Newspaper retail round up
A roundup of retail stories form the papers this week… Best Buy, Apple, John Lewis, Primark, Moneysupermarket.com, sustainability.
Best Buy uses smartphones for in-store messaging.
Best Buy has started sending promotions to smartphone users as they enter its US stores. It is said to be the first US retailer to do so.
Moneysupermarket gets a facelift
Moneysupermarket.com is planning an overhaul of its price-comparison site after visitor numbers and revenue slumped this year.
From The Financial Times
High street mired by alleged “sweatshop scandal”
Marks & Spencer, Gap and Next are all embroiled in a “sweatshop scandal” as it has been reported by The Observer that workers at Indian factories are paid just 25p an hour and forced to work overtime.
Apple opens Covent Garden store
Apple has opened its second London store following the success of its Regent Street outlet. The three floor store opened in Covent Garden on the site of a former nightclub.
Take a look at John Lewis window displays
The Guardian has profiled Natalie Magee, the visual merchandiser responsible for dressing the windows in John Lewis’ flagship Oxford Street store.
High street to advise Government
M&S, Tesco, B&Q and HSBC are among the high street businesses tasked with advising the Government on how it can reduce energy use, cut greenhouse gas emissions by 10% this year and save money.
From The Guardian
Retailers view Christmas with caution
High street retailers are already planning for a cautious Christmas, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Retailers are wary of mixed messages about the economy and a drop in consumer confidence.
Primark goes end to end on Oxford Street
Primark is to open a second store on London’s Oxford Street on the site of the former Zavvi store by Tottenham Court Road.
Tesco mini skirt angers parents
Tesco is under fire from parenting groups for selling a mini-skirt for young girls as part of its school uniform range.
Jimmy Choo eyes sale
Jimmy Choo could be put up for sale for £500m as part of a strategic review of the designer shoe firm. Other options for the brand include a potential £1bn stock market floatation in the next few years.
From the Telegraph
Shoppers eager for new products
Half of shoppers are actively looking for new products, reflecting reports of an economic recovery, according to the grocery research body IGD. 11,100 new products have been launched this year, it claims.
From The Times
