Author: Dave Antrobus

Caroline Rush will resign from her CEO role at the British Fashion Council in June 2025, concluding a 16-year career.Her leadership saw the BFC’s revenue more than double, tackling major challenges like Brexit and Covid-19 with agility.Rush successfully launched the BFC Foundation, which has since generated £4.3 million to support designers.She played a pivotal role in establishing the Institute of Positive Fashion, advocating for environmental and social innovation.BFC Chair David Pemsel will lead the search for her successor, extending his term to ensure a smooth transition.Caroline Rush has announced her intention to step down as CEO of the British Fashion…

Ocado has reported significant customer gains from Tesco and other retailers over the past year.A diverse range of customers are switching to Ocado, reflecting broad appeal.Ocado’s sales growth continues with a 15.5% rise in the last quarter.The company has introduced multiple rounds of price reductions to remain competitive.Recent data positions Ocado as the fastest-growing supermarket in the UK.Ocado has observed a pronounced shift in consumer behaviour, with notable customer migration from various retailers, particularly Tesco. This trend has persisted for 12 consecutive months, according to Hannah Gibson, Ocado’s chief executive. Gibson notes the company’s appeal spans different demographics, income levels,…

London Fashion Week 2024 concluded with an array of diverse and innovative shows.Jawara Alleyne showcased a collection fusing Cayman Islands heritage with London’s subculture.Knwls presented a matured aesthetic embodying leather and corsetry with floral elegance.Marques’Almeida drew inspiration from 17th-century Dutch portraits for a contemporary collection.Labrum embraced West African influences in a striking show at Emirates stadium.London Fashion Week 2024 wrapped up on 17 September after a series of dynamic displays that highlighted both emerging and established designers. The event was a mosaic of creativity and cultural fusion, exemplified by standout performances and innovative designs.Jawara Alleyne’s show, known for its moody…

Ocado remains the fastest growing supermarket with a 15.4% sales increase.M&S follows closely with a 12.4% increase in sales.Waitrose sees a 3.9% growth, drawing more shoppers than last year.Discounter market share stabilises, and online FMCG sales rise to 13%.UK supermarkets face slowed sales growth due to changing shopper behaviours.Ocado continues to outpace its competitors with an impressive 15.4% rise in sales over the last 12 weeks, affirming its position as the fastest growing supermarket brand. Closely following suit is M&S, posting a substantial 12.4% increase, indicating robust consumer demand and effective market strategies.Waitrose has also captured increased shopper interest, experiencing…

In August 2024, the inflation rate remained unchanged, reflecting ongoing economic trends and consumer behaviours.The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2.2% over the year to August, consistent with July’s figures.Combined with housing costs, the CPIH increased by 3.1%, also mirroring the previous month.A notable contributor to inflation was the fluctuation in air fares, which increased this year compared to a decline last year.Clothing and footwear prices experienced a slowdown, rising by 1.6% versus 2% in July.The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) in August 2024 demonstrated no change compared to July’s annual rate, maintaining a steady year-on-year increase of 2.2%. This…

Tesco is considering using AI to improve customer shopping experiences based on Clubcard data.Ken Murphy, CEO of Tesco, shared insights into potential AI applications at the Future of Retail event.The AI system aims to suggest healthier and more economical shopping options for consumers.Potential AI prompts include buying advice on upcoming deals and reducing food wastage.Tesco’s initiatives may lead to beneficial changes in consumer buying behaviour.In an effort to harness technology for consumer benefit, Tesco’s CEO Ken Murphy has revealed plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the shopping experience by leveraging data from its Clubcard programme. Speaking at the…

Argos has announced its top toys for Christmas 2024, based on extensive expert analysis.Iconic toys such as Polly Pocket and Furby make a notable return, generating significant interest.TV and film-themed toys like Bluey and Lego’s Dancing Groot are anticipated to be highly sought after.There is a growing trend towards independent play and interactive pet toys this festive season.Argos’ predictions reflect a blend of classic toys and emerging trends in children’s play.Argos has officially released its much-anticipated list of top toys for Christmas 2024, curated through detailed analysis by its team of toy experts. As a staple in the retail industry,…

Scamp & Dude has opened its largest store in Manchester, enhancing its physical retail presence.The Manchester store spans 1,938 sq ft and includes the brand’s full collection and unique features.Following this, a new store in Brighton is set to open, expanding the total to seven UK locations.Scamp & Dude achieved a £15m turnover in 2023, evidencing significant growth.CEO Jo Tutchener-Sharp speaks positively about community connection and future events.The fashion-forward and socially conscious brand, Scamp & Dude, has launched its largest store yet in St Ann’s Square, Manchester, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. The newly opened 1,938 square…

Asda is reassessing its creative and media agencies to meet evolving customer demands.The review aims to ensure agencies can continue offering value to Asda’s clientele.Oversight of the review will be managed by business agency Ingenuity.Emphasis is placed on improving mental health, reducing wastage, and cutting costs during pitches.Havas London, a long-time collaborator, is expected to compete for the account again.In a strategic move to adapt to changing market conditions and consumer expectations, Asda has initiated a comprehensive review of its creative and media agency accounts. This initiative is driven by the necessity to ensure that its agencies continue to deliver…

Lincolnshire Co-op undertakes a significant solar panel installation project, investing more than £2m at 62 new sites.Previously, the retailer operated 11 solar-powered sites, generating 225,000 kWh annually.The new installations are projected to produce an additional 1.8 million kWh of solar energy each year.Buildings equipped with solar panels will use approximately 30% of energy from solar, reducing CO2 emissions by 10%.The full project involves multiple sustainability initiatives, including LED lighting and advanced management systems.Lincolnshire Co-op is making a substantial investment of over £2 million to expand its solar panel installations across 62 additional sites. This initiative marks a significant step forward…