Latest Retail Insight, News, Information & Articles from all top sources for the Internet.

Swiggy’s ultra delivery service Instamart has crossed 2 million transacting orders, the delivery platform confirmed in an Instagram post. Instamart that specializes to deliver the grocery items in 15- 30 minutes. The pilot service was launched last year, 2020 in Gurugram and Benglauru. The food-tech startup has started to expand in the 17 cities, amid […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/31hBcNa via IFTTT

Whether you prefer your Christmas adverts to feature aliens, carrots or Santa with a Covid pass, for many of us, retailers’ Christmas ads are a green light to get the decorations down from the loft; the festive season can get started in earnest. It hasn’t always been this way. John Lewis – traditionally held up as the pioneer of the Christmas ad campaign – first used its seasonal advertising to tell a story (rather than plugging product) in 2011, with The Long Wait . The story, which featured a little boy impatiently waiting to give a gift to his parents on Christmas morning, moved a nation to tears with its tagline: “For gifts you can’t wait to give”. It didn’t take long for others to follow suit, and it has been suggested that retailers have become victims of their own success as the continual need to outdo last year’s efforts (and of course each other), has seen festive ads snowball into a true cultural phenomenon. Christmas adverts allow retailers to reach consumers in a diffe

// A host of major fashion retailers have brought forward their final online order dates for Christmas 2021 // P arcelHero warned that existing deadlines were too optimistic, given driver shortages, port delays and supply chain problems. A host of fashion retailers have brought forward final online order dates for Christmas delivery as supply chain problems continue to bite, according to ParcelHero. The company had warned that many retailer’s delivery dates were too optimistic given ongoing driver shortages, port delays , weather and other supply chain issues. Closer-to-the-deadline delivery has been a key trend in recent years, but amid the ongoing supply chain crisis currently affecting the UK retail sector, big name brands are playing it safe this year to avoid customer complaints. READ MORE: Asos dealing with supply chain issues as Christmas nears Gap cuts outlook for 2021 as sales suffer amid supply chain disruptions “Delivery issues are already biting,” said ParcelH

// The government will ban multi-buy promotions on foods high in fat, salt and sugar from October 2022 // This was originally scheduled for April next year. Major grocers have been accused of “undermining progress” after a survey showed almost all wanted to delay junk food reforms. The government will ban multi-buy promotions on foods high in fat, salt and sugar from October 2022. This was originally scheduled for April next year, but was pushed back by what critics labelled a “huge industry lobbying attempt” . Read the full story here.  Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter The post EXCLUSIVE: Supermarkets ‘undermining’ healthy food reforms appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/3d9XjaZ via IFTTT

// Sosandar half-year revenue reaches £12.2m thanks to growth strategy // The retailer said it made sustained progress against all elements of its growth strategy Sosandar has recorded a 184 per cent rise in half-year revenues as it implemented its growth strategy. The womenswear retailer saw revenues reach £12.2 million in the six months to September 30. The company said its EBITDA loss improved to £990,000 against a comparative period in the prior year where spending was significantly reduced in response to the pandemic. READ MORE: Sosandar sales rise thanks to M&S and John Lewis partnerships Sosandar said it made sustained progress against all elements of its growth strategy in the six months, including cultivating partnerships, expanding its product range and continuing to grow levels of customer engagement through marketing activity. The retailer’s revenue from October 1 to November 29, increased by 120 per cent compared with the same time last year as it witnesse

// Sainsbury’s CEO updates customers on new hygiene measures in stores // The grocer aims to keep customers and workers safe as the new Omicron variant spreads Sainsbury’s has announced new measures in stores to keep customers and colleagues safe, as the new Covid-19 Omicron variant spreads in the UK. The grocer’s chief executive Simon Roberts wrote in a letter to customers that everyone in England must wear a face covering when shopping or working in its stores, unless they are exempt. “Throughout the week we’ll be putting new signs and posters up in all of our stores and we will have greeters and security guards at the front of our supermarkets to support our colleagues as we help everyone get used to the new rules,” the letter wrote. READ MORE: Sainsbury’s at risk of pre-Christmas shortages if drivers strike Sainsbury’s said it will continue to “thoroughly clean trollies, baskets and checkouts”. As an extra precautionary measure, the retailer has increased the fresh air

// UK retailers and landlords have joined forces in a bid to make property greener as the country seeks to reduce carbon emissions // This moves is part of the BRC’s Climate Action Roadmap supported by over 75 retailers UK retailers and property owners have come together to reduce the carbon emissions associated with retail properties. The move is part of the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Climate Action Roadmap, which is supported by more than 75 major retailers and aims to ensure the sector, and its supply chains, are net zero by 2040, a decade ahead of the government’s target for the UK as a whole. The protocol calls on property owners to improve energy efficiency by working collaboratively and investing in improvements such as insulation, as well as making it easier to share data on energy use. READ MORE: John Lewis launches £1m sustainable innovation fund to tackle ‘throwaway’ culture It also asks them to support greater on-site generation of sustainable energy, exp

// Topps Tiles has bounced back to profit after delivering a record year of revenue // The retailer fared well despite three months of store closures at the beginning of the year amid the third Covid19 lockdown Topps Tiles has declared a record year of revenue despite lockdown restrictions earlier this year. In results for the 53 weeks ended October 2, the retailer posted retail like-for-like sales up 19.6 per cent and profit before tax of £14 million, up from a loss of £9.8 million for the same period last year. The retailer also delivered what it called a “record year of revenue”, up 18 per cent to £228 million, with adjusted retail like-for-like sales up 20 per cent. READ MORE: Pandemic DIY boom boosts Topps Tiles sales “We believe this performance underlines the strength of our strategy and the success of new initiatives including the expansion of our value ranges and the introduction of innovative new products,” said chief executive Rob Parker. Topps Tiles finished th

// JD Sports Fashion appoints former Amazon executive Mahbobeh Sabetnia as non-executive director // Heather Jackson has stepped down as a non-executive director after more than six years on its board JD Sports Fashion has appointed former Amazon executive Mahbobeh Sabetnia as non-executive director as it continues to refresh its board line-up. The move comes after Heather Jackson stepped down from her position as non-executive director, after more than six years on the board of the sports and fashion plc. Sabetnia has been described as “ a strategic and results driven executive with significant digital transformation experience across various sectors”. READ MORE: JD Sports expresses fury over CMA’s final ruling to sell Footasylum JD Sports hits back at claims that car park meeting with Footasylum boss broke… She has a significant track record delivering digital growth in global organisations and has held executive roles withinAmazon, McDonald’s, HSBC and, most recently,

// Inditex has appointed Marta Ortega as its new chairwoman, and Óscar García Maceiras as its new chief executive officer // Until now, Maceiras had been general counsel of Inditex and secretary of the board Zara’s parent Inditex has announced that Marta Ortega, the daughter of its founder, will take over as chairwoman of the group in April with a new chief executive, as a last step of a generational handover started a decade ago. She will replace Pablo Isla, who took over from her father Amancio Ortega in 2011 as chairman. Isla had been deputy chairman since 2005, the company said. READ MORE: Amazon, Inditex and Ikea pledge zero-carbon shipping by 2040 Oscar Garcia Maceiras, who had become the company’s general counsel and secretary of the board in March, will support Marta Ortega as chief executive, replacing Carlos Crespo, who took the post two years ago. The company pointed to his “extensive experience in corporate and team management,” and said he led transformation p

// Pret A Manger will be trialling its first ever loyalty programme called ‘Pret Perks’ // The more customers shop at Pret, the more the reward redemptions will be tailored to their preferences Pret A Manger is trialling its first loyalty programme as part of the next phase of its omnichannel transformation. The highly anticipated scheme will be rolled out in phases to loyal Pret customers, with Pret Coffee Subscribers getting early access to the loyalty programme as part of its beta testing. From November 30,  Pret Coffee subscription customers will be able to access the programme through their Pret A Manger digital accounts on the company’s app or website by using their existing coffee subscription permanent QR code. READ MORE: Pret A Manger sales reach pre-pandemic levels for first time Pret Perks users will earn a star every time they shop or use the company’s click & collect service. In addition to this, Pret Coffee subscribers will earn a star for every month the

//  Etsy is ‘slapping its small sellers in the face’ thanks to its new ‘Star Seller’ program, according to some merchants. //  The Star Seller program was implemented in September to highlight shops that hit important or championed customer-service metrics. The program makes sure that certain Etsy merchants are rewarded with a special ‘badge’ and increased visibility across the site. However, a number of merchants are saying that the prerequisites are too tough to meet, especially since a large number of shops are operated by a single person. Read the full story here Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter The post Etsy is ‘slapping small sellers in the face’, merchants claim appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/3o5mnGs via IFTTT

// M&S outlines plans to buy more high-end garments from Bangladesh // The retailer has committed to suppliers and will diversify products // Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president, Faruque Hassan called for signing free trade agreements M&S has revealed plans to purchase more high-end garments from Bangladesh as it commits to diversifying its products. The retailer’s country manager, Shwapna Bhowmick said M&S currently buys over £1 billion worth of garment items from Bangladesh each year – making it the largest sourcing destination for apparel items for M&S. The company wanted to buy more garment items from Bangladesh because of the commitments of the suppliers and the diversification of products. READ MORE: M&S partners with Wonderbra for lingerie lift “We are no longer interested in basic garments,” Bhowmick said. Speaking at a session on the garment industry at the International Investment Summit organised by the Bang

// Thomas Pink relaunches website with “a new look and offer” // The retailer closed its website last year after its owner LVMH was trying to sell the business Thomas Pink has relaunched its website with “a new look and offer” under creative director Dean Gomilsek-Cole. The fashion retailer called the relaunch an “exciting new era of Thomas Pink”. Thomas Pink said “English shirting from the heart of London for life in the 21st Century” is back as a pureplay digital store. READ MORE: Thomas Pink to return after former JD Sports executive acquires brand The shirtmaker’s website sells shirts, ties, socks and pocket squares with prices ranging from £18 to £175. Gomilsek-Cole will develop the “exciting new era, reimagining a beloved brand”. A music-themed promotional campaign, Pink People, is being led by musician Reuben James. The retailer closed its website last year after its owner LVMH was trying to sell the business it bought in 1999 for around £41.6 million. Thomas Pin

// Boots attracts criticism for “Black Friday deal” on the morning after pill // Women MPs called on the retailer to permanently reduce the price // Boots reduced its Levonorgestrel medication from £15.99 to £8 for the weekend Women MPs have reportedly called on Boots to permanently reduce the price of the morning after pill. The MPs said pharmacies were implementing “a sexist surcharge” on emergency contraceptives. Boots was offering a half price “Black Friday deal” on the morning after pill, which attracted a lot of criticism. READ MORE: Boots sales driven by pharmacy demand The health and beauty retailer reduced its Levonorgestrel medication from £15.99 to £8 for the weekend. In a letter written by Dame Diana Johnson and signed by 26 Labour MPs – including Diane Abbott, Stella Creasey and Rosena Allin-Khan – the group asked Boots to keep the lower price, Evening Standard reported. The group also said that the reduced price is still more expensive than purchasing the

The e-commerce giant Amazon has decided to infuse a fresh capital of Rs 650 crores into one of India’s subsidiary units Amazon Wholesale, according to the regulatory documents. The Amazon Corporate Holdings Private Limited has made the 650 crore investment, in the wholesale arm of the B2B business arm of Amazon India, documents filed with […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/3I4IWD8 via IFTTT

// Asda sales drop in third quarter as it ensures shoppers of good availability // From July 1 to September 30, like-for-like sales fell 0.7% to £4.9bn // Demand for online delivery “softened slightly” during the period Asda has reported that its like-for-like sales in the third quarter have dropped as the grocer attempts to ensure customers of good availability ahead of Christmas. For the period from July 1 to September 30, like-for-like sales fell 0.7 per cent to £4.9 billion excluding fuel. The grocer said sales were down compared to the same period last year because “sales were boosted by the ongoing social distancing restrictions, which resulted in more meals being consumed at home”. READ MORE: Issa brothers to consider merging Asda and EG Group On a two-year basis, Asda sales were up two per cent overall and food sales were up 3.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. The grocer also noted that demand for online delivery “softened slightly” during the perio

While the retail sector has slowly but surely begun on its post-pandemic recovery despite rising Covid rates, there have been concerns that more needs to be done to curb the spread of the virus as Brits socialise in crowds, often going mask-less in Christmas markets and shopping destinations. Following yesterday’s news that three cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus have been detected in the UK, the Prime Minister announced that face coverings are now compulsory in shops from tomorrow (Tuesday November 30). Speaking at Downing Street on Saturday evening, Boris Johnson said: “On face coverings, what we’re looking at is retail and transport, just going back to a position where you have to wear them in retail settings or on public transport.” The British Retail Consortium, which represents the retail industry, said it is up to the police to enforce the measure – but should retailers be doing more to protect both their staff and shoppers? Colm Moran, operations manager b

//  Yango Deli is offering London residents the option to purchase a Christmas tree // The aim is for the trees to be to be delivered within 15 minutes Yango Deli is offering London residents the option to purchase a Christmas tree and have it delivered within 15 minutes, alongside its normal menu of groceries. The Norway Spruce trees are around 5ft in height, according to the rapid grocery delivery brand, which is the offshoot of Russian tech giant Yandex . Read the full story here Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter The post Yango Deli to offer Londoners Christmas tree delivery within 15 minutes appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/2ZyaQpJ via IFTTT

// Retailers express fears that shopworkers will face abuse over reintroduction of compulsory face masks in shops // Masks will be compulsory in shops and on public transport in England from November 30 New research has found that retailers are deeply worried that their shopworkers will face abuse over the reintroduction of compulsory face masks in shops. Health secretary Sajid Javid confirmed over the weekend that masks will be compulsory in shops and on public transport in England from November 30. The new rules have been implemented in response to the new Omicron coronavirus variant. READ MORE: Face masks in shops mandatory from Tuesday amid Omicron fears The ACS has found that retailers have expressed concerns over the reintroduction of face masks and said they will not challenge rule flouters. “We are helping retailers to prepare for the change in face covering rules, but they are extremely concerned about abuse against their staff from customers who don’t want to wea

// Sainsbury’s has become the latest grocery retailer to open a checkout-free store //   The new SmartShop Pick & Go format is built around Amazon’s “just walk out” technology. Sainsbury’s has become the latest grocery retailer to open a SmartShop checkout-free store, after months of speculation. The store is situated just yards away from similar stores Amazon Fresh and Tesco GetGo, in the cashierless supermarket hub of Holborn. Read the full story here Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter The post Sainsbury’s opens first checkout-free store powered by Amazon tech appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/313wwuR via IFTTT

// Aldi customers will be required to wear a face mask when visiting stores across the UK, unless medically exempt. // This rule will come into effect from tomorrow Aldi has announced that all customers will be required to wear a face mask when visiting its stores across the UK unless medically exempt. This rule will come into effect from tomorrow (30 November) as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the re-introduction of face masks as a result of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron, branded as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organisation. Read the full story here.  Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette’s free daily email newsletter The post Aldi reintroduces face masks amid Covid Omicron variant appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/3EghYWM via IFTTT

// Footfall across UK high streets declined on Black Friday by 0.5 per cent // Shopping centres and retail parks showed an increase in footfall // Previous figures typically show a rise in high street traffic of around 17.3 per cent Black Friday footfall on the British high street has dropped for the first time in history, as shoppers favour shopping centres and retail parks. According to retail experts Springboard, footfall across UK high streets declined on Black Friday itself by 0.5 per cent, the first drop since the shopping event started in the UK. The latest insight reveals that other retail destinations saw more success, with footfall strengthening significantly against the week before in shopping centres by 17.9 per cent and in retail parks, by 11.4 per cent . The week leading up to Black Friday told a similar story, with high street traffic down by 1.5 per cent week-on-week, while shopping centre and retail park footfall increased by 6.5 per cent and 4.9 per cent re

// Joe Browns officially unveils its first own label kidswear range in time for Christmas // The ‘Mini Me’ range comprises of 12 items for four to ten year olds Fashion retailer Joe Browns has launched its first childrenswear offering with a trial capsule collection of graphic t-shirts. Priced from £12, the ‘Mini Me’ range comprises 12 items for four to ten year olds, with six options for boys and the same for girls. Each piece is designed with a unique stand out print and bold colours and with Christmas just around the corner three of the prints feature a festive theme with Christmas trees, reindeers, and stags. READ MORE: Reiss launches its first childrenswear collection Joe Browns buying director Jane Reik said: “Our unique, fun, handwriting, that takes its cue from a group of friends laughing, joking and being carefree sits perfectly with what both parents and children alike are looking for when it comes to their wardrobe.” Joe Browns has recently announced that it is

//  Meta’s acquisition of online gif generator platform Giphy is expected to be blocked by the UK’s competition watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). //  The expected obstruction would be the first time the CMA has put a stop to a deal put forward by a Big Tech. Read the full story here The post CMA expected to block Meta acquisition of Giphy appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/3D7WH05 via IFTTT

// Aldi is trialling its first deposit return scheme at its Bathgate store in West Lothian, Scotland // As part of the trial, Aldi will gather key insights in preparation for Scotland’s deposit return scheme Aldi is piloting a first deposit return scheme at its Bathgate store in Scotland’s West Lothian. This will allow shoppers to return bottles and cans in exchange for a voucher to be redeemed against their shopping. Customers can return single-use PET plastic or glass bottles from 50ml up to three litres, as well as aluminium drinks cans, these can then be deposited in a reverse vending machine in the store’s car park. READ MORE: Aldi offers click-and-collect on Christmas groceries Aldi extends store opening hours for Christmas For each item deposited, customers will receive 10p in the form of a voucher, up to a maximum of £5. As part of the trial, Aldi will also gather key insights in preparation for Scotland’s deposit return scheme, which is set to launch in July

// Iceland’s managing director has said his staff won’t be “policing” shoppers when it comes to wearing a mask inside a store. // Richard Walker said those working on the shop floors could not be asked to intervene if they spot someone shopping and not wearing a mask. The boss of Iceland, Richard Walker has said that staff will not be forcing shoppers to wear masks, despite them being made compulsory in shops from Tuesday as part of new Covid-19 rules. The chain’s managing director said that Iceland would instead be focusing on the “long-term recovering of the high street.” Brits could face fines of £200 for refusing to wear a mask when required, which could rise to £400 for a second infraction and £800 for a third. READ MORE: Face masks in shops mandatory from Tuesday amid Omicron fears Walker said staff on the shop floor should not be asked to intervene when they spot someone without a mask and that Iceland staff would not be policing the policy in their stores. He told

// The Silverburn shopping centre is reported to be worth around £140 million // Hammerson is focusing on selling non-core parts of its real estate portfolio Retail property giant Hammerson is currently in talks regarding the sale of the Silverburn shopping centre near Glasgow for around £140 million. Silverburn, based in Pollok, Glasgow, was originally bought by Hammerson – which also owns Birmingham’s famous Bullring – for around £300 million in 2009. As an owner and developer of retail destinations, Hammerson has been weighed down by dwindling valuations for its properties in recent years. The group told investors in August that its short-term priority was to focus on selling non-core parts of its real estate portfolio, saying that any sale would help to strengthen its balance and enable it to “recycle capital for investment”. READ MORE: Hammerson posts “significant” improvement in rent collection In a statement, Hammerson said: “There can be no certainty that a transac

// Black Friday spending volumes exceeded those of both 2020 and the pre-pandemic shopping day in 2019 // Data from Barclaycard showed sales volumes increased by 2.4% compared with Black Friday in 2019 Black Friday spending volumes surpassed those of both 2020 and the pre-pandemic shopping day in 2019, Barclaycard revealed. The payments giant, which processes nearly £1 in every £3 spent in the UK, said that as of 17:30 on Friday, it had seen a 23 per cent increase in the volume of payments compared to the same period on Black Friday last year nd a 2.4 per cent increase on a two-year comparison. It came after the company kicked off the day with a noticeable uplift online too. It had earlier said that between 00:01 and 09:00, data showed a 5.4 per cent rise on 2019, and a 21.4 per cent increase on 2020. READ MORE: Extinction Rebellion takes aim at Amazon warehouses for Black Friday blockade There had been various spending predictions but also a lot of uncertainty before the d

// McColl’s Retail Group agrees terms with Morrisons to extend the number of Morrisons Daily conversions from 350 to 450 stores // McColl’s said Morrisons will provide an increased level of support due to the expanded number of stores. McColl’s is set to extend its partnership with Morrisons by rolling out the Morrisons Daily convenience fascia to a further 100 shops. The convenience specialist had previously planned to convert 350 of its shops into the Morrisons Daily format, but will now increase that number to 450 under a new agreement with the supermarket giant. McColl’s expects to complete the conversions by the end of November 2022 – the same timeframe it had mapped out for its previous target of 350 stores. READ MORE: McColl’s beats target to launch 100th Morrisons Daily store McColl’s readies £30m equity raise to boost Morrisons partnership McColl’s said Morrisons will provide an increased level of support due to the expanded number of stores. Morrisons Daily st

// Face masks to again become mandatory in shops and on public transport // The Prime Minister announced the move in the face of the new Omicron coronavirus variant In an announcement on Saturday evening, prime minister Boris Johnson said wearing face masks will become mandatory in all shops, and on public transport, in England. Boris Johnson confirmed the move in a press conference called after two cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus were detected in the UK. The rules surrounding face masks were relaxed in England in July. READ MORE: 64% adults will keep wearing face masks in shops – ONS Face masks should remain compulsory in shops, Usdaw says The Prime Minister said hospitality will be exempt from the rule change, and further details will be outlined by the Health Secretary “in the course of the next day or so”. Speaking at Downing Street on Saturday evening, he said: “On face coverings, what we’re looking at is retail and transport, just going back to a

// Peloton sued Lululemon after the athletic apparel retailer threatened its own lawsuit over the exercise bike // Peloton has asked a federal court to declare that its line of athletic apparel doesn’t infringe upon Lululemon’s designs Peloton has sued Lululemon after the athletic apparel maker threatened its own lawsuit over the exercise bike company’s new apparel line. The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court on Wednesday night, 2-1/2 months after Peloton launched its apparel brand following the end of its five-year co-branding relationship with Lululemon, a break Peloton called amicable. Peloton said Lululemon’s claims that five of its women’s bra and legging products – Strappy Bra, High Neck Bra, Cadent Peak Bra, Cadent Laser Dot Bra and Cadent Laser Dot Leggings – infringed six Lululemon design patents “lack any merit.” READ MORE: Sales surge at Lululemon as demand for workout gear continues The apparel line could help New York-based Peloton rely less on its