COGNICURRENT

China's sportswear industry shows unexpected growth due to policy support, rising demand during the Chinese New Year, and the visibility from the Winter Olympics.

The article discusses various industries in Poland that are experiencing growth in recruitment, such as energy and defense, while also highlighting sectors like retail and automotive that are under pressure and have seen a slowdown in recruitment.

The retail sector in Greece reported a significant increase in revenue for December 2025, marking a 6.9% growth compared to December 2024.

Sklavenitis Group achieved a significant revenue milestone by exceeding 6 billion euros last year, indicating its dominance in the organized retail sector in Greece.

Lidl Lithuania plans to increase salaries for a majority of its employees by an average of 9% this year, with a budget allocation of around 8 million euros for wage increases by 2026.

In 2025, worker turnover in Campinas' retail sector reached a historic high of 71.5%, indicating significant employee movement within the industry.

The retail sector in Greece faced a contraction in turnover in real terms for the year 2025, according to a report by the Institute of the Greek Confederation of Commerce & Entrepreneurship.

Brazil's pharmaceutical retail sector generated approximately R$ 128.6 billion in 2025, bolstered by the popularity of weight-loss pens like Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy.

A study indicates that reducing the work week from 44 to 40 hours would impact over 90% of retail and service workers in Brazil.

Lidl Lithuania announced a 9% average increase in employee salaries for this year, reinforcing its leadership position in the local grocery retail sector.

The British Retail Consortium warns that changes in government policy could lead to significant job losses in the retail sector, with many companies planning to reduce staff hours.

Grupo Chedraui is enhancing its operational efficiency strategy by integrating artificial intelligence to address increasing labor costs and demands associated with minimum wage increases in Mexico.

Sammy Fice, a prominent figure in Greece's retail sector, has made significant strides to recover from a disappointing start to 2025, with his company's stock rebounding after a steep drop following a pricey IPO.

On Presidents' Day 2026, many government offices and public services in the United States will be closed, while the retail sector will likely hold special promotions.

Five major UK retailers, including Poundland and River Island, have announced plans to close stores in 2026 amid ongoing challenges in the retail sector.

Several well-known UK retailers have entered administration early in 2026, highlighting ongoing struggles in the retail sector.

The retail sector in Paraíba has achieved the third-highest growth rate in Brazil for 2025, significantly outperforming the national average.

Finland's economy may be showing signs of recovery, with notable increases in new orders in the technology sector, though caution still prevails among industry leaders.

Wall Street faced pressure today as investors reacted to weaker-than-expected retail sales data and concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on the financial sector.

The furniture retail sector in Finland faces significant challenges, with half of the 200 retailers operating at a loss, suggesting a wave of bankruptcies is imminent after companies like Sotka and Asko.

Retail sales and revenue have been increasing since September, although employment in the sector continues to decline, according to the Finnish Commerce Federation.

The retail sector in Finland is experiencing a growth in sales and turnover despite a decrease in employment opportunities.

The food system transformation requires collaboration from all stakeholders, with the retail sector playing a crucial role in guiding food choices and driving positive change as discussed at a recent roundtable event.

Efectivo Sí, a financial entity of Grupo Galeno, has sold 17 branches and its entire operation to Banco Columbia as part of a shift to focus on retail lending.

Despite seeing tens of thousands of jobs lost, the German retail sector is currently facing a paradox with over 100,000 job vacancies to fill, as explained by the retail association.

Despite the closure of 50,000 stores and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the German retail sector, the industry is desperately seeking personnel with over 100,000 vacancies unfilled, as explained by the Handelsverband.

Sales volume in the Brazilian retail sector grew by 16.1% in January compared to the same period last year, driven by school vacations and strong consumer demand according to data from Itaú Unibanco.

Ten iconic high street retailers, including banks and clothing stores, are set to close locations in 2026 due to increasing pressures on the retail sector.

The acquisition of Kritikos by Masoutis significantly reshapes the Greek food retail market, making Masoutis the third major player in the sector with a substantial turnover and extensive presence across Northern and Southern Greece.

A deal valued at around 190 million euros is set to form the third largest player in the retail sector, with over 1,000 stores and 15,000 employees.

As winter sales begin, the textile sector is expected to see aggressive discounts due to accumulated inventory, with companies hopeful for a positive 2026 if geopolitical instability does not impact consumption.

A recent interview reveals that 44% of large consumer companies anticipate growth over 5% by 2026, with Mercadona and Lidl at the forefront of the sector.

Simon Roberts, CEO of Sainsbury's, has been awarded a CBE for his contributions to the retail sector during challenging times, including the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

After ten years in Poland, the American private equity fund Warburg Pincus has sold its investment in the Gemini pharmacy network, marking a significant transaction in the retail drug distribution sector, which has been hindered by new regulations.