Retail news

• Topps Tiles chairman survives shareholder’s bid to oust him

  18-01-2023 22:01 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Topps Tiles shareholder vote for Darren Shapland to remain as non-executive chairman
  // The result puts an end to the ongoing boardroom battle between the tile retailer and its major shareholder MS GalleonTopps Tiles non-executive chairman Darren Shapland will remain in his role following a shareholder vote, putting an end to the bitter boardroom battle between the tile retailer and investor MS Galleon (MSG).
  About 99.3% of shareholders voted against the Requisitioned Resolutions put for
  
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• Currys CEO: Price rises and delivery charges help boost margin

  18-01-2023 21:48 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Currys CEO Alex Baldock says it is “passing more of the cost increases on to consumers”, which has boosted margin
  // The retailer has also introduced delivery charges on major appliances and TVsCurrys boss Alex Baldock said its aggressive self-help measures, including raising prices and charging for delivery, have helped to preserve its margin.
  Baldock said the electricals retailer is now “passing more of the cost increases on to consumers”.
  “We’re leading
  
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• Ted Baker owner Authentic Brands hires new finance chief

  18-01-2023 17:39 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Ted Baker owner hires former Warner Media executive Jessica Holscott as CFO
  // Holscott will replace Kevin Clarke who will take on the role of executive vice-chairmanTed Baker owner Authentic Brands has hired former Warner Media executive Jessica Holscott as chief financial officer.
  Holscott will replace Kevin Clarke who will take on the role of executive vice-chairman.
  She was previously the executive vice-president of Warner Media and CFO of studios and networks since August 2020.Subsc
  
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• Shein in talks on fundraising that would slash valuation from $100bn to $64bn

  18-01-2023 17:25
  Chinese fast-fashion retailer looking to raise up to $3bn at vastly reduced valuation in response to tech downturn
  
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• UK inflation eases back further in December thanks to falling fuel costs

  18-01-2023 16:40 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Inflation in UK eases in December but cost pressures continue to be at forefront of shoppers’ minds
  // The ONS revealed that the rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 10.5% in December from 10.7%New research has shown UK inflation ease back further last month but the cost-of-living crisis continues to dominate concerns.
  The ONS revealed that the rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation fell to 10.5% in December from 10.7%, which could indicate that it has reached it
  
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• Asda boss warns UK suffering from ‘catastrophic’ impact of Brexit

  18-01-2023 16:34 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // READ MORE ON GROCERY GAZETTEThe chairman of Big 4 grocer Asda, Lord Stuart Rose, has warned Brexit has been “catastrophic” for British businesses, and should consider a closer trading relationship with the EU.
  Speaking to Nick Ferrari on LBC, Lord Rose stated that the country has “suffered” as a result of Brexit, and the trade between the UK and the EU was “not flowing smoothly”.
  He added that he also welcomes discussion from Labour
  
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• Farfetch makes new hires from MatchesFashion and Walmart

  18-01-2023 14:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Farfetch has appointed Elizabeth von der Goltz as Browns CEO
  // The retailer said chief brand officer, Holli Rogers, and chief growth officer, Martin Avetisyan will exit companyFarfetch has appointed Elizabeth von der Goltz who will take on the role of Browns CEO and chief fashion and merchandising officer.
  Sindhura Sarikonda will also join the company this month as President, Americas, while Stephanie Simon is joining Farfetch to head up Community and Web3 efforts as vice president comm
  
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• Kingfisher tech boss to exit as ‘next phase of digital journey’ begins

  18-01-2023 13:44 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Kingfisher chief digital and technology officer JJ Van Oosten will leave the DIY giant this month
  // During his three tenure, Van Oosten played a key role in the group’s digital transformation strategyKingfisher chief digital and technology officer JJ Van Oosten will leave the DIY giant this month after three years.
  Chief executive Thierry Garnier told staff via a memo seen by Retail Week: “After three years successfully leading the first stage of our digital transformation,
  
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• The Lex Newsletter: shoplifting, shrinkage and a $95bn problem for US retailers

  18-01-2023 13:30
  Theft is not the only cause of inventory losses but can be a handy scapegoat for poor operational decisions
  
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• Rush for bags and scarves helps Burberry offset China Covid slump

  18-01-2023 13:02
  
  British luxury goods firm reports 1% increase in global sales in last quarter of 2022Burberry offset a plunge in Chinese sales of more than a fifth amid Covid disruption, thanks to the return of tourists to Europe who snapped up bags, scarves and trenchcoats in the run-up to Christmas.The British luxury goods firm reported a 1% increase in global sales in the three months to the end of December, below its 2% target and sharply down compared with the 11% growth reported in the previous quarter. C
  
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• Aldi increases pay for UK warehouse workers for third time in a year

  18-01-2023 12:39
  
  Supermarket’s rise to £13.18 on 1 February puts hourly minimum rate 20% ahead of January 2022Aldi is increasing pay for UK warehouse workers for the third time in a year – with the hourly minimum rate now 20% ahead of last January.The German-owned discounter, which is the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket chain, said pay would rise to £13.18 on 1 February, up 4% on the current minimum of £12.66, which was introduced in September. Continue reading...
  
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• Gymshark appoints first chief supply chain officer

  18-01-2023 12:35 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Gymshark has appointed Laurent Madelaine as its first chief supply chain officer
  // He will be responsible for the smooth running of Gymshark’s sourcing, supply chain and logisticsGymshark has named Laurent Madelaine as its very first chief supply chain officer at the business.
  Madelaine will be responsible for the smooth running of the fitness giant‘s sourcing, supply chain and logistics. He will also oversee Gymshark’s quality control and sustainability strategy, ensuring
  
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• Currys confident on hitting profits despite 6% drop in sales

  18-01-2023 11:23 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Currys group sales slump 6% as international market pressures intensify
  // However, the electrical retailer remains confident of hitting profit targetsCurrys UK and Ireland delivered better than expected profits over Christmas to offset struggling international business.
  The group’s like for like sales slumped 6% in the 10 weeks to 7 January as UK and Ireland sales dipped 5%. However, it achieved stronger profits than expected thanks to a gross margin increase and cost cutting
  
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• Aldi increases pay for warehouse workers by 20%

  18-01-2023 09:56 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Aldi is increasing its pay rates for more than 7,000 warehouse workers from February
  // CEO Giles Hurley: “This announcement recognises the hard work and contribution our colleagues make in serving communities across the country”Aldi is increasing its pay rates for around 7,000 warehouse workers across the UK from February 1.
  Following two pay increases for hourly-paid warehouse colleagues in 2022, this further rise means colleagues at the value grocer will be paid up to 20% more
  
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• Burberry sales growth slows to 1% amid ‘Covid disruptions’ in China

  18-01-2023 09:39 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Burberry saw its like-for-like store sales edge up 1% in its third quarter as sales were hit by  Covid-19 related disruption in mainland China
  // Declines in China were partially offset by strong performances in South Korea and JapanBurberry saw its like-for-like store sales edge up 1% in its third quarter after trading was impacted by Covid-19-related disruption in Mainland China.
  Excluding Mainland China, comparable store sales grew 11%, with the EMEIA region, Japan and South Korea all
  
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• WHSmith in ‘strongest ever position’ as travellers return

  18-01-2023 09:22 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // WHSmith revenue rises as travellers return post-Covid
  // Across its travel arm, the business posted a 77% increase in sales year-on-yearWHSmith sales surge over the last 20 weeks as more people travelled over the Christmas holidays, the first not marred by Covid restrictions.
  The high street retailer said total group revenue increased by 41% year-on-year for the 20 weeks to January 14, and by 20% compared with 2019.
  Its travel arm reported a 77% increase in sales year-on-year and a 48% increa
  
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• WHSmith in ‘strongest ever position’ as revenues rise on strong travel demand

  18-01-2023 09:22 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // WHSmith revenue rises as travellers return post-Covid
  // Across its travel arm, the business posted a 77% increase in sales year-on-yearWHSmith has seen revenues rise over the last 20 weeks as more people travelled over the Christmas holidays, the first not marred by covid restrictions.
  The high street retailer said total group revenue increased by 41% year-on-year for the 20 weeks to January 14, and by 20% compared with 2019.
  Chief executive Carl Cowling said: “This strength, combined
  
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• Official inquiry launched into Asda’s £600m takeover of Co-op petrol stations

  18-01-2023 09:07 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Asda’s £600 million takeover of Co-op petrol stations is to be the subject of a merger inquiry by the Competition and Markets Authority
  // The deadline for the CMA’s phase one decision is 14 March.An official inquiry has been launched into Asda’s completed £600m takeover of Co-op petrol stations.
  The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said a decision on the first phase of the inquiry is expected by March 14.
  The deal was completed last October and included 1
  
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• Inquiry launched into Asda’s £600m Co-op petrol station takeover

  18-01-2023 09:07 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Asda’s £600 million takeover of Co-op petrol stations will face a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) merger inquiry
  // The deadline for the CMA’s phase one decision is 14 March.A CMA inquiry has been launched into Asda’s completed £600m takeover of Co-op petrol stations.
  A decision on the first phase of the inquiry is expected by March 14.
  The petrol station deal completed last October and included 129 convenience stores of between 1,500 and 3,000 sq ft, wit
  
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• Warehouse launches rental collection on Hirestreet

  18-01-2023 08:49 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Warehouse is now available to rent on the Hirestreet platform
  // Pieces will be available to rent for just £16 for four days, compared to their retail prices which vary from £79 to £228Warehouse has launched a rental edit on Hirestreet, with pieces in sizes 6-16 available to rent.
  The Hirestreet website spans 13 pieces from Warehouse‘s main collection, including the latest styles such as occasion wear, co-ords and suits.
  These pieces will be available to rent for just
  
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• Supermarket trust plummets as cost of budget brands and basics soar

  18-01-2023 08:38 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Food and drink inflation reached 15% in December across major supermarkets
  // The price of basic groceries such as butter, milk and cheese went up 30% year-on-year at some supermarkets in December, new figures showSupermarket basics soared in price by up to 30% on a yearly basis last month – as new research shows how shoppers are feeling the squeeze in stores.
  The huge increase was highlighted in the Which? inflation tracker, which reveals how prices have changed at Aldi, Asda
  
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• ‘Bloody hard work’: baker Warburtons battles soaring food inflation

  18-01-2023 08:30
  
  Family business says sky-high bills for energy and wheat are causing friction as customers experience cost of living crisisOn a north London industrial estate, the smell of freshly baked bread cuts through the cold January air outside Warburtons’ bakery. More than 2m loaves are made here each day, from production line to supermarket shelf by 8am each morning, in a process where costs have soared at every stage.Food prices are still rising at the fastest annual rate since 1982, according to
  
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• Evri’s phone number is even harder to find than my parcel

  18-01-2023 08:00
  
  It takes real detective work to track down a way to contact the courier after an order fails to turn upI placed a time-sensitive order and, because of the postal strikes, the retailer sent it with the courier Evri. It never turned up. Instead, I keep getting messages from Evri stating that it’s been delayed and should be dispatched on the next working day. I tried to contact them. There is no phone number or email address that I can see on its website. I phoned a number suggested by Google
  
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• What happened in grocery this Christmas?

  18-01-2023 02:19 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  The UK’s first unrestricted Christmas in three years led to shoppers heading to supermarkets to celebrate at home.
  Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts says: “Customers went all out for the big Christmas dinner this year after two years of a less-than-normal Christmas. Customers wanted to really treat themselves and celebrate at home together.”
  But who emerged as the grocery sector’s big winners and what were the big shopping trends over Christmas?
  The big winners
  Brits s
  
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• Cost of supermarket budget brands rose 20.3% in year to December, survey finds

  18-01-2023 01:01
  
  Huge rise in cost of own-label ranges outstripped 12.6% increase in supermarkets’ luxury brandsConsumers reliant on supermarkets’ budget ranges bore the brunt of food price inflation in the run-up to Christmas, with increases far outstripping those for luxury own-label and premium brands, according to a survey.The price of budget items rose 20.3% on average in December, compared with the same month a year before, according to research from the consumer group Which?, while supermarket
  
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• Cost of supermarket budget brands rose 20.3% in December, survey finds

  18-01-2023 01:01
  
  Huge rise in cost of own-label ranges outstripped 12.6% increase in supermarkets’ luxury brandsConsumers reliant on supermarkets’ budget ranges bore the brunt of food price inflation in the run-up to Christmas, with increases far outstripping those for luxury own-label and premium brands, according to a survey.The price of budget items rose 20.3% on average in December, compared with the same month a year before, according to research from the consumer group Which?, while supermarket
  
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• WH Smith benefits from strong travel sales

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  WH Smith has reached its “strongest ever position as a global travel retailer” after total sales at sites in UK airports, railway stations and hospitals rose... View Article
  
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• Warehouse launches first rental collection on Hirestreet

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Fashion brand Warehouse has launched a first rental edit on Hirestreet. The range spans 13 pieces from the brand’s main collection, including the latest styles from... View Article
  
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• Universal Works to open new Nottingham store

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Fashion brand Universal Works is to launch a new standalone store in Nottingham. Founded by David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt in the city 2009, the brand... View Article
  
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• Space NK opens its largest store yet

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Luxury cosmetic retailer Space NK has opened the largest store in its portfolio following an extensive refurbishment to its west London outlet. The 2,500 sq ft... View Article
  
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• People matter: Looking to better engage with your employees in 2023?

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  If you’re going to create and maintain employee engagement, you need to show that you value your employees. Last week we shared our views on the... View Article
  
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• Multi-charity preloved fashion store to open at Brent Cross

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  New preloved fashion concept store Charity Super.Mkt is to open at Hammerson’s Brent Cross shopping centre later this month. Due to launch on 27 January as... View Article
  
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• Gymshark appoints Laurent Madelaine as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Fitness community and apparel brand Gymshark have today announced the appointment of Laurent Madelaine as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO). Laurent is the latest... View Article
  
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• Currys on track for profit target despite reduced sales

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Currys has posted a drop in festive revenues in the UK and internationally, but says it is confident of delivering full year profits in line with... View Article
  
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• CMA launches inquiry into Asda’s takeover of Co-op petrol stations

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Asda’s £600 million takeover of Co-op petrol stations is to be the subject of a merger inquiry by the Competition and Markets Authority. Formally completed last... View Article
  
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• Burberry sales hit by China’s covid disruption

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Burberry saw its like-for-like store sales edge up 1% in its third quarter after trading was hit by Covid-19 related disruption in mainland China. Excluding mainland... View Article
  
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• Authentic names chief financial officer

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Ted Baker owner Authentic have appointed former Warner Media executive Jessica Holscott as chief financial officer. Holscott will replace Kevin Clarke who will move to the... View Article
  
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• Aldi gives warehouse workers a new year pay rise

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Aldi will be increasing pay rates for around 7,000 warehouse workers by up to 20% from 1 February. The supermarket said most distribution centre roles are... View Article
  
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• ABG names chief financial officer

  18-01-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Ted Baker owner Authentic Brands Group (ABG) have appointed former Warner Media executive Jessica Holscott as chief financial officer. Holscott will replace Kevin Clarke who will... View Article
  
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