NEWS GENERAL:
Whole Food launches online offering
Whole Foods Market has launched an online shopping service in the UK. The US-owned organic specialist will deliver a range of hampers and fruit baskets nationwide via a new website, wholefoodsmarketonline.co.uk.
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=207492
NEWS GENERAL:
Alcohol Concern slams pub offers in three towns
Alcohol Concern has slammed pub and club operators after finding half the venues in three Welsh cities were offering “irresponsible” discounts. Some of the promotions encouraged people to get “plastered” while in other pubs and clubs alcohol was cheaper than soft drinks.
NEWS GENERAL:
Drinkaware sends out Valentine’s warning
One in four adults have rowed with partner after a drink. With Valentine’s Day around the corner alcohol awareness charity Drinakware has warned people to be aware of the impact alcohol can have on their relationship.
http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=66379&c=1
NEWS GENERAL:
Retailers react to new grocery supply code
The introduction of a new grocery supply code of conduct, which comes into effect today, has sparked criticism from retailers. The code, which applies to 10 UK supermarkets with annual sales of more than £1bn, will also see the introduction of an independent retail ombudsman to “encourage free and fair competition”.
NEWS GENERAL:
Waitrose tops Which? poll for happy shoppers
Waitrose has emerged top of the major retailers for customer satisfaction in a new survey by consumer body Which? The retailer was awarded a score of 79% for customer satisfaction, comfortably ahead of upmarket rival Marks & Spencer on 64%. Discounters Aldi and Lidl both placed ahead of the big four supermarkets, each notching up a score of 61%. Sainsbury’s led the big four with a score of 58%, with Morrisons on 56% and Tesco and Asda both scoring just 49%.
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=206803
NEWS GENERAL:
Alcohol industry slams “misleading” report
Industry bodies have accused a report that claims drinks companies are bending existing rules on marketing to young people of resorting to “slurs and innuendos” and being full of “ill-founded distortions”.
http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/alcohol-industry-slams-“misleading”-report/3008981.article
NEWS GENERAL:
Alcohol price hikes ‘won’t put off drinkers’
A hike in the price of alcohol is unlikely to dent drinkers’ appetite for booze, according to a new report. Continue reading »
NEWS GENERAL:
Winning with a store makeover
Over the past year Convenience Store has been running four campaigns to help independent retailers protect themselves from the threats of big business and relentless regulation: fight the power, stop tobacco proxy purchasing, keep tobacco over the counter, and stop alcohol proxy purchasing. Each one has become headline news.
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=independentarticle&ID=205818
NEWS GENERAL:
World Cup to boost pubs’ business
Last Friday’s draw resulted in favourable opponents for England and kick-offs at prime drinking times. The first two games start on weekend nights at 7.30pm — England versus USA on Friday 12 July and Algeria on Saturday 18 June. The Slovenia match is on Wednesday 23 June at 3pm, giving licensees the opportunity to encourage people leaving work early into their outlets.
NEWS GENERAL:
Asda wins the World Cup
Asda has hit the back of the net – scooping the rights to sell official World Cup products next summer.
http://www.thegrocer.co.uk/articles.aspx?page=articles&ID=205658