Today in retail: H&M's Weekday touches down in UK

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Today Swedish fashion powerhouse H&M opened its first UK branch of Weekday on London’s Regent Street.

You might wonder whether yet another fashion fascia is needed, given the level of competition in apparel retail and the tough trading conditions many have endured.

But Weekday looks different enough to stand out. Inspired by youth culture and street style, it will deliver constant newness by creating one-off T-shirts around a particular theme every week.

My colleague Emily Hardy visited Weekday’s debut British branch and made a video interview with managing director David Thörewik.

It’s one to keep an eye on, having launched in two new markets last year and made an entry to France as well as the UK this year.

Today we also take a look at how DIY rivals Bunnings, a newcomer to the UK, and market-leader B&Q are faring in the light of updates from each.

And we take a tour of Petersham Nurseries’ Covent Garden store. Until now the garden centre business has operated from only one location, famous for its experiential appeal and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

In Covent Garden an edited version, including a deli, makes for an intriguing mix of leisure and retail – worth a look as those markets increasingly come together and complement each other.