Author: Dave Antrobus

Following the acquisition of 19 Carpetright stores in August, Bensons for Beds has successfully opened 15 new outlets across key locations within three weeks.The expansion includes the retailer’s debut on the high street in Sutton, marking a strategic shift in its store placement strategy.Bensons has made a notable return to Northern Ireland after a four-year hiatus, inaugurating a new store in Belfast.CEO Nick Collard has cited the rapid expansion as a substantial achievement, especially given current economic challenges.The new store openings reflect a significant transformation within Bensons for Beds, aiming to enhance market share and customer experience.In a strategic move…

Tesco is innovating its retail media by introducing location-based advertisements in its supermarkets, enhancing personalised shopping experiences.The initiative involves a ‘Scan as you Shop’ feature, displaying targeted adverts based on a shopper’s location within the store.Customers will encounter promotional content on their scanning devices as they approach specific aisles or shelves.The initiative includes expanded in-store advertising options such as video content and store wraps in multiple locations.These advancements aim to provide brands with enhanced opportunities to engage customers directly at point-of-purchase.Tesco has announced its intention to serve brand advertisements to customers based on their position within its supermarkets, marking a…

Zara partners with the renowned fashion model Kate Moss to create an exclusive party collection. The collaboration is set to launch at the end of November, featuring a range of stylish attire and accessories for glamorous events. Kate Moss aims to blend classic sophistication with a touch of glamour in each piece. The venture signifies Zara’s continued engagement in high-profile collaborations.Zara, a leading name in the fashion industry, has announced an exciting collaboration with the iconic model Kate Moss. This partnership aims to introduce a ‘perfect party’ capsule collection, which will be available by the end of November. The collection…

Ikea UK’s latest financial year was marked by a notable sales decline due to strategic price reductions.Sales dropped by 6.8% to £2.3bn as Ikea focused on affordability.Investment of over £117m led to an average 20% price reduction on popular items.Despite lower sales, demand increased in areas like kitchens, bedrooms, and storage.Ikea’s online sales surged, constituting 41.7% of UK sales, with plans to expand outlets.Ikea UK’s recent financial results revealed a 6.8% decrease in sales, with the total amounting to £2.3 billion. This decline was attributed to Ikea’s deliberate strategic decision to focus on affordability by investing over £117 million into…

Aldi is embarking on a substantial festive recruitment drive, adding 3,500 new roles to bolster its workforce for the holiday season.The supermarket seeks a variety of staff, including store assistants, managers, and cleaners, to manage the seasonal rush.Aldi’s recruitment promises competitive wages, with hourly rates at £12.40 nationally and £13.65 in London.The recruitment aligns with Aldi’s strategic growth, aiming to expand its UK store count significantly.Other major UK retailers are similarly ramping up recruitment to meet festive demand.Aldi is preparing for the holiday season by launching a significant recruitment campaign to hire 3,500 new store colleagues. This initiative aims to…

N Brown has achieved a return to profitability in its first half, despite a decline in sales.The company recorded a £200,000 pre-tax profit, a significant improvement from the previous year’s £2.8m loss.Sales decreased by 6.7% to £277.2 million, largely due to a decline in product revenue.N Brown attributes the challenges to ‘unseasonal weather’ affecting sales performance.A strategic focus on digital transformation and cost management has been instrumental in overcoming a soft trading environment.N Brown has managed to swing back to profitability in the first half of the fiscal year, showcasing a pre-tax profit of £200,000. This marks a turnaround from…

End Clothing has been acquired by Apollo in a strategic move.This acquisition follows three years after The Carlyle Group’s ownership.Apollo was instrumental in financing Carlyle’s initial purchase.End Clothing founders have stepped back post-transaction.The acquisition aims to reduce End Clothing’s debt and boost financial strength.End Clothing, a noted luxury streetwear retailer, has transitioned under the ownership of Apollo, a prominent private equity firm. This comes three years after the company’s previous acquisition by The Carlyle Group, highlighting a continuing interest from major investment entities.The initial acquisition by The Carlyle Group, which was valued at £750 million, saw Apollo playing a crucial…

Sainsbury’s has achieved an industry milestone by launching mushrooms grown without peat.The new mushrooms are firmer, whiter, and contribute to reduced carbon emissions.Sainsbury’s collaboration with Monaghan led to this sustainable innovation.The initiative aims to cut peat usage by 20,465 tonnes annually.These mushrooms offer an extended shelf life and will be available in selected stores.Sainsbury’s has made history by becoming the first supermarket in the UK to offer mushrooms cultivated without the use of peat. This initiative aligns with growing environmental concerns surrounding peat extraction, which is known to release significant carbon emissions. The supermarket has launched these mushrooms with a…

Tesco’s retail media division has rolled out innovative advertising options to enhance brand visibility.The introduction of video advertising on Tesco’s platforms offers brands a new channel to engage consumers.Store wrap advertising is now available at up to 50 Tesco locations, expanding in-store promotional capabilities.A new insights portal has been launched, enabling brands to create more personalised adverts.Tesco’s collaboration with advertisers aims to establish a new industry standard for retail media measurement.Tesco, a leading player in retail media, has taken significant strides in enhancing its advertising offerings. The launch of video advertising allows brands to utilise short-form videos on Tesco’s website…

Dell’Ugo and This have teamed up to unveil two innovative plant-based ravioli products.The new varieties, Isn’t Bacon & Cheese and Isn’t Chicken & Pesto, are available at Morrisons.Increasing demand for vegan options has prompted this collaboration, citing significant growth in UK veganism.Both brands express enthusiasm about the new partnership and its future potential.The collaboration aims to deliver delicious plant-based alternatives without sacrificing flavour.In a significant move for plant-based food lovers, Dell’Ugo has joined forces with This to introduce two new ravioli products. Designed to cater to the rising demand for vegan options, these offerings are now available at Morrisons. Dell’Ugo,…