Retail Roundup

Ocado renews vows with Waitrose

Ocado has renewed its partnership with Waitrose with a 10-year deal, dashing any speculation that a tie up with M&S was in the pipeline.

Toys R Us plans IPO

US children’s toy retailer Toys R Us has announced plans to become a public company again with an $800m (£554m) floatation.

Louis Vuitton opens new store

Louis Vuitton has opened a new flagship store in London’s Mayfair. The Maison on New Bond Street was designed by architect Peter Marino and features artworks, special products and vintage pieces.

From The Financial Times

 

George Davies opens childrenswear chain

George Davies, the retail entrepreneur who founded Give, Next and George at Asda and designed the Per Una range for Marks & Spencer, is to open a childrenswear chain in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Waitrose to open in Bahrain

Waitrose is set to open its first store in Bahrain through a partnership with Fine Fare Food Market. Waitrose has already opened two stores in Dubai.

Sainsbury’s attempts to predict the weather

Sainsbury’s has invested in a multi-million pound technology solution that it hopes will help the chain predict British weather better and reduce the amount of wasted food by 15% during periods of unexpected weather.

From The Telegraph

Brady to join Arcadia board

Karren Brady, former MD of Birmingham City football club, is to join Sir Phillip Green on the board of Arcadia. She is the first female board director recruited by Green and will become a non-executive director in September.

Ocado appoints banks to advise on float

Ocado is moving closer to an expected £1bn stock market float as it appoints five investment banks to advise on the deal.

From The Times

 

Retail sales fall again

Retail sales have plummeted again raising concerns that consumers are tightening their belt, according to the CBI. Almost half of retailers reported falling sales in May and only 30% said sales were up.

From The Guardian