Author: Dave Antrobus

Dune London has relocated within Lakeside Shopping Centre.The new retail unit measures 1,597 sq ft, a significant increase.The store features a modern retail format enhancing visibility.A CEO statement highlights customer experience improvement.The brand’s physical presence spans several international markets.Dune London, an established name in the footwear industry, has strategically moved its location within the renowned Lakeside Shopping Centre to accommodate a larger, more prominent retail space measuring 1,597 square feet. This relocation marks a significant expansion from its previous 1,055 square-foot store, which had been a fixture in Lakeside since 1997.This store upgrade is designed not only to provide increased…

Recent data highlights a significant increase in disposable income for UK households amid easing inflationary pressures.August saw a 12% year-on-year increase in disposable income, according to Asda’s Income Tracker.The average UK household now enjoys a disposable income of £247 per week, surpassing pre-crisis levels.Food and drink inflation has slowed to 1.3%, contributing to increased spending power.Despite improvements, low-income households continue to face financial challenges, with a weekly shortfall of £66.Recent findings indicate a notable improvement in the financial standing of UK households, as evidenced by a 12% rise in disposable income year-on-year for August. This marks the fifth consecutive month…

Seasalt has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of Louise Couch as the new CFO.Louise Couch brings extensive experience from her previous roles at JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, and Peloton Interactive.Couch will play a critical role in shaping Seasalt’s financial and global expansion strategies.The appointment signifies a strategic strengthening of Seasalt’s senior leadership team.Paul Hayes, CEO of Seasalt, expressed confidence in Couch’s ability to support the brand’s growth ambitions.Seasalt, a prominent clothing and lifestyle brand, has appointed Louise Couch as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This appointment reflects the brand’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team as…

Mars Wrigley UK is set to revitalise the chocolate market with the temporary reintroduction of its Marathon bar, drawing on widespread consumer nostalgia.The Marathon bar, which made its initial debut in 1967, will temporarily grace Morrisons’ shelves, reviving fond memories for many.This limited re-launch marks Mars Wrigley’s homage to over 90 years of crafting chocolate in the UK.Despite its rebranding to Snickers in 1990, the original Marathon name has sustained a loyal fan base.Previous limited releases, such as the one in 2019, proved highly successful, moving over 4 million bars within just 12 weeks.Mars Wrigley UK is reinvigorating the confectionery…

Co-op has announced an accelerator scheme to support smaller suppliers.The programme will run alongside the existing Apiary incubator scheme.It is designed to promote brand diversity and inclusivity.The scheme offers masterclasses, networking, and mentoring for participants.Ten innovative suppliers will join the inaugural wave later this year.Co-op is unveiling a new accelerator programme aimed at supporting smaller suppliers in their growth and development. This initiative will complement the existing Apiary incubator scheme, which assists suppliers at the start of their retail journey. The new programme is an effort to further encourage diversity within the brand offerings and ensure inclusivity across suppliers.The accelerator…

The return of warm weather has led to a notable increase in supermarket sales across the UK in August.Sales volumes in food stores climbed by 1.8% in August, following a slight increase of 0.3% in July.UK supermarkets have been the primary beneficiaries of this sales surge, according to new data from the ONS.Online sales in food stores also saw an uplift, registering a growth of 1.4% in August.Industry experts highlight that consumer spending may face challenges later in the year due to escalating living costs.In August, UK supermarkets experienced a significant boost in sales volumes, recording a 1.8% increase. This…

Pilgrim’s Europe has significantly improved its financial performance, reporting a return to profitable growth.The company’s after-tax profits rose to £106m in 2023, up from £27m the previous year.Combined sales for the year were up by 5.5%, reaching £4.2bn.The growth was driven by a combination of easing inflation and shifting consumer preferences towards poultry and pork products.Branded sales within its £400m European portfolio showed substantial increases, particularly for Richmond and Rollover brands.Pilgrim’s Europe has marked a significant turnaround in its financial results, reporting a return to profitable growth for the fiscal year 2023, thereby aligning with pre-pandemic levels. The restructuring of…

Aldi has cemented its commitment to sustainability with a major recognition from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).The retailer has joined major UK supermarket chains in receiving validation for its emissions reduction targets.Aldi South Group commits to significant reductions in both short-term and long-term greenhouse gas emissions.Targets include a 52% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 from a 2021 baseline.The comprehensive plan aims for a 90% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, focusing on supplier collaboration and operational efficiencies.Aldi has garnered approval for its emissions reduction strategies from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), marking a significant advancement…

Tesco is launching free Career Clinics in the UK to help over 1,000 individuals gain employment skills, particularly in deprived areas.The initiative offers life skills training and guarantees interviews in Tesco’s festive recruitment drive, addressing employment barriers.Research by Social Market Foundation highlights that a significant portion of the population feels unprepared in job markets, which Tesco aims to counter.By reducing CV and testing requirements, Tesco has streamlined recruitment and fostered a diverse workforce.Tesco’s CEO advocates for government support in training opportunities, emphasising the retail sector’s potential as a major employer.Tesco is set to offer free Career Clinics across the UK,…

Sainsbury’s is taking significant steps to minimize plastic waste through innovative packaging solutions.All doughnuts and pastries will transition from plastic to cardboard and paper packaging, achieving a 90% reduction in plastic usage.Traditional plastic bags for in-store bakery bread will be replaced, resulting in a 60% plastic reduction.These changes are part of Sainsbury’s ongoing efforts to enhance sustainability across its product range.Similar initiatives have previously been implemented for other products, showing a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.Sainsbury’s has initiated a transformative change within its in-store bakery section by shifting away from traditional plastic packaging in a bid to significantly reduce plastic…