Daily Retail and Luxury News (17 July 2026): Ocado Retail comments, Lefties UK, Chanel CFO to retire

Research evidence excerpt

Daily Retail and Luxury News (17 July 2026): Ocado Retail comments, Lefties UK, Chanel CFO to retire

network reached 103% of

original design capacity, facilitated by productivity gains from better tech, which Ocado says,

together with remaining capacity at the Erith CFC, illustrates that existing CFC network provides

a clear pathway for future volume growth, with limited incremental capital investment. Ocado

Retail sells c. 44,000 products with an average basket value of £126.55 (+2% in 1H) and size of

44.3 items (unchanged).

Lefties to open first UK store in August. Drapers reported yesterday on Inditex's expansion

plan of budget banner Lefties following an exclusive tour around the latest 43,000 sq ft concept

store opened in Valvert Croix Blanche shopping centre on the outskirts of Paris. This is ahead of

the first UK opening in August (Liverpool One) with Lakeside (Essex) and Metrocentre

(Gateshead) to follow in Autumn. On the tour, Lefties global director Xavier Ruz Riera says the

brand has a “differentiated proposition more than ever” in terms of its evolution in recent years

and that the UK presents an opportunity for “solid growth”. He believes entering the UK will be

good for the brand given the market is "up to date with the latest trends" and is an important

international market to help develop and improve the brand. He added that Lefties is "not in a

hurry to open lots of stores" but is focused on constant improvement. We explored Lefties

positioning and expansion plans HERE.

Gap collection launch showcases consumer interest in natural fibres. Business of Fashion

reported this morning that some backlash to Gap’s recent rerelease of its iconic 1990s “Happy

Stripe” design highlights a broader consumer shift toward natural fibres and away from

synthetics.