Category Archives: Retail

Cardiff, Cardiff News, News, Retail, Retail News

Paralympic legend opens Llandaff SPAR following £500k Refurbishment

The new-look SPAR Market opened its doors on Friday 3 May, showcasing Cardiff’s first Philpotts concession with a FREE celebratory barista coffee for all customers.

Sporting legend and Paralympian Aled Sion Davies was joined by Llandaff Primary School children on Friday morning (03/05) to declare the new Llandaff flagship SPAR store open.

The SPAR Market store reopened to the public following a £500k refurbishment, boasting Cardiff’s first Philpotts concession and County Bridge Kitchen food-to-go offering.

Aled Sion Davies – who joined in recognition of SPAR’s Disability Sport Wales Insport Series partnership – greeted the school children and members of the public before tucking into a Philpotts sandwich and cutting the ribbon.

Speaking at the opening, Aled Sion Davies said:

“It was great to come down and meet the people of Llandaff and celebrate this wonderful new store. It’s great to see a store that’s so state of the art. Great food really brings people together and it is wonderful to see Welsh products celebrated throughout the SPAR flagship.”

 

The grand reopening showcased a ‘Spinner Winner Wheel’ for those who attended to win prizes and money off vouchers.

The redevelopment hosts a new concept Philpotts sandwich concession selling meticulously crafted sandwiches and salads made from quality ingredients – a little taste of the Philpotts legacy for the first time in Cardiff.

Customers can also enjoy freshly ground, ethically traded and deliciously roasted Philpotts coffee – and for one week only SPAR is giving a free coffee to new customers.

The new flagship store has County Bridge Kitchen, great tasting tonight’s tea solutions  prepared on site for shoppers to cook at home later.  And the store has teamed up with producers from across Wales and local to Llandaff, from Wrexham Lager, Samosa & Co to Lodge Farm Kitchen meals and Welsh Lady Jams.

 

SPAR Market Llandaff store manager, Mike Bircham said:

“It was wonderful to open the doors of our Llandaff flagship store and celebrate with our community of all ages.  We will be offering one free Philpotts coffee, until next Friday, to customers who come down and check out the new store. Llandaff SPAR is a new space, with a fantastic food offering that people can get excited about.”

 

The plush new flagship is the first fully digital SPAR store in Wales – committing to reducing cardboard by using screens and tech throughout.

SPAR will also be offering community groups, schools and universities discounts in the first week of opening, look out for flyers to get your hands on goodies.

 

 

Art, Education, Events, Retail

The Red Dragon Centre celebrates Eid with vibrant community project

The Red Dragon Centre, Cardiff Bay’s bustling entertainment venue, is celebrating Eid with an art project in collaboration with Nathan Wyburn and Mount Stuart Primary School.

Pupils from Mount Stuart Primary School were welcomed to create a drawing of what Eid means to them, the drawings were then put into a breathtaking mural by Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn and has been displayed in the heart of The Red Dragon Centre for visitors to enjoy.

Nathan specialises in creating pieces out of non-traditional mediums and was a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent in 2011, creating a portrait of judge Michael McIntyre out of Marmite on toast.

Accompanying the banner will be a balloon display to frame the mural and create a perfect picture opportunity.

Venues located in The Red Dragon Centre are also joining in with the celebrations. The ODEON, Wales’ only IMAX cinema, is showing specialised screenings on 9 and 10 April, and halal restaurants Spice Route and Zaika, and the café EasyThali, will be joining in with delicious Eid buffets available.

Emma Constantinou, Marketing Manager at The Red Dragon Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be celebrating such a wonderful time of year here at The Red Dragon Centre. It has been a joy to see local primary school pupils get involved, and the mural really shows how special this holiday is.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to the pupils at Mount Stuart Primary and Nathan Wyburn and for all their support in bringing this holiday to life.”

The Red Dragon Centre is home to a multitude of interactive, lifestyle and food and drink venues including Odeon Cinema, the home of Wales’ only IMAX screen, and the Hollywood Bowl which have been key Centre attractions since the beginning.

The Centre hosts a range of additional brands that make up an intrinsic part of the entertainment and dining experience, including Grosvenor Casino, Five Guys, Spice Route, Volcano, EasyThali and Zaika.

The Centre is also the site of the Capital FM South Wales studio, which was formerly Red Dragon FM, as well as Heart FM. Today, you’ll find the likes of Josh and Jess broadcasting their Capital Drive Show live from there every weekday.

Retail

The Direct Selling Association rebrands as it expands remit to become the UK voice for Direct-to-Consumer Retail

The Direct Selling Association, members of which include leading retail brands Avon, Usborne Books, Oriflame and Ann Summers, has today announced a major rebrand as it expands its remit to encompass the full spectrum of D2C (Direct to Consumer) retail in the UK.

From today, membership of the Association, which was established in 1965, will be open to wider D2C retailers as well as affiliate marketing brands, in addition to its existing direct selling brand members, many of which are already making moves into broader D2C channels.

Susannah Schofield OBE, Director General of The Direct Selling Association says: “The Direct Selling Association was established in what was a trailblazing era of retail, led by early Direct-to-Consumer retail pioneers such as Tupperware and Avon.

“As the retail landscape continues to change and evolve, this legacy, combined with the considerable experience of our Board, means that the Direct Selling Association is uniquely placed to represent the full range of D2C retailers, and to be the voice of D2C retail in the UK.”

The Direct Selling Association currently has 50 members, which have a combined turnover of approximately £1 billion per annum and around 500,000 independent sales representatives or affiliates.

Ayo Olaseinde, Chair of the Direct Selling Association UK & Ireland and Global President, Saladmaster, says: “Today’s announcement reflects the Direct Selling Association’s continued commitment to remaining at the forefront of the dynamic world of retail, future innovation in the sector, and consumer protection.

“It is important that as an Association, we continue to adapt, modernise and lead to meet the future needs of our members, suppliers and consultants, and continues to serve as a trusted advocate and resource for retailers, promoting best practice and fostering industry growth.”

The news comes following a campaign launched by the Direct Selling Association earlier this year calling for greater adoption of industry best practice amidst the current surge in Direct-to-Consumer retail.

Susannah Schofield OBE concludes: “We believe that the Direct-to-Consumer model has an exciting future, and we are excited to embark on this journey alongside our members. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and shape the future of retail.”

Membership of the Direct Selling Association is only granted to companies which have satisfactorily undergone a full audit process. By applying to join the Direct Selling Association, a company is proactively demonstrating its commitment to the higher standards of processes and business practices required of Direct Selling Association members compared to non-members.

News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce

Retail industry calls for more government recognition as JD Sports chair says “retail taken for granted”

LIVE: Retail Week x The Grocer kicked off on Tuesday (12 March) morning with JD Sports chair, Andy Higginson, addressing the dynamic nature of the retail industry, noting its resilience and adaptability, and the government’s role in supporting the sector.

“The role of retail is one that the government should welcome” he said at the event.  “We employ a lot of people everywhere, up and down the country. We are in every town and every city. We don’t need subsidies; we are happy to compete on our own and just get on with it. What we ask them to do is play their part and create an economic framework that is positive and progressive and provides a level playing field.

“I think, generally, retail is taken for granted. We are huge contributors to the tax system, which is completely disproportionate to the size of the industry. In addition to that, we employ a lot of people.

“It’s a business’ job to work with whichever government is elected, so we’re all looking for a responsible government that will support businesses.”

Across two days, 150 speakers from some of the biggest names in retail and FMCG debated issues including the role of AI in retail, how the industry is adapting to hit key sustainability targets, and what the country’s biggest retail employers are doing to create great places to work.

Amazon’s UK country manager, John Boumphrey, discussed the transformative role of robotics and generative AI within a keynote session at LIVE, and how they were positively impacting its retail workers through enhancement rather than replacement.

He said: “As well as transforming existing warehouse jobs, robotics create new jobs and these are highly skilled roles. The fear suggested by someone who started down this path was that robotics would replace people. In fact, the opposite has happened.

“Robots have enhanced the lives of workers, not replaced them, and I’m confident that in a few years’ time we’ll be able to say the same thing about the impact of generative AI.”

Boots UK chief marketing officer, Pete Markey, spoke about Boots’ mission, along with menopause awareness company GenM, to better cater to the more than 15 million women in the UK currently experiencing the menopause.

He said: “Our mission has been to be with our customers through every bit of the journey of life. That includes the menopause. Most of our team members are women. 85% of our advantage card holders are women, as well. So, this is an important life moment that we knew we needed to lean into.

“Working with GenM, we’ve developed this new way of signposting where a shopper can get products if you’re going through the menopause. We’ve piloted that in about 150 stores with over 1,000 products. The key bit has been making those products more visible and more accessible.”

And Morrisons’ people director, Charlie Field, Waitrose’s head of retail operations, Peter Finegan, and The Works’ head of profit protection, David Pardoe, debated what retailers can do to drive productivity amidst challenges such as unpredictable costs, unhappy employees and constrained budgets.

LIVE concluded on Wednesday (13 March) afternoon with an interview between Primark’s CEO Paul Marchant and Retail Week’s editor-in-chief Charlotte Hardie looking at the fashion retailer’s plans to invest £100 million in new and existing UK stores during its 50th year in Britain.

Meanwhile, a generative AI powered dashboard that is helping retailers including FatFace and Next to improve staff mental health and prove the value of their wellbeing strategies has been launched by retail industry charity the Retail Trust at LIVE this year.

The new ‘happiness dashboard’, built in partnership with a handful of leading retail employers and the Retail Trust, allows employers to track staff wellbeing trends and improve the effectiveness of support. It also shows each employer exactly how much initiatives to improve mental health are saving their business and the economy, by calculating the financial value of fewer staff calling in sick, working while unwell, quitting their jobs or turning to the NHS as a result.

Retail Week’s editor in chief, Charlotte Hardie and The Grocer’s editor Adam Leyland launched LIVE: Retail Week x The Grocer on Tuesday, marking the first time Retail Week has collaborated with The Grocer to produce an event for people working in retail and FMCG.

Adam Leyland, editor of The Grocer, told delegates: “Teaming up with Retail Week isn’t just about two sister publications collaborating. The fact is that retailers can’t meet the many challenges out there without working with their suppliers.

“The cost of-living crisis, net zero, health and obesity, the biggest issues in our society, require a collective effort. And, of course, there’s so much these two huge industries have in common even in areas where they’re not working directly together, tackling issues like diversity and inclusion, social mobility and social media.”

News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce

Facing shocking levels of violence at work – yet not paid enough to live on: 57% of UK retail staff say their wages barely cover basic expenses, despite many working more hours than ever

  • Study finds that UK shop workers are faring much worse financially than European counterparts
  • One in ten use food banks and nearly a third rely on friends and family to help with living expenses
  • 43% are clocking up more hours than they ever have – rising to 60% for those in wholesale roles

Following the release of the British Retail Consortium’s Crime Survey 2024 Report, revealing a 50% rise in abuse and violence aimed at shop staff, new data shows that more than half of UK retail workers say their wages barely meet even basic living costs – despite many putting in longer hours than ever to keep up with inflated expenses.

Frontline staff across several industries, including retail and wholesale, were polled in the pan-European study by workforce management experts Quinyx.  Four in ten UK retail employees (43%) said they’re working more hours than they ever have in order to meet increased living costs and support their families. For those in wholesale jobs, this rises to 60%.

Pointing to a significant financial disparity between retail staff in the UK and those in other parts of Europe, UK employees were much more likely to say their wages barely cover living costs (57%) than their counterparts in The Netherlands (31%), the Nordics (33%) and Germany (39%). For wholesale workers, the gap is even greater – 57% of UK staff, compared to 18% in The Netherlands, 22% in the Nordics and 27% in Germany say they can barely afford basic living expenses.

Despite a third (33%) of retail staff receiving a pay rise last year, 10% said they’d had to use food banks, while 29% had to accept financial support from friends and family to cover basic costs.

Toma Pagojute, chief HR officer at Quinyx, says: “The British Retail Consortium’s findings are shocking, and while no amount of pay would make the current situation acceptable, the fact that many retail staff are barely scraping by financially seems like another insult.

“If there’s a positive to take from the BRC report, it’s that it is shedding greater light on retail crime and encouraging action to make frontline workers safer. We hope it also brings opportunities to review employees’ experiences as a whole, considering all factors that can affect their mental and physical health.

“Pay is part of that, particularly as we’re still facing higher interest rates and increased living costs. In addition to any legislation brought in regarding customer behaviour and staff protection, employers should always consider the wellbeing of their workforce and look for ways to help frontliners feel less stressed, overwhelmed and overworked. This might be through flexible scheduling or improved communications – and generally making staff feel like they matter and their contributions are valued.”

News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce

Lidl named UK’s best supermarket and M&S back in fashion at the Retail Week Awards, sponsored by Salesforce

Beloved for its ‘midl’ aisle, ironically cool own-brand socks and sliders, and top-notch in-store bakery, Lidl is now officially the UK’s best supermarket after taking the top gong at a glittering awards ceremony in London tonight – the first time it has beaten fellow German grocer Aldi.

And, after years of failing to impress fashion-focused customers, Marks and Spencer – which saw its holiday clothes and jeans fly last year – impressed the critics enough to reclaim its ‘Fashion Retailer of the Year’ crown.

Lidl and Marks and Spencer were two of 19 retailers celebrating last night at the Retail Week Awards, sponsored by Salesforce, where hundreds of the industry’s biggest names gathered to compete for an array of accolades.

Lidl’s win comes hot on the heels of an amazing year for the supermarket when 1.4 million more UK customers entered its doors and it reported an 18.8% increase in sales, to £9.3 billion. It’s now the third-largest supermarket in London, overtaking Asda and gaining ground on Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

 

Hanna Jackson, managing director at Retail Week, said: “The Retail Week Awards judges – made up of leading retail CEOs – complimented Lidl on building an incredible business in the UK. Customers are loving the quality and innovation of its food offering as well as – of course – its incredible prices. It is also playing a very clever game in attracting Gen Z shoppers with the aim of keeping them as loyal customers for life.”

Meanwhile, Marks and Spencer has enjoyed a phoenix-like resurgence in fashion following a decade of decline, boosted by the sale of customer-friendly, third-party brands including Sweaty Betty, Nobody’s Child and Sosandar. The retailer reported an 11.5% increase in clothing and home sales, to £3.7 billion, last year.

“M&S has completely overhauled its fashion credentials, thanks to co-chief executive officer Katie Bickerstaffe’s transformational strategy for the divisions,” added Hanna Jackson, managing director at Retail Week. “Its influencer-led social media strategy has really paid off, as has the way it’s brought third-party brands into the M&S family and aligned itself with celebrity fashionistas like Sienna Miller, Zawe Ashton and Sophie Ellis-Bextor in its advertising campaigns. 

“More – and younger – customers are back buying clothes at M&S. It’s a very worthy winner.”

Ryan McDonnell, CEO of Lidl GB, said: “We’re thrilled to be named Grocer of the Year, an especially poignant accolade with 2024 marking our 30th anniversary in Great Britain. When the doors to our first store opened back in 1994, our promise was simple, offer customers great quality food at unbeatable value, and this commitment still stands. Big on Quality, Lidl on Price isn’t just a brand slogan. It’s a promise that epitomises what our business stands for, and encapsulates our commitment to social responsibility and sustainability which is core to our DNA. Over the years, this has helped contribute towards a significant change in the way that British households shop for their groceries.”

Richard Price, managing director of clothing and home at Marks and Spencer, said: “We’re thrilled to be recognised as Retail Week’s Fashion Retailer of the Year. The team has worked incredibly hard to elevate style perceptions while continuing to offer product that is exceptional quality and value. Lots to be cheerful about while lots still to do and so much to go after in the year ahead.” 

There was also recognition for Tesco, which was named ‘Best Retailer Over £250m’ and is still the UK’s biggest supermarket, Primark, which was named ‘International Retailer of the Year’ in recognition of its aggressive and successful programme of store openings in North America and Europe over the last 12 months, and Amazon, which won the Consumer Choice Award, as voted for by the public, for the seventh year running.

Walmart’s former president and CEO Judith McKenna was awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution to Retail’ for her meteoric rise to becoming one of the world’s most influential retailers and Sainsbury’s chief executive officer Simon Roberts was named Salesforce Retail Leader of the Year’ for what the Retail Week Awards judges described as an ‘ego free’ style of leadership that makes him ‘a pleasure to work with.

Hanna Jackson, managing director at Retail Week, added: “Under Simon’s leadership, he’s addressed the retail giant’s slumping market share, guided it through Covid and the cost-of-living crisis by putting food back at the heart of the business.  

“He’s a people-focused leader who prioritises culture. That doesn’t mean there haven’t been difficult decisions as Sainsbury’s has looked at how to ensure sustainable growth, but he epitomises modern leadership that prioritises purpose.” 

Judith McKenna said: “I am honoured to receive this award and to be recognised by an industry that I love. 

“Over my 30-year retail career I have met many people in retail and beyond who have supported me. It’s been an enormous privilege here in the UK at Asda and internationally with Walmart to work with so many amazing colleagues and leaders who have taught me so much and shared their love of retail with me. I owe a debt of gratitude to each and everyone of them. 

“To be the first female leader to receive this award is particularly poignant as we approach International Women’s Day so I’d like to take the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of all the brilliant women who work in retail, on the sales floor, in supply chain, in head offices and in boardrooms right across the globe. This one is for you!” 

The Retail Week Awards have been recognising and rewarding the efforts of retailers and retail workers for nearly 30 years and this year’s judging panel included some of the most respected names in the industry, ranging from WHSmith’s chief executive Carl Cowling to White Stuff’s chief executive Jo Jenkins.

Wednesday night’s ceremony came ahead of the UK’s leading retail gathering LIVE: Retail Week x The Grocer which is taking place from 12 – 13 March at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge, London.

EE, Currys and Majestic Wine among other Retail Week Award winners

EE also claimed a top spot for ‘Best New Store’, thanks to its new Studio store in Westfield London which features a host of new experience zones including a gaming area, smart home zone and a digital spa” where customers can use technology to detox from their screens.

Currys was awarded ‘The Green Initiative’ for recycling and harvesting thousands of products and parts, its “Cash for Trash” programme which offers customers a voucher worth at least £5 when old tech is recycled, and for its work providing refurbished white goods and devices to low-income families.

And Majestic Wine won The Microsoft Award for the Happiest Place to Work, in partnership with the Retail Trust. The specialist wine retailer conducted its largest-ever staff listening programme last year to create new employee forums to improve communication across the business.

Retail heroes celebrated 

Other individuals and teams from across the retail industry were celebrated for leading their businesses and communities during the last year, including Pet’s at Home’s regional operations director Lucy Bain, who was awarded ‘The American Express Inclusion and Diversity Hero’ for her work, which includes attracting more employees with diverse characteristics, including from more diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Life saver Bobby Storey, from sofa and carpet specialists, ScS, was awarded ‘Delivery Hero’ after spotting a gas leak in a customer’s home.

And the team at Homebase in Catford won ‘the Community Heroes award’ for their work supporting local schools, fire brigades, police, and parks across south London.

Navkinder Sanghera, AVP retail, consumer goods, travel, transport and hospitality at Salesforce UK, added: “The Retail Week Awards nominees and winners represent all that is great about the industry, with individuals and teams demonstrating innovation and resilience despite continued disruption and an uncertain economic outlook. We’re seeing brands embrace technological shifts and remain laser focused on staying connected and delivering on the high expectations of today’s customers.” 

The Retail Week Awards 2024 winners:  

THE AMERICAN EXPRESS INCLUSION & DIVERSITY HERO/HEROES AWARD – Lucy Bains, regional operations director, Pets at Home

THE BEST NEW STORE AWARD – EE

THE BEST RETAILER OVER £250m – Tesco

THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE GAMECHANGER AWARD – Holland & Barrett

THE CONSUMER CHOICE AWARD – Amazon

THE COMMUNITY HERO/HEROES AWARD – Homebase, Catford 

THE DELIVERY HERO/HEROES AWARD – Bobby Storey, ScS

THE FASHION RETAILER OF THE YEAR AWARD – Marks and Spencer

THE GREEN INITIATIVE – Currys

THE INTERNATIONAL RETAILER OF THE YEAR – Primark

THE MICROSOFT AWARD FOR THE HAPPIEST PLACE TO WORK IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE RETAIL TRUST – Majestic Wine

THE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO RETAIL AWARD – Judith McKenna, president and CEO, Walmart International

THE RELEX SOLUTIONS RESPONSIBLE RETAILER AWARD – Cook

THE SALESFORCE BEST RETAILER UNDER £250m – Jollyes

THE SALESFORCE RETAIL LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD – Simon Roberts, CEO, Sainsbury’s

THE SAP HEAD OFFICE HERO/HEROES AWARD – Team Fusion, Ann Summers

THE SOFTSERVE GROCER OF THE YEAR – Lidl

THE SPECIALITY RETAILER OF THE YEAR – HMV

THE STORE HEROES AWARD – Beckton store team, Currys

Bristol, E-Commerce, Kent, London, News, Retail, Warwickshire

Bodyshop announces store closures and jobs cuts, some from today

The Body Shop has announced today that half it’s UK stores would close, with the first seven closures happening today.

It will also be cutting staff by up to 40% at it’s London-based head office.

The seven stores announced as closing today include:

• Surrey Quays (London)

• Oxford Street Bond Street (London)

• Canary Wharf (London)

• Cheapside (London)

• Nuneaton (Warwickshire)

• Ashford Town Centre (Kent)

• Bristol Queens Road (Bristol)

Administrators said that the brand’s current portfolio is no longer viable after “years of unprofitability” and administrators reassured customers that more than half of the remaining 198 outlets will remain open.

The brand’s global franchise partners are reported unaffected.

interior design, Interiors, News, North of England, Retail, Retail & E-commerce

All you need is love…and free champagne

Love will be in the Air at Arighi Bianchi’s Valentine’s Fizz and Furniture event on Saturday 10th February

Luxury furniture and homeware retailer Arighi Bianchi has partnered with Champagne brand Laurent-Perrier to spread some love across Macclesfield on Saturday 10th February.

Helping people in the region unleash their romantic side, Laurent-Perrier’s Champagne van will take pride of place outside the Silk Road store from 11am to 3pm.

The family-run business will be giving away a free glass of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne to the first 200 lucky shoppers on a first come, first served basis. Plus, it has welcomed a selection of independent retailers from the local area to run pop-ups and promotions for its special Valentine’s event – with gifts galore from luxury chocolates to stunning flowers and floral bouquets.

And there are prizes to be won too. Snap a selfie with the Champagne van and tag @arighibianchi on Instagram, and you will be in with the chance to win Laurent Perrier’s limited edition Cuvée Rosé Petal Robe Edition worth £98.00.

In store, anyone looking for that special gift for their loved one this Valentine’s Day will find lots of unique ideas. Arighi Bianchi has a range of homewares and home fragrances from designer brands including Jonathan Adler, Aery and Le Creuset. There’s also throws, cushions and gorgeous ornaments.

Boxed bottles of Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé and the Laurent Perrier Cuvée Rosé Petal Robe Edition will be available to buy instore and all purchases include free luxury gift wrapping.

Sarah Bianchi, Managing Director of Arighi Bianchi, said: “We love giving something back to the local community and Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to show some love for our customers. Fizz and furniture shopping – the perfect day out!

“The event will be supported by some hand selected retail partners from the local area and in-store our team are on hand to help anyone pick out the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or home furnishing product. So, if you’re stuck for ideas, we have lots of unique finds that will be sure to set your loved ones heart racing this Valentine’s Day.

“We hope that people will also take the opportunity to come and experience the new-look Caffe AB, that’s had a make-over and launched a new menu.”

Charity & CSR, News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce

37% of Brits Shop At Charity and Thrift Stores on their Local High Street Amidst the Cost-of-living Crisis

In a recent survey of over 2,000 UK adults, Legal & General delved into the sentiments surrounding the Great British High Street—past, present, and future. With headlines spotlighting ‘the decline of the high street’ circulating, the survey raises a poignant question: Does the love for local high streets persist among Brits?

With rising concerns about the environmental and ethical costs of the shopping industry worldwide, secondhand retail has seen growing importance over recent years. In the UK, there are over 3,800 stores specialised in selling secondhand goods, according to Statista. During 2021, Statista noted sales in these stores saw a tremendous growth of 27.2 percent in value, a clear indication of increased consumer interest in the secondhand market. The popularity of charity shops has also risen more than 15 per cent in the first quarter of 2023 compared with the same period last year, according to Charity Retail’s latest research– highlighting the growing impact of secondhand shopping. We also saw some similar and interesting trends in Legal & General’s latest high street survey.

Key data:

  • Second-hand shopping is in: 37% of Brits have shopped at a charity shop in the last year and the result was more popular among women- according to 42% of women compared to 31% of men. Surprisingly, adults aged 55+ were the most common group to shop at a charity shop by 42%, closely followed by the 45-54 age group (by 38%) and 25-34 age group (33%).
  • Finding a rare find: Over a third of Brits (34%) state they shop in charity shops to find unique finds that they wouldn’t be able to find elsewhere- and for a reduced price. After all, second-hand shopping can also help save you money with 38% Brits agreeing!
  • Giving back: 31% of Brits shop at charity shops or thrift stores as they like that they are supporting important causes through their purchases.
  • Sustainability is a key concern: Just over a quarter of Brits (28%) value sustainability and are keen to support the environment by shopping at charity shops and thrift stores.
  • Brits enjoy supporting their local high street: Despite the increased cost-of-living, it’s great to hear that respondents are actively supporting their local high street. 37% of Brits say they support their local high street by eating at local restaurants and cafes, 32% support their high street by shopping at independent local retailers. Whilst 32% support their high street by shopping at local charity or thrift shops.

When Legal & General asked respondents what they enjoyed most about their local high street, 36% said it was the convenience of being nearby, 24% said it was the variety of shops and businesses, 19% attributed it to supporting the local community. A notable 14% of adults cited vintage, charity and thrift stores as being the key reason for what they enjoy most about their local high street.

News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce, Retail Tech

Supermarket giant Iceland puts colleague welfare first by partnering with VoCoVo

VoCoVo, the retail communications specialist, has today announced a partnership with UK supermarket chain Iceland which will see every store within the retailer’s estate provided with access to the latest cutting edge communication technology.

Following the recent launch of VoCoVo’s Series 5 Pro headsets, designed to provide a significant boost to operational efficiency, colleague safety and customer experience, the headsets will be made available in each of Iceland’s 1,004 UK stores. The decision to provide every store with the technology forms part of Iceland’s commitment to ensure the safety, wellbeing and optimum working experience for all colleagues.

VoCoVo and Iceland worked in collaboration to deliver a solution that met each of Iceland’s unique needs. Following a resoundingly successful trial in select stores, the Series 5 Pro will play an important part in Iceland’s customer experience plans moving forward.

“The investment in VoCoVo headsets is a real step forward in improving the efficiency, communication and safety of our store colleagues, which are all paramount to our current and future plans,” says Kristian Barrett, Iceland’s Group Retail Director.

Opting for the Series 5 Pro headsets followed a rigorous vetting process by the supermarket, with the VoCoVo product best meeting all Iceland’s requirements for a durable and innovative solution that would transform the colleague working experience.

Spanning all areas of Iceland’s retail stores, including shop floor, back areas and home delivery services, colleagues can use VoCoVo to efficiently collaborate on store operations, helping to maintain Iceland’s high standards of operational efficiency. Staff are empowered to meet customer expectations, alongside the ability to quickly resolve queries for an optimum customer experience.

“On our store floors and beyond, we’re committed to improving our customer’s experience when shopping with us. Our partnership with VoCoVo will directly support this commitment and we’re excited to grow the solution once the headsets are installed. This will include specific APIs that will integrate with our in-store technology and notification systems, enabling us to quickly update our store colleagues on certain business activities that are happening,” says Louise Dhaliwal, Iceland’s IT Director.

“Iceland’s commitment to protecting its colleagues and prioritising their wellbeing through the power of voice communication was apparent from the moment we engaged with them. Iceland stores already operate with high efficiency and we’re delighted that our technology will help take this further and cement Iceland’s position as one of the UK’s most loved retailers. We’re looking forward to a successful rollout and collaborative future,” says Rob Gamlin, CEO, VoCoVo.

The compact design of the Series 5 Pro headset allows colleagues to communicate with each other in crystal clear audio quality, while being discreet enough to ensure customers are not deterred from approaching staff on the shop floor. Its fully adjustable design also makes for a more comfortable experience when worn and the rapid charge feature provides 50% battery charge in just 30 minutes.

Iceland is also making use of a full suite of custom-developed video content to help train staff on how best to make use of the new solution. VoCoVo will provide ongoing support as the partnership evolves, with further integrations in the planning. The rollout is expected to be complete with VoCoVo technology active in all Iceland stores by April 2024.