Legal solutions to empower brands, models and influencers.
Retail
Our full-service legal team is a trusted advisor to organisations across the retail sector — from property to technology, ESG and more.
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Representing the UK's biggest & best brands
We’re proud to represent some of the UK’s biggest and best retailers and brands as well as a significant range of other organisations that operate across the retail space.
With retailers embracing new technologies, continuing to respond to changing consumer behaviours, driving the ESG agenda and adapting to the cost-of-living crisis, it’s vital to have a multidisciplinary legal team on your side.
Our specialist retail sector group contains lawyers who live and breathe all things retail. We understand the pressures, risks and pinch points. We also have the experience to help you capitalise on the opportunities that the changing retail landscape presents.
We’re not just lawyers — we’re business partners and trusted advisors who can act as confidants no matter the issue you face. We’re always learning and upskilling with an eye on the bigger picture to deliver relevant and timely guidance.
Newsflash: crackdown on burning stock
M&A deals in beauty and fashion are being reshaped. Find out more about the ESPR’s implications and what your business should be doing in response.
Explore our expertise
Hot off the press: our latest retail insights
Beyond zero & low hours contracts — how can hospitality work remain flexible?
The Government's 'ending one-sided flexibility' consultation signals significant change for hospitality employers. We explore what employers need to know.
M&A in fashion & beauty — how the EU’s crackdown on burning stock is reshaping deals
We explore the ESPR’s implications for M&A and outline what businesses should be doing in response.
Franchise agreements — key considerations for franchisors & franchisees
We outline some of the key commercial and legal considerations for parties considering a franchise arrangement.
Franchise agreements under scrutiny — what franchisors need to know about the Vodafone case
We examine the issues at the heart of the claim and outline what the decision could mean for franchise businesses.
Inside Beauty Bay’s administration — what happened & key takeaways for retailers
We outline the pivotal role of the NOI in Beauty Bay’s administration and break down the key takeaways for retailers.
Deposit return schemes — what retailers need to know by 2027
We explore the key changes and outline the practical steps that retailers need to take ahead of 2027.
F1 Academy — how the inclusion‑led model is redefining motorsport partnership
We explore how commercial partnerships in motorsport are evolving and outline the practical considerations for sponsors and rights holders.
Manifesting a growth economy — insights from True North Live
True North co-chair Michael Hayman breaks down how mood, behaviour and local leadership are influencing the economy.
HFSS advertising & promotion — what retailers need to know in 2026
We explore what the HFSS regime means in practice, break down how the ASA is applying the rules and outlines the steps that retailers should take now.
4 recent food VAT cases that show why classification matters more than ever
We explore four recent food VAT decisions — from KFC dip pots to poppadom snacks — highlighting the key takeaways and practical steps for businesses.
Deckers v Up & Running: Court of Appeal gives welcome clarity on online sales restrictions in selective distribution agreements
We explore the decision, its legal context and its implications for selective distribution and online sales controls.
Demystifying the policy landscape — key insights from the ScaleUp Institute
We explore how scaleup policy, growth opportunities and local engagement help ambitious businesses to turn national strategy into practical support.
Summer 2026 VAT cut: opportunity or compliance trap? 5 steps for retail & hospitality to prepare
We break down the VAT changes, highlight the risks and outline the steps that retail and hospitality businesses can take to prepare.
New research shows rising workplace conflict in retail & hospitality — 5 key findings for employers
We explore what the Acas research reveals and outline how retail and hospitality employers can respond early and effectively.
Key takeaways from the Future of Retail: Risk & Resilience Conference 2026 — Martyn’s Law, AI & consumer trust
We brought the retail sector together in London for a focused look at the risks, from physical threats, digital disruption and reputational challenges.
Why second-hand fashion presents both opportunities & risks for retailers
We explore the drivers behind the second-hand fashion trend and consider the opportunities and risks that it presents for retailers.
Deepfakes & AI fraud — what retailers need to know about the new digital battlefield
We explore why retailers are particularly affected by deepfakes and the implications around data protection, IP, advertising compliance and more.
Martyn’s Law — what retailers need to know & how to prepare
We explore the key challenges retailers face with Martyn’s Law, how to balance compliance with operations and the common misconceptions.
How retailers can protect their business from false or misleading claims — key legal & practical considerations
We outline the steps that retailers can take to contain an emerging online issue and the legal remedies available for responding to false statements.
7 crisis management steps every retailer should have in place to respond efficiently & protect your brand
We set out seven practical steps to help retailers to prepare, respond decisively and recover quickly when the unexpected happens.
Business rates reset in April 2026 — 6 essential steps for retail & hospitality businesses
We break down what’s changing, where the risks sit and how businesses can turn this shift into an opportunity to prepare for the new rates landscape.
Am I a data controller? GDPR for social media users explained
We look at the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 and outline how the GDPR can apply to both organisations and individuals as data controllers.
Jaguar Land Rover cyber‑attack — protecting your workforce during digital disruption
We explain the impact of the cyber-attack on JLR's workforce and outline what to do to protect your business and minimise the impact if an incident occurs.
Retail’s battle with ‘dupe’ culture — how brands like Lululemon are fighting back
We explore recent examples of how brands are responding to dupe culture and outline practical steps that retail businesses can take to protect their brand.
Christmas markets & public safety — key legal duties for organisers & retailers
We explore safety considerations around Christmas markets and outline practical steps to comply with relevant safety legislation.
A little about us
Our team works across beauty and fashion, car dealerships, F&B (food and beverage), franchise agreements, retail property, influencers and content creators, leisure and hospitality, Retail Tech and eCommerce, risk and resilience and telemedicine.
As a certified B Corp, we’re committed to responsible business that drives positive and lasting change. This includes supporting organisations across the retail sector to achieve their ESG ambitions through advising on real estate portfolios, implementing new policies and processes, complying with environmental regulations and even helping organisations to become B Corp-certified themselves.
With our own charitable foundation — The Brabners Foundation — we also advise on the legal and regulatory requirements of charitable giving and gifting, including how to establish a charitable foundation.
Many members of our team have received recognition by leading legal directories such as The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We’re also part of a firm that is recommended in The Times’ Best Law Firms, the UK’s top ten best companies to work for and as the Regional Law Firm of the Year.
Trusted by
The Retail Podcast
Liverpool office tour
Explore our newly refurbished Liverpool office, complete with a 'secret' bookcase bar.
Manchester office tour
Take a peek inside our award-winning Manchester office at 100 Barbirolli Square.
Leeds office tour
Step inside our stunning Leeds office, based at 1 City Square in the heart of the city.
Lancashire office tour
Take a tour of our modern, welcoming office in Bamber Bridge (near Preston).
London office announcement
We've opened a new office in the heart of the City.
“Brabners has proven to be an incredible fit for our business. This has gone beyond the traditional client relationship to quickly becoming a true partnership. Having a consistent, dedicated team that recognises our needs has accelerated the understanding and trust between us... Always available, super responsive, with our best interests at the centre of everything they do. I can't speak highly enough of Brabners and the added value [the team] brings to our business.”
Property & Facilities Manager, Beaverbrooks
“Brabners’ retail team truly understands the complex retail landscape. We have worked closely together on Primark’s ongoing significant investments in new and existing UK stores. Highly responsive and commercially minded, Brabners helps us to find solutions and achieve our aims.”
Head of Property Asset Management, Primark
“Ross Shine, Helena Davies and Elspeth Christie have provided high quality, pragmatic and timely advice supporting us in the ongoing redevelopment of The Strand. [This] has added real value to the project, over and above their very competitive pricing.”
Senior Lawyer — Property, Planning and Highways, Sefton Council
“Helena Davies – exceptional knowledge and extremely practical in applying it to get the best for her clients.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500 2026
“Approachable and easy to talk to with fantastic technical ability and commercial realism. Helena Davies takes in a keen interest in our business and seeks to understand our commercial considerations that could inform a choice of approach.”
Client feedback, The Legal 500
Future of Retail Conference
Our annual Future of Retail conference is designed to connect and support leaders across the sector. Register now to secure your spot.
Accredited lawyers with specialist retail experience
Our retail sector team is led by experienced Partner and real estate litigator Helena Davies. Recognised as a Leading Partner by The Legal 500 for being “endorsed by peers and clients” as well as “approachable and easy to talk to with fantastic technical ability and commercial realism”, Helena advises on the full spectrum of contentious real estate matters. Her clients range from occupiers across the retail sector to institutional landlords, public sector asset owners, developers and private clients.
A regular face at retail conferences across the country, Helena often provides expert commentary to media including Estates Gazette, Business Live and This is Money. Her genuine passion for solving the sustainability challenge in retail has seen her bring leaders together at a range of events to collaborate, share best practice and spark new connections.
Hannah Fawcett is a skilled commercial lawyer who leads our beauty and fashion team. Recognised by both The Legal 500 (as a Next Generation Partner) and Chambers and Partners for being “absolutely incredible” and “really commercial”, Hannah acts for the likes of Regatta, Craghoppers, The Royal Parks and Sosandar. She's a dual-qualified solicitor and chartered trade mark attorney, specialising in intellectual property (IP) law to support clients with protecting and enforcing their rights in the UK, Europe and internationally and has been listed as a Rising Star by Managing Intellectual Property’s IP Stars. Hannah also guides clients on commercial contracts and agreements, including IT contracts, terms of business, collaboration agreements and sponsorship agreements.
Meet your team
Recent projects
Beaverbrooks
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Primark
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eCommerce legal support
We appreciate that digital retail comes with a stack of legal requirements. Navigating these — and ensuring ongoing compliance — isn’t always easy.
That’s why we’ve developed one simple package — our eCommerce Suite — that provides you with all the essential contracts, policies, procedures, terms and conditions you’ll need to trade online with peace of mind.
Our experts will meet with you to identify your exact requirements and tailor a package to suit your needs. This may include website terms of use, privacy policy, cookie policy, acceptable use policy and eCommerce terms & conditions of sale goods, services or digital content.
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