From Morrisons launching its new apprenticeship scheme to train the next generation of retail leaders, to John Lewis unveiling its new in-store dining concepts, and a look ahead to the unmissable innovation at NRF Europe, what’s been making waves in retail this week?

Morrisons supports career starters with apprenticeships

Morrisons has unveiled ‘Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme’, a new fully-funded apprenticeship qualification and training programme, which aims to give young people the opportunity to build long-term careers in retail.

Opening in Sep 2026, the scheme will combine practical, on-the-job experience with skills and leadership training over two years, and supports the Government’s agenda to reduce NEETs.

“Our Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme will combine real, hands-on experience with a fully funded qualification,” said Jodie Keating, Group People Director at Morrisons.

“It will also provide a clear route into leadership for a new generation of Morrisons colleagues whether they want to run a store, manage a logistics depot or progress into a central business role,” Keating added.

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Gen Z upbeat about the future of the High Street

Younger shoppers remain optimistic about the future of the UK High Street, says new research by retail and shopper marketing agency, Savvy.

Its poll of 1,000 UK customers revealed that across all age groups 41% feel positive about the future of Britain’s High Streets, rising sharply to two thirds (64%) of Gen Z.

“It would be easy to assume that the most digitally connected generation would have the least interest in the High Street, but Gen Z is considerably more positive about its future,” said Catherine Shuttleworth, CEO of Savvy Marketing.

“For this generation, online and offline aren’t necessarily competing worlds,” she added. “They might discover a brand on TikTok and still want to experience it physically. That creates a real opportunity to bring together digital discovery, physical experience and social connection.”

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John Lewis serves up new in-store dining concept, Platter

John Lewis has revealed its new in-store restaurant concept, Platter, at its London Oxford Street flagship store, which will cater for growing demand from shoppers seeking to blend shopping with socialising.

Platter will replace John Lewis’ restaurants across 32 stores by the end of 2027 and forms part of an £800million multi-year investment by the retailer in its stores. 

The new restaurant concept aims to put theatre front and centre of dining experiences, with open kitchens serving hand-stretched pizza, a made-on-site deli, a dessert parlour and bar area. 

“This is a real investment in something customers told us mattered. Sitting down for something to eat and drink has become part of how people shop and Platter is built for that,” said Katie Papakonstantinou, Director of Services and Hospitality for John Lewis.

Hospitality remains a key part of the John Lewis offering, which now accounts for over a fifth of the retailers in-store transactions, as customers combine eating out within shopping trips.

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NRF Europe preview: Top 10 tech picks

With just a few weeks until NRF Europe returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (15 – 17 Sep 2026), we take a look at some of the unmissable innovation you won’t want to miss from across the expo halls.

From payments to POS and AI to analytics, we round up our top 10 tech picks from the show floor, including FreedomPay, KIBO, Klaviyo, Retail Insight and Vusion.

Read the full preview: NRF Europe 2026 | Top 10 tech picks: Unmissable innovation from across the expo halls.

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The Entertainer upgrades loyalty scheme

Toy retailer, The Entertainer, has launched a new loyalty programme as part of its continued investment in customer engagement.

Forming part of The Entertainer’s wider strategy to strengthen customer relationships, The Entertainer Rewards programme offers members a 10% discount on their first online order.

The scheme will also build in perks, including early access to selected seasonal toy sales, Black Friday promotions and Christmas campaigns, as well as exclusive member offers.

“By rewarding loyalty with meaningful benefits, exclusive offers and early access to key events, we’re creating even more reasons for customers to shop with us across both our stores and online,” said Malcolm Carter, The Entertainer’s Digital & Marketing Director.

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Landsec bags new Mulberry store in Liverpool ONE

Landsec has announced that it has secured Mulberry at retail and entertainment destination, Liverpool ONE, marking the latest milestone in the evolution of Peter’s Lane into one of the UK’s leading premium retail destinations.

Opening in November, the new 979 sq ft store will occupy a prominent position in Keys Court on Peter’s Lane, offering Mulberry’s everyday icons and elegant gifting pieces to Liverpool ONE’s 33million annual visitors.

“Mulberry’s decision to open in Liverpool ONE reflects the opportunity presented by Peter’s Lane as it continues to establish itself as a premium retail destination,” said Pablo Sueiras, Head of Retail and Hospitality Leasing at Landsec.

“As the brand sharpens its focus on its core UK market, Liverpool ONE offers the right combination of brand performance and spend potential to support its long-term ambitions.”

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Guest Post | 10 ways retailers can reduce online returns fraud

With the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimating one in ten online returns are now made with fraudulent intent, returns fraud presents a growing challenge for retailers.

From wardrobing and stolen items being returned to empty boxes being sent back or payment authorisation being disputed after delivery, fraudsters are targeting new ways to exploit retailers’ returns policies and processes.

But ecommerce businesses aren’t defenceless – in our latest guest post, parcelLab‘s COO and Co-Founder, Anton Eder, shares ten effective measures digital brands can use to protect themselves against returns fraud.

Read the full article: Guest Post | ParcelLab’s Anton Eder shares 10 ways retailers can reduce online returns fraud.

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