Author: Dave Antrobus
Tesco has announced plans to reintroduce its F&F clothing line through its website.The line will be integrated with Tesco’s marketplace, which launched in June with 9,000 products.This move marks F&F’s return to Tesco’s online platform for the first time since 2018.Greg Bertrand, head of Woosh, will lead the online clothing relaunch.No specific details have been confirmed by Tesco regarding the relaunch timeline.Tesco is poised to bring back its F&F clothing range online, six years after it ceased operations of its non-food website, Tesco Direct. This strategic move is expected to unfold over the coming months, as confirmed by industry sources.The…
Pepco Group is set to achieve unprecedented financial performance despite certain challenges.The company’s full-year revenue is projected to surpass €6bn (£5bn), marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year.Underlying EBITDA for the near-complete fiscal period is expected to reach at least €900m (£750m), a notable 20% rise.In a strategic expansion, 390 new stores are anticipated by year-end, with a significant portion opening in the fourth quarter.Supply chain disruptions have impacted like-for-like sales, yet strategic measures are being implemented to drive improvement.Pepco Group, the owner of Poundland, Dealz, and Pepco, anticipates a record-breaking financial year with revenues expected to exceed…
Waitrose has earned regenerative agricultural certification for its Leckford Estate, a pioneering achievement in the UK.The certified produce includes grapes, apples, and pears, reflecting sustainable growing practices.This certification is a crucial step towards establishing a Centre of Excellence at Leckford for supporting regenerative farming.Waitrose continues its commitment to sustainable agriculture with partnerships and innovative product launches.Regenerative farming practices are being implemented without affecting consumer prices, ensuring value.Waitrose has achieved a significant milestone by receiving regenerative agricultural certification for its vineyards and orchards at the Leckford Estate, marking a first in the UK. The certification, provided by the global verification entity…
Marlow Foods, owners of Quorn, report a £63m loss due to reduced demand for vegan products.Sales fell by 6.9% to £205m in 2023, the lowest since 2017, leading to job cuts.Supermarket sales were particularly affected, decreasing by 8.6% to £170.7m.CEO Marco Bertacca cites inflation and interest rates as critical challenges.Despite challenges, Quorn continues to lead in the plant-based sector with innovative products.Marlow Foods, the company behind popular plant-based brands Quorn and Cauldron, has experienced significant financial challenges over the past year. In 2023, the organisation faced a substantial loss of £63 million, attributed primarily to a noticeable decline in consumer…
Recent trends indicate a rising demand for ‘fakeaway’ products, allowing consumers to recreate restaurant experiences at home.Ocado reveals Itsu and Pizza Express lead the ‘fakeaway’ market, contributing two-thirds of their restaurant-branded product sales.Ottolenghi has successfully entered the supermarket arena through a partnership with Waitrose, exceeding initial sales expectations.Nando’s plays a significant role in supermarkets by showcasing its Peri-Peri flavour, aiming to inspire home culinary experiences.Other brands like Zizzi, Leon, and Wasabi have also made strategic grocery entries to meet changing consumer behaviours and demands.The demand for ‘fakeaway’ products, replicating restaurant quality meals at home, is experiencing significant growth. Ocado has…
The Co-op is trialling groundbreaking AI technology to address retail crime effectively.In the first half of 2024, Co-op’s crime-related losses surged by nearly 20% to £39.5 million.Fourteen stores are piloting the AI system, which identifies concealed weapons and thefts without facial recognition.The innovative system quickly detects assaults on staff, ensuring prompt action through a centralised monitoring station.Despite security investments, Co-op acknowledges the long-term challenge of reducing crime rates.The Co-op is innovating its approach to retail security by testing artificial intelligence technology designed to identify offenders carrying stolen items or concealed weapons. This initiative is aimed at tackling a significant rise…
Consumer confidence is on a downward trend as the Autumn Budget approaches.Data from BRC-Opinium indicates worsened consumer expectations for personal finances.The overall economic outlook has deteriorated, impacting consumer sentiment.Retail spending expectations remain stable despite broader economic concerns.Industry voices call for reforms to boost confidence and investment.Consumer confidence is experiencing a noticeable decline ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget. According to the latest data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Consumer Sentiment Monitor, expectations concerning personal financial situations have deteriorated significantly. Conducted between 10 and 13 September, the BRC-Opinium survey revealed that the index measuring consumer expectations for personal finances dropped…
Little Mistress, a leading online womenswear brand, partners with Chloe Lewis for an exclusive collection at New Look.The collection features a range of stylish pieces including metallic and sequin dresses, jumpsuits, and more.Scheduled to launch on 25 October 2024, the collection will be available online and in 40 New Look stores.Little Mistress aims to bring tailored fashion to New Look’s clientele through this strategic partnership.This collaboration marks the beginning of a series of influencer partnerships for Little Mistress.Little Mistress, a renowned online womenswear brand, has announced an exciting collaboration with Chloe Lewis, a star from The Only Way Is Essex,…
Iceland has entered into a partnership with Deliveroo to expand its rapid delivery service across the UK.The new service will be rolled out in 53 Iceland stores initially, with plans to reach over 800 by the end of October.Customers can access over 3,000 products, including own-brand and branded items, through the Deliveroo app.The service offers same-day delivery within 25 minutes, providing convenience to shoppers.This initiative marks significant growth for Iceland and increased accessibility for its customer base.Iceland, renowned for its frozen food range, has established a new partnership with Deliveroo to enhance its rapid delivery capabilities. Starting from 25 September,…
Julian Dunkerton, CEO of Superdry, highlights tax advantages enjoyed by Shein in the UK.Dunkerton claims Shein benefits from a loophole exempting import duty on goods below £135.Superdry’s CEO advocates for imposing import duty, VAT, and an environmental tax on Shein.Shein spokesperson defends company’s adherence to existing tax rules.Mark Tan of Spencer West LLP cautions on making uninformed tax compliance statements.Julian Dunkerton, the CEO of Superdry, has raised concerns about the tax practices of Shein, a leading Chinese fast fashion retailer. According to Dunkerton, Shein benefits from a tax loophole in the UK, which exempts goods under £135 from import duty,…
