U.S. consumer spending rebounded sharply in May, but the gains are not likely to be sustainable, with income dropping and expected to decline further as millions lose their unemployment checks starting next month. The Commerce Department said on Friday consumer spending, which accounts for more than two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, jumped 8.2% last month. Consumer spending tumbled 12.6% in April, the largest drop since the government started tracking the series in 1959. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast consumer spending increasing 9.0% in May.
Upmarket retailer Waitrose & Partners has announced that it has relaxed size and shape guidelines for carrots, asparagus and parsnips grown in the UK, according to esmmagazine.com The retailer has also removed some trimming and finishing guidelines to help suppliers maintain social distancing on production and packing lines.Fresh produce technical manager at Waitrose, Amanda Frisby, commented, “We are committed to supporting our farmers through a really difficult time. "By changing and being flexible with our specifications it has meant we have minimised wastage of fantastic British produce and it has allowed us to take on even more vegetables for our customers.”
The sales of own-brand foot care products have doubled in Mercadona following the easing of lockdown and onset of summer, the company said. The retailer offers foot scrub and moisturisers under the brand Deliplus. The products in the Deliplus range are part of the Mercadona Perfumery assortment, manufactured by the Totaler RNB at its facilities in La Pobla de Vallbona in Valencia. The brand’s foot exfoliator, containing pumice particles, is effective in reducing the stiffness and roughness in soles and heels. The feet moisturising cream range is useful for the treatment of dry feet and cracked heels, the retailer added.
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has emphasised that it is important that pubs adhere to the required health and safety guidelines when they reopen. The LVA estimates that almost two out of every three pubs in Dublin - approximately 450 - venues will resume trading as restaurants in the coming days. Pubs that do not offer food are due to reopen on July 20. Health and safety measures being implemented include social distancing between tables, closing off bar counters, installing hand sanitiser stations at entrance points and throughout premises, instigating advance booking procedures, taking steps to collect the name and contact details of the lead member of each group of customers, providing training to staff, creating menus that adhere to the required health and safety guidelines, and ensuring the compliance of toilet areas among other measures.
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