NEWS IN REVIEW AUTUMN 2017
Going up
Sainsbury ’ s set to launch range of exclusive records
NEWS IN REVIEW AUTUMN 2017
Going up
Morrisons saw its group like for like sales rise by 2.5 % excluding fuel in its third quarter as it pushed forward with its strategy to become more competitive . In the 13
weeks to October 29th , total sales rose by 2.3 %. The company ’ s new automated ordering system is now fully operational in all stores across all food categories , and Morrisons expects it to continue to improve availability and save staff time in the run-up to Christmas .
Morrisons also introduced several new and ranges in the quarter including a new home and leisure collection . It is also investing in growing its ‘ Best ’ premium own label range to almost a thousand items , and will have doubled last year ' s offer in time for Christmas .
Next has reported that its full price sales rose by 1.3 % year on year in its third quarter following a strong uplift in online sales , which offset a decline in its high street stores .
In the three months to October 29th online sales climbed by 13.2 % but sales in the retailer ’ s stores were down by 7.7 %.
Next said its sales performance has remained “ extremely volatile ” and is highly reliant on the weather . In August and September sales were significantly up on last year as cooler temperatures improved sales of warmer weight stock .
All Saints has reported a 20 % rise in annual sales to £ 303 million as it continues to grow its international presence . In the year to January
28th , international sales accounted for 47 % of the year ’ s revenue . EBITDA fell by 9 % to £ 26 million . All Saints said that profit was impacted by start-up and preopening costs relating to its entry into Japan , investment in technology , and its new travel retail stores .
It has also been reported that the company is planning to enter the Chinese market and that a full announcement will be made in the New Year .
French Connection is to join a growing range of fashion retailers launching their own collections of affordable bridalwear . The collection
is due to launch in February with lines for spring / summer 2018 . The collection will feature elegant gowns , bridesmaids dresses and separates such as lace trousers , blouses and skirts . Prices will range from £ 65 to £ 295 .
French Connection design director , Maria Chen told Vogue : ” In recent years we have seen customers making purchases from French Connection ’ s main collections for their weddings . Shoppers are able to buy affordable pieces from every other category except bridal so it felt like a natural progression to launch a wedding capsule .”
Rituals Cosmetics is to open its first “ premium ” boutique outside of London at Birmingham ’ s Grand Central shopping centre . The 1,620
square foot store is due to open this month ( November ) and will stock the brand ’ s collection of bath , body and home care products , as well as precious mineral make-up , pure tea , and yoga and soul wear .
The interior of the store will feature a cherry blossom tree centrepiece and dark wood fittings that reflect the brand ’ s luxury Eastern influence . As part of the premium experience , the boutique will
Sainsbury ’ s is set to launch two vinyl compilation albums from its new Own Label imprint through Universal and Warner Music . The
records will be available in over 160 Sainsbury ’ s superstores around the UK . Sainsbury ’ s said the launch is a result of the success it has seen in the vinyl revival . For the first time since the 1980s , Sainsbury ’ s began stocking vinyl in March 2016 and its sales now make up almost 70 % of the total grocery vinyl market .
Due to be launched on November 2nd , the records have been tailored specifically to the tastes of Sainsbury ’ s shoppers . The two 20 track double albums ‘ Hi Fidelity - A Taste of Stereo Sound ’ and ‘ Coming into Los Angeles - A Taste of West Coast ’ aim have a spacious lifestyle area for customers to sit , relax and enjoy a complementary Rituals hand and arm massage and pure tea .
Managing director of Rituals Cosmetics UK and Ireland , Penny Grivea said : “ We are delighted to be opening our first premium boutique outside of London in Grand Central , Birmingham . Rituals are continuing to drive the brand in the UK through extensive expansion plans , strengthening their position in the beauty and wellness category regionally whilst ensuring we are one of the leading premium lifestyle and beauty brands .”
Sainsbury ’ s set to launch range of exclusive records
SOURCE : vogue . co . uk
to capture the classic sounds of the 1960s and 1970s featuring artists such as Fleetwood Mac , Cat Stevens and Elton John .
Sainsbury ’ s head of music and books , Pete Selby said : “ Our customers ’ love of vinyl shows no sign of abating , so alongside the classics albums , we want to offer our shoppers something they won ’ t find anywhere else . Our exclusive Own Label records have been carefully tailored towards the inquisitive , cultured tastes of our customers so we ’ re confident that they ’ ll love the sound of our new releases and our ever-increasing vinyl range .”
10 November 2017