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Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal first reported that Amazon was planning to open department stores after years of taking the competition online with the very same traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. The news came after Amazon eclipsed Walmart in overall sales to become the largest retailer outside of China. And although the online giant already operates physical retail stores, including its cashless convenience stores AmazonGo, it is now set to make a mark on the department store sector. Eleonora Pantano, retail expect and marketing lecturer at the University of Bristol, explained what could have prompted this venture. “Amazon certainly identified an opportunity to expand its channels for shopping,” she told Retail Gazette. “Limiting the retail opportunity to the digital/online channel would miss the potential offered by the in-person/physical shopping experience.” Pantano added that while many units in city centres remain empty post pandemic, and retailers, polic...

// Jollyes is set to accelerate growth by opening up to 20 new stores over the next 18 months through new leases and the acquisition of smaller retailers // During the year the pet retailer saw its customer visits rise by 13% Pet retailer Jollyes has unveiled plans to accelerate growth by opening up to 20 new stores over the next 18 months. After experiencing significant growth over the past two years, its latest news will create over 150 jobs for those wanting to work with animals. Jollyes is also planning new investment in its product ranges, marketing and colleagues as it reinforces its position as ‘The Pet People’ through the in-depth expertise of its team who can offer advice on anything pet-related. In its most recent quarter, which ended on the August 29, Jollyes delivered 21 per cent like-for-like growth compared to the same period in 2019. All regions across the UK have seen double digit growth with a particularly exceptional performance in Northern Ireland. For the...

// The US investment giant T Rowe Price becomes the third-largest shareholder in Boohoo Group // The group has acquired a 10% stake in the fast-fashion giant The US investment giant T. Rowe Price has taken a 10 per cent stake in the online fashion retailer Boohoo to become one of its largest shareholders. The firm already has a major stake of more than 11 per cent in Asos which acquired the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge brands at the start of the year. According to Boohoo’s website, T. Rowe Price’s latest investment makes it the third largest shareholder in the Manchester-headquartered group behind Jupiter Fund Management in second and founder and co chief executive Mahmud Abdullah Kamani in first place. READ MORE: Boohoo’s John Lyttle defends decision not to step down despite ongoing controversies The stake purchase is a vote of confidence in Boohoo that has seen its shares proving very volatile in the past year. As of July this year, a total of 24.8 per cent of shares ...

// Hotter Shoes appoints a new chief financial officer and head of product for the business //  The appointments are set to help the retailer push forward with its continued focus on digital-first growth The UK’s biggest footwear manufacturer Hotter Shoes has appointed a new head of product and chief financial officer. Antonia Jones has been announced as Hotter Shoes’ head of product and Dan Lampard has been appointed as the brand’s CFO. Lampard joins from Dutch performance nutrition brand Glanbia Performance Nutrition where he was CFO from November 2019 to August 2021. READ MORE: Sales surge at Hotter Shoes Prior to this, Dan was the UK finance director at the electrical retailer AO, and held a number of senior finance and commercial roles at Manchester Airports Group over six year period. Meanwhile, Jones was footwear development manager at footwear brand Redfoot Shoes from September 2019 to March 2020. She also held a number of roles at Adidas over a 15 year period a...

// Springboard reports footfall in UK retail destinations rose by 4.9% last week from the week before // Comparing footfall to the same week in 2020, the number of shopper visits was 14.2% higher overall Footfall in UK retail destinations increased by 4.9 per cent last week from the prior seven day period. The latest data from Springboard revealed that high streets and shopping centres fared the best with respective uplifts of 6.9 per cent and 4.8 per cent. Meanwhile, retail parks saw a more modest rise of 0.8 per cent. Footfall across all retail destinations rose by an average of 3.9 per cent from Sunday to Friday from the week before, however this rose to 8.2 per cent over the August bank holiday weekend as shoppers made the most of the long weekend ahead of back to school this week. READ MORE: UK footfall drops as wet weather dampens demand Despite the bank holiday weekend uplift in footfall, there was a sharp dip of 11.7 per cent on bank holiday Monday. A large proporti...

Since launching its first outlet in the year 2000 inside a Gurgaon condominium at a time when modern trade food and grocery stores were nowhere on the retail horizons of the Millennium city, needs supermarket has grown to add 26 large, medium and small stores to its kitty, clocking an admirable run rate on various […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/38rxZLl via IFTTT

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// Major supermarkets have begun early negotiations with contractors over removing plastic screens // After Freedom Day, Pret a Manger was the first company to remove screens Retail bosses have begun preparations to remove the plastic screens installed at tills as the UK hopes to return to normal shopping. According to industry sources, major supermarkets and non-food merchants have begun preliminary negotiations with contractors about how and when they might be removed. One alternative being investigated is a programme to recycle the screens in bulk and recoup part of the costs associated with their purchase at the start of the pandemic. READ MORE: Asda to offer £10 vouchers to vaccinated 18-30 year-olds Supermarkets spent hundreds of millions of pounds on measures such as screens, antibacterial gel and extra staff at the doors. The costs were cited by some retailers, including Iceland and Waitrose, as a reason not to pay back the business rates relief even as fo...

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// Nike is giving its head office staff a week’s break to focus on mental health // Nike senior manager of global marketing science Matt Marrazzo told staff “do not work” Staff at Nike’s corporate headquarters in Oregon have been given a week off to support their mental health, ahead of the return to the office in September. The sportswear retailer said workers at its headquarters would be “powering down” until Friday, with senior leaders encouraging staff to ignore all work responsibilities to aid their mental health. “Take the time to unwind, destress and spend time with your loved ones. Do not work,” the Nike senior manager of global marketing science, Matt Marrazzo, said in an open message to staff posted on LinkedIn. READ MORE: Nike and JD launch UK’s first augmented reality try-on campaign via TikTok “In a year (or two) unlike any other, taking time for rest and recovery is key to performing well and staying sane.” He acknowledged that “this past year has been rough”,...

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Recently FMCG giant, CavinKare has openly expressed that they are eyeing revenue of Rs. 5,000 crores and is restructuring business under its 2.0 initiative to garner this growth in the next three years. The Chennai-based company has presence in segments such as dairy, salons and hospitals for animals. “We’d like to bring in a new […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/3DwvTIv via IFTTT

Amazon India, announced their plans to host a Karigar Mela on its platform. The e-commerce giant has partnered with Tribes India, which will feature a dedicated storefront for traditional tribal and local Indian handicrafts artists. As a part of this initiative, customers will be able to access and shop a selection of over 1.2 lakh […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/38qklIi via IFTTT

// Abercrombie & Fitch appoints Michael Lopez as senior vice president of environmental, social and governance // Lopez will be responsible for leading the fashion retailer’s sustainability, community giving, and inclusion and diversity functions Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has appointed Michael Lopez to the newly created role of senior vice president for environmental, social and governance. In his new position, he will be responsible for leading the fashion retailer’s sustainability, community giving, and inclusion and diversity functions as the company looks to embed its ESG strategy into its business operations. He will also report directly to Abercrombie’s chief human resources officer, Holly May, and will also become a member of the company’s executive steering committee. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. chief executive Fran Horowitz said: “We are thrilled to welcome Michael to Abercrombie & Fitch Co. His proven experience across ESG functions will be vital as we look ...

// Marks & Spencer no longer sells men’s suits in more than half of its 254 ‘bigger’ stores // The move was made as the pandemic has hit sales of formal clothing M&S has stopped stocking suits across more than half of its 245 larger-format stores as the retailer responds to the rise in demand for more casual clothing. According to  The Sunday Times , just 110 of the chain’s 254 locations still have suits on the rails. They reported findings, from data analytics company Kantar, who discovered that two million men’s suits were purchased in the UK in the past year, compared to 4.3 million five years ago. READ MORE: Marks & Spencer to announce six guest brands The trend has been attributed to a rise in both men and women dressing more casually for their jobs, something supercharged by the pandemic-induced shift to remote working. M&S themselves released sales figures showing that formalwear had dropped by 15 per cent online, and 72 per cent in stores, in th...

// Hamleys at Liverpool One has upsized to a 3,000 sq ft space at 35 South John Street // The store will stock games, puzzles as well as exclusive collections Hamleys at Liverpool one has relocated to a new larger store within the shopping destination after a successful year of trading. The heritage toy retailer has recommitted to Liverpool One by upsizing to a 3,000 sq ft space at 35 South John Street from where it will sell a range of games, puzzles, arts and crafts, as well as its own exclusive collections.  Sumeet Yadav, chief executive of global retail business at Reliance Brands, said:  “For Hamleys, the last 12 months at Liverpool One have been magical! It’s wonderful seeing all the smiling faces of families on their trip to the store.” READ MORE: Hamleys opens new state of the art gaming department “Now we have an exciting opportunity in a new location to continue spreading the joy, in a way that only Hamleys can and we are looking forward to see the little...

// The Zalando Designer category has signed over 50 labels this year // From next month the retailer will be partnering with international designer platform Not Just A Label Zalando is pushing ahead with an expansion of its luxury category as it looks to establish its online fashion and lifestyle platform as a “credible, fresh and inclusive partner ” for luxury and designer brands. This year, the fashion platform has welcomed more than 50 new luxury goods brands, including Missoni, Christopher Kane, 032C and Mansur Gavriel within its Zalando Designer category. Alongside the new brands on the platform, Zalando will, from September onwards, also be collaborating with the international designer platform Not Just A Labe (NJAL), founded in 2008. READ MORE: Zalando & Sephora create online beauty experience NJAL gives designers the chance to present their work to a global audience and will, in future, bring various emerging brands from differe...

Every retailer gets one question in their mind that ‘Is it the end of the road for brick and mortar retail business’? As we can see, traditional brick-and-mortar retailers have no chance of surviving the onslaught from the e-commerce industry . The only way through which brick and mortar businesses can be survived if they […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/3n0QpeH via IFTTT

Albinder Dhindsa, CEO, of e-grocery startup Grofers took to a micro-blogging platform after getting criticized for the brand’s 10 minutes delivery express services. The netizens got furious after a news analysing the real conditions of delivery partners and how they put their life at risk for faster deliveries, came out.  Responding to the criticism, Dhindsa […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/3gGxWQf via IFTTT

Indians have been facing a lot of problems with clothes fittings, as there is no definite Indian standard size. Additionally, the Indian e-commerce sector is booming ahead of the pandemic but the enquiries related to return of the apparel is increasing due to fitting issues. To counter this problem at the grassroot level, National Institute […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/3ysptGC via IFTTT

Hitachi Air Conditioning India, manufacturer of India’s one of the largest selling air-conditioner brand ‘Hitachi Cooling and Heating’ today announced its aggressive expansion plans to capture the promising residential and commercial air conditioning market in Gujarat. Hitachi has plans to set new benchmarks for the rising Light commercial air conditioning segment by taking the Brand […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/3kQTzir via IFTTT

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, has strengthened its supply chain network in Karnataka with the addition of three new facilities ahead of the upcoming festive season. These new fulfilment centres will help create deeper capabilities to support thousands of sellers, MSMEs, small farmers from the state to cater to the growing customer demand, create more […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/3mJDAVY via IFTTT

// Sainsbury’s in in advanced talks to offload its banking arm to Centerbridge Partners // The potential agreement is thought to be within weeks // Sainsbury’s Bank offers products such as credit cards and home insurance to around two million users Sainsbury’s is in advanced talks to offload its banking arm to US private equity firm Centerbridge Partners in a deal that could value the lender at £200 million. The potential agreement between the Edinburgh-based bank, which employs over 1500 people and the Big 4 grocer is thought to be within weeks, but could still fall apart, Sky News reports. The move comes nearly a year after Sainsbury’s kicked off an auction of the banking division, after the grocer’s chief executive officer, Simon Roberts, looked for ways to boost returns. READ MORE: Sainsbury’s Bank chairman Roger Davis steps down Sainsbury’s shares surge amid US takeover rumours Sainsbury’s ends advertising with GB News In the year February 2021, Sainsbury’s Bank...

Amway has partnered with Sri Sri Tatva in order to expand the brand’s Ayurveda portfolio, as Ayurveda is getting a boom in the healthcare sector. Amway is all ready to provide innovative formats that will lead people live Ayurveda way of life, according to the official statement released by the company. Arvind Varchaswi, Managing Director […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/38lnGIC via IFTTT

// Issa brothers are planning to open over 300 Asda convenience stores across their EG Group estate // The roll out follows a trial of five “Asda on the Move” sites // The move follows McColl’s currently converting hundreds of its sites to Morrisons Daily formats. The billionaire Issa brothers are set to make their mark as Asda’s new owners by reportedly planning to open over 300 Asda convenience stores across their EG Group estate. According to The Sunday Times , Mohsin and Zuber Issa are planning to roll out “Asda on the Move” stores to 400 UK forecourts, following a successful trial of five of these sites. The brothers acquired the Big 4 grocer last year with private equity firm TDR Capital after Walmart agreed to a £6.8 billion sale. READ MORE: Former M&S boss Stuart Rose might be the next Asda chair Confirmed: Walmart agrees £6.8bn sale of Asda to Issa brothers & TDR Capital Morrisons to re-enter FTSE 100 as bid speculation sends shares skyrocketing Under...

// Industry bosses warn of how “insane” price hikes in shipping tariffs around the world are “killing” their trade // Maersk and Cosco have been accused of being responsible for the tenfold price increases seen this year // Retailers have warned the delays will also mean a lack of stock on the shelves over the winter period. The government must make forcing companies to lower shipping costs for UK businesses a “top priority”, industry leaders have urged. Bosses of British toy businesses have spoken of how “insane” price hikes in shipping tariffs around the world are “killing” their trade, and pushing the price of products and gifts higher. Children’s toys are among items likely to be more expensive this Christmas. Industry bosses have warned that the situation looks set to worsen into next year if Boris Johnson and his cabinet do not intervene to put pressure on shipping companies to lower their prices. READ MORE: Government considers early review in bid to tackle HGV dri...

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The world’s biggest charity football match Soccer Aid for Unicef has announced that Primark is set to be a Principal Partner for its 2021 game. The match will take place on September 4 at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and will be broadcast live on ITV and STV. This is the second year that Primark has partnered with Soccer Aid for Unicef and is part of the retailer’s long-standing support for Unicef, which has seen the fashion retailer donate over £4.5 million since 2018. As part of its 2021 partnership, Primark customers will have the chance to show their support by donating in UK stores between August 20 and September 4. Primark will also provide suits from its formal range to be worn by the players on match day. Kem Cetinay, who scored a memorable goal in the 2019 match, will host a range of video content including crossbar and keepy-uppy challenges, as well as exclusive behind the scenes access. Primark will also be exclusively selling Primark for Soccer Aid merchandise ...

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// Jysk opens 24th UK store in Leeds // The Danish furniture retailer recently launched stores in Bury and Stockport Jysk has launched its 24th UK store in Leeds as its brand expansion plans “gains momentum”. The Danish furniture retailer recently launched stores in Bury and Stockport. The Leeds shop will sell its full range of Scandi-inspired furniture, homewares and sleep products. READ MORE: Jysk set for UK expansion with new employment campaign The new store is situated on the city’s Tulip Street’s South Retail Park. “Jysk stores are opening up left, right and centre now across the country as our brand expansion really gains momentum, and we’re so excited to be able to include Leeds in our ever-growing list of UK store locations,” Leeds store manager Dale Sykes said. “Leeds is a major retail hot spot and with our location being so close to the buzz of the city centre, we’re anticipating strong footfall into store from Leeds’ style-savvy shoppers.” Click here to s...

// As driver shortages continue, the government is considering moving up a review of its Shortage of Occupation list // Home Office officials are said to be blocking the review over concerns it could lead to other sectors demanding inclusion To address the issue of HGV driver shortages, the government is considering moving up a review of its Shortage of Occupation list, PA news reports. Following an exodus of drivers from EU countries who returned to their home countries amid the pandemic and stayed, supermarkets and suppliers are failing to meet demand. This is coupled with the health crisis bringing DVLA testing centres to a standstill, creating a huge backlog of drivers taking their HGV test. READ MORE: Shops could see Christmas shortages over driver issues – Tesco chairman Food shortages worst in my lifetime, says Co-op chief UK government rejects temporary EU visas to HGV drivers A review of the Shortage of Occupation list, which sets out jobs where overseas worker...

// Gap acquires Drapr, an e-commerce startup & online application allowing shoppers to try on clothing using 3D technology // The deal was brokered by Gap Inc’s strategic growth office Gap has announced it has acquired the e-commerce startup Drapr. The online application uses technology to allow shoppers to create 3D avatars and virtually try on clothing. Drapr was part of the Y Combinator class of Summer 2020 and was founded by David Pastewka, Will Drevno and Richard Berwick, who have collaborated on 3D technology for over a decade. “Most people either don’t know their exact measurements or are looking for a specific type of fit that numbers alone can’t tell them,” said David Pastewka. “Drapr has proven effective and we are excited about the impact we can have on customers at scale as part of the Gap Inc. family.” Gap chief growth transformation officer Sally Gilligan said: “Fit is the number one point of friction for customers and, through their advanced 3D technolo...

// The Hut Group was lent £151m by Warrington Council // The money is secured against assets including various commercial properties A local council has lent The Hut Group’s billionaire boss over £150 million after a string of property transactions ahead of the stock market flotation. Warrington Council made available £151 million of a £202 million loan facility to an investment company called Icon 3 Holdco, which is indirectly controlled by THG chief executive Matthew Moulding. The loan helped accommodate the construction of new properties for THG’s use during the company’s £5 billion stock market listing last September. READ MORE: The Hut Group buys online beauty retailer Cult for £275m The money was arranged by property firm CBRE, and is secured against assets including various commercial properties. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Many of THG’s freehold property assets have been transferred to companies controlled by Moulding through Guernsey-domiciled ...

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// Hawley Wharf at Camden Market has officially opened to the public // The 580,000sq ft canal-side development features retailers alongside dining and leisure brands Hawley Wharf at Camden Market has officially opened to the public, making it the latest mixed-use retail destination in London. Operated by property investment company LabTech, the 580,000sq ft canal-side development features retailers alongside dining and leisure brands with an focus on attracting experience-hungry consumers and tourists post-pandemic. LabTech said it was targeting footfall of 30 million visitors a year, which will be boosted by the millions of visitors that come to neighbouring Camden Market already. READ MORE: Coming soon: A new mixed retail scheme right next to Camden Markets Some of the shops already open include cult skatewear and lifestyle retailer Scum, vegan skincare retailer SknFed, with LabTech promising more to come. A host of dining brands have also opened at Hawley Wharf, alongs...

// In the three months to June 30, EG Group’s turnover soared 57.7% to $6.51bn (£4.74bn), while EBITDA rose 23.7% to $380m (£277m) // Grocery and merchandise profits in the quarter jumps 24% to $351m (£255.7m) // “Transition plans [are] under way to facilitate completion of the Asda forecourts business” into EG Group EG Group, the petrol forecourt giant run by new Asda owners the Issa brothers, has posted a surge in revenues and earnings. In the three months to June 30, turnover soared 57.7 per cent year-on-year to $6.51 billion (£4.74 billion), while EBITDA rose 23.7 per cent year-on-year to $380 million (£277 million). EG Group highlighted “continued resilience” in its grocery and merchandise arm with profits in the quarter jumping 24 per cent year-on-year to $351 million (£255.7 million). READ MORE:  EG Group profits smash £76m Former M&S boss Stuart Rose might be the next Asda chair Missguided clothing launches in 100 Asda stores EG Group’s foodservice bus...

A few days ago, bitcoin hit £36,000 – which marked a more than three month high as the cryptocurrency trend continues to rebound. The value of the entire cryptocurrency market stood above £2.3 trillion on Sunday, according to data from Coinmarketcap, while it crossed the $2 trillion mark for the first time since May earlier this month. As confidence continues to grow, more retailers across the world are beginning to accept different forms of cryptocurrency, from bitcoin to ethereum as payment for goods – some directly and other indirectly through third-party apps such as Bitpay. These are the retailers located in the UK where you can buy from using cryptocurrency: Phillipp Plein  Earlier this month Philipp Plein became the world’s first fashion company to accept payment in 15 different cryptocurrencies. Shopify The marketplace payments network accepts cryptocurrencies as a form of payment on its website, meaning that any merchant operating via a Shopify store can ac...