Katharine Challinor hired by Morrisons as new head of independent franchise
Katharine Challinor, the former director of retail at Allwyn, will be joining Morrisons next month as the head of independent franchise and new business.

Challinor will be replacing Nick Russell, who is leaving after three years, as the head of independent franchise and new business at Morrisons. In her new role, she will be responsible for supporting Morrisons’ franchise partners.

Before joining Allwyn, Katharine Challinor held senior roles at the Post Office, including director of branch retail design.

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27/Sep/2024 11:33
RetailCompany News
Taranjit Singh Dhillon has been appointed as Nisa
Nisa has appointed Taranjit Singh Dhillon as its new head of retail, following the departure of Victoria Lockie. Lockie left Nisa after 12 years to take up the role of retail director at Unitas Wholesale.

Dhillon joins Nisa from One Stop, where he worked for 11 years, most recently as national operations manager. In this role, Dhillon oversaw a network of 350 franchisees, collaborated with retail teams to improve store layouts, and implemented strategies aimed at boosting revenue and profitability.

Before joining One Stop.

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12/Sep/2024 16:12
RetailCompany News
SPAR South West partnership with FareShare South West distributes the equivalent of 32,000 meals to those in need
SPAR South West’s primary distributor, Appleby Westward Ltd, is making a huge impact on the fight against food waste and hunger in its trading area thanks to its partnership with FareShare South West and Gregorys Logistics. The partnership officially began at the start of 2024, but the company was already making donations of food to support the charity during the previous autumn and winter.

Between January and June this year, via the partnership Appleby Westward Ltd redistributed the equivalent of 24,400 meals*, taking its total to the equivalent of 32,000 meals. Those 32,000 meals came from 10.

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04/Sep/2024 15:45
RetailCompany News
Scotmid announces new charity partnership to support cancer patients
Scotmid, one of Scotland’s leading community retailers, has announced a new, year-long charity partnership with Maggie’s, an organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families living with cancer.

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggie’s to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggie’s will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer, throughout Scotland.

As part of this collaboration.

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04/Sep/2024 15:41
RetailCompany News
Waitrose to open 100 new convenience stores over five years
Waitrose has announced plans to open 100 new convenience stores over the next five years as part of a £1 billion investment into its store estate.

The upmarket retailer has confirmed the details of what is expected to be one of the 'biggest periods of expansion' in its history. This move represents a significant scaling up of its convenience store estate, which currently stands at 44 locations.

As part of the plans, a Little Waitrose in Hampton Hill, London, will become the retailer's first new store in six years.

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22/Aug/2024 10:05
RetailCompany News
Aldi invests £3bn into British beef suppliers
UK discounter Aldi has announced plans to invest £3 billion in British beef suppliers over the next five years.

Aldi stated that this investment is part of its 'ongoing commitment to championing Great British quality and supporting UK producers.'

The retailer said it hoped that the investment would enable farmers to 'plan confidently' and offer security for supply chains across the country.

As part of this investment.

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13/Aug/2024 16:44
RetailCompany News
Aldi to create 1,000 new store jobs by the end of 2024
Aldi is set to create 1,000 jobs in new stores across the UK between now and the end of the year.

The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket announced that the available roles will include managerial positions, caretakers, cleaners, and store apprentices.

The discounter, which operates over 1,020 stores and employs more than 45,000 people, plans to open an average of one new store per week until Christmas. Upcoming store openings include locations in Plymouth, Leeds, and London.

In May.

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26/Jul/2024 09:26
RetailCompany News
M&S poaches Aldi managing director and Morrisons commercial director to boost food team
M&S has brought in senior executives from Aldi and Morrisons to strengthen its food business.

Aldi's Managing Director for National IT, Ecommerce, and Transformation, Kara Greatorex, joins M&S as Chief Commercial Officer. Meanwhile, Jon Downes, Morrisons' Commercial Director for Ambient and Non-Food, will report to her as Supply Chain and Commercial Operations Director.

Kara Greatorex, who has spent 15 years at Aldi in roles such as Buying Director and Managing Director for Stores, will replace Paul Friston.

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12/Jul/2024 11:49
RetailCompany News
Asda shakes up management amid new departures and additions
Asda has reshuffled its management team, amid a series of departures and new appointments.

The supermarket confirmed that its chief transformation officer, Mark Simpson, is stepping down from his role 'by mutual consent.'

Simpson joined Asda in 1997 and has held various senior positions, including chief supply chain officer and vice president of supply chain.

It is believed that the role of chief transformation officer will be eliminated following Simpson's exit.

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10/Jul/2024 17:24
RetailCompany News
Iceland aims to target 250 new Food Warehouse stores across UK
Iceland is aiming to double the number of its Food Warehouse stores, as part of its nationwide expansion plan.

The frozen foods specialist is seeking to double its number of Food Warehouse stores by identifying up to 250 new locations, with the help of property advisor Mason Partners LLP, which is leading the hunt.

Iceland is searching for locations with a minimum footprint of 10,000 sq ft on retail parks across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Crawley.

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04/Jul/2024 13:41
RetailCompany News
Aldi to upgrade 100 Stores in 2024
Aldi plans to refurbish over 30 UK stores this summer, investing £90 million throughout 2024.

Over 100 stores across the UK, from Crewe to Cardiff and Didcot to Dumfries, will receive varying levels of upgrades in the coming year.

Improvements will include creating more space and incorporating sustainable features, such as energy-efficient technology. This involves installing doors on fridges to reduce energy usage and using natural refrigerants to minimize carbon impact.

The work was scheduled to take place between June and August.

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02/Jul/2024 09:26
RetailCompany News
Greggs to build new production site in Derby creating hundreds of jobs
The bakery giant Greggs has finalised the lease for a 23-acre site in Derbyshire, where it will establish a sizable food factory and warehouse operation.

As part of its ambitious growth strategy, Greggs plans to open between 140-160 new shops this year, supplementing the 2,500 shops it currently operates nationwide. The establishment of the food factory and warehouse operation in Derbyshire is a pivotal aspect of this expansion plan.

The new facility is under development at SmartParc SEGRO Derby.

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11/Jun/2024 09:41
RetailCompany News
Majestic Wine affirms discussions to acquire Vagabond wine bars
Majestic Wine has revealed its ongoing negotiations for the acquisition of the distressed Vagabond wine bar business.

Should the deal come to fruition, it could mark a significant expansion for retailer Majestic, venturing into the hospitality sector with the potential acquisition of 11 wine bars located in London, Birmingham, and Gatwick Airport. Additionally, the deal might include the procurement of an urban winery situated at Battersea Power Station.

Established in 2009, Vagabond boasts a unique concept.

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21/Mar/2024 07:10
RetailCompany News
CHERRY CHOUFFE LAUNCHES IN TESCO STORES NATIONWIDE
Following a highly successful launch in Waitrose (November 2023) Cherry Chouffe, the wildly popular Belgian cherry beer (made from real cherries) has made its nationwide debut into Tesco stores.

From the renowned Chouffe Brewery in Achouffe, Belgium, this award-winning beer is celebrated for its robust cherry flavour and intricate notes accentuated by hints of strawberry, almond, spices and sweet port.

Using actual cherry juice, the round-bodied, soft, and delicate profile offers a satisfying finish with a subtle touch of bitterness.

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21/Feb/2024 13:20
RetailCompany News
Waitrose reduces the prices of 200 products in £30m investment
Waitrose has cut prices on over 200 of its own-brand products as part of a £30 million investment aimed at providing better value for customers.

The upscale supermarket chain has decreased the prices of hundreds of products from its Essential and Duchy Organic brands by 8% on average, with dairy, fish, meat and poultry, ready meals and frozen lines reduced by an average of 10%.

Waitrose mentioned that these price reductions are just the beginning, with further cuts planned for the Spring.

Waitrose's Executive Director.

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21/Feb/2024 11:42
RetailCompany News
Lidl seeking over £90m from investors to build 12 new stores within the UK
Lidl is looking for investors to contribute £91.1 million toward the construction of twelve new supermarkets nationwide, aiming to expand its store network.

Lidl has initiated the search for investors to construct the new stores, which it will then rent from them, stating in a funding pitch it is offering “a unique opportunity to acquire the freehold and fund the construction of 12 supermarkets let to Lidl GB”.

Locations currently mentioned in the documents include Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire.

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20/Feb/2024 10:47
RetailCompany News
Morrisons launches Aldi and Lidl price match on hundreds of weekly essentials
Morrisons, following Asda's lead, is launching a price match campaign on hundreds of weekly essentials, competing with prices from Lidl and Aldi.

The supermarket is matching prices on over 200 products including items corn flakes, canned tomatoes, baby wipes, rice and bread as well as household cleaning products such as anti-bac spray, bleach and toilet rolls with those at the discounters.

Morrisons said it was also continuing its commitment to British Farming with 100% British beef mince.

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19/Feb/2024 16:50
RetailCompany News
Morrisons launches Aldi and Lidl price match on hundreds of weekly essentials
Morrisons, following Asda's lead, is launching a price match campaign on hundreds of weekly essentials, competing with prices from Lidl and Aldi.

The supermarket is matching prices on over 200 products including items corn flakes, canned tomatoes, baby wipes, rice and bread as well as household cleaning products such as anti-bac spray, bleach and toilet rolls with those at the discounters.

Morrisons said it was also continuing its commitment to British Farming with 100% British beef mince.

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19/Feb/2024 16:50
RetailCompany News
Co-op scraps cashback on loyalty card in favour of more 'member prices'
Co-op has revealed plans to scrap cashback for loyalty card holders, and instead offer more discounts through 'member-only' prices.

The supermarket group, which runs over 2,400 food stores, communicated to its members via email that starting from January 2024, they will no longer receive a 2p cashback for every £1 spent.

Customers will have until the end of 2024 to spend any money on their cards.

From 24 January.

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18/Jan/2024 14:37
RetailCompany News
M&S teams up with nutrition app Zoe to launch gut health shot
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has collaborated with the science-based nutrition app Zoe to introduce a gut health shot made from milk.

Called M&S Food x Zoe Gut Shot, the drink contains over five billion live cultures from 14 strains of friendly bacteria, is high in fibre and a source of calcium, according to M&S.

It is a “creamy yet tart milk drink with kefir and berries”, and no added sugar or sweetener, according to the retailer. It’s priced at £2 for 150ml and a free gut health guide is provided with every purchase.

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03/Jan/2024 17:45
RetailCompany News