MBS News
Wednesday
August 11, 2010
Industry headlines from Moira Benigson Executive Search
Retail
JJB Sports Shareholder Ups Its Stake
JJB Sports has received a boost after US investment firm Harris Associates upped its stake in the beleaguered retailer to become its largest shareholder.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Tesco Submits Planning Permission For 'Green' DC
Tesco has submitted a planning application for a new regional distribution centre on part of a former Ford site. The DC will be a process facility for recycled used packaging “as part of the Tesco environmental commitment”.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Consumer Goods
Nestlé Snaps Up Powdered Drinks Maker
Nestlé has added to its portfolio of powdered drinks by acquiring Latin American manufacturer Malher Group for an undisclosed amount.
Read more on www.thegrocer.co.uk »
Suntory To Launch 'Rare' Japanese Whiskies In The UK
Japan's leading whisky label, Suntory, has launched two limited edition single malt whiskies, which will be available in the UK in the Autumn.
Read more on www.talkingretail.com »
Digital And Online
Five Brings TV To Facebook
Five is set to become the first broadcaster to screen TV shows on Facebook, with the channel's TV-on-demand player being embedded into the social media site.
USC Sells Overseas Through Website
Young fashion chain USC is selling online to 10 European countries in a bid to tap into growing traffic from overseas. It is the first time the retailer has opened up deliveries through its website beyond the UK.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Fashion, Lifestyle And Luxury
Seven For All Mankind Rolls Out In Berlin
Los Angeles denim brand Seven For All Mankind has opened a store in Berlin, its first in Germany. Another is planned for Düsseldorf next month.
American Apparel To Miss Filing Deadline
Trouble is mounting for US fashion retailer American Apparel which has said it will miss its deadline to file second quarter results.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Vero Moda Launches Lingerie
Young fashion brand and retailer Vero Moda is to trial a lingerie collection in its own stores from October with a view to wholesaling it next year.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
Travel And Leisure
Starbucks In Talks To Acquire Licence For Darjeeling Tea
Starbucks has reportedly approached the Indian authorities for a licence to import and sell Darjeeling tea at its worldwide sites. The tea can only be sold with the permission of India’s Tea Board.
Read more on www.kamcity.com »
Regulator To Probe Merger Of Car Clubs
The Competition Commission will launch an investigation into Zipcar’s acquisition of Streetcar over concerns that the deal would negatively affect future development of the fast-growing sector.
Etihad Launches “All Economy” Service
Etihad Airways is launching an “all economy” class aircraft in October, allowing the carrier to provide a competitive product on significant short-haul routes.
Read more on www.breakingtravelnews.com »
On The Move
Pets At Home Poaches Wilkinson Head Of Buying
Pets at Home has hired Wilkinson’s head of buying Peter Pritchard as its new trading director. He will replace Catriona Marshall, who will leave the business to “pursue other opportunities and challenges”.
Read more on www.retail-week.com »
Jansson To Leave SAS This Autumn
Mats Jansson, chief executive of Scandinavian Airlines, has announced that he will leave the carrier later this year.
Read more on www.breakingtravelnews.com »
Arnotts Appoints Chairman
The new owners of Arnotts have appointed Mark Schwartz, chief executive of Palladin Capital Group, as chairman of the Irish department store.
Read more on www.drapersonline.com »
The Weatherman Says...
The other night, I watched the film Invictus. Directed by Clint Eastwood, it focuses on the period of release for Nelson Mandela and the winning of the rugby world cup for South Africa. I think I used up an entire bog roll as the tears came a-pouring. Unfortunately, I was in the UK for that period but remember my mum saying that people were lying in the street howling, screaming and crying with joy. Mandela wearing the Springbok jersey may have been one of the greatest pieces of marketing of all time. It's a fantastic country with incredible history and oh by the way...we just put on the best football world cup ever! Loving the sun.