Retail news

• Sainsbury’s offers workers option of working four-day week

  23-02-2023 23:11 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Sainsbury’s offers some staff the option to work a four-day week
  // It comes amid wider adoption of the four-day working week across businessSainsbury’s has offered workers the option of working four days a week to give staff more flexibility.
  According to The Times, the grocer‘s staff based at its head offices in Holborn, Coventry and Milton Keynes, as well as its warehouses, and store managers in its 1,400 UK stores, have been given the option.
  Staff have been given the op
  
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• Environment secretary urges Britons to ‘cherish’ turnips amid food shortages

  23-02-2023 18:27
  
  Thérèse Coffey’s championing of UK ‘specialisms’ causes one Labour MP to retort: ‘Let them eat turnips!’The UK environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, has caused a furore after she suggested people should “cherish” seasonal foods such as turnips as bad weather cleared supermarket shelves of tomatoes and other fresh produce.“It’s important to make sure that we cherish the specialisms that we have in this country,&rdq
  
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• UK should ‘cherish’ turnips, suggests Thérèse Coffey, as food shortages could last a month – as it happened

  23-02-2023 17:47
  
  Thérèse Coffey, Defra secretary of state, has predicted that the UK’s fruit and vegetable shortages could last up to four weeksUK salad shortages could last a month, warns environment secretaryWhy are UK supermarkets facing fresh food shortages?
  Almost one in three UK hospitality firms are at risk of collapse this year, as rising inflation hits the industry, a new survey has found.Trade body UKHospitality reports that cost pressures, ongoing labour shortages and Covid-19 debt
  
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• B&Q and Screwfix give store staff 8% pay rise

  23-02-2023 17:09 via retailgazette.co.uk
  // Kingfisher is increasing the hourly pay of its B&Q and Screwfix store workers by 8.2%
  // The group is also increasing the staff discount from 20% to 30% on energy-saving productsB&Q and Screwfix will increase the hourly pay for its employees by 8.2% and is offering a bigger staff discount on energy-saving products.
  Shopfloor workers of the DIY retailers will see their pay increase to £10.60 from April to reflect market conditions, Retail Week reports.
  This puts employees be
  
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• Alibaba ekes out sales growth despite Covid-hit quarter

  23-02-2023 16:44 via ft.com
  Share price for Chinese ecommerce giant rises by 2 per cent following better than expected results
  
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• UK should ‘cherish’ turnips, suggests Thérèse Coffey, as food shortages could last a month – business live

  23-02-2023 16:17
  
  Thérèse Coffey, Defra secretary of state, has predicted that the UK’s fruit and vegetable shortages could last another two to four weeksWhy are UK supermarkets facing fresh food shortages?
  Almost one in three UK hospitality firms are at risk of collapse this year, as rising inflation hits the industry, a new survey has found.Trade body UKHospitality reports that cost pressures, ongoing labour shortages and Covid-19 debt have left many hospitality businesses in a perilous posi
  
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• Sneak Peek: Inside Peloton’s new Covent Garden store

  23-02-2023 15:28 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Inside Peloton’s new Covent Garden store, featuring a “grab & go area” and “Peloton Studio London-specific merch”
  // Opening on Friday, the space will also act as a community hub for members and will host panel discussions and instructor meet and greetsPeloton is set to open the doors to its new Covent Garden store tomorrow as the sports retailer expands its London footprint.
  The new store, located on 12 Floral Street, sits next door to its studio a
  
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• Shoptalk Europe to provide free on-site childcare to help working parents

  23-02-2023 15:13 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Shoptalk Europe will have free on-site childcare available for all three days of the show
  // Shoptalk Europe takes place between 9 to 11 MayShoptalk Europe will provide free on-site childcare for all three days of the show.
  The event, which takes place between 9 to 11 May at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain, said nursery care for children ages 6 months to 8 years will be available at the event, free of charge, to all registered attendees.
  Childcare services will be provided by Nipperbout, a
  
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• UK salad shortages could last a month, warns environment secretary

  23-02-2023 14:04
  
  Government accused of ‘abject policy failure’ as tomato and cucumber supplies dwindleShortages of salad and other vegetables in UK supermarkets could last up to a month, the environment secretary has said, as the government was accused of bringing the problem on itself by failing to support local growers and through Brexit policies.Thérèse Coffey told parliament that the shortages could take some time to resolve, after Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Morrisons introduced limits o
  
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• Automated Product Descriptions For ECommerce

  23-02-2023 13:40 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  Prime AI introduces new Automated Product Description technology for eCommerce
  The company cutting-edge and proprietary image analysis solution accurately identifies over 20 critical product attributes, such as category, colour, neck type, sleeve length, and many more.
  Powered by natural language processing and artificial intelligence, the technology creates distinctive and comprehensive product descriptions in over 50 languages, all in a matter of seconds.
  The eCommerce industry is no stranger
  
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• Join These Amazing Brands And Retailers At #RTS2023

  23-02-2023 13:29 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  The Retail Technology Show (26-27 April, Olympia, London) continues to connect Europe’s most innovative, forward thinking and iconic retailers and brands.  
  Whether you’re the biggest online retailer in the world, an established High Street store, luxury brand, leisure attraction or a famous Department store – there is something for everyone at #RTS2023 this April.
  You don’t need to pay or go abroad to get the insights you need to help
  
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• World’s last dedicated Meccano factory to close in France

  23-02-2023 12:49
  
  Once-popular engineering toy, in decline since the 1950s, will still be manufactured by partner companiesIt is the children’s toy, invented in Britain, that inspired a passion for engineering, science and technology in generations of youngsters – and their parents.Meccano building sets filled with reusable perforated metal – and later plastic – strips, plates, nuts, bolts, winches, wires, wheels and even motors have been used to construct models and mechanical devices for
  
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• End of an era as last dedicated Meccano factory to close in France

  23-02-2023 12:49
  
  Once-popular engineering toy, in decline since the 1950s, will still be manufactured by partner companiesIt is the children’s toy, invented in Britain, that inspired a passion for engineering, science and technology in generations of youngsters – and their parents.Meccano building sets filled with reusable perforated metal – and later plastic – strips, plates, nuts, bolts, winches, wires, wheels and even motors have been used to construct models and mechanical devices for
  
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• Food shortages could last a month, government says; ‘too soon’ to stop interest rate rises, says BoE’s Mann – business live

  23-02-2023 12:46
  
  Thérèse Coffey, DEFRA secretary of state, has predicted that the UK’s fruit and vegetable shortages could last another two to four weeks.Why are UK supermarkets facing fresh food shortages?
  Almost one in three UK hospitality firms are at risk of collapse this year, as rising inflation hits the industry, a new survey has found.Trade body UKHospitality reports that cost pressures, ongoing labour shortages and Covid-19 debt have left many hospitality businesses in a perilous pos
  
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• Food shortages could last four weeks, government says; ‘too soon’ to stop interest rate rises, says BoE’s Mann – business live

  23-02-2023 12:19
  
  Thérèse Coffey, DEFRA secretary of state, has predicted that the UK’s fruit and vegetable shortages could last another two to four weeks.Why are UK supermarkets facing fresh food shortages?
  Almost one in three UK hospitality firms are at risk of collapse this year, as rising inflation hits the industry, a new survey has found.Trade body UKHospitality reports that cost pressures, ongoing labour shortages and Covid-19 debt have left many hospitality businesses in a perilous pos
  
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• M&S teams up with Breast Cancer Now to raise awareness in its fitting rooms

  23-02-2023 11:40 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // M&S rolls out signages with guidance on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to raise awareness with Breast Cancer Now
  // The signage has also been rolled out across M&S’ colleague changing roomsM&S is rolling out signage to more than 1,500 fitting rooms this month with guidance on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to raise awareness among its 22 million clothing & home customers.
  As the UK’s biggest bra retailer, the signage will be seen by millions of pe
  
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• Meta partners with Ikea to unveil interactive AR experience

  23-02-2023 11:09 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  //  Meta has partnered with Ikea to release an interactive augmented reality (AR) experience for shoppers visiting stores across Sweden this month.
  //  Developed with Stockholm-based immersive tech company Warpin Reality, the AR game was inspired by the furniture giant’s popular children’s collection, BLÅVINGAD.Read the full story at Charged Retail
  Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
  
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• UK brought shortages of fruit and vegetables ‘on itself’; ‘too soon’ to stop interest rate rises, says BoE’s Mann – business live

  23-02-2023 11:02
  
  Failure to subsidise energy costs, and Brexit disruption, has led to shortages of fresh vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, pepper and cucumbers, Justin King warnsWhy are UK supermarkets facing fresh food shortages?
  Almost one in three UK hospitality firms are at risk of collapse this year, as rising inflation hits the industry, a new survey has found.Trade body UKHospitality reports that cost pressures, ongoing labour shortages and Covid-19 debt have left many hospitality businesses in a pe
  
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• Data: One in five retailers fear for survival amid energy crisis

  23-02-2023 10:56 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // One in five retailers fear it may not survive the next 12 months once the government’s energy subsidies finish at the end of March, new data reveals
  // The government is scaling back its support for businesses’ energy bills, replacing the current cap scheme with a wholesale energy price discountMore than 50 retailers fear it may not survive the next 12 months once the government’s energy subsidies finish at the end of March.
  Out of the 250 retailers surveyed by FRP
  
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• Dreams teams up with Shelter to tackle housing and homelessness crisis

  23-02-2023 10:51 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Dreams unveils a three-year partnership with the housing and homelessness charity Shelter
  // The retailer has committed to paying £150,000 to help fund support for those facing homelessnessDreams has unveiled a new three-year partnership with housing and homelessness charity Shelter to raise funds and awareness to address the housing emergency.
  The partnership is rooted in their shared belief that having a safe home with your own bed should be a fundamental human right.
  As a result, the
  
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• Suppliers left in the dark following Frasers’ acquisition of JD brands

  23-02-2023 10:09 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Suppliers have been left wondering when they’ll be paid money owed to them from brands acquired by Frasers Group this month
  // JD Sports has formally completed the divestment of brands to Frasers Group, including Tessuti, Scotts, Choice & GiulioSuppliers have apparently been left in the dark as to when they will receive money owed to them from brands recently acquired by Frasers Group, Drapers reports.
  Earlier this month brands including Tessuti, Scotts, Choice, Giulio and Cricket b
  
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• Central Co-op to open record number of new stores this year

  23-02-2023 09:56 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Central Co-op is looking to open 10-15 new stores this year
  // The group is also launching in north Yorkshire for the first time this yearCentral Co-op is looking to open a record number of new stores this year, as it prepares to move its logistical operations over to the Co-op-owned LIDIA network.
  Chief executive at the group Debbie Robinson told The Grocer that 17 new stores will be added to its estate in 2023, where it usually aims for 10 to 15, along with 30 store refurbs.
  She told the ti
  
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• UK brought its shortages of fruit and vegetables on itself, ex-Sainsbury’s CEO says – business live

  23-02-2023 09:26
  
  Failure to subsidise energy costs, and Brexit disruption, has led to shortages of fresh vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, pepper and cucumbers, Justin King warnsWhy are UK supermarkets facing fresh food shortages?
  On the eve of the first anniversary of the Ukraine war, defense firm BAE Systems has reported a surge in profits and orders last year.BAE, which makes fighter jets, combat ships, weapons systems such as naval guns, munitions, communications systems and the US Army’s Armored
  
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• Sainsbury’s former CEO Justin King blames Brexit as grocers ration fruit and veg

  23-02-2023 09:22 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Sainsbury’s former CEO Justin King criticises government for not including supermarkets in energy support scheme following supply shortages
  // He blames Brexit for “horribly hurting” UK supermarkets as they are forced to place limits on purchases of fruit and vegSainsbury’s former CEO Justin King has blamed Brexit for “horribly hurting” UK supermarkets following supply shortages.
  Supermarkets in the UK are currently dealing with the dwindling supply of frui
  
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• Sainsbury’s launches four-day working week trial to improve flexibility

  23-02-2023 09:11 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // Sainsbury’s introduces new trial for scheme that allows staff to work a four-day week
  // The experiment aims to improve work flexibilitySainsbury’s has launched a new trial to allow its employees to work a four-day week.
  The grocer‘s staff based at its head offices in Holborn, Coventry and Milton Keynes, as well as its warehouses, and store managers in its 1,400 UK stores are all taking part in the scheme, which is expected to last for three months.
  The experiment aims
  
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• UK brought its shortages of fruit and vegetables on itself, ex-supermarket CEO says – business live

  23-02-2023 08:57
  
  Failure to subsidise energy bills after Brexit has left supermarkets struggling to maintain supply of fresh vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, pepper and cucumbers, Justin King warnsWhy are UK supermarkets facing fresh food shortages?
  Good morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the world economy and the financial markets.Britain brought its shortages of fruit and vegetables upon itself, a former supermarket CEO has warned this morning.This is a sector that’s been si
  
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• American candy shops on Oxford Street return to peak levels despite clampdown

  23-02-2023 08:40 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // American candy shops on London’s Oxford Street return to peak levels
  // A third of the stores were closed down last year following a clampdown on trading standards and legal actionThe American candy stores on London’s Oxford Street have returned to peak levels, new research has suggested.
  The number of American candy shops operating from Oxford Street has returned to peak levels despite a clampdown in November, according to Local Data Company (LDC).
  A third of the stores were clos
  
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• N Brown hires former Very Group finance chief as new CFO

  23-02-2023 08:21 via retailgazette.co.uk
  
  // N Brown Group hires Dominic Appleton as chief financial officer designate
  // Appleton will join office on 1 March 2023, replacing Rachel IzzardN Brown Group has hired former Very Group executive Dominic Appleton as its chief financial officer designate.
  The group, which owns JD Williams and Simply Be, said Appleton will join office on 1 March 2023, replacing Rachel Izzard.
  He has spent a total of 10 years at The Very Group where he was most recently group finance director. He has al
  
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• Sainsbury’s trials four-day working week to improve flexibility for staff

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Sainsbury’s is running a new trial scheme that allows its employees to work a four-day week. According to The Times, the trial is being conducted at... View Article
  
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• Sainsbury’s Bramhall Local reopens as brand-new store in new location

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Sainsbury’s Bramhall Local has served the local community since 2014 and while the colleague team that makes up the store is not changing, the store itself... View Article
  
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• N Brown hires new chief financial officer

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  N Brown Group has appointed Dominic Appleton as chief financial officer designate. Due to join the business on 1 March, he will succeed Rachel Izzard as... View Article
  
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• M&S teams up with Breast Cancer Now to raise awareness of signs and symptoms of breast cancer

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Marks & Spencer is rolling out signage in more than 1,500 fitting rooms to give customers guidance on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. The... View Article
  
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• Joseph Joseph recognise people are ‘biggest asset’

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Global houseware brand Joseph Joseph have partnered with OpenBlend to support employee experiences and drive retention as the company continues to scale. Headquartered in London, UK, Joseph... View Article
  
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• JD to continue partnership with Ibiza Rocks this summer

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  JD has announced that it will be continuing its partnership with the Ibiza Rocks music destination this summer. Having embarked on the partnership in 2019, the... View Article
  
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• Former Co-op food chief Jo Whitfield is frontrunner to head up Matalan

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Jo Whitfield, the former chief executive of Co-op’s food business, has emerged as the frontrunner to head up Matalan. According to a report by Sky News,... View Article
  
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• DEFRA to unveil new environmental data platform

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  The spotlight this week has been on food sourcing and sustainable supply chains challenges with news in that DEFRA are set to unveil a new data... View Article
  
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• Carven names Louise Trotter as creative director

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Parisian fashion house Carven has appointed Louise Trotter as its new creative director. The Sunderland-born designer previously held the same role at Lacoste where she worked... View Article
  
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• Amathus Drinks to open new store in Hampstead

  23-02-2023 01:00 via theretailbulletin.com
  
  Amathus Drinks is to expand its high street presence with the opening of a new store in London’s Hampstead. Due to launch on 9 March, the... View Article
  
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