SWL's Retail Radar - 26/09/24

Retail Radar, from SWL, provides you with a snapshot of the latest retail news from the UK and around the globe. These narratives highlight key events, emerging trends, and notable advancements, providing a deep dive into the dynamic retail landscape.

Iceland teams up with Deliveroo to launch a fast grocery delivery service

Iceland Foods has joined forces with Deliveroo to introduce a fast grocery delivery service, marking it as the latest supermarket to embrace this trend.

Customers will have access to over 3,000 products from the frozen food expert, featuring a selection of essentials, fresh items, and frozen groceries, all available through the Deliveroo platform.

The initiative officially commenced in 53 stores on 25th September, with plans to expand to more than 800 Iceland and The Food Warehouse locations by the end of October.

Justin Addison , Iceland Foods' International and Partnerships Director, mentioned the company’s commitment to providing customers with easy access to their innovative and value-driven products, regardless of their location. He noted that the past year has been one of significant growth for Iceland and The Food Warehouse, and the addition of Deliveroo to their partnership roster is an exciting development, allowing more customers across the UK to conveniently enjoy their favourite Iceland offerings from home.

Suzy McClintock , Deliveroo's Vice President of New Verticals, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in meeting the increasing demand for convenient grocery delivery. She stated that customers can look forward to receiving thousands of quality products in as little as 25 minutes, enhancing access to Iceland’s extensive range of affordable groceries via the app.

Sainsbury's divests its ATM business to streamline banking operations and cut costs

Sainsbury's has decided to transfer its ATM operations to Brink’s Company NoteMachine UK Ltd - A Brink's Company , one of the UK’s prominent ATM service providers, as part of an initiative to streamline its core banking activities and lower expenses.

As a result of this agreement, NoteMachine will take over the management and ownership of Sainsbury’s ATM business, which comprises approximately 1,350 ATMs across the country.

Customers will continue to have free access to cash at all existing locations, with no alterations to their current withdrawal methods, as all ATMs will remain operational in their current positions.

The transition of ownership and the long-term partnership is expected to be finalised by May 2025, which will also enable Sainsbury’s to benefit from a shared commission income stream.

Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s reached an agreement to sell the majority of its banking operations to NatWest Group as part of a gradual exit strategy.

Sainsbury’s Chief Executive, Simon Roberts , expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, stating that it allows customers to maintain free cash access while simplifying the banking segment and reducing costs. He believes that NoteMachine will be an ideal partner for both the company and its customers.

Steve Makaritis , Chief Executive of NoteMachine, noted that this collaboration aligns with their goal of making banking more accessible and convenient for everyone. He expressed enthusiasm about expanding their ATM network and enhancing service delivery in both urban and rural settings, and he looks forward to building on the strengths of both companies to improve customer access to financial services.

Sosandar broadens its retail reach with openings in the UK and a debut in Ireland

Fashion label Sosandar is set to make its debut in Ireland with a physical store opening at Arnotts, the country’s largest department store, following the successful launch of its first two standalone shops in the UK.

This new store in central Dublin comes after Sosandar’s fruitful online collaboration with Arnotts , reflecting the strong interest from Irish customers since the brand's online introduction. With the new store, shoppers in Ireland will have the chance to experience the brand in person, enhancing their shopping experience beyond the digital realm.

Arnotts, which is part of the UK-based Selfridges Group , features a range of premium brands including Longchamp , AllSaints , Jigsaw , and Barbour , making it a fitting venue for Sosandar’s offerings.

Recently, Sosandar opened its first two standalone locations in Chelmsford and Marlow and has now secured a lease for a third store in Newcastle. The response from customers in Chelmsford and Marlow has been overwhelmingly positive, leading the co-CEOs of Sosandar, Ali Hall and Julie Lavington, to express their gratitude for the warm reception received.

They mentioned that Arnotts is a prestigious department store in Dublin, ideal for showcasing Sosandar’s high-quality products, and they look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create. They also noted the enthusiasm surrounding their products online with Arnotts and are excited to provide Irish customers with a personalised in-store shopping experience.

WHSmith plans to launch 37 Toys ‘R’ Us locations ahead of Christmas

WHSmith is set to enhance its collaboration with Toys"R"Us by introducing an additional 37 shop-in-shop locations in the upcoming months, adding to the existing 39 stores under this partnership.

The stationery retailer launched its first Toys ‘R’ Us shop-in-shop in the UK earlier this year. The next phase of openings will kick off on 28th September, with new locations in Bexleyheath, Eastbourne, and Southampton leading the way. Following this, WHSmith plans to open around three new Toys ‘R’ Us shop-in-shops each week as the Christmas season approaches.

Sean Toal , Managing Director for WHSmith's High Street operations, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s legacy, noting that nearly four decades have passed since Toys ‘R’ Us first established itself in the UK. The popularity of recent openings, which saw long queues, indicates strong public interest in the return of the brand.

Toal highlighted that there is still more work to be done, and he looks forward to bringing the excitement of Toys ‘R’ Us to even more customers as the festive season approaches.

Card Factory becomes the exclusive card supplier for Aldi

Card Factory has strengthened its partnership with Aldi UK , becoming the supermarket’s sole supplier of greeting cards.

As part of the expanded agreement, the gifting retailer will now provide its card ranges to Aldi’s growing network of 1,200 stores across the UK and, for the first time, Ireland. Previously, Card Factory supplied cards to 550 Aldi locations in the UK after the partnership began in 2019, when it shared the contract with IG Design Group.

This partnership aligns with Card Factory’s broader strategy to increase its physical footprint across the UK market. Last September, the company announced the rollout of its concessions across all 223 Matalan stores, following a successful trial of its card and gift offerings in 22 locations.

The news follows a challenging period for Card Factory, with a 43% drop in pre-tax profits to ￡14 million for the six months ending 31st July, despite a 6% rise in sales.

Space NK expands further with upcoming store launch in Milton Keynes

Space NK is set to open a new store in Milton Keynes’ Centre:mk as part of its ongoing expansion across key locations in the UK and Ireland.

The 1,721 square foot shop, located on Silbury Arcade, is scheduled to open by the end of November. Customers will have access to a wide range of products from over 100 leading beauty brands, including TATCHA , DRUNK ELEPHANT , NARS Cosmetics , Rare Beauty , Hourglass Cosmetics , and many more.

Members of Space NK’s NDULGE loyalty programme will benefit from exclusive in-store events, sales, and product demonstrations. The new store will also offer a dedicated area for makeup and skincare consultations, alongside a specialised treatment room for personalised services.

Charlie Evans , Space NK’s Head of Retail, explained that Centre:mk was chosen for its status as a top shopping destination in Milton Keynes and a renowned regional hub, and he expressed excitement about becoming part of the local community.

Centre:mk has recently welcomed MANGO and Reiss , with Mint Velvet due to open before Christmas, further enhancing its position as a prime location for premium retailers. Kevin Duffy, the centre’s Director, highlighted that Space NK’s arrival reinforces the centre’s appeal to beauty and wellness brands, joining names like H Beauty, Boots UK , Rituals UK & Ireland , and L’OCCITANE Group .

#retailnews #retailradar #retailproductivity #continuousimprovement

Discover how SWL can help your retail organisation

W: www.swlgroup.com

E: Click here to contact the SWL Team