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

Asda’s new Just Essentials value range, which is set to launch next month, has sparked ire at Waitrose, which believes the branding and name is too similar to its own budget range Essential Waitrose. Waitrose has said it is “surprised” that Asda is launching an essentials range, and has sent a legal letter raising trademark concerns to its supermarket rival. Although an Asda spokesperson said “the word ‘essentials’ is a generic and commonly used term by retailers to describe their value product ranges”, it has yet to respond to Waitrose. This is not the only time that retailers have gone head-to-head in a legal battle. From intellectual property claims to patent infringement and CVA challenges, we break down some of the biggest retail legal feuds over recent years. Marks & Spencer v Aldi Marks & Spencer first began legal action against Aldi last year in an effort to protect its beloved Colin the Caterpillar cake, claiming that the discounter’s Cuthbert the Caterpil

// Landsec teams up with Completely Retail Marketplace to launch competition offering businesses chance to win pop-up space at one of its destinations // Brands which have yet to launch a physical store are being invited to convince judges that their business should occupy a pop-up space Landsec has launched a new competition to offer disruptive brands and start-ups the opportunity to win a pop-up space at one of its retail destinations. The property giant teamed up with Completely Retail Marketplace to launch the competition. Brands which have yet to launch a physical store are being invited to convince judges that their business should occupy a pop-up space. Free to enter, the competition will take place during CRMP at Old Billingsgate Market on 26 April and shortlisted candidates will present from the Soapbox Stage, which provides a platform for innovative new start-ups and brands. READ MORE: British Land and Landsec consider £800m asset swap Candidates will be asked to

// JYSK temporarily shut its entire Russian store network a month ago following the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, but has now said the closure will be permanent // The stores of the Danish chain will remain open on March 31 to sell off the remaining goods Amid Russia’s now month-long ongoing invasion of Ukraine, on March 3rd the Danish furniture and home furnishings chain JYSK announced it would be temporarily shuttering of all its stores in Russia. However, it has now clarified that the business had made the decision to withdraw irrevocably from the Russian market. According to the published announcement, chain’s stores will remain open on March 31 to sell the remaining goods and then JYSK’s stores in Russia will be closed irrevocably and the lease agreements will be terminated. READ MORE:   Jysk posts record results in UK & Ireland as homewares boom continues Can global brands justify still trading in Russia? Russian employees of the retailer will receive compensa

// H&M sales rise despite the retailer’s outlook remaining uncertain amid the war in Ukraine // “Sales and profits for the quarter were impacted by the negative effects of the pandemic in many of the group’s major markets,” H&M said in a statement H&M has seen sales increase during its first quarter as the effects of Covid-19 being to ease, while the closure of its Russian stores and the economic fallout from the ongoing war in Ukraine has made the retailer’s outlook more uncertain. Analysts polled by Refinitiv on average expect the world’s second-biggest fashion retailer to report a pre-tax profit of £85.4 million for its first quarter. Sales rose 6% in local currencies in March compared with 23% growth in the three months through February, but these were down 11% from two years earlier, before the pandemic hit. READ MORE: H&M to open first UK outlet store H&M sales grow 23% year on year in first quarter H&M launches first STEM programme in the

// High street footfall across the UK continues to lag behind pre-pandemic levels // International travel restrictions dampened the numbers of shoppers in central London hubs Oxford Street has struggled to return to its pre-pandemic levels of success with football down 46% on pre-Covid levels. Overall, high street footfall levels were down 23% in February as retailers brace for rising costs from April, according to an RSM analysis of data from Datscha, with the overall decline in footfall being the worst in London. Key shopping streets in major Northern cities are also suffering, with footfall on Manchester’s Market Street down 38%and Newcastle’s Northumberland Street down 37%. Footfall on Buchanan Street in Glasgow is also down 25 per cent. READ MORE: Retail footfall grows by over 2% thanks to warmer weather Retail reacts: Spring Statement fails to avert cost-of-living crisis Restrictions on international travel and testing requirements amid the height of the Covid-19

// Amazon has stopped packing products in single-use plastic delivery bags across its own distribution network in the UK // The move is the latest in a series of measures to optimise packaging for the products customers order most often Amazon has revealed it has stopped packing products in single-use plastic delivery bags in its own distribution network in the UK as it ramps up its sustainability drive. The online giant is also increasing the number of products it sells that can be shipped to customers in their original packaging provided by the manufacturer, rather than being placed inside an additional cardboard box – with only an address label added. The company said it has successfully switched single-use plastic bags to recyclable paper delivery bags and cardboard envelopes in the UK for orders shipped from Amazon’s Fulfilment Centres. The move is the latest in a series of measures to optimise packaging for the products customers order most often, which Amazon said h

Premium artisan café chain Third Wave Coffee has announced to open its flagship outlet in Mumbai, Lokhandwala, an official statement highlighted.   With this new cafe, the brand currently clocks a total of 43 cafes in India – 28 in Bengaluru, 11 in Delhi NCR, 2 in Mumbai, 1 each in Pune and Coonoor with plans […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/9xHOfAy via IFTTT

Green Building Certification Inc. (GBCI),India’s foremost authority on sustainability in building design, construction, and operation, has announced that it has awarded Oberoi Mall, located in Goregaon, Mumbai with the prestigious LEED V4.1 O+M (Operations and Maintenance) platinum certification. The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) is part of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that provides […] from Indiaretailing.com https://ift.tt/YyKI7ZT via IFTTT

Retail is changing, rapidly. Charged takes a closer look at the five retail technologies that will change the sector this year. SEE THE FULL STORY HERE Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter The post Five retail technologies that will shape the sector in 2022 appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/VM7CaTF via IFTTT

// Shop price rises reach 11-year high, with rising costs exacerbated by fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine // The BRC said shop prices rose by 2.1% in March for the fastest annual increase since September 2011 Retailers in the UK have increased their prices by the most in almost 11 years this month, according to a survey published that tallies with forecasts showing the country’s inflation rate is set to accelerate further. The latest British Retail Consortium (BRC)-Nielsen IQ Shop Price Index, which measures changes in the price of 500 of the most commonly bought items on a monthly basis, said shop prices rose by 2.1% in March for the fastest annual increase since September 2011, gathering speed from February’s 1.8% increase. Analysts have warned that the next few months will be a difficult time for consumer, but the full impact is yet to be seen. READ MORE: Shoppers head to Aldi and Lidl as grocery price inflation surges Inflation hits new 30-year high as co

// I kea is set to close its huge superstore in Tottenham in north London putting 450 jobs at risk // It has not yet confirmed the closure date and the store will continue to trade normally for now Ikea has announced it is planning to close its Tottenham superstore in Edmonton, North London, as part of its transformation plan for the Capital, putting 450 jobs at risk. The decision comes as the Swedish furniture giant retailer commits to investing more than £1bn in London over the next three years to better meet the needs of its shoppers. It has not yet confirmed the closure date and the store will continue to trade normally for now and Ikea said it is set to enter a period of consultation with the 450 workers affected, pledging to find alternative jobs for “as many as possible” of the staff. READ MORE: Has Ikea’s property arm reinvented the shopping centre? First look: Ikea unveils first small UK store and shopping centre in Hammersmith The business will create over

// Clarks to reduce environmental footprint with the help of circular economy tech start-up OtailO // OtailO will help Clarks process online returns Clarks has set out plans to reduce its environmental footprint by signing a deal with a circular economy tech start-up to help process online returns. The footwear retailer has gone live with OtailO’s sustainable online product returns solution in the UK, and is using the tech to streamline specific return scenarios. This means Clarks will be able to assess the condition of the return while it is still in the consumers hands, which will enable more efficient business decisions and returns routing. OtailO’s solution has already helped Clarks cut waste by removing pre-printed labels, and the retailer intends to remove all paperwork by the end of the year. READ MORE: Clarks hires ex-New Balance exec as CEO The new system also makes it easy for online shoppers to return purchases through a straightforward web application. It has

//  Lululemon surpassed $6 billion in annual revenue for the first time in in 2021 //  Revenue grew by 40% in North America and increased 53% internationally Sales soared in 2021 at Lululemon despite the challenging economic backdrop, with the business surpassing $6 billion (4.8bn) in annual revenue for the first time in the company’s history. Net revenue at the Vancouver based athleisure company increased 23% year on year to £1.59bn in the fourth quarter, a 23% increase compared to the same period the year prior, behind growth across all business segments, while gross profit rose 22% to £914m. The retailer posted sales that were largely in line with analyst expectations, and profit that was in excess of what was expected. Its board also authorized a US$1 billion share-buy-back program. READ MORE: Lululemon unveils its first-ever footwear collection Lululemon hires Net-a-Porter boss as board director Nike revenue smashes £8bn as shoppers return to stores Lululemon chief

// Burberry names Orna   NíChionna as senior independent director with effect from 2 April. // NíChionna has been an independent non-executive director since January 3rd 2018 The luxury British fashion retailer Burberry has announced the appointment of Orna NíChionna as senior independent director with effect from April 2, 2022. NíChionna, the company said in a release, has been an independent non-executive director of the business since January 2018 and is chair of the remuneration committee and a member of the nomination committee.  READ MORE: In pictures: Burberry unveils Paris flagship on Rue Saint-Honoré Burberry launches immersive month-long Rodeo Drive takeover She is currently a senior independent director at Saga and previously held the same role at Royal Mail, HMV and Bupa. The business also confirmed that Dame Carolyn McCall will retire as a non-executive director on April 2, 2022. Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter The

// Tesco’s plastic recycling pledge has ‘fallen short’, according to a Bloomberg expose // The report reveals a “messy reality that looks less like a virtuous circle and more like passing the buck”. Tesco’s plastic pledge has ‘fallen short’, according to a Bloomberg expose which has revealed the truth behind a plastic bag’s 2,000 mile journey across Europe and a “messy reality that looks less like a virtuous circle and more like passing the buck”. Find out more and read the full story on Grocery Gazette . Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter The post Tesco’s eco pledge ‘falls short’ as expose reveals ‘messy reality’ of plastic waste appeared first on Retail Gazette . from Retail Gazette https://ift.tt/x6DmByd via IFTTT

// Shoppers are turning to discount retailers and own brand products in a bid to soften the blow of roaring inflation // Own label products now account for 50.6% of all spending – up from 49.9% last year Shoppers are turning to cheaper own-brand food products and discount retailers like Aldi and Lidl as they battle grocery price inflation , new data reveals. As households brace for a cost of living crunch this spring, the cost of groceries is now 5.2% higher than it was a year ago, with inflation in the past month hitting its highest level in nearly a decade, figures from Kantar reveal. Own label products now account for 50.6% of all spending, an increase on 49.9% last year. Customers are also making fewer trips to stores to save on petrol costs while prices are rising fastest in markets including savoury snacks, dog food and cat food, with jumps not seen since April 2012. READ MORE:  Asda clashes with Waitrose in price battle over new ‘Just Essentials’ value range What

// Russia is looking to China, India, Iran and Turkey to fill empty shopping centres // Dozens of big brands have temporarily shuttered operations or exited Russia since its invasion Russia is looking to China, India, Iran and Turkey to plug the gap created by an exodus of western retailers following its invasion of Ukraine , an industry body said on Friday. Moscow has been grappling to find ways to combat its growing isolation in the face of sanctions and The Russian Council of Shopping Centres (RCSC), an organisation representing developers, shopping centre owners and retail chain operators, said it was negotiating with its corresponding representatives in the four countries about finding alternatives to western brands. “A list of foreign companies that have temporarily ceased operations in Russia was sent to them so that appropriate equivalents can be found,” a statement on the RCSC website read. READ MORE: Live updates: The retailers pulling out of Russia – from Uniqlo

// Iceland will be be temporarily returning to using palm oil in some own-label foods because the Ukraine war has sent oil prices through the roof // Walker said the retailer would use sustainable palm oil as “a last resort and as a strictly temporary measure” in a limited range of products Iceland will be temporarily revert to using palm oil in some own-label foods from June because the Ukraine war has sent the price of the alternative, sunflower oil, rocketing. In 2018 the supermarket chain revealed it would remove palm oil from its products and became a prominent campaigner against its use. But now Iceland boss, Richard Walker admitted  in a blog  that he is making a U-turn with “huge regret”. “The only alternative to using palm oil under the current circumstances would simply be to clear our freezers and shelves of a wide range of staples including frozen chips and other potato products,” he said. READ MORE:  Iceland earmarks London for next Swift c-store format Icel

// Asda is launching a new Just Essentials value range as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite // The new range offers 50% more choice than Asda’s current value range – Smart Price – which it will eventually replace Asda has ramped up the price war between the supermarket giants after launching its new a budget range to compete with rivals as the cost of living crisis continues. The grocer will roll out its Just Essentials range at all its stores and online in a bid to keep prices down however the move has already sparked a legal challenge from Waitrose, whose lawyers wrote to Asda claiming to have trademarked the ‘essentials’ name. Waitrose, which has around 1,000 products in its Essential Waitrose range, said it was ‘surprised’ to hear Asda had used the name. READ MORE: Asda profits rise as it reduce Covid-19 costs Asda expands loyalty scheme to 48 stores – full list of locations A spokesman from the partnership said: ‘As we’ve also protected the name as a tr

Getting advertising right can be a tricky business and sometimes in a bid to stand out and grab the attention of consumers brands can push it too far. New research from ad agency platform Sortlist revealed the most complained about British TV ads of all time. While only two retailers managed to make it into the top 10 – Tesco and Photobox – we take a look at some of the most complained retail ads over the years. What do you think of the ads? Did they miss the mark or are the complaints unjustified? Let us know in the comments below. Tesco – Father Christmas’ Covid passport Tesco landed in the runner-up position in Sortlist’s ranking with more than 5,000 complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for last year’s Christmas ad. The ad featured Father Christmas on his way to deliver presents across the world, all while using his Covid vaccine passport to get through the ever-so-strict airport security. It received the wrath of anti-vaxxers, with the vast majority of co

// WHSmith is the latest retailer to partner with Deliveroo on a super-fast delivery trial across 10 different areas // The trial begins in Reading and will be rolled out to nine other stores next week including Richmond, Muswell Hill, Chiswick WHSmith has partnered with Deliveroo in a trial that will see consumers able to order books, magazines and more. The stationery retailer will offer 600 products for delivery in as little as 20 minutes, joining similar services offered by supermarkets, pharmacies and takeaways. The trial will allow shoppers in 10 areas able to order some 600 WHSmith items to their door for rapid delivery, starting with Reading, followed next week by Cambridge, Brighton, Oxford, Leeds, St Albans and Guildford as well as Richmond, Chiswick and Muswell Hill in London.. READ MORE:  WHSmith removes “antisemitic” book after criticism Deliveroo losses widen to almost £300m as growth slows down Carlo Mocci, chief business officer, UK and Ireland at Deliv

// Ted Baker rejects two takeover proposals from American private equity firm Sycamore Partners // The retailer said Sycamore made an offer of 130 pence for each Ted Baker share on 18 March and submitted a revised proposal of 137.5 pence for each share on 22 March Ted Baker has confirmed that it has received and rejected two unsolicited non-binding takeover proposals from private equity firm Sycamore Partners for a takeover of the clothing brand. The retailer said that the rejection was due to the fact that it “significantly undervalued” the company. Ted Baker said it received the proposals on March 18 and March 22 worth 130 pence and 137.5 pence, respectively. The latest offer values the company at £253.8m. READ MORE:  American private equity firm Sycamore considers bid for Ted Baker Ted Baker signs franchise agreement to open 30 new stores Ted Baker launches new website to drive global growth “The board of Ted Baker carefully reviewed both of Sycamore’s proposals wit

// Sainsbury’s will hold a shareholder vote at its upcoming AGM amid growing support from investors for the grocer to pay the real living wage across the UK // Many retailers have already adopted the voluntary pay measure, including Ikea and Lush, but no UK supermarket has signed up yet Major investors have called for Sainsbury’s to help tackle the current cost-of-living crisis by becoming the first supermarket to pay all its workers the real living wage of £9.90 an hour. Sainsbury’s will hold a shareholder vote at this year’s annual meeting on paying the so called real living wage to all its workers by July 2023. The group of investors managing £2.2 trillion of assets said on Monday the resolution has been filed calling for Sainsbury’s to accredit as a living wage employer. READ MORE: Shop floor pay: how the UK’s biggest retailers compare Sainsbury’s expands World Food offering The cost of living: everyday items that will be more expensive in 2022 The group said it