The tie-up will see 185 Ryman stores added to Deliveroo, giving customers access to more than 4,000 stationery, office, technology and gifting products for delivery.

The launch comes ahead of exam season, when demand for stationery typically rises. Deliveroo said stationery orders on its platform increased by almost 40 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year, while demand rose more than 30 per cent during last year’s UK exam season.

Customers will be able to order products including highlighters, office supplies, printer ink, technology accessories and last-minute gifts, with delivery available in as little as 25 minutes.

The partnership will be supported by both Deliveroo Shopping and Deliveroo Express, the company’s white-label delivery service.

Deliveroo Express will allow customers to place orders directly through Ryman’s website or app at checkout, using Deliveroo’s logistics technology and rider network to complete deliveries.

Deliveroo said the move marks another milestone in the expansion of its Shopping division, as it looks to grow beyond food delivery and capture more on-demand retail categories.

Deliveroo vice president of new verticals Suzy McClintock said: “The addition of a household name like Ryman is a testament to the massive momentum behind Deliveroo Shopping.

“We aren’t just adding more choice, we are responding to a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour.

“With stationery orders up 40 per cent in the last year, this partnership ensures we are meeting that demand head-on, proving that Deliveroo is the essential partner for retailers looking to unlock digital growth and omnichannel scale.”

Ryman chairman and owner Theo Paphitis said: “For over 130 years, Ryman has been a staple of the British high street, trusted for our expertly curated range of stationery and office supplies.

“We’re now delighted to partner with Deliveroo to bring over 4,000 stationery, tech, and gifting essentials, plus print services, directly to our customers’ doors in as little as 25 minutes.

“From ink cartridge emergencies to eleventh-hour school projects and saving the day with urgent birthday presents for last-minute Lucy or Larrys, this partnership will help to keep homes and offices running smoothly.”

Ryman joins a growing list of retailers using Deliveroo Shopping, which launched in November 2023.

The platform already includes The Entertainer, The Perfume Shop, HURR and Accessorize, as Deliveroo continues to expand its rapid delivery offer across non-food retail.

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The retailer, which ditched its print catalogue in 2023, saw revenues grow 12% over the four weeks to Christmas, while sales also increased 9% over the 12 weeks to 2 January.

The company’s new shopper numbers jumped 9%, website visits rose 10%, home category revenues climbed 16%, and fashion sales grew 3%.

The figures come as the broader UK retail market witnessed a 0.3% decline over Q4.

The retailer attributed its performance to a “triple-pronged approach” of “continually developing the pureplay offering, targeting the crucial 40+ female shopper with fashionable yet affordable products,” as well as “partnering with the best-loved consumer brand across every department”.

This had enabled it to “deliver another set of market-beating sales,” saying its strategy had “converted a new generation of customers who had not previously engaged with Freemans.com”.

Freemans CEO Ann Steer said: “The so-called golden quarter has shone very brightly for [us]. 

“We have seen exceptional growth across every department, even against a background of decreased consumer spending, with the momentum we have created clearly continuing.”

She added: “Our brand partnerships continue apace with more big names to be unveiled for 2026 and we will continue to listen, act and deliver for all our customers through this new year and beyond.”

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Based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, the site specialises in repairing, refurbishing and recycling a wide variety of electrical goods, ranging from TVs and mobile phones, to dishwashers and air fryers.

The site is one of the biggest mixed electrical repair centres in Europe, spanning 500,000 sq ft and taking on millions of repairs annually.

Its handling of products is divided into roughly 1.9m customer returns, 100,000 products collected via Cash for Trash and trade-in, as well as 1m repairs.

The repair centre forms one aspect of Currys’ “Long Live Your Tech” commitment, which aims to extend the life of electronics via repair, reuse, refurbishment or recycling instead of immediate replacement.

Having sold over 130,000 refurbished tech items last year, marking an 11% year-on-year rise, Retail Gazette looks at how Currys is seeking to bolster its repair business.

‘In 75 seconds you’ll have an answer’

Currys launched its “game-changing” AI video tool in July, which is designed to speed up repairs, improve customer service and reduce unnecessary callouts.

The tech was created in partnership with platform Vyntelligence, representing a retail-first use of this type of AI video technology.

To use the tool, customers need to speak to the repair centre’s contact centre. They will then be sent a link telling them to film a short video demonstrating the issue with their product, and send over a photo of its serial number.

The AI then analyses the footage, summarises the key issues and sends the information straight to Currys’ specialist engineers.

The tool is initially being used for TVs and white goods repairs, and comprises part of the retailer’s warranty and optional care packages. 

Before Currys introduced this tool, diagnostics were carried out over the phone, before the engineer got to see the product. This meant the company depended on getting accurate information from the customer so the engineer had the best chance to repair the items first time.

The brand noted that because it could not always see or hear the issue, it sometimes got the diagnosis wrong, with the retailer having to go back for a further visit with more or different parts 20% of the time. 

Currys service operations director David Rosenberg says the new AI video tool has helped the business to both save money and speed up repairs.

“It’s not just about the announcement of AI,” he says.

“It’s about the fact that we’ve made a solution with AI that enables us to make money, help our customers and help our business.”

He adds the AI video tool has improved its first visit fix as well as its write-off propensity. 

“It’s sped up our interaction with customers. For me, the most important thing is that it has freed the customer to be able to use the service whenever they want,” he says.

“There’s no queue, no wait time, it’s 24/7. If you have a problem, tell us and we’ll be able to do it. In 75 seconds you’ll have an answer.” 

Currys repair partnerships

Currys’ repairs lab is supported by more than 40 suppliers, including Apple, Samsung, Dyson and LG – some of which have even shared special equipment with the business.

The retailer also added Microsoft in May 2024, allowing customers with Microsoft Surface laptops to have them repaired at Currys.

The move allowed many laptop owners to access in-person support at any of Currys UK and Ireland stores before the product was booked in for a technical repair.

Currys is able to replace the Surface unit within the warranty period and perform repairs in the event of a breakdown. Surface users were previously only able to access help through Microsoft’s support channels.

In February this year, Currys expanded the partnership to cover Xbox console repairs, making the retailer the first Xbox Authorised Service Provider (ASP) in the UK and Ireland.

Owners of all Xbox Series X|S console options are able to get their gaming machines repaired regardless of where they were purchased, with the service including consoles both in and out of warranty.

Rosenberg says: “The partnership with Microsoft was very important for us because it was a proof of maturity for operation.

“Everything we have here, it’s difficult to replicate, but it’s also very challenging for us to explain to our manufacturers that this could be useful for them.

“We have 300 stores who can face the customer. They have a call centre somewhere. They have potentially a replay operation somewhere. 

“Here, it’s in the UK. UK customers, UK service, UK stores, UK repair. Microsoft has absolutely embraced that.”

Cash for Trash

In another boost to its repair arm, Currys has built on its Cash for Trash scheme since 2023.

Initially launched as a trial in 2022, Cash for Trash enables customers to receive at least £5 off their next eligible purchase, after handing in any old tech in its stores for recycling. 

In June, Currys also temporarily doubled the reward of the scheme to encourage more consumers to take part.

The group offered shoppers a £10 off towards a minimum £50 spend when handing in any tech with a plug or battery that they no longer used until 8 July.

Cash for Trash helps fuel its repairs business by enabling its technicians to refurbish any products that can be salvaged and reused.

In some cases, the retailer also uses 3D-printed replacement parts to refurbish goods, made using 3D printers.

For products that are not fully repairable, Currys technicians will harvest their usable parts to fix other devices.

Items that have no reusable parts and cannot be refurbished go on to be responsibly recycled.   

Currys is also building out its corporate partnerships.

In February, it unveiled a tie-up with Deloitte to encourage the accounting firm’s staff to recycle unwanted tech and electricals at their local Currys store through Cash for Trash and trade-in initiatives.

The electronics giant is supporting Deloitte’s “Recycle for Good” launch, which seeks to promote the responsible disposal of old electronics, reduce the amount of e-waste going to landfill and drive digital inclusion.

Currys head of sustainable operations and compliance Chris Brown emphasises that the Cash for Trash initiative is “a crucial component of our circular strategy,” serving as “a fundamental way to increase the flow of products into the circular economy.”

He explains, “We visualise it as a pyramid, where the items with the highest value are positioned at the top – this includes refurbishment and repair. As we move down, we engage in parts harvesting, ensuring we extract valuable materials.”

“At the base of the pyramid lies responsible recycling, where we ensure that products are processed in an environmentally responsible manner.”

Additionally, Chris points out: “A significant factor contributing to the growth of Cash for Trash is that incentive but also making it easy and accessible for consumers who may be unsure of how to dispose of their unwanted tech.

“There is considerable ongoing work to educate the public about appropriate disposal methods. Many people have concerns about giving away their tech items, especially data-bearing devices.”

He assures: “If you bring it to Currys, you can trust that we’re an established trusted brand, so I think that’s part of where our growth has come from as well.”

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Millard is due to depart on 31 December, and will be succeeded by Darren Bowkett, who will assume the role of chair and join the Board on 2 January 2026.

Millard joined the electricals retailer in 2021 as part of the IPO.

Bowkett worked for building materials manufacturer Ibstock Group for more than 40 years, most recently serving as strategic projects director at Ibstock Brick.

Marks Electrical CEO Mark Smithson said: “Marnie joined the board in 2021 as part of the IPO and has been an integral part of the team, helping the business to deliver on its strategic plans as we’ve expanded over recent years.  

“Marnie has been a great help guiding the company, the other directors and me over the last four years. We are all very grateful for her efforts throughout her tenure and wish her well for the future.”

“We are excited to welcome Darren with his operational expertise and look forward to welcoming him to the team in the new year.”

Millard added: “I have enjoyed working with Mark and the team since the listing on AIM in 2021, supporting the business as we transitioned from a successful family-owned business to a publicly traded company. 

“After over four years in the role, it is now the right time for me to hand over the role to Darren, who will oversee the next phase of the business’ progress.”

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The electricals retailer saw pre-tax profit rise 10% to £18m for the six months ended 30 September 2025, despite inflationary headwinds of £4m from National Minimum Wage and National Insurance cost hikes. Operating profit jumped 7% to £18m over the period.

Total sales were also up 14% to £586m, from £512m the same time last year. 

The brand noted that B2C retail revenues rose 12%, which it said were underpinned by market share gains across all of its key categories.  

It also highlighted it had £200m of total liquidity at the period end, with free cashflow soaring 306% to £57m over the period.

AO said that it had made “significant progress” in integrating, streamlining and simplifying musicMagpie, which had seen a reduction in losses made by the business year over year from £6m at acquisition to a forecast £2m for FY26 and an exit run-rate of breakeven.

AO founder and CEO John Roberts said: “These numbers speak for themselves, and it’s been another positive six months of operational and financial progress.”

“Our strategy is working and we’re as confident as ever about AO’s upwards trajectory.”

The company noted that it had upgraded its pre-tax profit guidance to be around the top of its previous expectation of between £45m and £50m, announced in its pre-close trading statement on 15 September.

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Experts from The Entertainer, who select toys specifically for Tesco shoppers, have chosen their top 10 most wanted toys, based not only on current popularity and desirability but also affordability too.

And they predict that two toys in particular, an Elphaba Doll from the Wicked: For Good film coming out in November and a Creeper Construction Kit from this year’s Minecraft movie are set to figure high on many youngsters’ Christmas lists.

Tesco’s top 10 list contains Christmas toys to excite kids of all ages but also potential stocking fillers to suit all pockets too.

In the list are classic brands and current favourites such as Hot Wheels, Early Learning Centre and Bluey.

A nostalgic favourite, Meccano, is also making a comeback this Christmas – relaunched with modern sets to inspire a new generation of young creators.

Pauline Chisholm, Tesco head of strategy and partnerships, said: “Every parent knows how choosing the right Christmas toy for their youngsters can be a really daunting experience.

“Our choices, made by experts who live and breathe toys all year long, have been carefully considered and based on the type of toys which have been popular throughout the year and which are likely to be on many children’s Christmas wish lists.W

She added: “Toys related to films are always popular with youngsters which is why we’ve included a Minecraft construction kit and also a doll figure from the forthcoming Wicked: For Good film which launches in November.

“There is something from everyone in our top 10 toys with prices ranging from £8 to £35.”

Tesco’s top 10 toys for Christmas are:

Wicked Elphaba Doll – £35

Lego Minecraft The Creeper Construction Set – £30

Gui Gui Beautify Your Slime Cloud Craft Set – £10

Meccano 2 in 1 Race Car Construction Set – £35

Marshmallow Madness Game – £20

Early Learning Centre Wooden Little Town Train Set – £12

Bluey Beach Cabin Playset – £29

Snuggle Buddies Seb Sloth Soft Toy – £12

Fuggler Festive Fuggs Gingerbread Man Soft Toy – £8

Hot Wheels The Hot Ones Crash Speedway Frenzy Playset – £20

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Now in its fourth year, the event was held in central London and was attended by staff from a range of retailers and brands.

Hosted by comedian and writer Dane Buckley, the evening saw finalists in 12 Categories celebrated for their game changing innovation.

Currys won both the Supply Chain Game Changer and Sustainability Game Changer awards. Amazon also received a Highly Commended mention in the Supply Chain category. 

DIY chain Wickes snapped up two awards, taking home the Game Changing Team and Workplace Game Changer prizes.

The judges were Andrew Murphy CEO of The Entertainer, Paula Bobbett CDO at Boots, Maria Hollins CEO of Ann Summers, Lucy Whittemore SVP for UK advertising at Cardlytics, Jo Hayward vice president of mobility & convenience retail at BP, David Lancefield vice president North Europe at Zebra and Patrick Dunne chief procurement officer at Sainsbury’s.

Retail Gazette editor Lee Kenny said it was a “fantastic night, and great to see so many talented people recognised”.

“We all know there is amazing work taking place in the retail sector every day, so it was great to be able to celebrate those achievements,” he said.

Kingfisher took home the Ecommerce Game Changer award, while Holland & Barrett, Cardiff earned the New Store Game Changer award.

Online retailer The Very Group was named as this year’s Marketing Game Changer, while Rockface also earned a Highly Commended mention in the category.

N Brown came out on top with the Fashion Game Changer award, while Primark won the Own Brand Game Changer prize.

Additionally, Co-op scooped up the Grocery Game Changer award, and discounter Lidl was granted a Highly Commended mention in the category.

Seasalt was crowned Best Retailer Under £500m, and Rituals took home the Best Retailer Over £500m award. Superdrug also gained a Highly Commended mention in the Best Retailer Over £500m category. 

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The electricals specialist saw lower sales of its two major domestic appliances and consumer electronics categories, compared to the same period last year.

The business explained that sales had been falling over 2025 due to it moving away from lower-priced goods and focusing more on “premium” products.

Marks Electrical said the adjustment was affecting revenues as consumers had been spending less while shopping.

Despite expecting to return to revenue growth during its second half, the brand forecasts adjusted EBITDA for FY26 to be around £1.7m, a £4.2m decline from last year.

The retailer’s CEO Mark Smithson said: “Clearly, I am very disappointed that sales in Q2-FY26 continued the trend we noted in our FY-25 preliminary announcement.

“That said, we have built a strong business over the last few years, with growing brand recognition, nationwide distribution and installation capability.”

He added: “We continue to focus on margin but with increasing employee costs and increased technology cost for our new ERP system, we have not yet been able to exploit the operating leverage effectively.

“With a more balanced product mix as we enter the peak period of our trading, we remain confident in a stronger H2 performance.”

Marks Electrical plunged to a loss in June, following operational challenges at the business.

The group recorded a pre-tax loss of £1.7m in the year to 31 March, driven by lower trading profitability and costs associated with a software update.

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Speaking to the BBC, Roberts said: “We’ve lived through a few recessions in the last 25 years, and I think we’re heading into another one.”

“We have inflation coming through and we are now feeling that in the costs across businesses.

“Business leaders that I speak to are looking at how they can take people out.”

The electricals giant exec continued: “Costs walk into businesses on legs, those legs have got much more expensive.

“It is much more difficult to recruit people, it’s much less flexible than it has ever been to recruit people.”

His comments come as consumer confidence slumped in September, amid fears over the state of the UK economy and the potential of higher taxes.

Expectations for the state of the overall economy dropped from -32 in August to -36 in September, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) reported.

Earlier this week, Asda’s income tracker also revealed that disposable income declined for 60% of UK households in August.

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The advert, seen on 10 May 2025, featured a video that opened with a cropped shot of a person gripping handlebars, their hair blowing back while engine sounds played.

A wider shot revealed the individual was on a stationary e-scooter inside a Currys store, with two others moving the scooter and holding a fan towards them.

The trio then said: “Currys sells what now?” The clip ended with an image of the retailer’s website listing for an e-scooter, accompanied throughout by the tagline: “imagine pulling up on this! E-scooters available at Currys.”

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A complainant challenged the ad on the grounds that it was misleading and irresponsible, pointing out that privately owned e-scooters are illegal to use in public places.

Currys argued the advert was clearly filmed in-store, aligning with Department for Transport (DfT) guidance that e-scooters may only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission. The retailer described the campaign as comedic and exaggerated, insisting the line “imagine pulling up on this” was ironic and not intended to imply road use. Currys also confirmed the ad had since been withdrawn.

The ASA, however, upheld both complaints. It found that despite the in-store setting, the imagery and caption suggested the scooters could be used to “arrive somewhere in style”, implying public road use. The regulator said the ad omitted vital information about legal restrictions, leading consumers to believe the scooters could be used in public.

On the first point, the watchdog concluded the ad was misleading, breaching CAP Code rules 3.1, 3.3 and 3.9 on misleading advertising.

On the second, it ruled the ad socially irresponsible, as it appeared to condone behaviour likely to be unlawful by implying e-scooters could be ridden on public roads. This breached CAP Code rule 1.3 on social responsibility.

The ASA ordered that the ad must not appear again in its original form and instructed Currys to ensure future marketing made clear that privately owned e-scooters cannot be used on public roads or in public spaces.

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