James Lowman news, comment and analysis – Page 27
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Profiles
Brennan takes over ACS's public affairs
The Association of Convenience Stores has promoted Shane Brennan to public affairs director.Brennan, who moves up from the role of public affairs manager, will be responsible for growing the association's profile and influencing the...
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News
Cameron promises support for indies under Tory power
Conservative Party leader David Cameron has promised tax breaks and regulatory reform to help small shop owners compete with major supermarkets.Speaking at a Campaign to Protect Rural England event this week Cameron offered independent...
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News
The Commission just won't be told
Small shop leaders have rounded on the Competition Commission for concluding the number of convenience stores is on the up in the week that a new report showed a further decline in the market.In the final report of its two-year...
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News
Industry responds to groceries inquiry
Supermarkets and small shop campaigners united in their criticism of the Competition Commission's groceries inquiry final report yesterday, with the big four claiming an ombudsman could increase prices and campaigners claiming the report had failed...
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News
Retailers condemn 'two strikes' plan
Retailers have attacked plans by the Prime Minister to bring in a "two strikes and you're out" rule against those selling alcohol to under-18s.This week Gordon Brown said he wanted tougher sanctions against shops flouting the law,...
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Comment & Opinion
Analyse the facts and not the spin
The commission now has to face up the crucial issues at the heart of the inquiry or it will just be a missed opportunity for genuine choiceAfter a frenzy of largely inaccurate speculation, the publication of the Competition Commission's...
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News
How to beat a squeeze on consumer spending
James Lowman CEO, Association of Convenience Stores Says: There is significant talk of a financial squeeze in 2008 and this has led to concern in the media and industry. However, retailers should not be too pessimistic about the...
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News
Retail Surgery - consumer squeeze
With shoppers watching their money more carefully, it is crucial that independents regularly review ranges, ensure popular lines stay in stock and provide the best possible customer serviceJames LowmanCEO, Association of Convenience...
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News
Indie stores hit by 'worrying' fall in year-on-year revenue
Independent retailers were given more bad news this week as TNS Worldpanel data showed sales in the sector dipped 2.2% year-on-year in the 12 weeks to 2 December.Total grocery sales through independents were £506.6m in the period...
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News
Could dairy farmers be the real losers?
The OFT's decision last week to hand out a £116m fine to some of the UK's leading supermarkets and dairies for colluding to fix the price of milk, cheese and butter had more than a whiff of pyrrhic victory about it. They may have rightly...
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News
Bell rings for c-stores in the last chance saloon
The bell for last orders has rung. Yesterday was the deadline for final submissions in response to the Competition Commission's provisional findings. The ACS and the FWD remain furious about the commission's assessment that c-store...
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Comment & Opinion
Commission's findings are somewhat of a curate's egg
The interim report on the grocery market is a mix of encouraging statements, frustrating oversights and worrying conclusions I hope you have all enjoyed the 270 pages, plus appendices, offered as provisional findings by the Competition...
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News
The beginning ofthe end?
Convenience chains could become a target again for the major multiples after the Competition Commission found Tesco's and Sainsbury's move into c-stores had done independent retailers no harm. The commission's surprise verdict in the...
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News
INQUIRY BETS PLEASE
After 18 months travelling the country, sifting through millions of emails, sending out surveys, travelling the country and listening to submissions, the Competition Commission is expected to publish the provisional findings of its grocery...
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News
Simple ways to protect staff against violence
John Hannett General secretary, Usdaw Says: There are many simple things an employer can do to protect their staff. 1) Carry out a risk assessment and share experience with other local businesses. 2) Think about how the store layout can make it...
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News
Retail surgery - crime
Violent attacks on shop staff have risen 50% over the past year, and threats of violence more than doubled, according to the BRC's Retail Crime Survey. How can retailers protect themselves? John Hannett General secretary,...
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News
Shop staff need help in war on underage sales
Retailers are calling for more help from authorities to combat underage drinking, despite the prime minister singling out irresponsible off-licences for punishment. In new research commissioned by the British Retail Consortium, staff said they were...
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News
Inquiry 'blind to vouchers threat'
Small shops leaders have accused the Competition Commission's grocery inquiry team of underestimating the impact of supermarket voucher promotions on independents. The Association of Convenience Stores claims the vouchers, offering deep discounts on...
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Comment & Opinion
Don't just ignore c-stores, use credible data instead
Decisions are soon to be made in the Commission's inquiry. It's time to change the way buying power is assessed so we really find out what is happening to small storesThe Commission's working paper on supplier prices is a big step...
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News
Licensee does not have to be presen
C-stores' leaders have won a battle to clarify a licensing law that some councils had interpreted as meaning a shop's licence-holder must always be present when alcohol is sold.Guidance revisions to the 2003 Licensing Act have made it...