Retail and consumer goods industry news

Iceland is partnering with Currys and Birds Eye to help families that don’t currently have freezers. As of next month, Currys will donate freezers to 30 low-income households. Iceland and Birds Eye will then provide the participants with advice and support on cooking. The initiative will be analysed by Manchester Metropolitan University who will publish a white paper on its results. Ultimately...

Leading national wholesale buying group Unitas has rejigged its executive structure with Cheryl Hope, Trading Director now assuming responsibility for the whole of its trading function and reporting directly into Managing Director John Kinney. Aoife Kenny to focus on strategic development projects Aoife Kenny, who has previously had trading under her overall remit as Commercial Director wil...

Albertsons announced the launch of Sincerely Health, a digital health and wellness platform. It is available on 16 of the retailer’s banner sites and apps. Personalised health and pharmacy services The Sincerely Health platform has been built in collaboration with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and technology organisations. It is designed to educate, encourage and reward shopper...

Last Friday, café, bar and restaurant operator Loungers opened the first location under their new brand, Brightside, on the M5, near Exeter. First announced in November 2022, the Brightside concept has set out to “reinvigorate roadside dining in the UK” with its nostalgic feel, welcoming atmosphere and all-day dining. Historically being very high-street focused with its Lounge and Cosy Club si...

Retail sales for the first half were AUD5.4bn (US$3.8bn), down 3.7% on H1 F22, as the retailer is cycling elevated sales from the pandemic. Improving momentum through Christmas Endeavour Group operates Australia’s largest alcohol retail network, across Dan Murphy’s and BWS. The retailer delivered the biggest Christmas week on record at Dan Murphy’s, supported by a positive mix shift as tren...

Co-op wholesale subsidiary, Nisa has announced a £6m investment into lowering the cost of more than a thousand branded products for its retailers. Using market data to identify key lines, Nisa has targeted these reductions to the most important ambient categories for symbol and independent retailers: beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and tobacco. Focus on branded lines to match previous reduc...

As we launch our Global discount trends for 2023, we look at recent developments from retailers in the channel. Global discount trends 2023 In the first of our channel trend reports for 2023 , we look at five trends that will shape the discount channel globally in 2023. We have used our extensive global research to shape the trends, and present examples from retailers leading the way....

M&S has unveiled a trial premium tier of its Sparks loyalty programme. The Sparks Plus scheme will see shoppers pay an upfront fee of £120 per year in exchange for benefits said to be worth in excess of £200, including a monthly £10 voucher, unlimited next-day delivery and a free monthly hot drink from M&S cafes. Members will also receive a ‘special gift’, invites to in-store events, double chari...

Home improvement retailer B&Q has revealed that it will close its eight concessions in Asda superstores. The two retailers began working together two years ago with small B&Q outlets opening in Asda stores, however, after a review, eight B&Q outlets in Asda will close and 57 staff will be redeployed to other stores. B&Q strategy director Chris Bargate said the closures will lead to an expansion o...

Providing a fast and efficient checkout experience remains high on the agenda for retailers. We highlight some of the latest initiatives from the US, covering smart carts, scan and go and autonomous concepts. What do these programmes mean? Retailers are determined to provide a frictionless checkout experience Strong culture of innovation and piloting creates opportunities for startups...