New Zealand’s Invivo Wines signs distribution agreement with Grupo Codorniu UK | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Invivo Wines has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with one of the world’s largest wine producers, Grupo Codorniu UK.

Founded in 1551 and still privately owned by the Raventos family, Codorniu is one of the largest producers of sparkling wine in the world, with annual production of around 60 million bottles, it owns the largest area of vineyards in Spain, with more than 3,000 hectares of vineyards.

Invivo was founded three years ago by school friends Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne. Cameron heads up the winemaking while Lightbourne handles marketing.

Lightbourne said:“We look forward to bringing our fresh approach to the UK market, along with producing world class wines, we are a proactive New Zealand winery with strong alignments to various creative industries– which help us to develop some interesting and innovative support campaigns.”

Grupo Codorníu has recently been looking to expand its portfolio of agencies outside Spain– it already owns Argentinian winery Bodega Septima.

Nick Mantella, managing director of Grupo Codorníu UK, said: “Our aim is to broaden our existing portfolio, by building a highly focused, premium quality range of wines from around the world.

“Invivo Wines has built an incredible pedigree of quality in a very short time, and fits perfectly with this strategy.”

The Invivo range of wines will be available from Grupo Codorníu UK from February, including the recently launched ‘Bella by Invivo’, a 9% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with 30% less alcohol and calories. Other wines in the range include the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Rosé, and Central Otago Pinot Noir.

Source:Invivo Wines

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Andy Bond leaves Asda | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Andy Bond has relinquished the post of part-time chairman of supermarket chain Asda, according to today’s Daily Telegraph.

Bond was Asda’s chief executive until last April when he moved into the role of part-time chairman.

He will help Asda parent company Wal-Mart integrate its acquisition of the Massmart chain in South Africa over the next three months before leaving the company.

Source: Daily Telegraph

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Morrisons launches its biggest-ever Price Crunch to cancel out the rise in VAT | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Morrisons is pledging to cancel out the effects of the rise in VAT– an estimated £520 per family per year in added expense by reducing the price of an average basket of groceries (44 items) by £39.27 per week, a saving of £2,042 per year.

Morrisons has launched its biggest ever Price Crunch as it slashes the price of over 5,000 items, offering total savings to customers of£210m in January alone.

Pre-Price Crunch, a typical shop of 44 items would have cost£96.00, but these items are now just £56.73. The discounts are across the nation’s favourite groceries and many items will be reduced by more than half price, alongside thousands of other major price cuts.

Customers can immediately save£10 a week (£520 per year) by simply buying a basket of ten essential items: bread, milk, orange juice, teabags, sugar, bacon, whole chicken, sausages, baked beans and tomatoes.

Richard Hodgson, Morrisons group commercial director, said:“We understand that 2011 is set to be a tough year for consumers, so our Price Crunch helps cancel out the effect of the rise in VAT. These are not 1p price cuts– these are genuine savings on essential groceries that will cut the cost of the weekly shop significantly at a tough time for families.”

Source: Morrisons

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Retailers missing out as brands fail to engage with customers in-store | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Independent research commissioned by Callcredit Information Group has revealed consumers’ attitudes towards giving out personal details in-store, as 38% of Brits never divulge their details to retailers, and almost one in 10 (8%) admit to giving out fake contact details to avoid being contacted.

Surprisingly, the YouGov research reveals that almost two-thirds (64%) would be likely to give out their contact details for future marketing communications if they were signed up to the store’s loyalty programme (35%), or offered a small financial incentive like a discount off a future purchase (38%).

Moreover, 15% said that they would be happy to give out their contact details if they were informed about relevant promotions, products and services in future; given the chance to be part of an exclusive store club (11%); or if they were simply asked by a friendly and approachable person (9%). The‘flirt factor’ has the biggest impact on men and young people, as 10% of men and 17% of 18 to 24 year olds would give out their details if they were asked for them by someone friendly and approachable in-store.

The research into consumer shopping habits also reveals that at least one in eight online Brits (12%) are planning to shop from their phone this Christmas to avoid the rush in stores. The majority of these respondents are classified as‘Accomplished Singles’ by Callcredit’s CAMEO Lifestyle consumer classification. These are a highly affluent, upwardly mobile, energetic and ambitious group of singles, typically aged under 45.

Of people who have mobile phones that allow them to shop online, 15% said they would purchase clothing, footwear or accessories this Christmas, while 12% would purchase electrical goods, not including mobile phones.

However, the reality is that whilst mobile shopping is appealing to some demographics, technology is a barrier as 41% say they do not have the capacity to do so on their phones. 

Even more surprisingly, 78% of people who do not purchase items on their phone, but have the capability of doing so, say they would not like to do so in future. This includes 58% whose main reason is that they prefer to use other methods like going in-store or shopping on their computer and 15% have concerns about safety and security issues.

According to Callcredit’s CAMEO Personal Finance segmentation, the majority of respondents that have never made a purchase via their mobile phones are classed as ‘Sophisticated Savers,’ while consumers that have made a purchase via their phone are likely to be ‘Seldom Savers.’

Kevin Telford, director at Callcredit Information Group, said:“The results reveal that retailers are missing a big trick, as customers are most engaged with a brand at the point of purchase in-store.

“Whilst consumers have to give out contact details to make a purchase online, they are often more reluctant to do so in-store – but will if they are offered a small incentive or provided with information about products and services relevant to them.”

Source: Callcredit Information Group

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Shoppers turn their back on stores | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Aldata Solution, a provider of software to improve supplier to consumer processes, has revealed shoppers are frustrated with stock levels, with almost half (46%) expecting their favourite store to be out of stock of at least one item, forcing them to shop-hop to complete their purchases.

In addition, only 15% of respondents stated they were certain their preferred store would have what they want, indicating a worrying trend for retailers as consumers vote with their feet and discard store loyalty.

The research of over 1,000 UK consumers undertaken in November 2010 revealed attitudes to Christmas shopping and key frustrations with retailers over promotions and stock levels.

Allan Davies, CMO at Aldata, said:“During the festive season, shops are busier than ever, and having to shop-hop can be very stressful and tantamount to torture for the last minute Christmas shopper. With offers can draw in new customers, but a badly thought-out promotion could easily deplete stock levels and impact consumer confidence and loyalty.”

 “Christmas can be a difficult time for both consumers and retailers, but it is clear that retailers need to go back to basics and ensure that stock is available so that shoppers can complete their Christmas lists and as the busiest day on the high street is fast approaching, it is clear retailers need to act now before it’s too late.”

Source: Aldata Solution

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Retailers get the chance to apply for free scholarship to Oxford Retail Masters Forum | Industry News | TalkingRetail.com

Skillsmart Retail and the Retail Trust are calling for the UK’s most talented and ambitious retailers to submit their applications for a free scholarship to attend the Oxford Retail Masters Forumbefore the 14 January 2011.

The scholarships give eight talented retail managers from small and medium-sized businesses (less than 1,000 employees) the opportunity to learn from some of the biggest names in the industry. The four-day residential course, run by the British Shops and Stores Association (BHF-bssa), is held at the world-renowned Institute of Retail Management, part of Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, between 28 and 31 March 2011.

The scholarship winners will take part in a series of lectures and seminars to help them manage their businesses more effectively. With topics ranging from global sourcing and ethical trading to demography, business management and climate change, this timely event includes content few could afford to miss. Speakers rank amongst some of retail’s top names, including Anthony Preston, former owner of Pets at Home and force behind a business worth £955m when it was sold.

Neil Moss, Skillsmart Retail’s new head of employer engagement, said: “In the midst of the Christmas rush it would be easy to push this aside, but I urge all ambitious retail business owners and managers to apply for these scholarships at the Oxford Retail Masters Forum. They represent the very best in high-level retail training in the UK. It’s a real opportunity to get outside of your business and learn from the best. Past delegates testify to the immediate difference attending made to their businesses.”

To be in with a chance of winning a scholarship, interested parties need to complete a short application form by 14 January 2011, after which, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by telephone.

Nigel J L Rothband, chief executive of Retail Trust, said:“Retail Trust continues to recognise the need for educational opportunities for people working in retail and there is no finer opportunity for those at management level than the Oxford Retail Masters Forum.”

For more information and to download a scholarship application form, visitwww.skillsmartretail.com/scholarships

Source:Skillsmart Retail

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