Argos shoppers and staff accuse retailer of ‘pink washing’ over lack of gender-neutral ‘Mx’ option July 20, 2022 Sainsbury’s Argos brand has been criticised for not including gender-neutral options online, with almost 12,000 people signing a petition in protest. Argos has previously told customers it will add an “Mx” option to the title section of the catalogue retailers’ online forms. Supermarket Sainsbury’s already offers Mx on its forms. However, the retailer has since [...]
Restaurateurs grapple with food costs as dairy prices spike July 20, 2022 Restaurateurs are being forced to fork out more and more to create Brits’ favourite dishes, with the sharpest price hikes among dairy, grains and meat. Dairy costs have surged the most, with increases of up to 40 per cent, according to data from around one thousand pubs and restaurants collected by Fourth. Grains, including pasta [...]
Sale of swimming pools and paddleboards skyrocket by 200 per cent as heatwave intensifies July 20, 2022 There has been an increase in sales of swimming pools by more than 210 per cent due to the heatwave. Lee Bagnall, CEO of GO Outdoors, shared with City PM this morning that over the past week his company has seen sales of outdoor living equipment soar, in response to the current heatwave that’s sweeping [...]
Last orders? Bittersweet summer for pubs as rising costs out-shadow post-pandemic demand July 20, 2022 Packed beer gardens herald the arrival of summer in Britain. For publicans, this summer presents a chance to rebuild after two years’ of Covid-19 restrictions battering trade. Yet, with inflation surpassing 40-year highs and strike action threatening to severe revellers’ passages into city centres, will publicans be able to make up for those long, lost [...]
Consumers turn to instant noodles in cost of living crunch, says Premier Foods boss July 20, 2022 Shoppers are increasingly turning to budget meals amid the cost of living crisis in the UK, the boss of consumer goods giant Premier Foods said today. The popularity of its instant ramen brands Nissin and Batchelors, which own Cup Noodle and Super Noodles respectively, in the second quarter of this year have jumped, as household [...]
In The Style entices new customers with influencer partnerships as it posts pre-tax loss July 19, 2022 Digital fashion retailer In The Style has seen its share price slump after posting a pre-tax loss in its debut full-year results as a public firm. Shares were down more than 35 per cent on Tuesday afternoon after CEO Sam Perkins admitted the year ahead would likely be “a challenging one for consumers and retailers.” [...]
Amazon files lawsuit against 10,000 Facebook groups as battle with fake reviews continues July 19, 2022 Amazon has filed a lawsuit against more than 10,000 Facebook groups this morning in an attempt to crack down on fake reviews.
Ocado Retail boss to step down as online grocer begins hunt for new CEO July 19, 2022 Ocado Retail has said its CEO Melanie Smith will step down next month, after three years at the helm of the business. Former deputy CEO of the company, Lawrence Hene, will take over on an interim basis while a hunt for a permanent replacement takes place. The supermarket has struggled with waning average basket spending [...]
Joules: Margins continue to be under pressure as shoppers seek out sale items July 19, 2022 Prestige retailer Joules has said discount-hungry consumers have intensified pressures on margins while expecting yearly profit to surpass expectations. The clothing and lifestyle brand admitted gross margins had “remained under significant pressure” after “consumer appetite” was focused on marked down products. Shoppers have been hunting for reductions amid monster hikes in energy and fuel bills, [...]
Hotel Chocolat boss warns of melting profits next year amid cost of living crisis July 19, 2022 Hotel Chocolat revenue has risen more than a third over the past year, as it braces for a spending slow down amid the cost of living crisis in the UK. Revenue hit £226m in the 12-month period, up from £165m a year prior and ahead of market forecasts. However, co-founder and CEO Angus Thirlwell said [...]
