Author: Dave Antrobus
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…
Tesco is taking major steps to address food waste through a new facility.The facility will convert surplus food into animal feed, processing 1,000 tonnes weekly.This initiative follows Tesco’s call for government action on food waste in March.RenEco is contracted to construct the plant, targeting fresh produce and bakery goods.The facility will also accommodate excess from other manufacturers and retailers.Tesco has unveiled a new initiative aimed at significantly reducing food waste, by establishing a state-of-the-art facility capable of converting surplus food into animal feed. The facility, with a capacity to process up to 1,000 tonnes of excess food weekly, marks a…
Vlad Jiman of N Brown Group values continuous learning in technology roles.Jiman advocates for a growth mindset and adaptability in fast-paced tech environments.Connecting tech innovations to business objectives is crucial for success.Leadership is about collaboration and the ability to bridge technical and non-technical gaps.Soft skills are equally significant, emphasising emotional intelligence and communication.Vlad Jiman, the director of data at N Brown Group, highlights the critical importance of continuous learning in the fast-evolving fields of technology and data. As industries rapidly advance, those who maintain a growth mindset and adaptability find themselves better equipped to handle new technologies and frameworks. Jiman…
The transformation of Croydon’s former Allders store has received approval, marking a significant milestone for the local community.Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) plans to repurpose the historic Allders building into seven new retail and dining spaces.The initiative is expected to rejuvenate the prominent North End area in Croydon.This development aligns with a series of cultural and commercial activities energising Croydon this past summer.Local leaders and developers express enthusiasm, emphasising the project’s importance for cultural heritage preservation and community engagement.Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) has secured planning consent from Croydon Council to remodel the historic Allders building into seven new commercial spaces. The project includes five retail…
Hero Group has acquired Deliciously Ella to expand into the UK snacking market.The acquisition enables Deliciously Ella to reach a global audience, beyond its UK roots.Hero already operates in the UK with its Organix brand, focusing on organic foods for children.The founders of Deliciously Ella will remain involved post-acquisition.Hero’s experience in scaling brands will be leveraged to grow Deliciously Ella internationally.The Swiss-based Hero Group has successfully acquired Deliciously Ella, a prominent player in the plant-based food segment. This strategic move aims to enhance Hero’s presence in the UK snacking market, leveraging Deliciously Ella’s established brand reputation and expanding its reach…
Primark enhances its customer experience by expanding click and collect services.The service will now include menswear and homewares, in addition to existing categories.54 more stores across Great Britain will offer this service ahead of the Christmas period.Primark aims to have click and collect in all stores by the end of 2025.The expansion supports Primark’s ongoing growth and boosts local high street engagement.Primark has announced a significant expansion of its click and collect service, extending the offering to 54 additional stores across Great Britain. This move aligns with Primark’s strategy to enhance shopping convenience for customers, particularly during the busy Christmas…
John Lewis and Waitrose have announced their decision to close most stores on Boxing Day.Trafford and Stratford shopping locations of John Lewis will remain open while others close.More than 300 Waitrose stores and 37 John Lewis locations will be closed resulting in notable absenteeism from usual Boxing Day retail.Waitrose locations attached to petrol stations will remain operational during the holiday.Like John Lewis and Waitrose, several retailers have opted to provide their staff with a break during traditionally busy retail days.John Lewis, a renowned department store, and Waitrose, its supermarket chain counterpart, have decided to close the majority of their standalone…
