Author: Dave Antrobus
The Labour government is committed to implementing a ban on junk food adverts on TV before 9pm by 2025.This decision is part of efforts to combat obesity in the UK, following the introduction of HFSS regulations in 2022.The regulation, effective from 1 October 2022, restricted the placement of ‘unhealthy’ foods in retail spaces.A complete ban on paid online advertising for HFSS products will be introduced alongside TV restrictions.These measures are intended to protect children from the influence of unhealthy food adverts.The Labour government has reaffirmed its stance to introduce a ban on junk food advertising on television before 9pm starting…
Recent research highlights the significant tax burden on the retail sector.Retailers contribute 7.4% of all business taxes, despite making up only 5% of GDP.High business rates are leading to store closures across the UK.Proposed reforms could alleviate the sector’s tax pressures.A 20% Retail Rates Corrector is suggested to level the playing field.The retail sector is facing a considerable tax burden, with new research from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) illustrating a disparity in taxation compared to other industries. Retailers are responsible for 7.4% of all business taxes, totalling £33 billion, while comprising just 5% of the GDP. This disproportionate tax…
A new EU border control scheme could delay Christmas food deliveries, raising concerns among industry leaders.Logistics UK highlights potential disruptions due to mandatory biometric checks at borders.Imperial College research indicates increased processing times could lengthen queues significantly.Cost implications of delays could lead to increased prices for consumers.Calls for a public awareness campaign to manage expectations and mitigate impact.A leading coalition, Logistics UK, has voiced apprehension regarding the EU’s new fingerprint and facial recognition checks aimed at enhancing border security. This new scheme could potentially impede the timely delivery of fresh food items during the crucial Christmas period.The proposed changes, scheduled…
Waitrose reports a significant boost in half-year profits, reflecting successful strategic initiatives.Customer base expansion marks ten consecutive quarters of growth, adding nearly two million shoppers.Improved stock availability at 96.5% is pivotal, overcoming prior supply chain challenges.Commitment to customer satisfaction and choice propels operational efficiency and store enhancement.Ambitious plans for new store openings and refurbishments aim to enhance market presence.Waitrose has unveiled promising half-year results, demonstrating a strong operational and strategic performance. The company’s adjusted operating profit experienced a noteworthy increase of £75m, alongside a rise in gross margin of 1.2 percentage points. John Lewis Partnership’s CEO, Nish Kankiwala, has expressed…
John Lewis has received a remarkable response to the revival of its “Never Knowingly Undersold” pledge.The price match commitment was reintroduced after a two-year hiatus, resulting in increased customer engagement.CEO Peter Ruis reported significant organic website traffic, with 55,000 additional daily visits.The renewed pricing strategy has positively impacted unexpected product categories.Innovations such as AI technology play a key role in the programme’s success.John Lewis has witnessed an exceptional response from consumers following the reintroduction of its well-known “Never Knowingly Undersold” pledge. This decision comes after the company discontinued the promise two years ago, only to see a resurgence in customer…
Tesco’s recent legal loss marks a significant moment in employment law in the UK.The Supreme Court ruled against Tesco’s ‘fire and rehire’ strategy for altering contracts.Usdaw, the shopworkers’ union, was central to challenging Tesco’s employment practices.The decision reaffirms workers’ rights to previously agreed ‘retained pay’ benefits.This outcome could influence future employment disputes and corporate strategies.The UK’s Supreme Court has rendered a critical decision, rejecting Tesco’s attempt to employ ‘fire and rehire’ tactics to modify employee contracts. This move by Tesco aimed to replace existing contracts with less favourable terms, a practice opposed by the shopworkers’ union Usdaw. The ruling is…
Wourth Group’s acquisition of Peter Hahn significantly boosts turnover.The newly rebranded group aims to cater to its over-50 demographic.Wourth Group’s strategy involves reviving companies acquired from administration.Home manufacturing and physical store strategy strengthens brand loyalty.Potential reopening of Peter Hahn’s UK website amidst Brexit challenges.The Wourth Group, formerly known as Woolovers, has expanded its portfolio by acquiring the German company Peter Hahn. This strategic purchase is projected to increase Wourth’s annual turnover from £110m to an impressive £300m. The acquisition exemplifies Wourth’s business model, which focuses on acquiring and revitalising companies facing administration. With a customer base primarily over 50, Wourth…
Iceland launches an extensive new range of 800 products, diversifying its offerings across frozen foods, confectionery, and general merchandise.The latest additions include Jamie Oliver’s frozen food dishes and revamped Piccolino and Blue Dragon ranges.Products are available both in-store and online, catering to a wide customer base.New innovations focus on ready meals and family favourites, ensuring appealing choices for diverse tastes.Iceland aims to enhance customer experience by responding to shopper feedback with this broad product expansion.Trade publication Retail Gazette reported that Iceland and The Food Warehouse recently unveiled 800 new product lines, marking a significant extension to their existing range. This…
Despite challenging weather conditions impacting European fashion retailers, Inditex reported significant profit growth.The group achieved a 10% rise in profits, linked to a 7.2% increase in sales, buoyed by successful spring/summer 2024 sales.Inditex’s diverse portfolio of brands including Zara saw substantial reception and growth, with autumn/winter collections showing promising early results.Technological advancements in stores have enhanced customer experience, contributing to a better sales process.The company anticipates robust future growth, focusing on improving its fashion lineup, customer engagement, and sustainability.In the face of adverse weather severely affecting fashion sales across Europe, Inditex, the parent company of Zara, showcased considerable resilience by…
Amazon and Morrisons have enhanced their partnership, allowing customers to earn loyalty points when shopping at Morrisons via Amazon.The introduction of ‘More Points’ aims to improve the grocery shopping experience by rewarding purchases with redeemable points.This collaboration includes a new grocery day option, pre-reservation delivery features, and expanded access to grocery services.Non-Prime members can now shop for Morrisons products on Amazon, while Prime users gain additional delivery benefits.The initiative reflects a commitment to customer value and a strengthened partnership between Amazon and Morrisons.In a significant development, Amazon and Morrisons have broadened their partnership to offer a loyalty points system. Customers…
