Ocado and Co-op are spearheading a coalition of 60 businesses advocating for a digital alternative to the proposed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in the UK.The call for a digital DRS comes from a diverse group of businesses who have collectively addressed environment minister Mary Creagh. They propose a scheme that allows consumers to recycle drinks containers at home through digital scanning, while still receiving their deposits, complementing in-store return systems. This initiative is supported by Polytag, a company specialising in recycling technology.Ocado’s involvement in this push follows a successful trial of a digital deposit return scheme. Last year, in collaboration…
Author: Dave Antrobus
Just Eat Takeaway.com has announced its decision to withdraw its secondary listing from the London Stock Exchange, pointing to high operational costs, administrative challenges, and regulatory demands as primary reasons.The company, known for its swift delivery services, emerged from the 2020 merger between London-based Just Eat and Amsterdam-listed Takeaway.com. Initially contemplating the removal of its Dutch listing, the company eventually maintained its dual listings until recently when it decided to cease its US listing in 2022. Following this, the London listing has now been prioritised for removal as the majority of the company’s trading activities occur in Amsterdam, the site…
Lidl has launched its 2024 Christmas jumper collection following remarkable sales in previous years.Lidl’s highly-anticipated Christmas jumper range for 2024 has returned to the market. In past holiday seasons, a jumper was sold every two seconds, reflecting the significant demand for these festive garments. This year, Lidl has introduced new designs available in the middle aisle, capturing the spirit of Christmas with distinctive motifs.The range includes two designs for adults: one featuring a red jacquard pattern adorned with Christmas trees, snowflakes, and festive ‘Ho Ho Ho!’ motifs. The other design, in blue, showcases candy canes, present boxes, and the cheerful…
In a period marked by remarkable growth in food sales, M&S has continued to revolutionise its offerings, driven by the vision and expertise of its product development manager, Marie Ford. Ford, along with her team, has led the charge in introducing a wide array of innovative products, capturing the imagination of consumers across the UK.Marie Ford leads the development of convenience meals at M&S, covering everything from pizza to soup. Her role involves closely working with suppliers to identify trends and create products that meet customer needs. The foundation of M&S’s food offering is innovation, and Ford’s team challenges itself…
Saint and Sofia, a London-based womenswear brand, aims to open 10 new stores by mid-2027, following their debut in Covent Garden.The brand was founded in 2020 by Malcolm and Dessislava Bell, and currently serves 500,000 global customers.Their first physical store, located at 35 Monmouth Street, spans 1,400 sq ft and offers a wide range of products.Plans for expansion include targeting areas like Marylebone and Notting Hill without testing locations, based on existing customer demographics.There are aspirations to venture into wholesale and achieve B Corp certification next year.Saint and Sofia, founded by Malcolm and Dessislava Bell in 2020, is making bold…
A Harpenden-based start-up has gained £2.4m in funding to revolutionise carbon recycling into clean energy.The company has devised a process to convert CO2 emissions into synthetic silica, reducing carbon footprint.This funding will help them install their inaugural commercial system in an industrial setting.The firm plans to cut 16.5 kilo-tonnes of CO2 annually over the next four years.Renowned energy sector figure, Volker Beckers, joins the company as chairman.Barton Blakeley, a Harpenden-based company specialising in carbon utilisation, has successfully raised £2.4m. This financial boost, led by Elbow Beach Capital, aims to scale its innovative technology designed to convert CO2 emissions into clean…
Supermarket loyalty schemes are confirmed to provide real savings, according to the Competition and Markets Authority.Popularity of loyalty programmes is surging amidst the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, with major chains like Tesco and Sainsbury’s taking the lead.Despite scepticism among consumers about inflated ‘usual’ prices, the CMA found 92% of promotions offer actual savings.The CMA’s investigation found no breaches of consumer law in data usage by supermarkets in these schemes.While loyalty prices are beneficial, shoppers are encouraged to compare prices for additional savings.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has verified that supermarket loyalty schemes offer real financial benefits to shoppers. This affirmation…
JD Sports has acquired French sneaker retailer Courir, marking a significant expansion in Europe.The acquisition, valued at €520 million, received the European Commission’s approval.Courir operates 323 stores across six European countries, strengthening JD Sports’ market position.JD Sports CEO cites the acquisition as a strategic move to diversify the customer base.Part of the approval requires selling some Courir stores to Snipes.JD Sports, a prominent sportswear retailer, has successfully acquired the French sneaker company Courir for €520 million, a move that aligns with its strategy to strengthen its foothold in the European market. This acquisition has been sanctioned by the European Commission,…
JD Sports finalises acquisition of Courir for €520m (£433m) post-European Commission approval.Courir, a leading sneaker retailer in France, operates 323 stores across several European countries.JD Sports plans to broaden its customer reach through this acquisition, targeting a more diverse clientele.As part of the acquisition agreement, some Courir stores in France and Portugal will be sold to Snipes.The acquisition supports JD Sports’ strategy to reinforce its presence in Europe’s sneaker market.JD Sports, a significant player in the sportswear sector, has successfully completed the acquisition of Courir, a prominent sneaker retailer in France, for €520m (£433m). This move comes after the European…
As inflation begins to ease, changes in grocery shopping habits are emerging, but the landscape remains complex.Supermarkets are optimistic about a profitable Christmas as consumers gain some financial relief.There is a shift toward premium own-brand products, reflecting a willingness to spend more.Despite easing inflation, discount retailers like Lidl continue to see strong market performance.The preferences for dining out and premium products pose new challenges for traditional supermarkets.Inflation has begun to ease, and this shift is bringing about notable changes in consumer behaviour at grocery stores. Supermarket executives are hopeful for a profitable Christmas season as consumers start to experience the…