Author: Scott Dylan

With a dramatic rise in retail crime, Co-op’s managing director urgently calls for police intervention.Retail crime incidents have increased by 35% in one year, worrying local communities and businesses.Police response to serious retail crimes appears lacking, with a reported 71% failure to react adequately.Co-op invests over £200m into safety for workers and stores, highlighting the severity of the issue.Incidents of theft and violence illustrate the urgent need for change, according to Co-op leadership.The Co-op is experiencing a troubling surge in retail crime, revealing a 35% increase in incidents over the past year. This trend has resulted in approximately 1,000 incidents…

The food sector witnesses a surge in product innovations from renowned brands, adapting to market demands and consumer preferences.Heinz introduces a new range focused on culinary versatility, aiming to simplify cooking processes with a variety of tomato products available at competitive prices.Tesco celebrates National Ice Cream Day with the launch of unique flavours, appealing to consumers’ adventurous palates.Nescafé’s dessert-inspired coffee range caters to indulgent consumption while ensuring healthier options with non-HFSS products.Galaxy expands its flavour profile with a new mint variant, supported by strategic in-store marketing initiatives.FMCG leader Heinz has introduced a new range of Culinary Tomatoes, which includes an…

Iceland has redefined the responsibilities of its area managers to enhance operational efficiency across both Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores.Previously, area managers were assigned based on brand, but now they will manage regions instead, ensuring better team collaboration and reduced travel time.The decision aims to unlock growth opportunities for talents within the company, though some employees have expressed concerns about job security.Despite fears, Iceland has assured employees that no redundancies are imminent even as it faces high energy costs and inflation.Several store closures have occurred, with more expected, adding to the unease among the workforce.Iceland has implemented significant changes…

Customer service workers are facing increasing levels of abuse, prompting many to consider resigning.A staggering 44% of employees in customer-facing roles are contemplating leaving their jobs due to escalating hostility from customers.The cost-of-living crisis is identified as a key factor triggering customer frustrations, leading to abuse.Verbal and physical hostility are prevalent, with 75% experiencing shouting and 60% enduring swearing.A new legal framework makes it an aggravated offence to assault retail staff, yet frustrations persist.A recent survey by the Institute of Customer Service (ICS) highlights a concerning trend in the retail sector; 44% of customer service staff are considering leaving their…

Garmin, a name synonymous with fitness technology, offers more than just multisport behemoths. They have successfully expanded into lifestyle offerings, making their devices suitable for various fitness levels and everyday use.With an emphasis on durability, advanced navigational features, and robust battery life, Garmin watches are designed to withstand the elements while offering comprehensive training metrics. Here are five of the best Garmin watches that cater to both training and everyday life.The best Garmin for runnersGarmin’s Forerunner 265/265S offers a vibrant OLED display, a week’s worth of battery life, and dual-frequency GPS for better accuracy. The 42mm Forerunner 265S fits well…

The latest data from the Trussell Trust highlights a concerning increase in reliance on food banks across the UK.Nearly three million emergency food parcels were distributed from April 2022 to March 2023, a record high for the Trussell Trust.Over one million of these parcels were provided to children, marking a significant logistical and social challenge.Rising demand is driven by the UK’s cost of living crisis, pushing over 750,000 individuals to food banks for the first time.The Trussell Trust urges governmental intervention to adjust Universal Credit levels to meet basic living costs.In an unprecedented year for the Trussell Trust, nearly three…

Brakes has announced a price lock on 1,850 products until October, addressing inflation concerns.This decision provides stability for food businesses facing uncertainty from rising costs.Products affected include staple items and select frozen goods, crucial for many businesses.Chief Commercial Officer Paul Nieduszynski highlighted the aim for business peace of mind.Brakes joins other retailers like M&S and Tesco in their price lock initiatives.Brakes, a leading wholesale foodservice supplier, has introduced a significant measure to counteract the effects of rising food inflation by freezing prices on 1,850 of its own-brand products. This initiative, which will remain in place until October 2023, is designed…

A significant majority of the UK population plans to engage in local street celebrations for the King’s Coronation this May.Recent findings indicate that 63% of Brits will partake in these community events, revealing a strong national interest.Younger demographics, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are leading the participation rates in these festivities.Despite the financial demands of hosting, a considerable number of residents are willing to attend and contribute financially to the events.Traditional British foods, alongside modern choices, are set to be featured prominently at these celebrations.Recent research highlights that over two-thirds of UK residents, precisely 63%, intend to attend local street…

Aldi is now offering Prime Hydration drinks with new flavours, reflecting high demand.The popular drink from social media figures KSI and Logan Paul hits Aldi shelves across the UK.Limited supplies and a purchase cap highlight the drink’s exclusive nature as a ‘Specialbuy’.Prime Hydration includes electrolytes, B vitamins, and has minimal calories.Aldi presents six flavours, including Limited Edition varieties, to its customers.Aldi has responded to the growing demand for Prime Hydration by stocking new flavours of the energy drink. Developed by social media influencers KSI and Logan Paul, this drink has garnered significant attention, driving its availability in Aldi stores across…

Iceland launches a ‘Local’ convenience store format, partnering with SGN Retail.The first store is located on a Texaco forecourt in Wolverhampton featuring a streamlined shopping experience.The store integrates Costcutter for chilled and ambient products while Iceland provides frozen ranges.Iceland plans further expansion of this innovative retail format.This marks Iceland’s second venture into the convenience sector after its Swift model.Iceland has embarked on an innovative retail journey by introducing a ‘Local’ convenience store format, marking a substantial collaboration with forecourt operator SGN Retail. The initiative, inaugurated on 31 March at a Texaco garage in Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, signifies a strategic expansion…