Up-to-date coverage of the latest events in UK retail.
12.45pm Travis Perkins poaches White Stuff supply chain boss
Travis Perkins subsidiary Toolstation has poached White Stuff’s global supply chain lead John Waldock for the role of supply chain director.
Toolstation managing director James MacKenzie said: “John will bring valuable knowledge and insight into supply chain management and will further enable us to develop our multi-channel customer proposition here at Toolstation.
“We’re looking forward to having John on board and seeing the company continue to grow at pace with his expertise.”
11:17am Mamas & Papas to wholesale in John Lewis
Mamas & Papas has signed a wholesale deal with John Lewis & Parners with the initial range comprising best-selling push chairs, changing bags and travel accessories.
The range will be available online and in store at its Oxford Street flagship while a curated asssorrtment will be in its Bluewater, Stratford, Cardiff, Norwich, Liverpool and Glasgow stores.
07:43am Boots pharmacists vote to recognise new union
The health and beauty retailer’s pharmacists have voted to be represented by the Pharmacists Defence Association (PDA) after rejecting their previous non-independent union, the Boots Pharmacists’ Association, last year.
The PDA’s appointment comes after claims by Boots pharmacists last year that understaffing posed a risk to patient safety.
The PDA will now collectively represent Boots pharmacy employees on issues concerning pay, working hours and annual leave.
07:30am Carphone Warehouse fined £29m for Geek Squad misselling
Carphone Warehouse has been hit with a £29.1m fine by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for misselling Geek Squad, a mobile phone insurance product, between 2008 and 2015.
The electricals retailer’s parent company Dixons Carphone said that it “accepts that in the past the company’s practices fell short” and has worked closely with the FCA over the course of its investigation.
07:23am BRC calls for ‘clarity’ as MPs reject May’s Brexit deal
The BRC has said that “politicians must swallow their pride” to avoid a no-deal Brexit as Theresa May’s proposed deal is overwhelmingly rejected by MPs.
The prime minister’s deal was defeated by 149 votes in the House of Commons yesterday after MPs voted by 391 to 242 votes to reject her proposal.
07:10am Morrisons posts strong full-year sales and profit growth
Morrisons has recorded an uplift in its preliminary sales and profits as boss David Potts says the grocer’s “turnaround is well on track.”
The supermarket chain reported an 8.6% rise in pre-tax profits to £406m in the 52 weeks to February 3, bolstered by a 4.8% climb in like-for-like sales excluding fuel.
Total revenues during the period increased 2.7% to £17.7bn.