Retail

With a deep understanding of the retail industry, our expert commercial lawyers provide strategic support throughout the lifecycle of brand creation, exploitation, and protection. We assist with trade mark registration, licensing, anti-counterfeiting, and enforcement strategies across multiple jurisdictions.

Our leading experts advise on all aspects of franchise structuring, operation, and expansion in the retail sector, supporting both franchisors and franchisees with clear, strategic advice on agreements, brand protection, supply obligations, and dispute resolution. Whether launching a new model or expanding into new markets, our commercially focused guidance helps retailers safeguard their intellectual property and maintain the integrity and value of their brand assets and ensure that retail franchises are scalable, compliant, and resilient to change.

• Advised on franchising, concessions, distribution, online marketplaces wholesale & brand licensing agreements for Harrods, Kurt Geiger, Starbucks Coffee Company & Topshop.

• Advising award-winning independent UK beauty brand on brand licensing and product distribution agreements.
• Advised a US-based global fashion brand and retail store chain on trade mark and design matters, including both commercial and litigation matters.
• Advised a number of well-known high-end brands of European multinational luxury goods company on trade mark prosecution matters, trade mark, designs and copyright disputes in multi jurisdictions.
• Advised the fashion designer Alessandra Rich on contract and IP issues.
• Advised a major American cosmetics, skincare and fragrance company on European trade mark portfolio work and soft IP disputes as well as regulatory work.
• Advised a British kitchen supplier on overall global IP strategy, trade mark prosecution, domain name disputes, civil disputes including a UK trade mark and passing off dispute with fraud elements.
• Represented Thane Direct (TV shopping channel) in relation to trade mark, patent and design claims made against retailers of infringing products, software contracts, data protection and corporate restructuring.
• Advised a leading UK fashion group on its international expansion through franchising/territory development agreements.
• Advising a global coffee business in relation to its expansion in the EMEA region through master franchise & licensing agreements.
• Advised Jo Malone on a range of commercial agreements including franchise agreements.
• Advised and negotiated on Leisurecorp’s exclusive franchise agreements for various international retail brands throughout the Gulf.

Our team of commercial experts regularly advise on manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements tailored to the evolving demands of the retail sector. From exclusivity and territorial restrictions to service level agreements (SLAs), in-store concessions, and logistics liabilities, we ensure that contractual terms are aligned with commercial goals and regulatory obligations. With a clear understanding of market pressures and global supply chains, our team provides strategic support throughout the lifecycle of the supply relationship.

• Advised a leading retailer on its acquisition from Ocado of distribution services and a warehouse facility.
• Advised on commercial supply and sale arrangements for a global supplier of private label and own-brand cosmetics to internationally renowned retailers including A.S. Watson of the Hutchison Whampoa group and Marks and Spencer.
• Acted for Associated British Foods in connection with a number of its supply contracts.
• Worked on various manufacturing, sourcing and joint venture agreements for Diageo.
• Advised a global FMCG manufacturer in relation to its key warehousing and logistics contracts.
• Advised on the international expansion of Starbucks Coffee Company, Topshop/Topman, Harrods & Kurt Geiger through licensing, wholesaling , online marketplaces & ecommerce.
• Structured and advised on Hill’s Petfood’s distribution network including advising on the competition law implications of their e-commerce and physical distribution platforms.
• Acted for (initially) and thereafter supported the team looking after Wyevale plc and Country Homes and Gardens plc concession leases at all their sites.

Our retail lawyers provide expert guidance on technology-related matters, including IT services agreements, cloud solutions, software licensing, and data integration projects. We help retailers negotiate complex technology contracts, manage risk, and implement innovative solutions that support operational efficiency and digital transformation across multi-channel environments.

• Advised Tesco on technology/data contracts, ranging from routine technology services agreements to business-critical technology development and outsourcing projects, as well as training/supervising junior Tesco lawyers on joint projects.
• Acted for a London-based software company specialising in supply chain management solutions on an IT services agreement for the provision of core technology services to a leading UK-based contemporary fashion retailer.
• Acted for Ocado Group in negotiating and advising on a complex software escrow agreement with a global leader in warehouse automation and logistics.
• Advised a US-based pet technology company, operating a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform, on general data protection compliance matters to ensure compliance with UK data protection legislation.

With a deep understanding of online retail, our team provides strategic support and transformation strategies throughout digital operations and online retail and transformation strategies.

• Advised on the commercial contractual terms of the strategic operating agreement for Morrisons’ expansion into online retail.
• Advised on the international ecommerce expansion of Arcadia brands. .
• Advising a UK-based fashion retailer on its expansion into the US through the opening of directly owned flagship stores and e-commerce channels (leases, construction projects, distribution agreements, intellectual property, local employment contracts and terns, putting local advisors in place).
• Managed and negotiated key installation and procurement contracts for an online retail partnership between Ocado and Coles supermarket, as part of Ocado’s expansion into Australia.
• Advising a wellness brand on the outsourcing of their e-commerce function to the Shopify platform.

Our specialist employment lawyers help clients manage employment law matters ranging from hiring to redundancy. Our team delivers strategic guidance to retailers navigating shift work, TUPE transfers, holiday pay, and disciplinary processes. We understand how employee relations and compliance with employment legislation affect retail operations, particularly in fast-moving, multi-location environments. Our support ensures minimal disruption and legally sound HR decision-making.

• Working with businesses to support site closures, headcount reduction, and staff relocation.
• General advice including disciplinary, grievance and managing performance for several high-street retail brands.
• Advised on restructurings and exits, bank holiday working, family-friendly policies, and salaried and hourly workers for many well-known high-street retailers.
• Represented a European retail business on the exit of their UK branch CEO.
• Defended a well- known retailer on an unfair dismissal and race claim brought by a dismissed employee following a sensitive sexual harassment investigation.

Our leading commercial lawyers advise on marketing and advertising content, both in relation to existing products and new product launches. We advise on influencer partnerships, promotions, and compliance with regulatory requirements, offering commercially focused solutions tailored to retailers’ operational needs.

• Advised furniture retailer on clearance for TV & print advertising campaign  .
• Advised a luxury womenswear label on brand collaboration partnerships.
• Acted for online retailed notonthehighstreet.com on various legal issues relating to their business, including B2C terms, IP protection & enforcement and consumer law.
• Prepared online terms & conditions for various ecommerce businesses.
• Advised on a sales consultancy and marketing agreement and brand ambassador agreements for Electrolux Plc.

• Advised Starbucks in relation to a competitor’s misleading advertising campaign, achieving a swift takedown and settlement.

• Advised Topshop on multi-year celebrity endorsement agreements, live fashion events, brand and new product launches.
• Advising brand management companies on their commercial arrangements with clients including negotiating long-term contracts with leading supermarket brands and a leading airline.
• Advised a lingerie brand on a major product range co-branding and endorsement deal with an internationally-renowned film star and model.

Our retail lawyers advise on complex M&A transactions across the sector, supporting major brands to accelerate growth, expand market share, and maximise operational efficiencies.

• Advised the directors of Moss Bros in relation to its take private by a US-led consortium of investors.
• Advised Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein on their group re-organisations, reductions of capital and distributions.
• Advised Calculus Capital on its venture capital investment in Cornerstone Brands.
• Advised Green Room Brands on its venture capital funding for the distribution of Green Cola in the UK.
• Advised Cargo Home Shop on its takeover by Freedom, an Australian retail group.
• Advised Trident Fashions plc on the sale of Ciro Citterio to Hilco Capital.
• Acted for BC Partners in the consensual acquisition of Cote Restaurants by the Partners Group.
• Advised Kookai UK on acquisition of assets from the administrator.
• Advised Blue Inc (UK) on investments.
• Acted on the sale and rollover investment of Creams Café.
• Interim and fractional support to clients in the run up to or following an acquisition or disposal – helping prepare the business for a disposal, freeing up management time , project managing transitional services and liaising with external counsel.

Our retail experts provide strategic support in resolving disputes efficiently and commercially. We advise on contractual, IP, and shareholder conflicts, as well as franchise and supplier disagreements, and property disputes. With deep sector knowledge, we help clients protect relationships, minimise disruption, and achieve swift, cost-effective outcomes through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

• Advised Italian shoe company Geox SpA on IP disputes.
• Advised global retailer WH Smith on IP disputes.
• Advised luxury brand Jimmy Choo on IP disputes.
• Advised Starbucks on resolving disputes and insolvency issues with franchisees, licensees and suppliers; mediation and threatened litigation; negotiating and documenting reset of relationships; and financial support packages.
• Acted for Tangle Inc in a copyright dispute over its best-selling Tangle product.
• Advised a UK-based global fashion brand and retail store chain on High Court litigation.
• Acted for British umbrella manufacturer Fulton in a design right infringement action.

Our commercial property lawyers support clients through all stages of a retail property acquisition, from heads of terms to completion. We provide end-to-end support on negotiation, due diligence, and leasehold or freehold structuring. With deep sector knowledge, we help retailers secure the right sites in the right locations, ensuring that acquisitions align with commercial goals and operational demands.

• Advised on real estate aspects of the £2.7bn acquisition of the Greene King pub portfolio.
• Acted for Capital & Counties in managing its portfolio of real estate including retail space within Covent Garden and the Burlington Arcade in Piccadilly Circus.
• Advised Aldi Stores Limited on the rollout of its 1,000 store programme by 2020, involving a significant portfolio of development sites across England and Wales.
• Advised Waitrose Limited on the development of its national portfolio, including the first “Little Waitrose” store.
• Acted in the acquisitions of shopping centre and high-street units (including agreements for construction of premises within shopping centres and schemes), lease renewals and re-gears for many household-name retailers and restaurateurs including Prezzo Plc, ASK, Pizza Express, Strada, Cafe Rouge, Cote Restaurants, Bill’s, Hakkasan, Ping Pong, Hawksmoor, Ignite Group (Bumpkin), La Senza, Ryman, L’Occitane, Dune, Tiger Retail, Firetrap, and Sonnetti, and a large Middle-Eastern retail and restaurant client with over 2,500 units and over 75 brands under franchise.
• Advised on the acquisition of the DFS flagship store in Northern Ireland.
• Advised on the commercial property aspects whilst acting for the investors of the Grosvenor Liverpool Fund in the development of the £1 billion Paradise Street project, known as Liverpool 1.
• Advised Homebase Limited in its stores acquisition within the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
• Acted on Superdry plc on the rollout and management of its leasehold real estate portfolio including acting on the acquisition of its Regent Street flagship.
• Acted for private equity house Total Capital Partners LLP on the real estate aspects of the £4.2m acquisition of clothing retailer Weird Fish Limited.
• Advised Hermes Real Estate Investment Management on its acquisition from Westfield of a 50% stake in three UK shopping centres with a combined value of £400m.
• Acted on nationwide acquisitions by Mark One plc of over 40 shops nationwide from high-street stores to shopping centres.

Our expert construction lawyers provide strategic guidance to retailers undertaking construction projects, from flagship store developments to nationwide refurbishments. We advise on procurement routes, JCT and NEC contracts, contractor agreements, design liability, timelines, and insurance matters, warranties, risk allocation. With deep sector knowledge, we support clients through project planning, delivery, and dispute avoidance, ensuring works are completed on time, within budget, and in line with brand and operational requirements.

• Drafted and negotiated construction documents for various clients in relation to the development of commercial/retail units, including the King William Street mixed development.
• Acted for a developer on the construction aspects of an agreement for lease with an international supermarket and office tenant, including negotiation of the associated fit-out construction package.
• Advised Starbucks Coffee Company on the lease, planning, construction, and opening of Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Milan, a complex construction project to build a manufacturing plant and high-end flagship roastery and customer experience in a listed building in Central Milan.
• Drafted and negotiated construction documents for various clients in relation to the development of commercial/retail units, in central London.
• Acted for a developer on the construction aspects of an agreement for lease with an international supermarket and office tenant, including negotiation of the associated fit-out construction package.
• Represented a national storage provider in multiple defects claims against its property and construction contractors, relating to maintenance obligations and latent defects across customer-facing sites.
• Acted for a private investor in acquiring, developing, letting and disposing of 40,000 sq ft investment property, dealt with all construction, funding and letting issues arising and subsequent disposal of the investment for circa £10m.
• Advised on the expansion of the Topshop and Topman brands into the US through the opening of directly owned flagship stores and e-commerce channels (leases, construction projects, distribution agreements, intellectual property, local employment contracts and terns, putting local advisors in place).
• Advised Harrods on store fit-out and new store development programs.
• Drafted works contracts for fit-out works for various Body Shop premises.
• Advised an Italian contractor on fit-out contracts for a high-end fashion brand, including design, procurement and execution matters.
• Advised a European contractor on fit-out contracts for a luxury retailer, including design, procurement, and execution matters.
• Drafted and negotiated a building contract for fit-out works at premises on Regent Street for Smeg UK.

With property lawyers who have deep retail experience, we have proven expertise in advising on all aspects of landlord and tenant law. We support retailers with lease negotiations, rent reviews, break rights, dilapidations, and renewals. With deep commercial insight, we help clients manage risk and navigate the legal complexities of their property portfolios, delivering solutions that protect both physical and commercial interests.

• Advised household-name retailers, including Clarks, Brighthouse, Johnsons and EE, in relation to the management of their real estate portfolios, dealing with various issues relating to their commercial occupational leases, including rent and service charge disputes, rent reviews, and unopposed and contentious lease renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
• Acted for Criterion Capital/Golfrate in landlord and tenant advice on flagship buildings including the Trocadero and sales and lettings.
• Acted for a retail outlet client in relation to the relocation, renewal and regearing of premises at several well-known UK outlet centres, to include advising on turnover rents and discounting/pricing restrictions.
• Acted in the acquisition of shopping centre and high-street units (including agreements for construction of premises within shopping centres and schemes), lease renewals and re-gears for many household-name retailers and restaurateurs including Prezzo Plc, ASK, Pizza Express, Strada, Cafe Rouge, Cote Restaurants, Bill’s, Hakkasan, Ping Pong, Hawksmoor, Ignite Group (Bumpkin), La Senza, Ryman, L’Occitane, Dune, Tiger Retail, Firetrap, and Sonnetti, and a large Middle-Eastern retail and restaurant client with over 2,500 units and over 75 brands under franchise.
• Acted on behalf of Unibail Rodamco Westfield in relation to its UK shopping centres, Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City, managing the lease renewals of more than 100 units with an annual combined rent in excess of £30million including acting on their behalf in connection with multiple court proceedings.

Our experienced planning lawyers provide strategic advice on planning, licensing, and usage matters critical to retail operations. We assist with change of use applications, permitted development rights, and alcohol and late-night refreshment licensing. Our team acts for national chains and independent operators alike, ensuring that premises meet both local authority requirements and commercial expectations, without delay or disruption.

• Licensed the UK division of a large group of Spanish jamon shops.
• Represented a new premium grocery store concept on their rollout.
• Obtained alcohol licences for a group of blow dry and salon bars as they roll out across London, to allow customers to enjoy champagne and cocktails during their treatments.
• Acted in applications to vary twelve premises licences for a large brewery group to extend their hours.

Our team delivers pragmatic, industry-specific guidance that supports smooth operations and reduces the risk of disputes in retail property management. We advise on service charges, facilities contracts, enforcement, and compliance across retail parks, shopping centres, and high street locations. Whether acting for landlords or tenants, we help ensure premises are maintained effectively and disputes are swiftly resolved.

• Managed and negotiated key procurement contracts for an online retail partnership between Ocado and Coles, in Australia.
• Senior transactional lawyer for household-name retailers such as Brighthouse, Clarks and EE in relation to the management of their occupational retail property portfolios.
• Advised household-name retailers, including Clarks, Brighthouse, Johnsons and EE, in relation to the management of their real estate portfolios, dealing with various issues relating to their commercial occupational leases, including rent and service charge disputes, rent reviews, and unopposed and contentious lease renewals under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.
• Acted for Marks and Spencer plc in lease renewals, management work and sales.
• Acted for Blooms of Bressingham plc in connection with its retail development joint venture (Limited Partnership) with La Salle Investment Management in respect of the development of garden centre/retail destinations including Bicester Avenue.

Our retail lawyers provide clear, commercially focused guidance on consumer protection, advising on marketing claims, e‑commerce compliance, and website policies. They help retailers meet regulatory obligations across advertising, data protection and product standards, ensuring robust, compliant customer journeys that minimise risk and support effective online and in‑store operations.

• Provided compliance advice in relation to website and marketing content, including with e-commerce, consumer protection, data protection and advertising laws and regulations, including ASA and CAP codes.
• Acted for a UK manufacturer prosecuted for consumer protection breaches related to the sales process.
• Advised on consumer issues in advertising such as food labelling for major brands including Campbell Soup, Tropicana, Yum!, E&J Gallo and Anheuser Busch.
• Drafted and advised on compliance in respect of B2C consumer terms for a variety of platforms, including information only sites (e.g. Martin Lewis’ Moneysavingexpert.com), online marketplaces, facilitation and crowdfunder sites. Work included crafting customer relationship documentation, including T&Cs, delivery, cancellation and returns policies, and privacy notices.

Our retail lawyers deliver expert advice on data protection and privacy compliance, helping businesses meet obligations under UK GDPR and related regulations. We support retailers with drafting policies, managing international transfers, and implementing robust governance frameworks, ensuring data practices are secure, compliant, and aligned with commercial objectives.

• Project lead for the Ocado Group GDPR compliance programme/implementation including design and delivery of GDPR training packages, data privacy policies, and reviewing privacy management technology platforms.
• Advised Notonthehighstreet.com on its Data Protection Act and GDPR compliance.
• Advised and assisted Ocado Group on its data processor questionnaire, data privacy accountability framework, and personal data breach notification procedure.
• Advised a UK-based IT managed service provider and consultancy on a range of data protection matters including joint controller, controller-processor and intra-group data processing agreements (DPAs), transfer risk assessments, international transfer mechanisms such as the Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and the UK Addendum, as well as the provision of general data protection advice for its business.
• Acted for a leading CPD accreditation provider in the UK on various data protection matters, including drafting privacy policies and employee notices and negotiating third-party data processing agreements (DPAs).
• Advised Notonthehighstreet.com on its Data Protection Act and GDPR compliance.
• Provided compliance advice in relation to website and marketing content, including with e-commerce, consumer protection, data protection and advertising laws and regulations, including ASA and CAP codes.
• Advised MOO, the print platform, on its data protection compliance programme, including developing notices, policies and training.

Retail lawyers provide commercially focused ESG guidance, helping clients assess global supply‑chain risks and comply with emerging regulations. Their work includes advising on EUDR requirements, modern slavery and bribery risk, and ESG governance frameworks, enabling retailers to meet ethical, operational, and regulatory expectations with confidence.

• Conducted a global ESG supply chain review for a US-listed retail company with a large global footprint.
• EUDR supply chain risk – conducted country-specific analysis (People’s Republic of China) and provided advice to a global food and drink company in relation to measures required to mitigate the challenges of obtaining accurate and complete information from this jurisdiction.

• Advised a global food and drink manufacturer in conducting a risk assessment in preparation for compliance with the EUDR and the Environment Act 2021. This risk management expertise was delivered in collaboration with colleagues who were focused on technical considerations.
• Advised and assisted Ocado Group plc in its GSCOP compliance work and “Designated Retailer” status under the Groceries (Supply Chain Practices) Market Investigation Order.
• Conducted a bribery risk assessment across global operations in high-risk jurisdictions.
• Conducted a modern slavery risk assessment focused on Asia-based operations.

Advising on health and safety requires a deep understanding of the retail environment and applicable regulations. We support clients with compliance obligations, incident management, and enforcement proceedings. Our team works swiftly to assess risk, protect reputations, and resolve issues efficiently, ensuring that staff and customer safety are prioritised while minimising business disruption and legal exposure.

• Represented a leading UK retailer in prosecutions relating to food safety and hygiene offences.
• Provided leadership within Starbucks on global public recalls, balancing health & safety requirements, contractual commitments, and financial loss.
• Successfully defended prosecutions concerning the sale of age-restricted products to minors.
• Acted for William Hill in the successful defence of criminal charges arising from the collapse of a shop sign and the resulting death of a pedestrian.
• Advised retail businesses on Covid-19 restrictions and prohibitions.
• Defended several health and safety prosecutions brought against clients in East London.
• Advised on H&SE investigations, appointing specialist counsel and managing in-house.

Our retail experts advise retailers on contracts and regulation for e-money, payment services, prepaid/gift cards, consumer credit and hire, and BNPL, supporting both new and established financial products.

• Consulted to WorldPay on European payments, acquisition and separation from RBS, and service terms consolidation.
• Consulted to Amazon.com on European payments, e-money licence, bank/card negotiations, Amazon credit cards, gift cards, currency converter, and cross-border payments.
• Advised several corporate clients on investigations by the FCA in relation to product transfers and potential breaches of regulations.

Our retail lawyers provide strategic, commercially focused advice on Trading Standards matters, helping businesses navigate investigations and prosecutions with minimal disruption. They support retailers facing enforcement action and advise on IP‑related anti‑counterfeiting measures, working with authorities to protect brand integrity and ensure compliance across product ranges.

• Defended businesses in relation to Trading Standards investigations and prosecutions
• Advised a UK fashion brand on IP strategy, prosecution of trade marks and designs, an anti-counterfeiting programme including working with Trading Standards and using Customs measures to enforce rights as well as civil actions and domain name disputes.

Our Restructuring & Insolvency lawyers help retail and consumer chains achieve successful financial and lease restructurings through CVAs, pre-packaged administrations, and other restructuring and insolvency processes, restructurings, acting for leading retailers and groups in this challenging and fast-moving sector.

• Advised Gordon Brothers, as new investors and owners of Poundland, an iconic retailer with over 800 sites across the UK, in all aspects of its Part 26A Restructuring Plan, which was successfully approved by the High Court in August 2025.
• Advised Homebase, the UK’s leading home improvement and garden retailer, in relation to all options available to restructure the business and directors’ duties advice.
• Advised JUUL UK, the e-cigarette and vaping business, following the threat of a suspension on the sale of its products in the US by the FDA. MOVE to compliance
• Advised the Wilko Retail Group, on all aspects of its proposed lease restructuring, including a proposed Company Voluntary Agreement.
• Advised The National Car Parks group, in relation to all aspects of its proposed restructuring of its leasehold estate including structuring and proposing a Part 26A Restructuring Plan.

• Advised on bankruptcy and financial restructuring of master franchisees (holding territorial licences) and joint venture companies, and advising on termination strategies.
• Advised Mamas & Papas group in relation to its restructuring and pre-pack administration to the group.