The Co-op news and analysis – Page 96
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Retailers are cashing in on demand for the real thing
All the major retailers are upping the ante, adding dishes to existing ranges and launching new linesAll the major retailers are upping the ante in their ethnic offerings. Somerfield and Kwik Save have just launched 160 branded...
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A better record for availability
The multiples are delivering customers a better deal when it comes to availability.That is the finding of the latest ECR UK availability survey. The research, which covers the big four as well as Somerfield, Waitrose and The Co-operative Group,...
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Co-op to cut trading areas
The Co-operative Group is to cut the number of trading regions from eight to five in the new year as part of its transformation programme, although its total trading area will stay the same.The society has been ringing the changes ever since it...
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Somerfield collects new wines
Somerfield is launching a premium wine range as part of its most extensive range review in a decade.The Collection portfolio is a range of 26 wines priced between £7 and £20, which will be displayed on a dedicated four-foot bay within...
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Healthy and ready for children to eat
Healthy ready meals for kids don’t have to be an oxymoron, according to two Yorkshire mums behind a new range that uses locally sourced meat and vegetables.The Martha and Lawrence range will go on shelf in Co-Op stores from January and is in...
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Somerfield goes big on Peacocks
Somerfield is strengthening its non food offer with the accelerated roll-out of its in-store clothing and homewares range from high street value chain Peacocks. The number of shops to introduce the Peacocks concessions will increase by more...
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The space race
Tesco may appear to dominate the grocery landscape, but research shows pockets of opportunity, says Liz HamsonAnd it’s not just the big four that are are showing their mettle. Somerfield has managed to get its name on the map for...
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Palmer takes up OMSCo marketing post
Organic milk co-op OMSCo has appointed Rosie Palmer to the newly created role of marketing manager. Palmer takes up her role with immediate effect and will be responsible for OMSCo’s marketing and technical strategies, as well as overseeing...
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Almost a done deal
After more than two years of wrangling and controversy, a bid for Somerfield is on the table. Fiona McLelland reportsIt is the deal that one analyst quips has taken longer than Lord of the Rings to conclude. And in the end, only one...
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Co-op to sell department store network
The Co-operative Group is selling off its 36-strong department store network.The Co-op said that it plans to exit the sector within the next two years and is in talks with Anglia Regional Co-operative Society, which is considering acquiring...
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Retailers’ mixed reaction to OTM
Tesco plans to stock beef from cattle aged Over Thirty Months, Waitrose will not and Somerfield is mulling over the issue following the government’s decision to allow OTM beef back into the food chain.A Tesco spokesman said the multiple had...
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Co-operation is the way forward
The co-ops need to consolidate, and co-operate more, if the movement is to prosper, says Fiona McLellandA new power in the co-operative movement is established today with the completion of the merger of Oxford, Swindon &...
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The business of perfection
Liz Hamson gained a preview of the United Co-op/Unilever Perfect StoreAnd why stop at the physical store layout, asks Beetlestone: “What’s stopping us looking at internet shopping – recreating a much more believable and interesting...
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Unity won’t cause divi confusion - Co-op
The Co-operative Group has denied claims that the plans to create a unified brand for the Co-operative Movement could add to customer confusion in its Dividend cards scheme.Different societies run their own schemes separately and a customer...
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Evans is appointed MD of AF Blakemore & Son
Dennis Evans has been appointed managing director for Spar distribution business AF Blakemore & Son.Evans joins Blakemore from Somerfield, where he was regional director responsible for managing the retail operations of 132 stores in...
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Co-op merger due
The pace of consolidation in the co-operative retail sector is increasing, with Ipswich & Norwich Co-op and Colchester & East Essex Co-op set to become the latest to merge.The move is scheduled for the end of next month, having been...
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Baugur back in bidding?
Icelandic retail predator Baugur could still be set to sweep up some of Somerfield’s unwanted stores following a takeover, despite pulling out of the bidding war for the chain less than two months ago.That is the verdict of leading analysts...
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Unified fascia revealed
The Co-operative Movement has launched the trial of a new look that is to unite all 42 co-operatives under one brand.As first revealed by The Grocer (August 13, p9), the clover leaf and fascias such as Co-op Welcome, Late Shop and Travelcare...
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Somerfield must sell 12 stores
Somerfield must sell 12 of the 115 stores it acquired from Morrisons, the Competition Commission has concluded.In a statement released this morning, Christopher Clarke, chairman of the inquiry, said: “Following responses to our provisional...
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Leaping to success
In an increasingly competitive market, skilled retailers and suppliers are finding it easier to switch between jobs, says Fiona McLellandGone are the days when a young boy would leave school, join the co-op as a shelf-stacker and...