Author: Sam Allcock

The average American feels like their head is spinning 156 times a year due to stress, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults found that these stress-related headaches occur roughly three times a week, and respondents reported experiencing brain fog just as frequently. When asked about their current stress levels, the survey revealed that 41% of participants believe they are currently at their peak stress for the year so far. Conducted by Talker Research for Traditional Medicinals, the findings showed that while 30% are hopeful their stress will decrease by the end of the year, a quarter (26%)…

Frasers Group is strategically broadening its footprint in Europe through new store openings.Nine new Sports World stores are set to open in the Netherlands, four already launched and five by year-end.Expansion includes two Sports Direct stores in Luxembourg and one in Belgium.Recent acquisitions of Sprinter and Twin Sport aim to solidify Frasers’ presence in the Benelux region.The group’s actions underscore its commitment to becoming a leading name in sports retail.The strategic expansion of Frasers Group across Europe is a comprehensive effort to enhance its market presence by opening key outlets in vital regions. This move is highlighted by the introduction…

Get your aprons ready: new research suggests you should begin your Thanksgiving preparations more than four weeks in advance. A recent survey of 100 Americans from each state examined the best strategies, alongside differing taste preferences, when it comes to planning, cooking, and enjoying the perfect Thanksgiving feast. The results found that both the guest list and the menu take more than two weeks of planning, with cooking preparations adding another three days. It also involves an additional five hours of cooking and prepping on the day of the meal itself. The state with the longest preparation time is Delaware,…

The rising cost of chocolate for Halloween is expected to exceed general grocery inflation this year.Chocolate prices in the UK have risen by 11% over the past year, surpassing the average grocery inflation rate of 2.7%.Increased global demand for cocoa and adverse weather conditions, such as excessive rainfall, are primary factors driving up prices.Sainsbury’s 100g milk chocolate has nearly doubled in price from 95p in August 2023 to £1.84, as highlighted by consumer group Which?.Consumers are advised to compare prices across pack sizes, retailers, and brands to ensure value for money.The cost of chocolate, particularly for Halloween, is projected to…

Mulberry joins the ranks of B Corp certified UK luxury brands.Achieving a score of 87.1, Mulberry surpasses the B Corp pass mark.The certification reaffirms Mulberry’s commitment to sustainability.The brand aims for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.Mulberry is expanding its sustainability initiatives globally.Mulberry, a prominent British luxury brand, has successfully achieved B Corp certification, aligning itself with other notable UK retailers. This accomplishment highlights Mulberry’s dedication to maintaining high social and environmental standards, as required by the rigorous B Corp framework.In earning a score of 87.1 out of 140, Mulberry surpasses the B Corp’s threshold of 80, as well as…

The Co-op is responding to increased demand for quick commerce by launching a 24-hour grocery delivery service.Initial operations will commence in Leeds, London, and Manchester, targeting strong online grocery demand.The initiative includes partnerships with Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats to facilitate these deliveries.Research indicates high interest, especially among Gen Z, for late-night delivery services.The service supports Co-op’s aim to capture over a third of the quick commerce market.The Co-op is introducing an innovative 24-hour online grocery delivery programme, marking a significant step in its strategy to capitalise on the growing demand for quick commerce. This launch will initially cover…

Waitrose is launching a premium British Wagyu beef selection, enhancing its No.1 range with high standards.Five distinct Wagyu products, including steaks and burgers, will be available from 18 September.The beef is graded on the Beef Marbling Scale, with Waitrose offering the highest supermarket standard.This launch reflects a rise in demand for Wagyu, as evidenced by increased customer searches.An introductory offer with price reductions is available until late October.Waitrose is preparing to launch a selection of premium British Wagyu beef products as part of its esteemed No.1 range, starting from 18 September. This new offering includes five products—meatballs, sirloin steak, rump…

Lush has introduced a new product line inspired by The Body Shop’s classic offerings.This launch reinvents over a dozen of The Body Shop’s best-selling vegan products.Mark Constantine, Lush’s founder, shares a historic connection with The Body Shop’s origins.The Body Shop’s administration has sparked emotional reflections at Lush.Lush’s new collection is set to be available online and in select stores by November.Lush has introduced a new collection that draws inspiration from The Body Shop’s iconic products, effectively offering a modern reinterpretation of the latter’s top-selling vegan items across hair, body, and skincare categories. This initiative not only renews more than twelve…

The grocery sector in 2024 has been turbulent with significant legal disputes shaping industry dynamics.Asda’s pay equality case, involving over 60,000 employees, highlights ongoing gender pay disparity debates.Tesco’s loss at the Supreme Court over ‘fire and rehire’ tactics underscores the complexity of employment contracts.Oatly’s court victory marks a milestone for plant-based branding amidst opposition from traditional dairy sectors.Deliveroo riders’ status as self-employed was reinforced by the Supreme Court, affecting gig economy labour relations.The grocery sector in 2024 has encountered a series of critical legal challenges, reflecting broader socio-economic and regulatory issues within the industry. These cases cover a spectrum of…

Only one-third of Americans have a disaster preparedness plan that includes their pets, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 dog and cat owners revealed that over half of Americans (52%) believe natural disasters are inevitable, while 29% admit to losing sleep worrying about natural disasters and the safety of their homes. Despite concerns about the likelihood of natural disasters, fewer than half (45%) of respondents have a plan in place to deal with such emergencies, and even then, their plans may not include all vital elements — including provisions for their pets. Commissioned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and…