Retail news

• UK runs short of salad crops and citrus fruits after cold spell in Med

  20-02-2023 20:01
  
  Supermarkets say they are working with farmers to ensure wide range of produce is availableSupermarkets are facing shortages of salad crops, including cucumbers, lettuce, peppers and tomatoes, as well as broccoli and citrus fruits amid cold weather in producing countries such as Spain and Morocco.Shoppers have been complaining on social media about low stocks, particularly of cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes, as importers said supplies had been affected by a mixture of unseasonable weather and st
  
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• UK is short of salad crops and citrus fruits after cold spell in Med

  20-02-2023 20:01
  
  Supermarkets say they are working with farmers to ensure wide range of produce is availableSupermarkets are facing shortages of salad crops, including tomatoes, peppers, lettuce and cucumbers, as well as broccoli and citrus fruits amid cold weather in producing countries such as Spain and Morocco.Shoppers complained on social media about low stocks, particularly of peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers, as importers said supplies had been affected by a mixture of unseasonable weather and storms in the
  
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• Asda retail boss leaves after less than a year as it poaches Aldi exec

  20-02-2023 18:30 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Asda announces changes to its senior leadership team including the appointment of a new Chief Customer Officer
  // David Hills will join as Chief Customer Officer later this year from AldiAsda has unveiled changes to its senior leadership team including the appointment of Aldi executive David Hills to the role of chief customer officer.
  Hills will join the supermarket later this year from Aldi, where he is currently group director, marketing & communications.
  Asda’s acting
  
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• Roundtable: Building a community of customers that do marketing for you

  20-02-2023 18:03 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Retail Gazette and Bazaarvoice gathered retail and brand marketeers together for breakfast and an in-depth discussion on what represents good marketing in 2023.
  When asked at a recent Retail Gazette roundtable about the main factors stopping them doing what they wanted to do, the room full of retail and brand marketeers provided some classic responses.
  “Time”, “budget”, “resource”, “approval”, “agreement from everyone”, and “stake
  
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• Lidl to reduce animal-based products as it increases plant-based range

  20-02-2023 17:43 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Lidl to reduce animal-based products in store
  // Vegan alternatives are expected to slowly replace animal-based productsLidl is looking to cut back on its animal-based products as it focuses on sustainability.
  The German discounter said vegan alternatives are expected to slowly replace animal-based products.
  This is in line with Lidl’s commitment to increase its plant-based range through 2025 and beyond.Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
  Sign up here to get the latest news s
  
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• Tesco hands store staff 7% pay rise

  20-02-2023 16:53
  
  Supermarket’s third pay increase in a year puts it slightly ahead of Aldi and Sainsbury’sTesco is to increase hourly pay for shopfloor staff by 7% to a minimum of £11.02 an hour in its third pay rise in a year amid heavy competition for workers.The increase, which comes in from April, puts the UK’s biggest supermarket slightly ahead of the current best-paying grocers – Aldi and Sainsbury’s – which pay £11 an hour and on track to beat rival Asda, wh
  
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• BREAKING: Asda retail boss leaves after less than a year as it poaches Aldi exec

  20-02-2023 16:00 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Asda announces changes to its senior leadership team including the appointment of a new Chief Customer Officer
  // David Hills will join as Chief Customer Officer later this year from AldiAsda has unveiled changes to its senior leadership team including the appointment of Aldi executive David Hills to the role of chief customer officer.
  Hills will join the supermarket later this year from Aldi, where he is currently group director, marketing & communications.
  Asda’s acting
  
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• Co-op becomes latest supermarket to ditch best before labels

  20-02-2023 15:59 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Co-op becomes the latest supermarket to scrap best before dates from fresh produce in a bid to reduce food waste
  // More than 150 fruit and vegetables with have its best before dates removedCo-op has become the latest supermarket to scrap best before labels from its fresh produce in efforts to reduce food waste.
  As of next week, more than 150 fruit and vegetables will have its best before dates removed.
  Only a small number of perishable items will still have their best before labels.
  The
  
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• Primark to expand Westfield Stratford store, creating 250 new jobs

  20-02-2023 15:54 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Primark to extend store at Westfield Stratford City
  // The retailer said the expansion will see the current store almost double in sizePrimark plans to extend its store at Westfield Stratford City to “offer more choice” to customers.
  The retailer said the expansion will see the current store almost double in size – from 45,100sq ft to 81,000sq ft – and is expected to be completed in early 2024.
  The expansion will create 250 new jobs at the centre and forms part of Prim
  
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• Aldi offers shoppers free wine in exchange for honest reviews

  20-02-2023 15:52 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // READ MORE ON GROCERY GAZETTEAldi is offering shoppers the chance to receive free bottles of wine in exchange for honest reviews of the products.
  Those chosen will in turn be asked to share their honest reviews of the wines across Instagram or Twitter using the dedicated #AldiWineClub hashtag…
  Read more on Grocery GazetteSubscribe to Retail Gazette for free
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• Tesco increases staff pay to over £11 an hour in “its biggest ever investment”

  20-02-2023 14:21 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Tesco increases hourly pay, taking the rate to over £11 an hour
  // The new rate will come into effect from an earlier date of 2 April 2023 and represents a 7% rise in base payTesco has made its biggest ever investment in hourly pay, taking the rate to over £11 an hour.
  The supermarket has reached an agreement with USDAW that will significantly increase the hourly pay rate for colleagues in stores by 72p, from £10.30 to £11.02.
  This represents the third pay increase for
  
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• Shop floor pay: how the UK’s biggest retailers compare in 2023

  20-02-2023 14:15 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  This week, Tesco made big investments in shop floor pay to help ease the burden of the cost-of-living crisis, following in Asda’s footsteps which unveiled its own increase in pay just days earlier.
  Tesco has now made its biggest ever investment in hourly pay, taking the rate to over £11 an hour after reaching an agreement with USDAW.
  Retail Gazette compares what the UK’s biggest retailers pay store staff.
  John Lewis/Waitrose – £10.75
  Partners outside of London recei
  
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• Parisian charm: 4 examples of the best in-store tech in Paris

  20-02-2023 14:14 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  //  Many retailers are betting on in-store tech to attract and engage customers and this is increasingly becoming an expectation from shoppers.
  //  Hot on the heels of the best in-store tech in London, Charged Retail heads to Paris to find out how the most innovative retailers, from Lacoste to Lancôme, are utilising tech to elevate the in-store experience.Read the full feature and see the stores here 
  Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email
  
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• Planet Organic explores sale of business

  20-02-2023 13:56 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Planet Organic hires Interpath advisers to explore a possible sale
  // The company, which trades from 13 stores, is looking for fundingPlanet Organic has hired advisers to explore a possible sale of the business.
  The organic supermarket chain is working with Interpath on a review of its strategic options.
  The company, which trades from 13 stores, is looking for funding in an effort to deliver on its growth plans, Sky News reported.Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
  Sign up here to
  
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• Shein expects revenue to double by 2025 as it preps for IPO

  20-02-2023 13:42 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Online fashion giant Shein projects its sales will more than double to nearly $60 billion by 2025
  // The ambitious revenue projection comes as the Chinese fashion giant weighs up a potential IPO this year
  Shein has predicted its revenue will more than double to reach almost $60bn (£49.8bn) by 2025, despite competition growing and its valuation slipping.
  The online fast fashion giant is hoping to convince investors its numbers are solid for it to remain on a course for a potential blockb
  
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• New Wilko CEO revamps senior leadership team to accelerate turnaround

  20-02-2023 13:28 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Wilko has shuffled its senior leadership team as it looks to accelerate its turnaround
  // As part of the changes, Wilko group finance director Dave Murphy has become chief finance officer, succeeding Karen MackayWilko has revamped its senior leadership team as part of plans to stabilise the business and accelerate its turnaround.
  The family-owned business said it will be making changes to its management structure at both its stores and head office, but was unable to confirm the scale of
  
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• Aldi to expand in London, creating 2,400 new jobs

  20-02-2023 13:18 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Aldi to secure more supermarket locations across London
  // The German discounter will look to almost double its 60-strong estateAldi will look at securing more supermarket locations across London as part of its multi-million-pound expansion plans.
  The German discounter will almost double its 60-strong estate within the M25 and create around 2,400 jobs.
  Property agents are being offered a finder’s fee of either 1.5% of a freehold price or 10% of the first year’s rent for leasehold
  
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• Kick Game opens Milan store as it continues international expansion

  20-02-2023 13:02 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Kick Game opens the doors to its 2,600 sq. ft store in Milan
  // The new location makes it the sneaker and streetwear retailer’s first store outside of the UKKick Game is expanding internationally and has opened its first European store outside of the UK in Milan.
  Located just five minutes away from the city’s iconic Duomo di Milano, the 2,600 sq. ft space will mark a new era for the footwear retailer.
  With stores in London, Newcastle and Birmingham, Kick Game has rapidly bolstered
  
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• Iceland sells all Irish stores to franchise owner

  20-02-2023 12:55 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Iceland has sold all its 27 stores in the Republic of Ireland to a new franchise owner
  // The supermarket chain said it will now focus on opportunities within the UK and the growth of its export businessIceland has sold all its 27 stores in the Republic of Ireland to a franchise owner as it focuses on its UK business.
  The Project Point Technologies has snapped up the supermarket’s entire shareholding in the Irish operation and will continue to operate the shops under the Iceland br
  
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• Sainsbury’s rolls out £2 fruit and vegetable boxes

  20-02-2023 11:24 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Sainsbury’s is introducing £2 fruit and vegetable boxes at over 200 stores to allow customers to purchase surplus products at a reduced price
  // The move is part of the retailer’s ongoing commitment to halve its food waste by 2030Sainsbury’s is introducing £2 fruit and vegetable boxes, available for customers to purchase from this week onwards as the cost of living continues to rise.
  The boxes will now be available in over 200 selected supermarkets across the cou
  
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• Morrisons found to have hiked prices by a fifth last year as it vows to lower prices

  20-02-2023 09:57 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Morrisons was found to have hiked prices by almost a fifth in the past year, more than any other major supermarket
  // This comes as the grocer unveils a fresh round of price cuts for the second time in less than a monthMorrisons was found to have hiked prices more than all other major supermarkets last year as it today unveiled its second round of price cuts in less than a month.
  The Grocer reported that Morrisons prices rose by almost a fifth in the past year, double the rise at Sa
  
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• Morrisons found to have hiked prices by a fifth last year as it unveils new price cuts

  20-02-2023 09:57 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Morrisons was found to have hiked prices by almost a fifth in the past year, more than any other major supermarket
  // This comes as the grocer unveils a fresh round of price cuts for the second time in less than a monthMorrisons was found to have hiked prices more than all other major supermarkets last year as it today unveiled its second round of price cuts in less than a month.
  The Grocer reported that Morrisons prices rose by almost a fifth in the past year, double the rise at Sa
  
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• Nearly 15,000 retail jobs lost in “brutal” start to year

  20-02-2023 09:15 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Nearly 15,000 retail jobs have been lost since January, data from Centre of Retail Research reveals
  // Some 11,689 of the jobs lost have been part of cost cutting measures from large retailersUK retailers have cut nearly 15,000 retail jobs since January in a “brutal” start to the year.
  Some 14,874 roles have been cut or made redundant since the start of 2023 as rising cost pressures take effect, according to data from the Centre of Retail Research.
  Retailers including M&C
  
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• Who could replace Morrisons CEO David Potts?

  20-02-2023 08:59 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  The search for Morrisons CEO role is underway as the Bradford-based grocer looks to replace David Potts.
  The owners of Morrisons, US-based private equity firm Clayton Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), hired headhunter Egon Zehnder in December to identify a successor.
  Potts, who has been at the helm of Morrisons since 2015, is not expected to leave until 2024, which means it can target other UK grocery leaders, who will likely have lengthy restrictions on start dates.
  Already some big names i
  
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• Tesco explores sale of its bank

  20-02-2023 08:44 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Tesco is planning to review its presence in the UK banking sector which could see the sale of its banking arm, Sky News reports
  // The grocer has lined up Goldman SachsTesco is to conduct a review into its banking arm, which could result in its sale.
  The big four grocer has lined up Goldman Sachs to advise on the future of Tesco Bank, Sky News reports.
  The review is at a very preliminary stage and may not necessarily lead to a formal sale, sources emphasised.Subscribe to Retail Gazette f
  
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• Loss of nearly 15,000 UK retail jobs a ‘brutal start to 2023’, report says

  20-02-2023 01:01
  
  Majority of job losses are at large retailers such as Tesco and Asda, according to Centre for Retail ResearchNearly 15,000 British retail jobs have already been cut since January in a “brutal start to the year” for the high street.A total of 14,874 retail job losses have been announced by companies so far, according to analysis from the Centre for Retail Research (CRR). Continue reading...
  
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• Wilko revamps senior leadership team to accelerate turnaround

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Wilko has announced that it has revamped its senior leadership team as part of plans to stabilise the business and accelerate its turnaround. It also said... View Article
  
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• Tesco ‘considering sale’ of Tesco Bank, according to reports

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Tesco is considering selling Tesco Bank, according to Sky News which has reported that the supermarket giant has started a review process for its banking arm. The review... View Article
  
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• ScS completes £3.1m share buyback and continues to open new stores

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Sofa seller ScS says it has completed a £3.1m share buyback that was first announced in November. The Sunderland-based retailer told the London Stock Exchange it... View Article
  
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• Sainsbury’s reduces food waste with £2 ‘Taste Me, Don’t Waste Me’ fruit and veg boxes

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Sainsbury’s is adding £2 fruit and vegetable boxes to its offering following a successful trial last month. Available from this week in over 200 selected supermarkets... View Article
  
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• Q&A: Alistair Cochrane, CEO, Whistl 

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Alistair started his career with TNT Express and spent 28 years becoming its Managing Director.  He joined Whistl 4 years ago and became CEO at the... View Article
  
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• Primark to double store size in Westfields

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Primark has today announced plans to extend its store at Westfield Stratford City Shopping Centre, offering even more choice across its extensive fashion, beauty, lifestyle and... View Article
  
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• People in Retail Awards announce Azmat Ali as judge

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Azmat Ali, Strategic Projects Director for Safestyle has joined the People in Retail judging panel for the 2023 awards. In judging the People in Retail Awards,... View Article
  
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• Mango to join line-up at Centre:mk

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Fashion retailer Mango is to open a new store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes this summer. With a selling space of over 4,500 square feet, the... View Article
  
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• Lidl announces plans to reduce animal-based products in store

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Grocery giant Lidl has announced plans to reduce its animal-based products in a company-wide push for sustainability. Vegan alternatives are expected to slowly replace animal-based products... View Article
  
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• Iceland sells all 27 stores in Ireland to new franchise owner

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Iceland has sold all 27 of its stores in the Republic of Ireland as part of plans to focus its efforts on the UK. The supermarket... View Article
  
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• Anya Hindmarch to launch Universal Bag in collaboration with Asda and Co-op

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Anya Hindmarch has teamed up with Asda and Co-op on new versions of the Universal Bag. The fashion designer has been collaborating with retailers across the... View Article
  
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• Amazon requests corporate staff to return to the office

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Amazon has requested that corporate employees return to working in the office for at least three days a week from 1 May, In a memo to... View Article
  
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• Aldi seeks out new sites for London expansion

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Aldi is looking for new locations for London stores as part of its multi-million-pound expansion plan. The supermarket has pledged to almost double its 60-strong estate... View Article
  
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• Abercrombie & Fitch appoints new board member

  20-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Abercrombie & Fitch has appointed Helen Vaid as an independent director. Until this month, Vaid was chief executive of Foundry Brands where she led the acceleration... View Article
  
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