All articles by Mark Faithfull – Page 9
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NewsWaitrose gives last-minute show of support for retail ombudsman
Upmarket grocery retailer Waitrose has given surprise backing to the campaign for a retail ombudsman.
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NewsSainsbury’s appoints Rob Fraser as new IT director
Sainsbury’s has appointed former Boots group IT director Rob Fraser to its operating board as IT director, replacing Angela Morrison, who leaves the grocer this summer after four years as IT and change director.
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NewsWestfield London cuts service charge
Australian shopping centre owner Westfield is to reduce service charges by 7 per cent at its Westfield London shopping centre following a campaign from disgruntled retailers.
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NewsMoss Bros adds two new directors to its board
Moss Bros has added two key non-executive directors to its board. Debbie Hewitt’s tenure with the suits retailer began today, while Simon Berwin joined on May 29.
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NewsVirgin Media steps up retail expansion with 50-store plan
Technology and entertainment retailer Virgin Media has announced an aggressive roll-out of its store format in an attempt to significantly increase its high street presence and to capitalise on lower rents and landlord incentives.
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News
Retail industry hails 1.2% minimum wage rise
Retail industry organisations welcomed Tuesday’s decision on a 1.2 per cent rise in the national minimum wage, despite some earlier calls for a total freeze this year.
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NewsEmpty shops soar at Land Securities’ centres
One of Britain’s biggest shopping centre and retail park owners today admitted that void levels are higher than during the downturn in the 1990s.
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NewsGreggs upbeat following strong Easter sales
Bakery retailer Greggs announced this morning that group sales in the 19 weeks to May 9 increased by 5.2 per cent, including like-for-like sales growth of 2 per cent.
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NewsSales bloom at Tesco-owned Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres has reported record £97m sales, 12 per cent up on last year, in part due to surging sales of its ‘Grow Your Own’ produce range. Easter 2009 trade was up 73 per cent on last year, thanks to the later holiday dates and the warm weather.
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News
BRC backs ‘common sense’ rise in minimum wage
The British Retail Consortium has welcomed today’s government decision to increase the National Minimum Wage by 1.2 per cent. The increase will take the adult minimum wage from £5.73 to £5.80 per hour when it is introduced this October.
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News
Retailers should push suppliers for in-store investment
Retailers should be pressing their suppliers to help them deliver a better in-store experience for their customers, claimed WPP The Store chief executive David Roth at the World Retail Congress.
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Overseas retailers advised to focus on regional expansion in China
Overseas retailers wanting to enter the booming Chinese retail market should focus on regional expansion and not attempt a national launch, delegates were told at the World Retail Congress on Thursday.
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Analysis
Out of the way?
The rise in petrol prices might have got some in the out-of-town game worried, but there are plenty of others who believe that transport links are not an issue. Mark Faithfull investigates.
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AnalysisThe flight to value
Unlike many sectors, value players appear to be benefiting from the tough economic climate. So are they likely to feature more prominently in schemes in future? By Mark Faithfull
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AnalysisDriven to change
With petrol prices soaring, some have warned that out-of-town centres could suffer. Mark Faithfull discovers that they may need to evolve to keep hold of customers in uncertain times
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Analysis
Fuel's gold
With oil prices soaring and no sign of relief in sight, retailers may need to take drastic action to keep transportation costs under control. Mark Faithfull looks at the Government’s proposal for collaboration to cut travel miles
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AnalysisGreen around the bills
Soaring oil and gas prices have focused attention on energy issues. But while green energy can be a good option, it can only be part of the strategy. Mark Faithfull reports
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News
Sourcing guidelines to be ramped up after child labour outcry
Retail supply chain alliance the Ethical Trade Initiative (ETI) is to overhaul its sourcing guidelines as the need to promote ethical trade climbs up the industry agenda.
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News
Land of Leather poised for £15m rescue deal
Sofas retailer Land of Leather is to launch incentives for key staff through a programme of options and awards once its 15 million share placing has been completed.
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News
Supermarkets enjoy healthy growth
The latest grocery market share figures show strong year-on-year sales growth in the grocery sector but food price inflation figures have been over-cooked, claimed TNS Worldpanel.