Newspaper retail round up

Pound stores filling the gap left by Woolworths
More than a third of former Woolworths stores have been replaced by discount retailers such as B&M Bargains, 99p stores and Poundland according to commercial real estate services company CB Richard Ellis. Almost 60% of the retailer’s former properties are already let or under offer.

Sainsbury’s takes on 20,000 Christmas staff
Sainsbury’s is looking for up to 20,000 temporary staff over the Christmas period, the largest number the supermarket chain has ever taken on. Last year the chain took on 12,000 temporary staff over the festive season. The supermarket plans to keep 1,000 of these on as permanent staff.

Sales of make-up holding up
Sales of make-up brands have continued to grow despite the recession. The Lipstick Index is staying true, as shoppers have decided not to sacrifice beauty purchases.

From The Guardian

Marks and Spencer opens Food to Go in Honk Kong
Marks & Spencer has opened its first Food to Go outlets outside of the UK, as part of a three-store trial in Hong Kong. It will sell 42 locally sourced chilled food lines, and may be rolled out nationally.

New supermarket chain ‘Asco’ to rival Tesco and Asda
A new supermarket chain, aiming to offer a “real alternative” to Tesco and Asda is opening its first store in October. Called Asco it will have a blue fascia with white lettering, and opens in a former Woolworths site in Warrington.

Nisa Today’s rejects second Bibby offer
Convenience store group, Nisa-Today’s, has rejected a second takeover bid by distribution company Bibby Line because it was “a significant undervaluation of Nisa-Today’s, especially as the majority of any payment would be deferred and conditional on future performance”.

From The Sunday Telegraph

Comparison sites investigated by OFT
Comparison sites are under fire as the Office of Fair trading investigates allegations of dubious advertising and confusing prices that can trick people into believing that such sites offer the cheapest prices. If found guilty, sites could be forced to change the way they operate and switch to a less profitable, more consumer-friendly system.

From The Observer

Luxury retailers hold secret sales
Luxury retailers in the US, including Saks and Tiffany, are holding secret sales for their most loyal customers. The ‘stealth sales are designed to boost sales without weakening the stores’ proposition with highly publicised sales and promotions.

From The Times