Between 2019 and 2022, the production of plastic free advent calendars jumped by over 200 percent as consumer appetite for alternative advent calendars continues to grow DS Smith experienced a dramatic increase in customer spend on sustainable advent calendars for 2023 As part of its Now and Next Strategy, DS Smith has been working with a number of brands to help ensure that their designs are as functional and sustainable as possible Consumer appetite for alternative advent calendars is contributing to an increase in plastic free versions, according to DS Smith, a leader in sustainable fiber ..read more

Added convenience is on the cards as Co-op joins the innovative Scotland Loves Local Gift Card and Town & City Gift Card ‘shop local’ initiatives. The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, which was introduced by Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Miconex in 2021, plus Miconex’s Town & City Gift Cards, are designed to support local economies by helping to keep spending in communities. Co-op operates more than 300 stores in communities across Scotland, and its participation in the shop local initiatives enables shoppers to stock up conveniently on everything from everyday essentials to Christma ..read more

Oh Polly Group, the renowned fashion conglomerate encompassing Oh Polly and sister brand Bo+Tee, is thrilled to announce the launch of an innovative rental service in collaboration with rental service provider, Zoa, just in time for the upcoming party season. This strategic partnership reinforces the group’s commitment to sustainability and accessibility in the fashion industry. As a collective, the Oh Polly Group has consistently set industry standards for style and innovation. The collaboration with Zoa represents a pivotal moment in the group’s journey toward providing eco-conscious and acc ..read more

Grosvenor has announced that British luxury jewellery retailer, David M Robinson (DMR), has opened its new boutique at Liverpool ONE, in partnership with Swiss watch brand, TAG Heuer. The launch of the 3,600 sq ft store on South John Street marks the first partnership of its kind for TAG Heuer and DMR in the city and the largest TAG Heuer Boutique in the UK, adding to the destination’s extensive portfolio of well-renowned, luxury watch and jewellery brands. Liverpool ONE TAG Heuer joins DMR’s recently upsized jewellery and Rolex flagship store, and its dedicated OMEGA boutique on South John St ..read more

UK homewares retailer Dunelm has opened the doors to its new store at Atria Watford. The opening marks Dunelm’s182nd store and its first shopping centre location. Spanning 33,000 sq ft, the store will stock Dunelm’s wide range across homewares and furniture, including bedding, outdoor living, home accessories, made-to-measure, haberdashery, kitchen and dining. Dunelm’s focus on sustainability will be central to the new store, including the retailer’s ‘Conscious Choice’ range which consists of products made from at least 50% recycled materials. The store will also feature Dunelm’s well est ..read more

Trafford Centre introduces new onsite police team, in partnership with Greater Manchester Police  Trafford Centre is to introduce an onsite neighbourhood police team, dedicated to enhancing the security of the centre and create a safer shopping experience for visitors. In partnership with Greater Manchester Police, the new initiative will be fully funded by the Trafford Centre for the next three years and will provide a continued and highly visible presence to reassure people who work and visit the centre. The full-time team will consist of one inspector, one sergeant and six PCs, with th ..read more

Sovereign Centros has announced that ASK Italian, the Italian dining restaurant chain, and Sides, the fast-food restaurant launched by YouTube collective, The Sidemen, have opened at Merry Hill. Featuring ASK Italian’s refreshed restaurant design concept, the new Merry Hill location offers the family-favourite brand’s laid-back dining experience. With space for 140 diners, the 3,350 sq ft restaurant serves a selection of Italian-inspired classics, including fresh pasta dishes, stone-baked pizza, as well as a range of speciality mains. Along with Sides, ASK Italian marks an integral new ad ..read more

Photo: (Left to right) Edna Fletcher, Motherwell founder Kate Blakemore and AO corporate communications manager Scott Bennett. Bolton-based online electricals retailer AO has donated washing machines and tumble dryers to a community launderette that allows struggling families to do their laundry for free, while making friends in the process. Edna’s Launderette is set to open at New Images Youth and Community Centre in Winsford, Cheshire, after pioneering women’s charity Motherwell scooped £40,000 in Lottery funding. The facility is named after Edna Fletcher, a volunteer at New Images for more ..read more

Photo: Courtesy of Dolce & Gabbana Casa. Dolce & Gabbana Casa has opened their first UK flagship at the prestigious address of 220 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge. The 3,400sq ft store is the first Dolce & Gabbana Casa standalone in London and follows the opening in 2022 of two concept stores in Milan. Elegant and essential, the interior space of the boutique, opened in partnership with the Luxury Living Group, strikes a perfect balance of contrasts between the building’s elements and the brand’s aesthetic codes: pilasters, neoclassical columns, architraves, and ceiling decorations ..read more

Opening reflects continued appeal of Blanchardstown Centre as prime retail destination Follows host of other signings over recent months The American luxury clothing company, Tommy Hilfiger, has opened the doors to a brand-new store at Blanchardstown Centre, Dublin’s largest retail and leisure destination. The new store, which has been signed on a 10-year lease, will offer the brand’s womenswear, menswear, footwear and accessories. The new unit spans 2,600 sq ft of space on Level 2, next to Calvin Klein and close to Mango and Zara. Tommy Hilfiger will join a roster of other high-end brands a ..read more