James Lowman news, comment and analysis – Page 3
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NewsACS slams government regulations on disposable vape ban as ‘inaccurate and naïve’
The trade body said government was also “naïve” to underestimate the effect on illicit trade post-ban
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Comment & OpinionHow the convenience sector can tackle the shocking rise in crime
We have the data and the right strategies, says ACS CEO James Lowman – now it’s time to deliver
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NewsConvenience stores suffer 400% increase in theft in 2023
The scale of the crisis blighting communities across the UK was highlighted in the trade body’s 2024 Crime Report, published today
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NewsScottish companies face most draconian clampdown yet on HFSS
Under the proposals, revealed in a new consultation today, the Scottish government said it would ban all promotions of HFSS products
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Analysis & FeaturesWhat’s in Co-op’s 10-point plan to tackle retail crime?
Co-op has collaborated with professor of criminology Emmeline Taylor on the strategy
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NewsTrade bodies welcome crime bill amendment to protect shopworkers
Tabled by shadow minster for policing Alex Norris last week, the offence would bring tougher sentencing on offenders, including up to a year in prison
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NewsTrade bodies call on PCCs to act on local crime as retailers report record theft
As part of the campaign, the groups are also lobbying for easier methods of reporting shop theft, and a single point of contact for all retailers to be established
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NewsWest of England mayor launches funding for retailers tackling theft
There is a total of £142,000 available, and retailers in the area which includes Bath and Bristol can apply for a 50% match funding grant up to £2,000
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NewsFree-to-use ATMs drop by more than 15,000 in five years
According to the ACS’s latest figures in its Access To Cash Tracker, there are currently 37,836 free-to-use cash machines available across the UK
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Comment & OpinionHow the autumn statement will impact retail and fmcg
A ‘final nail in the coffin for the high street’ was the grim description from a leading property consultancy of today’s autumn statement
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NewsTrade bodies warn over impact of wage rises as NLW set to reach £11.44
The government yesterday (21 November) confirmed the NLW will rise by 9.8% from £10.42 to £11.44 per hour in April
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NewsRetail Crime Action Plan to unite police and retailers in shoplifting battle
Policing minister Chris Philp said new measures included police prioritising attendance at shoplifting instances where violence has been used
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NewsLabour pledges new law against attacking shopworkers amid shoplifting ‘epidemic’
Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper has pledged to introduce a new law against attacking shopworkers amid the shoplifting scourge
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NewsIndependent retailer Ramesh Shingadia takes over as chair of ACS board
Moving up from his role as vice chair, which he has held since February 2021, award-winning Shingadia brings 40 years of retail experience to the position
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NewsConvenience retailers pump £646m into stores as sales soar
According to the ACS 2023 Local Shop Report the top areas of investment were refrigeration, shelving, store signage, in-store lighting, and technology
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NewsDeposit return scheme set for delay to 2026 ‘at earliest’
Last week, supermarket bosses called for the government to go back to the drawing board with its plans for DRS
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Comment & OpinionIt’s time to end crime spree against shopworkers
Criminal acts at Co-op stores jumped to over 175,000 recorded incidents since the start of the year. That’s almost 1,000 each day
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NewsCrime hitting Co-op stores ‘out of control’ as incidents reach new highs
Co-op campaign and public affairs director Paul Gerrard told The Grocer he was shocked by the “brazenness and scale” of the crimes committed
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Comment & OpinionLocal authorities can’t hope to enforce disposable vape ban
Try to report stores already flouting regulations and the response from Trading Standards is usually nothing, says ACS CEO James Lowman
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NewsOne Stop pays for franchisees to get a year’s free ACS membership
The convenience retailer told The Grocer membership would give retailers a stronger campaigning voice to government