Retail law roundup: June 2026

01 July 2026

Welcome to our retail law roundup, where we share legal updates for retailers and brands.

As we reach the peak of the summer season in fashion retail, unfortunately, many retailers will also be dealing with a peak in wardrobing. With one in three UK shoppers admitting to buying items, wearing them, and then returning them within the statutory returns period, returns fraud is reportedly costing UK retailers £1.3bn a year and rising. UK consumer law is one of the most consumer-friendly regimes in the world, leaving retailers with limited room for manoeuvre. However, there are steps that retailers can take to address this problem.

Our lead article this month cuts through the legal constraints to set out seven practical steps retailers can take right now to protect their bottom line without alienating law-abiding customers. These range from tightening returns policies and deploying AI-assisted condition-checking technology, to smarter garment tagging and data-driven account monitoring.

We also look at:

Pricing practices: The latest CMA enforcement action under the DMCCA, including significant fines for drip pricing and why now is the time to audit your pricing presentation.
Connected products and IoT: New ICO guidance on smart devices, data protection obligations, and what retailers selling connected products need to do to stay compliant.
Zero and low hours contracts: The government has launched a consultation on the ERA 2025 reforms and this is your opportunity to shape how the new rules will work in practice.
Unfair dismissal: The ERA 2025 changes to unfair dismissal protections are now confirmed - the commencement date is set for 1 January 2027.
Lease renewal options: A landmark Court of Appeal ruling confirms tenants can choose between exercising a contractual renewal option and pursuing a statutory renewal.

Caroline Green

Partner

caroline.green@brownejacobson.com

+44 (0)20 7337 1026

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Emma Roake

Partner

emma.roake@brownejacobson.com

+44 (0)330 045 2289

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Retail law roundup: June 2026

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Caroline Green

Emma Roake

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