NEWS
August/September 2026
housewareslive.net
Denby Pottery Village closes its doors after more than 200 years D
enby Pottery has permanently closed its flagship Pottery Village in Derbyshire, bringing more than two centuries of manufacturing and direct retail at the historic site to
an end. The Pottery Village closed on 29 August, a day earlier than originally planned, after strong demand during its final clearance sale left remaining stock depleted faster than expected. Shoppers travelled from across the country for a final
opportunity to buy Denby products, with customers queuing on Saturday morning before the store ceased trading at midday. Administrators FRP Advisory described the public response to the closure as “phenomenal”, with footfall and sales exceeding expectations and large sections of the shop cleared ahead of schedule. Denby, which was founded in Derbyshire in 1809 and is known for stoneware ranges including Imperial Blue, entered administration in March 2026 following pressure from rising
energy, labour and operating costs alongside weaker consumer demand. Efforts to find
a buyer capable of maintaining the existing manufacturing operation were unsuccessful, with stoneware production at the historic factory subsequently brought to an end. More than 120 manufacturing jobs were lost as a result.
Lakeland opens new store at Endsleigh Garden Centre L
akeland has opened its new store at Endsleigh Garden Centre near Plymouth, marking the kitchenware retailer’s fifth location within the Blue Diamond Garden Centres estate.
six jobs.
Backed by a six-figure investment, the new store will open at 9am on 21 August and create The opening takes Lakeland’s UK store estate to 56 locations and will introduce a new
retail concept featuring updated fixtures and fittings designed to showcase the retailer’s range of cookware, bakeware, kitchen electricals and other home products. The Endsleigh opening is also Lakeland’s first new store of 2026, with the retailer confirming that further openings are planned as it continues to invest in its physical retail presence.
Nick Bell, Head of Retail at Lakeland, said: “The new store introduces a fresh retail concept, including modern fittings and fixtures designed to showcase our extensive range and make it even easier for customers to discover the high-quality and innovative products Lakeland is known for.
“This opening also marks a huge milestone for the brand. It’s our first one this year and we
have more planned in the pipeline, reflecting our continued commitment and investment in supporting the high street, and our ambition to bring Lakeland to even more towns and cities across the UK.”
Next raises profit forecast again as summer sales beat expectations N
ext has raised its annual profit forecast for the fourth time this year after warmer weather helped deliver stronger-than- expected sales during the first half.
The retailer now expects full-year profits to reach £1.26 billion,
increasing its previous forecast by £12 million. Total sales across the group increased by nine per cent during the six months to July, while pre-tax profits climbed 11 per cent to £566 million.
Next said its first-half performance had been “much better than we originally anticipated” both in the UK and overseas, although it acknowledged that unusually warm weather had contributed to the stronger performance. The retailer said: “It is important to acknowledge that part of
this overperformance has been the result of two unusually warm summers in the UK.” Next added that the remainder of its stronger performance
was largely down to progress against the objectives it set at the beginning of the year, alongside cost-saving measures, particularly across its warehouse operations.
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