Katie Piper launches her own collection at Superdrug to inspire confidence and kindness this Christmas

The TV presenter and philanthropist, Katie Piper, has launched her own product range exclusively with Superdrug. Arriving in time for Christmas, the collection features a line of fragrances, candles, diffusers, and skin balm sets.

Piper’s debut collection includes; Confidence by Day, Confidence by Night, and Courage – Perfect Little Perfumes. Each product has been specifically designed by Piper, with special attention given to producing scents which inspire feelings of confidence and courage.

For every purchase made, five per cent of profit will be donated to The Katie Piper Foundation, supporting burns survivors in their rehabilitation and recovery.

The ‘Confidence’ range has been created with splashes of bergamot, sweet orange, mandarin and dark cassis, with a large dose of Jasmine for a bold and sophisticated sense. The fragrances, candles and diffusers make for perfect gifts all year round and this is just the start, with many more products launching 2021.

Piper said: “I am thrilled to be launching my debut Katie Piper product line in Superdrug stores and online. It’s been in the making for a long time now and I’m so pleased it’s here in time for Christmas. In stores you’ll find my new fragrance, candle, diffuser and skin balm sets which are the perfect stocking fillers.

“Two of my gift sets are called ‘Confidence by Day’ and ‘Confidence by Night’ so it’s all very ‘me’ given how much emphasis I put on emotions and acts of confidence. I think what we’ve all learnt this year is that it’s important to treat yourself and look after ‘YOU’, so I hope my products act as a much needed pamper after a tough year for all of us. 

“It’s also an extra special project for me because a five per cent donation goes to my charity, The Katie Piper Foundation. I have more merchandise launching in Superdrug for Spring 2021, in time for Easter and Mother’s Day, which is really exciting too.”

Simon Comins, Superdrug commercial director, added: “We are so excited to be launching our first collaboration with Katie Piper, a range of scented fragrance, candle and diffuser gifts, exclusively available at Superdrug. We know our customers love to shop for indulgent homeware at affordable prices, and these sets are the perfect item to pick up in time for the Christmas season.

“We’re also pleased to be supporting a cause close to Katie’s heart, with a five per cent from each product sale to be donated to the Katie Piper Foundation.”

Shoppers fuel sales growth in October but BRC warns that lockdown easing by December “is vital for survival”

Shoppers taking the opportunity to stock up on home comforts and food supplies ahead of the England-wide lockdown helped total retail sales increase 4.9 per cent in the four weeks to October 31, indicating some respite for the UK retailer hampered by coronavirus restrictions this year.

Despite the lift – one that measures in immediate contrast to the 0.3 per cent decline in the same period the year prior – KPMG has warned that the “gap between winners and losers” this year will be ‘stark’. It has said that while online sales remain high and are set to grow further during Black Friday and lockdown, not all retailers are in a position to adapt.

According to the British Retail Consortium-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor, UK retail sales, excluding temporarily closed stores and including online sales, increased 5.2 per cent on a like for like basis. Non-food items fell nine per cent and 11.4 per cent in like for like and total terms respectively – but this is an improvement from the 12-month average decline of 19.6 per cent.

while Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive has hailed October 2020 as a month of strong sales growth for the UK, it has come with a caveat.

“Tightening restrictions across the United Kingdom and speculation towards the end of the month of an England-wide lockdown prompted customers to stock up on home comforts and food supplies,” she said. “During an incredibly challenging year for the industry, many retailers had finally thought that they were finding their footing.

“The new lockdown in England will now throw away this progress as we enter the crucial Christmas trading period, and we estimate that £2 billion of sales per week will be lost this month.

“It is therefore vital that retailers are able to trade from December 3 and we are asking government to urgently provide clarity about the criteria for reopening and to ensure that affected businesses are supported in the coming months.”

KPMG retail partner Don Williams, added: “The gap between winners and losers is stark with home-related items, like furniture and technology, putting in a strong performance while the improvement in fashion sales was short-lived. Online sales remain high and are set to grow further during Black Friday and lockdown.

“Not all retailers are in a position to take advantage of this shift in customer behaviour, which has been accelerated by circumstance and for many is now both choice and habit.

“The important Golden Quarter is likely to be unrecognisable this year, with some retailers losing a month’s worth of trading opportunity.

“Capacity is also likely to be a significant challenge over the coming months as there is a limit to online delivery availability and social distancing has reduced the numbers of customers that can safely shop in store at any one time.

“Some retailers will thrive in the new environment; others will find it bleak. The locked-in step-up in online activity will undoubtedly lead to further investments in digital capability and partnerships.

“Digital strategies have never been more vital, but those strategies must be cost-efficient, too.”

The Pokémon Company expands it D2C platform Pokémon Center into Canada for the first time

The Pokémon Company International is taking its direct to consumer platform into new international territories, having confirmed the expansion of its official e-commerce arm, the Pokémon Center, into Canada for the first time.

Recognised as a premier destination for official Pokémon merchandise, the online platform was previously limited only to the US.

PokemonCenter.ca. will now offer a variety of Pokémon merchandise, including Pokémon Trading Card Game and items unique to the site such as figures, imported plush, apparel and accessories, home decor, kitchenware, outdoor gear, and more. It will also feature collaboration items with the likes of Funko and Kotobukiya.

“We are thrilled to bring Pokémon Center to our fans in Canada, giving them additional ways to express and celebrate their Pokémon fandom through premium merchandise,” said Cindy Ruppenthal, director of e-commerce at The Pokémon Company International.

“Pokémon Center has something for every type of Trainer – whether it’s to play, collect, decorate, or wear – and we look forward to seeing even more Trainers enjoy these offerings.”

In celebration, Pokémon Center customers in the US and Canada will receive a Pokémon TCG promo card, featuring Special Delivery Pikachu, at no additional cost with any eligible purchase, while supplies last.

Sainsbury’s to close 420 Argos stores amid plans to save £600 million by 2024 and meet changing consumer habits

A total of 420 standalone Argos stores are to be closed by March 2024, the super market giant and owner of the Argos store brand, Sainsbury’s has confirmed, amid news that it is to cut 3,500 jobs across its portfolio.

The retail giant’s boss Simon Roberts said that the move was Sainsbury’s response to changing consumer habits and the growth of online shopping. Amid the closures will be all of Sainsbury’s meat, fish and deli counters owing to lower customer demand and a desire to cut food waste.

Of its Argos portfolio, the grocer has stated that 150 outlets will be opened within its supermarkets, but that by the end of its restructuring, which will see the permanent closure of 420 standalone outlets, its total number of Argos stores will be around 100. The restructuring will save about £600 million by 2024, the firm said.

Sainsbury’s suffered a £137 million loss in its half-year results, a dive it has blamed on closures and market changes.

The company, which bough Argos in 2016, said in its statement that the 120 standalone Argos stores that had not reopened since they were closed in March would now be shut permanently.

In addition to the 150 Argos stores it plans to open in its supermarkets by 2024, it also plans a further 150-200 collection points.

“We are talking to colleagues today about where the changes we are announcing in Argos standalone stores and food counters impact their roles,” said Simon Roberts, Sainsbury’s chief executive.

“We will work really hard to find alternative roles for as many of these colleagues as possible and expect to be able to offer alternative roles for the majority of impacted colleagues.”

He said the aim was to make Argos “a simpler, more efficient and more profitable business”. Products from the Habitat brand will also be more widely available in the stores and via Argos.

“Our other brands – Argos, Habitat, Tu, Nectar and Sainsbury’s Bank – must deliver for their customers and for our shareholders in their own right,” he said.

Despite the cutting of the 3,500 roles, the supermarket expects that it will have created about 6,000 net new jobs by the end of the year.

Funko sees 14 per cent sales dip but CEO Brian Mariotti praises global team in a ‘challenging 2020’

Despite a decrease of 14 per cent in net sales in its third quarter financials year on year, Funko’s CEO Brian Mariotti has praised the efforts of the pop culture specialist’s international teams in its executions throughout a challenging 2020, and believes the firm is ‘well-positioned for the Holiday season’ with its most diverse product offering to date.

The company’s chief executive has also expressed optimism for the outfit’s Q4 2020 performance, citing expanded presence within key retailers as it makes plans to “remain agile in the face of today’s dynamic environment.”

Funko saw net sales decrease 14 per cent to $191.2 million in the third quarter of 2020 compared to $223.3 million in the same period the year prior. The decline has been primarily attributed to the slower recovery from Covid-19 impacts within the domestic specialty channel and European region.

These impacts were partially offset by growth within the domestic third party e-commerce and mass-market channel as well as the Company’s own direct-to-consumer business. Funko’s direct to consumer e-commerce sales increased more than 150 per cent compared to the year prior.

Meanwhile, Funko’s Loungefly branded products grew 25 per cent compared to 2019, driven by the momentum of Loungefly.com and within wholesale channels.

In the third quarter of 2020, the number of active properties was 715, which represents a 14 per cent increase from the third quarter of 2019.

On a geographical basis, net sales in the United States decreased four per cent to $140.9 million. Net sales internationally decreased 34 per cent to $50.3 million, reflecting more significant impacts from Covid-19 primarily within the European region.

On a product category basis, net sales of figures decreased 18 per cent to $145.0 million. Net sales of other products decreased one per cent to $46.2 million, reflecting strength in Loungefly branded products which increased 25 per cent compared to the prior year due to strong momentum on Loungefly.com as well as at wholesale retailers.

“Our teams have executed well in 2020 despite the challenges presented by the pandemic,” said Brian Mariotti, chief executive officer. “In the third quarter, we outperformed revenue expectations, reflecting strength within our domestic mass market and digital channels.

“We also maintained strong gross margins and cost controls, which allowed us to deliver improved profitability. The quarter was highlighted by our successful evergreen programs, expanded product offerings and enhanced e-commerce capabilities, all of which are enabling us to drive increased engagement with our fans around the globe.

“While we expect to face continued headwinds in specific channels and regions in the fourth quarter, we believe we are well positioned for the holiday season with our most diverse product offering yet and an expanded presence within key retail partners. Looking further ahead, we are staying focused on our four key strategies and remaining agile in the face of today’s dynamic environment.”

The Company anticipates that effects from the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to impact sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 and currently expects net sales on a percentage basis to be down 10 per cent to eight per cent compared to prior year.

John Lewis to axe a further 1,500 head office jobs in cost-saving plans

John Lewis is to axe a further 1,500 jobs at its headquarters in central London as the UK retailer continues to look for means to cut £300 million in costs and prepare its operations for a digital-centric era.

The company has also confirmed today that Patrick Lewis, the group’s finance director since 2015 will be leaving.

Sharon White, chairman of the partnership, said that losing partners was “incredibly hard as an employee-owned business” but added that “we must be agile and able to adapt quickly to the changing needs of our customers”.

The Financial Times reports that the latest round of cuts follows a cull of 1,800 jobs when the group decided against reopening eight stores following the end of the UK’s first national lockdown in June, with some redundancies associated with the outsourcing of the group’s IT functions.

The cuts are part of a cost-saving plan drawn up before the pandemic and announced by Dame Sharon’s predecessor, Charlie Mayfield in October last year. Their implementation, which will be completed by April next year, was delayed by Covid-19.

John Lewis has also shored up its balance sheet by paying off expensive debt, selling some store freeholds, cutting bonuses for partners to historic lows and closing its generous final salary pension scheme.

Mr Lewis will be succeeded as finance director by Bérangère Michel, currently executive director of customer service and a former finance executive at Royal Mail.

“Patrick told me a while ago of his wish to leave the partnership to seek new opportunities. I’m very grateful to him for agreeing to stay until we’d been able to identify a successor,” Dame Sharon added.

Lockdown II: Primark expects further loss of £375m in sales after initial shop closures cause 60 per cent slump

Store closures at the hands of the coronavirus pandemic have seen sales and profit at the international retailer, Primark slump by as much as 60 per cent as reported in its full year financials ending September 12 2020. The value retailer has seen adjusted operating profit plunge to £362 million, while full year revenues fell 24 per cent to £5.9 billion.

These figures have been driven by a total loss of sales in the third quarter as stores were forced to shut under government-enforced lockdowns around the world – particularly in the UK, Primark’s biggest market. The retailer has been one to feel the impact of the pandemic the hardest, having no online operations in place at all.

But despite its trading performance, Primark has still managed to open 12 new stores in the financial year, bringing it total portfolio to 384 stores globally.

According to the Retail Gazette, Primark’s trading performance impacted the overall full year figures for parent company AB Foods, which reported a 40 per cent drop in operating profit to £810 million, while group revenues declined 12 per cent to £13.93 billion on an actual currency basis.

The retailer will now have to re-live the effects of a national lockdown, following the announcement over the weekend that England will enter its second country-wide lockdown from Thursday this week, closing all non-essential shops until early December. Yesterday AB Foods said it expected Primark to lose £375 million worth of sales as a result of the second lockdown period from November 5 to December 2.

AB Foods said the new restrictions would have a “significant” impact on Primark, although it still expected sales and profits in the retailer during the current financial year to be higher.

“I am proud of how our people have responded to the many challenges presented by Covid-19,” AB Foods chairman George Weston said. “Throughout, we have provided safe, nutritious food under the most extraordinary conditions, proving the value and resilience of our supply chains.

“Following a three-month closure, Primark delivered a robust performance, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response when it safely welcomed customers back to its stores.

“Uncertainty about temporary store closures in the short-term remains, but sales since reopening to the year-end of £2 billion demonstrate the relevance and appeal of our value-for-money offering.”

Roy’s Boys gears up for ‘most successful Christmas to date’ as online socks sales surge

Following what’s been a challenging year across the industry, Roy’s Boys is bucking the trend and gearing for what looks to be its ‘most successful Christmas to date,’ with sales already booming for the licensed socks specialist, as early as October.

Early signs for a successful 2020 in spite of the year’s current narrative, appeared when the family-run outfit sold ‘a year’s worth of stock’ for Father’s Day alone. Now, buoyed by the trending increase in spend on its clothing line, the business is ‘going full force’ to make sure it is fully stocked up for what looks to be its best festive season so far.

“We are looking to employ additional staff locally to make sure we can get all the orders out in time for Christmas,” said account manager Hannah Lowe. “And yes, it is looking like the bald-headed sock seller is going to be pulled out of retirement (temporarily, don’t worry) as we will need all hands on deck down at the Sock Mine.”

The company expects the ongoing Christmas shopping surge to reflect consumer trends of earlier in the year, a matter that is now underpinned by the second wave of Covid-19 infections now washing over the country. The team is expecting to see a majority of sales coming through the online channels – mirroring the Father’s Day uptick – as the most convenient or accessible means for Christmas shopping this year.

Roy’s Boys’ family packs offer a bespoke gift made unique to each customer, a point of difference, states the company, to what most brick and mortar retailers are able to do.

Matching family socks in the range include Peppa Pig, Hey Duggee, PAW Patrol, Bing, Mr Men, and Baby Shark, with ‘at least half a dozen’ characters being added at the start of next year, too.

Ben Lowe, added: “As a business that has been running for almost 25 years, it has been great to see the whole company pull together and completely adapt the usual ways of working.

“For us, one of the main positives to come out of 2020 has been seeing Roy’s Boys take off and as online sales are soaring, it is only looking up in our eyes. For 2021, we are looking to expand the amount of characters we offer with even more key licenses on board – it truly is an exciting time. Watch this space.”

TikTok makes biggest push for e-commerce to date in Shopify partnership

The social media giant, TikTok is making its biggest push into e-commerce to date thanks to a new partnership with Shopify that will allow its retailers to begin advertising and selling goods through the platform.

Shopify, which already provides the e-commerce platform for over 800,000 brands, will allow its merchants to connect to a TikTok for Business account and post videos featuring ‘shoppable ads’. This will enable users to click through to a retailer’s Shopify page while scrolling on TikTok, where they can complete a purchase.

The partnership – TikTok’s biggest stride into ecommerce so far – will launch in the US this week, before rolling out across Europe and Asia in the new year. It arrives following the exploration of numerous means in which the social media giant could push into retail outside of China, underscoring a definite shift towards ‘social commerce’ among social media users.

Shopify’s Satish Kanwar said: “It was obvious early on how TikTok was starting to influence commerce trends and trajectories. With direct-to-consumer brands, that relationship between storytelling and entertainment and the product they sell is so close.

“We believe video is the default form of communication online today. We are very eager to see how video and commerce can expand.”

Shopify has seen its sales surge during lockdown, rising nearly 100 per cent during its second quarter to overtake Ebay for the first time.

Amazon launches dedicated eco-friendly shopping platform to the UK and Europe

Amazon has launched a new dedicated ‘eco-friendly’ shopping platform to help consumers in the UK and Europe find household products that are driving the sustainability movement forward. The platform lists more than 40,000 items that will carry certificates from the likes of Fairtrade International and the Carbon Trust.

The move has been made as a means of enabling customers to pick products on their environmental merits. It follows Amazon’s recent step forwards in the sustainability drive, when it launched its Climate Pledge Friendly label in September this year.

The online goliath has come under fire for its use of excessive cardboard and other packaging materials, and last year faced burning criticism for using new-style packaging that could not be recycled. The new scheme has been billed as its own step to ‘lessen the company’s impact on the environment.’

The dedicated section of the website will house products badged with a special logo from any of the 18 independent certification schemes. These logos will be shown in shopping results, with extra sustainability information on the product page.

The platform was launched in the US in September and is being rolled out this week to the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain. It supports Amazon’s wider commitment to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early and be at net zero carbon by 2040.