Verenigd Koninkrijk

In several European countries, such as the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, consumers are (soon) less likely to need their PIN code if they pay contactless in shops. By raising the amount for which PIN confirmation is needed, the risk of contamination is reduced.

Debenhams CEO, Belgian Stefaan Vansteenkiste, will leave the ailing department store chain in the next few months. Rumours say the search for a successor already has started.

Tesco has sold its last remaining Asian activities to CP Group. The company from Thailand pays 10.6 billion dollars (9.3 billion euros) for the 2,000 stores in Thailand and Malaysia. Britain's biggest supermarket chain now only retains a presence in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Central Europe.

British supermarket chain Tesco sells its 20 % stake in Chinese joint venture Gain Land, completing its exit from the Asian country. Thailand and Malaysia are to follow suit.

London welcomes the very first Primark pop-up store, which is created to promote the launch of the Irish fashion discounter's 'wellness' collection.

British supermarket chain Sainsbury's is launching a new city-centre store concept, with a first store opening in London. Nine other stores have already been confirmed.

British e-tailer Asos is experimenting with a new tool, See My Fit, which uses augmented reality to simulate pieces of clothing in different sizes fitted on different body types.