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RETAIL SOLICITORS

Legal support for the businesses that keep the shelves stocked

We act for independent retailers, multi-site chains and brands selling in store and online across the UK, keeping your consumer terms, your leases and your people in order so that trading is not interrupted by a dispute. A fixed monthly fee, with no hourly billing.

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COMMON PROBLEMS IN RETAIL

The problems that bring retailers to us

Retail law is largely consumer law, and it moved in April 2025 when a new unfair commercial practices regime came in with substantially larger penalties. These are the six situations we are asked about most, and what each one turns on.

The question we are asked most in retail is whether a policy is generous or compulsory. Knowing which is which is what lets an operator hold the line on everything else.

James Conning

Commercial Solicitor, Lawyerly

Portrait photo

James Conning

Commercial Solicitor, Lawyerly

A refund is being demanded that may not be due The Consumer Rights Act 2015 gives a thirty-day right to reject faulty goods, then repair or replacement, then a price reduction. Returns for a change of mind in store sit outside that and remain a matter for the retailer.
A promotion or price claim is challenged Reference pricing, was and now claims and mandatory charges all sit inside the unfair commercial practices regime under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, in force since April 2025, with fines of up to ten per cent of global turnover.
Reviews or endorsements were paid for Fake and incentivised reviews are a banned practice in all circumstances, and the retailer or platform publishing them carries its own duty to prevent and remove them.
A supplier fails or changes its terms Exclusivity, minimum orders, delivery windows and what happens on insolvency. Retention of title only helps if it was drafted properly and operated consistently.
A store lease or concession is ending Security of tenure under Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, break conditions read strictly, and dilapidations. Concession agreements often sit outside the lease regime altogether.
Store staffing is being restructured Consultation, selection and TUPE where a store or concession changes hands. From 1 January 2027 the unfair dismissal qualifying period falls to six months and the cap on compensatory awards is removed, so process matters more than it did.
OUR LEGAL EXPERTISE

We understand the business behind the shop floor

An independent shop, a multi-site chain and an omnichannel brand face different legal questions. We act across retail and shape our advice to the way you buy, sell and staff the business.

  • Independent and specialist retailers

    Single-site and small-group retailers in fashion, homewares, food, gifts and specialist goods.

  • Multi-site and franchise retail

    Chains, concessions and franchised retail estates managing many leases and a larger workforce.

  • Omnichannel brands

    Retailers trading in store, on their own website and through marketplaces, with the consumer rules of each channel.

  • Own-brand and product businesses

    Retailers developing own-label ranges, with sourcing, product safety and trade mark questions attached.

  • Wholesalers and suppliers to retail

    Brands, distributors and wholesalers supplying retailers, with terms of trade, exclusivity and payment questions.

LEGAL SERVICES FOR RETAIL BUSINESSES

Take care of the legal side of trading

From day-to-day contract work to the questions particular to retail, our solicitors work alongside you so that your customers are dealt with lawfully, your premises are secure and your suppliers deliver.

  • Consumer terms and policies

    Terms of sale, returns and refund policies, gift card and loyalty scheme terms, pre-contract information and complaints handling across every channel.

  • Consumer and pricing law compliance

    Consumer Rights Act 2015, Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, pricing practices, reviews and the CMA's powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

  • Shop leases and premises

    Leases, renewals, rent reviews, break clauses, turnover rents, concession agreements and licences for pop-ups and markets.

  • Employment and HR

    Contracts for permanent, part-time and seasonal staff, right to work, working time, policies and disciplinary and grievance matters.

  • Supplier and distribution agreements

    Supply and manufacturing agreements, distribution and wholesale terms, exclusivity, delivery, defects and product recall provisions.

  • Data protection and marketing

    Customer and loyalty data, CCTV, PECR marketing consent, privacy notices and processor terms with EPOS and e-commerce platforms.

  • Brand and IP protection

    Trade marks for the business and own-brand ranges, design rights, copyright in product content and marketplace takedowns.

  • Disputes and debt recovery

    Customer, supplier and landlord disputes and unpaid trade accounts, resolved directly with the other party rather than through the courts.

Legal risk check

Is your retail business legally protected?

Our solicitors built this check around what a solid legal setup looks like for a retail business: the foundations they put in place and the gaps they fix. Answer honestly and you will see where yours stands and where it needs strengthening.

About 3 minutes · Confidential

Your result

Where you are exposed

    The full report shows your score in each area, every gap with why it matters, and what to fix first.

    Your full report

    Unlock your full report

    A few details about the business and the report opens here, with every area scored and what to fix first.

    Preparing your full report

    Your full report

    Breakdown by area

    Next step

    Ready to act on this?

    A focused conversation with one of our founders about your priority gaps, a remediation plan you can act on, and fixed fees agreed up front.

    Where to focus first

    From your answers, these are the highest-impact gaps to address. Items tagged critical are the ones most likely to turn into a claim, a penalty or a lost customer.

      Section by section

      Your answers, your score, and why each area matters. Items with a marker are gaps worth attention.

      Now that you have the full picture, the next step is a short call to agree what to fix first.

      This report is generated from your self-reported answers and provides general information only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. The regulatory landscape in this area is evolving rapidly. For advice specific to your circumstances, please speak with a qualified solicitor. © Lawyerly Ltd.

      CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

      What our clients say about working with us

      4.8 on Google

      A fresh approach. Exceptional value.

      A fresh approach to legal services. They've guided us through multiple planned and reactive cases for our business. Exceptional turnaround times and great value for money.

      Kerry Power Client Relations, Pantheon Property Services
      CONTACT US

      Talk to us about your retail business

      Book a complimentary consultation with our team. We will take the time to understand how you buy, sell and staff the business, and explain how we can support you.

      Willem van der Merwe

      Co-Founder

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