The Retail Think Tank (RTT) said this week that this spring and summer could see the start of a much-needed improvement in the UK’s retail fortunes. The RTT, set up more nearly 20 years ago by accountants KPMG and data analyst Ipsos Channel Performance, allows… This story continues at Food sales poised to lead retailers to recovery, says think-tank Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

When spades entered the ground for a housing project in Beaminster, Dorset, it was clear that the town was going to need more shopping space to serve new residents. That’s when a major extension to the Beaminster Spar store was conceived and carried out, as… This story continues at Mini profile: Bigger town, bigger store  Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

About 140 illegal vapes and 12,000 cigarettes have been seized from four Darlington stores and a vehicle during a joint operation carried out by Darlington Council trading standards and Durham police. In addition, 6.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco was discovered and seized, with the help of… This story continues at Four stores raided in Darlington vape and cigarette crackdown Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

Every 500ml bottle of Neo Wtr, produced by Brookfield Drinks, is made using discarded plastic that has been collected along coastlines at-risk of ocean plastic pollution. With a fully recyclable bottle, label, and cap, Neo Wtr is a Somerset-sourced spring water, bottled in the UK.… This story continues at New bottled water with environmental credentials Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

Independent retailers in Scotland have given a mixed reaction to the Scottish government’s announcement that it intends to increase the minimum unit price on alcohol. The Scottish government has said that the minimum price per unit will rise from 50p to 65p at the end… This story continues at Rise in minimum alcohol price in Scotland sparks retailer debate Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

Food sales in shops fell slightly in March compared with the previous month, according to official figures. The latest numbers from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that sales in food retailers fell while overall retail sales remained flat and non-food stores saw a… This story continues at Cautious optimism remains despite slight fall in food sales in March Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

The half-percentage-point rise in confidence in the first quarter of 2024, although marginal, marks the sixth consecutive quarter of continued improvement in consumer sentiment. This puts confidence at its highest rate in over two years, according to the latest Deloitte Consumer Tracker, based on responses… This story continues at Consumer confidence reaches new two-year high, according to Deloitte Tracker Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

Independent retailer Chaz Chahal has provided an update on recently commenced work to convert a former McColls site to a Morrisons Daily. The Costcutter and Simply Fresh store owner posted on LinkedIn: “Over the last 18 months we have been working diligently to acquire 3… This story continues at Work begins on first of three McColls site conversions to Morrisons Daily Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

A Nisa Local store, operated by LA Foods, in Islington has undertaken a modern refurbishment, reportedly leading to a significant boost in customer footfall. The Islington store has undergone an entire overhaul of its interior, upgrading from an outdated setup to a refined retail destination,… This story continues at Islington Nisa Local store reports footfall boost after modern transformation Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more

Unilever has announced the launch of a Persil Wonder Wash, a new science-backed innovation responding to evolving laundry needs and the changing technology in consumers’ homes. Unilever used cutting-edge robotics and AI to develop Wonder Wash, a laundry detergent specifically designed for outstanding performance even… This story continues at New Persil Wonder Wash Or just read more coverage at Talking Retail ..read more