Author: Dave Antrobus

Mohsin Issa is transitioning from his executive role at Asda to focus solely on his position as CEO of EG Group. His responsibilities at Asda will be assumed by Chairman Stuart Rose and Rob Hattrell.Stuart Rose, Asda’s Chairman, acknowledges Issa’s significant contributions and asserts that his focus is now required at EG Group.Rob Hattrell, with his extensive experience at eBay and Tesco, joins the leadership team to support Asda’s strategic direction.The supermarket is actively searching for a new CEO to advance their growth strategy, aiming for a leader with full-time retail experience.Lord Rose emphasized the need for a distinct leadership…

Waitrose elevates its No.1 range by introducing top-grade British wagyu beef, set to hit shelves on 18th September.Five new wagyu products, including steaks and burgers, graded on the BMS scale, ensure high-quality standards.The retailer confirms a minimum grade six on the BMS for its wagyu beef, the highest supermarket offering.Pedigree wagyu bulls sire all cattle, aligning with Waitrose’s commitment to welfare and quality.An introductory offer provides a 20% discount on the new range until 23rd October.Waitrose is poised to elevate its No.1 range by unveiling the highest standard of British wagyu beef in supermarkets. As of 18th September, stores will…

JD Sports announced Suzi Williams’ departure as remuneration committee chair effective 1 November.Williams played a key role in implementing JD Sports’ new remuneration policy and structure.She cited increasing commitments and completion of the foundational phase as reasons for stepping down.Angela Luger, joining in June 2023, will take over Williams’ role on 1 October.This marks a shift in governance following significant shareholder support for policy reform.JD Sports has revealed that Suzi Williams will step down as the chair of its remuneration committee on 1 November. Williams, who joined JD Sports in May 2022, significantly contributed to the group by leading the…

Tesco expands its Crosta & Mollica chilled pizza offerings across the UK, building on initial success.Four new flavours, including Stromboli and Fiorentina, are added to the range.Availability extends to 650 stores nationwide alongside online access.Crosta & Mollica’s sales director highlights increased demand and sales growth.Collaboration aims to enhance Italian food experiences for UK consumers.Tesco is set to broaden its assortment of chilled pizzas from the acclaimed Italian brand Crosta & Mollica. The expansion includes the introduction of four popular sourdough pizzas. In particular, shoppers can now indulge in the savoury Stromboli with spicy salami and the elegant Fiorentina featuring mushrooms,…

AllSaints announces record financial performance for the third consecutive year.The brand’s gross profit margin increased to a significant 63%.Total group revenue experienced a slight rise to £459.5m.Operating profit saw a notable increase of 40%, reaching £39.9m.Continued expansion with new store openings worldwide strengthens AllSaints’ market presence.AllSaints has once again demonstrated its financial strength by reporting a record performance for the third straight year. The company’s gross profit margin has risen to 63%, a commendable improvement from last year’s 62.2%. This increase is attributed to positive customer reactions to seasonal product launches, coupled with reduced promotional and markdown activities and efficient…

The UK government faces warnings about potentially losing Unilever’s substantial £15bn ice cream listing to the Netherlands due to the absence of an investment minister.Gerry Grimstone, a former investment minister, has urged the UK government to fill this critical role to boost domestic investment.The Minister of Economic Affairs from the Netherlands has already had discussions with Unilever’s CEO about listing on the Euronext exchange.Unilever plans to separate its ice cream division, affecting brands like Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s, aiming for increased accountability and performance.The Netherlands is currently considered a strong contender for hosting this new ice cream business division.The…

Boden, the clothing and lifestyle retailer, reported substantial financial losses for 2023, yet hints at recovery prospects for 2024.The company’s losses widened to £9.4 million in 2023, compared to a £3.9 million loss in the previous year.Group sales dropped 13% to £304.5 million for the year ending December 2023, following poor performance in late 2022.Changes in leadership and strategy in early 2023 took time to impact sales, but stabilisation occurred in the latter half of the year.Major improvements in womenswear sales and reduced discounting have started to drive profitability in 2024.Boden reported a significant financial loss of £9.4 million for…

Department store Fenwick has launched a campaign focused on celebrating unique personal styles.The ‘Find your taste, find your world’ campaign highlights individual preferences.An array of characters, including a dog, is featured in the advertisements.Mia Fenwick emphasises the brand’s enduring presence in fashion and culture across the UK.A unique jelly-like sweet experience is part of the in-store activation.Department store Fenwick has unveiled a novel advertising campaign entitled ‘Find your taste, find your world.’ This initiative is designed to celebrate the distinctive styles and preferences of individuals. The campaign’s advertisements feature a diverse array of characters, including the charming inclusion of a…

Upcoming webinar discusses essential online strategies for peak season success.Retailers must optimise websites for Black Friday and festive sales.The event features insights from industry leaders like Steven Wood and Jack Turner.Topics include enhancing digital storefronts and leveraging social commerce.Unified commerce and customer insights are key focus areas.With the festive shopping season rapidly approaching, an upcoming webinar will address how brands can enhance their online presence to capitalise on the heightened consumer activity during events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This session is crucial for retailers looking to refine their digital strategies for the busy period ahead, often referred to…

Nathalie Roos, the CEO of Lipton Teas & Infusions, has announced her resignation after two years in the role.Roos joined Lipton in July 2022, bringing her extensive experience from Mars and L’Oréal to the tea industry.Chairman Pierre Laubies will temporarily assume the CEO role as the search for a successor begins.Roos expressed her gratitude and pride through a heartfelt message on LinkedIn, reflecting on her leadership journey.Her departure coincides with Lipton’s strategic partnership to enhance tea production standards in Africa.Nathalie Roos has stepped down as the CEO of Lipton Teas & Infusions after a two-year tenure that began in July…