Productivity
This coverage explores productivity in the UK retail industry, focusing on workforce effectiveness, operational efficiency, process innovation, and cost control. Reporting provides insight into how retailers optimise resources and performance to remain competitive — supporting executives, managers, and professionals driving improvement initiatives.
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Jul- 2024 -16 JulyOnline & Digital
Ocado HY losses narrow to £154m
Ocado has revealed that its losses narrowed to £154m for the half year ended 2 June 2024, down from £290m in the same period last year. Overall, the company’s group revenue rose 12.6% to £1.5bn while its technology solutions arms saw an increase of 22%, its logistics arm saw a…
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12 JulyNews
Retailers spend 300 hours a year fighting work admin, study finds
The average retail business is spending nearly 300 hours each year consumed with admin in their day-to-day jobs, according to new research. The study, from Brightpearl by Sage, who polled over 1,000 businesses, found that on average, retailers are spending an average of 5.7 hours weekly, 24 hours and 38.6…
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9 JulyNews
Ocado to open third CFC with Aeon
Ocado has announced the continued expansion of its partnership with Aeon with plans to construct a third Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Kuki-Miyashiro, Japan. The grocer entered an exclusive partnership with Aeon in 2019 to develop the online operations of the Aeon Next grocery business using the Ocado Smart Platform…
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Jun- 2024 -28 JuneSponsored Articles
From uncertainty to stability: strengthening food and beverage supply chains with PLM
The fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Constant shifts in the industry landscape, driven by inflation, geopolitical tensions and climate change, create an increasing number of complex hurdles for retailers and manufacturers. Adapting to these changes requires agile decision-making and strategic planning. Food and beverage companies are…
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12 JuneEconomy
Economy stalls in April due to wet weather
The UK economy stalled in April showing no growth as wet weather dampened consumer spending, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics. Monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have shown no growth in April 2024, following growth of 0.4% in March 2024. It…
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May- 2024 -21 MayDIY
B&Q owner holds guidance as UK&I outperforms European arms
Kingfisher has announced that it will be maintaining its profit guidance after Q1 sales at B&Q in the UK and Ireland offset its weaker performance at its groups in France and Poland. During the period to 30 April, sales rose 0.3% to £3.3bn. However, sales declined 0.9% on a like-for-like…
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17 MaySupermarkets
Sainsbury’s to bring AI to supermarkets amid Microsoft deal
Sainsbury’s and Microsoft have announced a new five-year strategic partnership to bring the tech company’s AI and machine learning capabilities to the supermarket. The partnership will aim to improve store operations, drive greater efficiency for colleagues and provide customers with more efficient and effective service. Sainsbury’s will use generative AI…
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16 MayNews
Today’s news in brief-16/5/24
Natura and Co is considering separating from Avon after experiencing a significant increase in losses during the first quarter. The group’s net loss rose by 43.3% to BRL934.9m (£143.6m), compared to BRL652m (£100m) the previous year, while sales declined by 5.7% to BRL6.1bn (£937m). Avon International’s sales fell by 13.1%…
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16 MayHealth & Beauty
Natura & Co mulls Avon separation amid widened losses
Natura and Co has confirmed it is still exploring a “potential separation” of Avon after its losses widened in the first quarter of trading. Over the period, its net loss widened by 43.3% to BRL934.9m (£143.6m), up from a loss of BRL652m (£100m) the prior year. It comes as sales fell…
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1 MayDIY
Wickes maintains FY outlook despite LFL sales decline
Wickes has maintained its full-year profit guidance, despite overall like-for-like sales for the first 16 weeks to 20 April falling by 4.2% against the same period last year. While it said the trading environment remains uncertain, the group expects its “solid” start to the year within its retail offering to…
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