Newspaper retail round up

Tesco & Asda to challenge Ocado in London

Tesco and Asda are planning to expand their grocery delivery businesses in London to challenge Ocado in its stronghold in the capital. Both supermarkets are set to open “ghost stores” in the city to help them deliver more that 10,000 orders each week.

Christmas shopping begins

The Christmas rush is apparently already on as one in six shoppers has started their Christmas shopping, according to a survey by Retail Eyes. Selfridges launches its festive range this week, Poundland and Debenhams follow next week.

Primark poaches COO from Matalan

Primark has appointed Matalan’s buying director John Lyttle as its chief operating officer and second in command to chief executive Paul Marchant.

From The Mail on Sunday

Notonthehighstreet.com attracts investment

Notonthehighstreet.com founders have attracted £7.5m in investment in exchange for a “significant minority” share in the online gift business. Notonthehighstreet had sales of more than £6.4m last year.

Fly53 founder plans standalone stores

Fashion brand Fly53, which is run by ex-musician Will Rigg, is planning to open 10 standalone high street stores.

From The Times

M&S hires WH Smith man to replace Dyson

Marks & Spencer has appointed former WH Smith finance director to replace Ian Dyson, who is leaving M&S to join the Punch pub chain as chief executive.

Tesco eyes Carrefour stores in Asia

Tesco has shown interest in stores that French supermarket group Carrefour plans to sell in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Aldi founder dies

Theo Albrecht, the co-founder of discount supermarket Aldi has died aged 88. He pioneered the pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap shopping in Germany.

From The Financial Times

Jessops back on track

Specialist photographic retailer Jessops is back on sound financial footing following a major restructure, according to its chief executive Trevor Moore.

From The Guardian