Czechia has amended its consumer protection act to ensure better protection of vulnerable groups of customers when concluding contracts over the phone, ‘doorstep’ sales, and organised sales events, according to a press release by the Czech commerce and tourism confederation, SOCR ČR. Industry and trade minister Jozef Síkela said, “Shopping should also be more transparent. For example, consumers will no longer be able to be deceived about the amount of the discount offered. When shopping online, they must know who they are contracting with, and will also be protected from fake reviews, reports ESMmagazine.com. “The amendment will contribute to strengthening consumer rights, but, in a number of places, it also aims to refine the legislation, so that the selected rules are more workable in practice.”
French caterer Sodexo reported on Friday 6 January forecast-beating first-quarter sales, as its on-site business surpassed pre-pandemic levels on a return to the workplace and other venues, while price hikes for corporate clients also helped. The group confirmed its forecast of organic revenue growth of 8-10% and an underlying profit margin close to 5.5% for 2023, reports Reuters. Group sales totalled €6.33 billion, topping a company-provided analysts’ consensus estimate of €6.17 billion, while its on-site business exceeded 2019 levels and grew by 11.9% organically.
UK retailer Asda has announced the launch of two new vegan ranges, offering approximately 112 SKUs for 2023. The new ranges will be available under the OMV! label, offering meat-free meals and snacks, and the Plant Based brand, focusing on nutritionist-approved meat alternatives. From January, around 86 selected SKUs will be available under both brands in store, as well as online. The retailer will roll out more products throughout the year, reports ESMmagazine.com. Customers who spend £5 on vegan own-brand products (OMV! and Plant Based by Asda) throughout January will earn £1 back in their cash pot in the Asda Rewards app, the company noted.
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
