Did you know?...Town centre vacancy rates in the UK hit 10.2% in April, their highest level for four years, according to the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) Footfall and Vacancies Monitor. According to Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, the vacancy rates should "come as no surprise" given the regular reports about shop closures. "Empty shopfronts, particularly for larger stores, can deter shoppers from an area, decreasing footfall for all those around," she said. "This effect can be cyclical, with the long-term decline in footfall pushing up vacancy rates, particularly in poorer areas."
Did you know?... The Beef Plan Movement has staged a mock funeral for the beef sector at a meeting in Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, on Thursday, 9 May. Almost 1,000 people attended the protest, which also featured representatives from various breed societies. According to organisers, the coffin represent the “imminent death of the suckler and beef industry”. The farmers in attendance said they are “being exploited by processors and retailers”.
Did you know?... Mondelēz International’s global innovation and venture hub, SnackFutures, today recognized two start-ups for their innovative snacking solutions to help support a healthier planet, at the Seeds & Chips annual Global Innovation Summit in Milan. The sustainable snacking competition was held as part of SnackFutures’ mission to create snacks that are good for people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun. Start-ups were asked to share solutions that could foster a more sustainable food system in areas such as food waste reduction, sustainable sourcing and packaging, alternative ingredients, circular and regenerative snack solutions and emerging technologies.
Did you know?... Ardagh Group has produced the latest evolution of Absolut’s Elyx vodka bottle, which celebrates the role that copper plays in the distillation process of the luxury vodka. The longstanding partnership between Ardagh and The Absolut Company was key to delivering this challenging design in a short timeframe. All sizes have been produced in Limmared, Sweden with excellent results.
Did you know?... Britons splashed out in bars and restaurants at the expense of retailers in the Easter holidays last month, surveys showed on Wednesday, and there were signs that households were turning less worried about Brexit. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) said shops sales failed to meet expectations in April despite recording an annual 4.1% jump which in part reflected the timing of the Easter holidays. That compared with a 0.5% decline in March.
Did you know?... Marks & Spencer Food today announces it will sponsor the 2019 series of ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent. Confirmed as the retailer’s first ever headline TV sponsorship deal, it sees two of the nation’s favourite family brands brought together for a spring entertainment bonanza. Britain’s Got Talent is the UK’s most popular TV talent show and the 2018 series had a peak audience of 11.2 million viewers, who will all now see an array of M&S Food products.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
