers, like Primark, also experienced mixed results during the period.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Donald Trump 30% Associated British Foods (ABF) 30% FTSE 250 40% Europe ×240% Primark 40% Gavin Peck 50% Tjeerd Jegen 50% UK ×370% The Works ×380% B&M ×590%

Keywords

christmas trading 100% retail sales 80% profit warning 70% consumer confidence 60% like-for-like sales 50% discount retailer 50% uk economy 40% price inflation 40%