Author: Scott Dylan

Shoplifting and related crime have surged in the UK, posing significant challenges to retailers.The Co-op reports nearly 1,000 retail crime incidents daily, marking a 35% increase.Retailers are enhancing security measures, spending millions on staff, CCTV, and anti-theft devices.Some innovative strategies, like Waitrose’s ‘love bombing,’ focus on improving customer interaction.Despite efforts, many feel that police support is inadequate, necessitating stronger law enforcement.Recent statistics reveal a troubling increase in retail crime across the UK, impacting major supermarkets and smaller retailers alike. The Co-op alone recorded over 175,000 incidents in the first half of 2023, highlighting the pervasive nature of the issue. This…

BelVita collaborates with FareShare to donate 100,000 meals amid growing food insecurity concerns in the UK.The ‘Give a Smile’ initiative utilises technology to encourage donations through interactive billboards.Approximately 13.3 million people in the UK face food insecurity, with three million skipping meals due to financial constraints.Campaign runs until October 30, aiming to gather an impressive number of contributions for those in need.Community involvement is encouraged as retailers are suggested to promote the initiative and help mitigate food poverty.BelVita has teamed up with food charity FareShare with the aim to donate up to 100,000 meals to families in need across the…

Asda marks the first anniversary of its Rewards app by distributing £15 million to its customers throughout September. The supermarket chain introduced a ‘Spin the Wheel’ game, offering daily Cashpot bonuses to app users. With over seven million users benefiting from the app, more incentives are on the way. Physical Spin the Wheel games set up in stores across the UK during the celebration. First Scan Bonus launched for new users.Asda celebrates the Rewards app’s first anniversary with a £15 million giveaway to customers.A new ‘Spin the Wheel’ game ensures daily Cashpot bonuses for app users in September.Over seven million…

Whole Foods Market in London is transforming its retail strategy as financial challenges mount, pivoting towards more budget-friendly products.The retailer has discontinued its luxury cheese vault at the Kensington store, alongside removing refillable product sections.New signage emphasising low prices has been introduced to help customers easily locate discounted products in-store.Whole Foods follows the trend of major supermarkets by reducing staffed checkouts, introducing more self-service options.Despite hiring a retail law specialist to boost growth, the chain reported significant pre-tax losses and a dip in sales.Whole Foods Market, the esteemed organic supermarket chain, is undergoing significant changes in its London branches amidst…

M&S is challenging the government’s decision to reject its redevelopment proposal for the Marble Arch store.Plans involved demolishing the aged Art Deco building on Oxford Street, which M&S described as labyrinthian.M&S argues the secretary of state misapplied planning policy related to heritage and environmental issues.The rejection was based on concerns about the plan’s environmental impact and its failure to reuse existing structures.M&S contends that the proposed building would have been among the city’s most sustainable.Marks & Spencer (M&S) has initiated legal proceedings against the government in response to its decision to dismiss plans for a transformative redevelopment of the Marble…

Kellogg’s has generously donated £4,000 to Nisa to support school breakfast clubs.This initiative is part of Kellogg’s 25 Years of Breakfast Clubs campaign, extending their support to UK schools.The donation will be distributed in eight £500 grants, available to Nisa retailers to apply.Kellogg’s partnership with Nisa underscores their commitment to educational support and community aid.Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity has facilitated over £1 million in donations to local causes.Kellogg’s has contributed £4,000 to Nisa, aimed at bolstering school breakfast clubs through the Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity. This donation, structured as eight individual grants of £500, is…

Unilever collaborates with leading firms to combat hygiene poverty across the UK.The initiative partners with Tesco and involves Kimberly-Clark, Essity, and Haleon.For every two hygiene products bought, a third is donated to charities via In Kind Direct.More than one million products are projected to help families in need.Previous drives have supported over 1,391 charities, showing significant impact.Unilever has strengthened its commitment to addressing hygiene poverty by partnering with Tesco and prominent firms Kimberly-Clark, Essity, and Haleon. The collaboration is set to run until 3 October. During this period, for every two hygiene products purchased at participating Tesco stores or online,…

Asda’s owners, Mohsin and Zuber Issa, engage in talks to sell part of their property portfolio, valued at approximately £500m.The transaction involves Macquarie Asset Management potentially acquiring ground rent leases for 50 Asda stores across the UK.Under the agreement, Asda will regain ownership for a nominal fee after a 50-year term.This sale is part of a broader strategy to manage Asda’s growing debt by raising equity through property transactions.The Issa brothers previously sold 25 stores to Realty Income Corporation in a £650m deal, also leveraging sale and leaseback arrangements.Asda’s billionaire owners, Mohsin and Zuber Issa, are reportedly in discussions to…

Aldi has announced a price reduction on select fruit and vegetable staples in its Everyday Essentials range, showing its commitment to affordable groceries. This decision affects products like strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and spinach, with prices dropping by an average of 9%.The prices for items such as Aldi strawberries (400g) have decreased from £1.89 to £1.75, while baking potatoes (2.5kg) saw a cut from £1.69 to £1.59.Aldi has reduced the prices of over 100 items in the past two months, continuing to position itself as the cost-efficient choice for consumers.Earlier, Aldi lowered the prices of more than 30 household items, including…

Sainsbury’s has announced the extension of its Nectar Prices scheme aiming to deliver greater savings.The limited-time offer presents up to 50% off on 150 Heinz branded products from 1st to 3rd September.The scheme has thus far saved customers over £244 million since its initial rollout, averaging £3.15 in savings per shop.This move supports customers amid increased production costs and a cost-of-living crisis.High-ranking officials from Sainsbury’s and Heinz affirm the value provided to shoppers.Sainsbury’s is advancing its strategy of offering enhanced value to customers by extending its Nectar Prices scheme for a short duration. The initiative provides a substantial discount of…