Author: Scott Dylan

John Lewis chairwoman, Sharon White, has called for stricter shoplifting laws.Rising theft and anti-social behaviour highlight the need for legislative changes.Current legislation varies, with Scotland having specific protective laws for workers.Assaults and abuse against retail staff are significantly increasing.Initiatives are being launched to enhance community policing engagement.John Lewis’ chairwoman Sharon White is urging the UK government to implement more stringent laws to combat rising shoplifting incidences. She expressed these views during a segment on Good Morning Britain, emphasising that theft is not a victimless crime. White cited the differing legislation in Scotland, where specific laws protect shop workers from abuse,…

The dairy sector faces significant dynamics as economic challenges prompt consumer shifts.Arla Foods revises its revenue expectations amidst falling milk prices and cost pressures.A noticeable surge in the demand for own-label dairy products impacts branded sales.Labour shortages and production concerns loom large for UK dairy farmers.Sustainability efforts continue with a shift to more environmentally friendly packaging.Arla Foods has announced a revision of its revenue expectations, setting them now between €13.2 billion and €13.7 billion, a decrease from the previous forecast of up to €14.2 billion. This adjustment is primarily attributed to the reduction in milk prices driven by increased production…

Müller Milk & Ingredients explores zero-emission technologies for refrigerated HGVs.In collaboration with Sunswap, Müller trials solar and battery-powered refrigeration systems.Müller partners with Carrier Transicold to test kinetic energy-powered refrigeration.Trial aims to maintain over 99% quality and service levels with these innovations.Potential carbon savings of nine tonnes per year per trailer with solar-battery system.Müller Milk & Ingredients is actively exploring sustainable innovations to reduce the carbon footprint of its heavy goods vehicle (HGV) fleet. By collaborating with Sunswap, the company is trialling solar panels and battery-powered systems to operate its refrigerated trailers. This approach seeks to replace traditional diesel-powered refrigeration, providing…

Iceland has unveiled a significant expansion of its product line, introducing over 500 new items.This expansion includes a mix of own-label products and well-known brands like Cathedral City and Mars.Among the new entries are diverse meal kits, including BBQ pulled pork and double bacon cheeseburgers.The retailer continues its collaboration with TGI Fridays, presenting exclusive items such as vegan chicken strips and corn dogs.Iceland emphasises value and variety, aiming to offer unique options that cater to cost-conscious families.Iceland has embarked on an impressive expansion of its product range, launching over 500 new items available both online and in-store. This latest endeavour…

Iceland has come under scrutiny for allegedly transferring substantial amounts from its Irish division before its sale.Metron Stores, the owner of Iceland Ireland, has raised concerns over financial transactions prior to the acquisition.A letter highlighted the removal of over £1.37m and £772,476 from company accounts in a single week.Unpaid debts amounting to £2.23m were reportedly left unsettled despite prior agreements.Iceland responds by asserting that all normal trade debts were settled by Iceland UK by the time of sale.Iceland has recently faced allegations concerning its financial activities ahead of selling its Irish division. Metron Stores, which owns Iceland Ireland, has reportedly…

Arnold Schwarzenegger teams up with Lidl as the ambassador for its Parkside DIY tool range, marking a notable collaboration with the German discount retailer.The Hollywood icon and former California governor appears in adverts to promote Lidl’s Parkside DIY and home improvement brand, which offers over 100 products.Schwarzenegger has previously engaged in campaigns focusing on sustainability, including a notable collaboration with SodaStream to combat plastic waste.Lidl’s Parkside brand emphasises inclusivity in DIY, aiming to reach enthusiasts who enjoy repairing, building, and gardening.This partnership coincides with Lidl’s 50th anniversary, celebrated through various events under the slogan ’50 Jahre mehr als günstig’.Lidl has…

Tesco launches a new campaign to recycle plastic toys.The initiative runs from 4 September to 4 December in selected stores.Partnership with Hasbro and Wastebuster supports a circular economy.Recycled toys are transformed into new products like coat hangers.Schools can earn rewards through the Recycle to Read scheme.Tesco has announced a ground-breaking initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through the recycling of plastic toys. This campaign, which begins on 4 September and lasts until 4 December, allows families to bring their broken plastic toys to designated bins within selected Tesco stores. Partnering with Hasbro and Wastebuster, this initiative underscores Tesco’s commitment to environmental…

Waitrose has taken a significant step in addressing VAT costs on period pants, aligning with John Lewis and M&S.The initiative is part of a broader campaign urging the government to review the current VAT policy.Waitrose offers over 30 period underwear products, now covering their 20% VAT charge.Nicki Baggott supports this move, affirming period underwear as essential products.Sainsbury’s has also joined the campaign, pledging to pass VAT reductions onto consumers.Waitrose, in an effort to advocate for gender equity in taxation, has joined forces with M&S and its sister company, John Lewis, to absorb the value-added tax (VAT) on period pants, thereby…

The latest British Retail Consortium data reveals a significant drop in UK food inflation.Food inflation has decreased to 11.5% for this month, showing a marked improvement from July’s 13.4%.Shop price inflation has also significantly declined, marking the lowest increase since October 2022.Fresh and ambient food categories have experienced notable inflation reductions, benefiting consumers.Despite these improvements, wage growth continues to lag behind the rate of price increases.The British Retail Consortium has provided new data indicating a positive shift in the food inflation landscape, with rates dropping to 11.5% this month. This demonstrates a substantial change from the previous month’s 13.4%, suggesting…

The trust in UK supermarkets has plummeted to levels not seen since the infamous horsemeat scandal over a decade ago.Research by Which? indicates trust in the grocery sector dropped substantially to a score of 30 this August.Currently, only 48% of shoppers trust supermarkets to act in their best interest amid soaring food prices.A considerable 85% of people express concern over food prices, with a significant number adapting their purchasing habits.Industry experts urge supermarkets to consider stocking budget items to alleviate consumer pressure.Trust in UK supermarkets has experienced a significant decline, returning to levels not observed since the horsemeat scandal erupted…