Aldi and Lidl sales growth slows as discounters struggle to compete with Big Four’s online capabilities March 2, 2021 The growth of the discount supermarkets Lidl and Aldi has slowed as the Big Four UK grocers benefitted from their more established online presence during the pandemic. German budget grocers Lidl and Aldi reported that sales were up 10.9 per cent and 5.6 per cent respectively in the 12 weeks to 21 February. However, three [...]
Pontins accused of racial discrimination after ‘undesirable guest list’ targeting Irish customers emerges March 2, 2021 Pontins has been accused of racial discrimination after a whistleblower revealed that the holiday park firm had used an “undesirable guest list” to block customers with Irish surnames. The company’s owner Britannia has signed a legally binding agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission forcing it to investigate and review its policies. The whistleblower [...]
Boohoo unaware of potential US import ban over slave labour links March 2, 2021 Boohoo today said it had not been contacted by US customs authorities, following reports that America could block the fast fashion retailer’s imports over modern slavery allegations. The e-commerce giant said it had not “received any correspondence from, nor is it aware of any investigation by, US Customs and Border Protection”. It said it “will [...]
Hospitality redundancies: How many restaurant and pub jobs have been lost during the pandemic? February 27, 2021 How many restaurant and pub jobs have been lost during the pandemic?
Most affordable London boroughs for house hunters revealed February 26, 2021 The most affordable areas to buy a property in London have been revealed, with outer south and east boroughs dominating the list. Bromley is the most affordable London borough for potential buyers, although its house prices earnings ratio of 6.7 is still higher than most local authorities across Britain. Neighbouring south-east London boroughs Bexley and [...]
Almost 800,000 households at risk of losing homes after ban on repossessions ends February 25, 2021 Almost 800,000 households could lose their homes if they suffer a drop in income when mortgage deferrals and the ban on repossessions end, the latest research showed. A report by the Social Market Foundation found that the pandemic has reduced the savings of many mortgage-holders, with more than one in ten owner-occupiers left without enough [...]
Plus-size fashion retailer N Brown reshuffles board amid chairman’s exit February 25, 2021 N Brown, the plus-size fashion retailer, announced this morning that its chairman will step down to focus on his other business activities. The firm, which owns Simply Be and Jacamo, said Matt Davies will leave the group from 31 March and will be replaced by Ron McMillan, who will subsequently give up his senior independent [...]
Asda puts 5,000 jobs at risk in online shopping push February 25, 2021 Asda has put around 5,000 jobs at risk as it aims to simplify the business and focus on its online shopping offer. The grocer this morning said it had begun formal consultations with 5,000 employees, but that it will create 4,500 new jobs in online operations this year. The supermarket has proposed the simplification of [...]
Retail landlord Shaftesbury expects West End ‘revival’ as lockdown lifts February 25, 2021 West End landlord Shaftesbury this morning said occupier interest had improved after the lockdown lifting roadmap was announced, saying the easing of restrictions will herald a “revival” of the London’s theatre and shopping district. However, the FTSE 250 developer said current restrictions were continuing to have a “significant impact on economic activity and consumer spending [...]
Stamp duty holiday: Property experts split on benefits of tax break extension February 24, 2021 The government is reportedly planning to extend the stamp duty holiday to June, with buyers set to save £1.75bn on 300,000 additional transactions, according to the latest research. There are an estimated 628,000 sales in total still currently in the legal process across the country – including those agreed last year – data from Rightmove [...]
