Ocado retains title as UK’s fastest-growing retailer
Ocado has achieved a new record market share of 2.2%, with sales rising 15.8% over the 12 weeks ending 30 November, according to the latest Worldpanel by Numerator (formerly Kantar) data.
Meanwhile, Lidl continues its strong performance, posting double-digit sales growth of 10.2% for the ninth consecutive month. It also reached a market share of 8.1%.
Tesco and Sainsbury’s reported sales growth of 4.7% and 5.1%, respectively. Tesco remains Britain’s largest grocer with a 28.3% market share.
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Meanwhile, Lidl continues its strong performance, posting double-digit sales growth of 10.2% for the ninth consecutive month. It also reached a market share of 8.1%.
Tesco and Sainsbury’s reported sales growth of 4.7% and 5.1%, respectively. Tesco remains Britain’s largest grocer with a 28.3% market share.
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15/Dec/2025 08:49
Aldi prepares to open five new stores over the next 24 hours
Aldi has revealed that it will open five new stores within a 24-hour period as the Christmas shopping rush approaches.
The retailer will launch new branches in Uxbridge, Old Kent Road, Northallerton and Pershore on 11 December, followed by another opening in Yate, Bristol, on 12 December.
The new stores will provide customers with fresh British produce as well as its popular range of Specialbuys. The five openings are also expected to create around 200 jobs across the local communities.
Jon Neale.
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The retailer will launch new branches in Uxbridge, Old Kent Road, Northallerton and Pershore on 11 December, followed by another opening in Yate, Bristol, on 12 December.
The new stores will provide customers with fresh British produce as well as its popular range of Specialbuys. The five openings are also expected to create around 200 jobs across the local communities.
Jon Neale.
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10/Dec/2025 09:56
Tesco unveils its new low-carbon concept superstore in Harrogate
Tesco will officially open its new low-carbon concept superstore in Harrogate today (9 December), a development that will bring 120 new jobs to the North Yorkshire community.
The new store showcases a suite of sustainability-driven design features, such as a low-carbon timber frame structure, solar panels that produce electricity on site, locally reclaimed stone, and advanced energy-efficient heating and lighting technologies.
The site represents a model for future store construction as it aims to lower the environmental footprint of its wider estate.
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The new store showcases a suite of sustainability-driven design features, such as a low-carbon timber frame structure, solar panels that produce electricity on site, locally reclaimed stone, and advanced energy-efficient heating and lighting technologies.
The site represents a model for future store construction as it aims to lower the environmental footprint of its wider estate.
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09/Dec/2025 12:23
M&S launches new food hall in the Midlands
Supermarket chain M&S has unveiled its new “market-style” food hall at Cannock’s Orbital Retail Park in Staffordshire.
The store was officially opened by long-serving employees.
Housed in the former Homebase location, the new space is three times larger than M&S’s previous unit.
Shoppers can enjoy the new bakery and coffee counter, serving a variety of barista-made hot and cold drinks, or visit the hot chicken counter for rotisserie chicken.
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The store was officially opened by long-serving employees.
Housed in the former Homebase location, the new space is three times larger than M&S’s previous unit.
Shoppers can enjoy the new bakery and coffee counter, serving a variety of barista-made hot and cold drinks, or visit the hot chicken counter for rotisserie chicken.
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08/Dec/2025 08:17
Greggs unveils a second branch of its ‘Bitesize Greggs’ concept
The bakery chain Greggs has opened its second ‘Bitesize Greggs’ store.
Located at Dartford train station in Kent, the new store enables the firm to serve customers in busy, space-restricted locations.
This follows the launch of the chain’s first Bitesize Greggs store at Sevenoaks train station.
Tony Rowson, property director at Greggs said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our second ‘Bitesize Greggs’ shop in Dartford Station.
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Located at Dartford train station in Kent, the new store enables the firm to serve customers in busy, space-restricted locations.
This follows the launch of the chain’s first Bitesize Greggs store at Sevenoaks train station.
Tony Rowson, property director at Greggs said: “We’re delighted to announce the opening of our second ‘Bitesize Greggs’ shop in Dartford Station.
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05/Dec/2025 16:34
Co-op continues on-the-go retail expansion with launch of a new London store
Co-op has launched a new ‘on-the-go’ format store in Kingston upon Thames, marking its first smaller-format location in London.
Located on Clarence Street, the convenience store will provide customers with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including meal deals and over-the-counter coffee.
This is Co-op’s fourth new concept store, forming part of the retailer’s wider strategy to roll out its new chain of outlets in high-footfall areas.
Recent openings include on-the-go stores in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.
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Located on Clarence Street, the convenience store will provide customers with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including meal deals and over-the-counter coffee.
This is Co-op’s fourth new concept store, forming part of the retailer’s wider strategy to roll out its new chain of outlets in high-footfall areas.
Recent openings include on-the-go stores in Altrincham’s Stamford Quarter.
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04/Dec/2025 08:01
Tout’s and Co-op Wholesale renew their partnership for another five years
Co-op Wholesale has confirmed the renewal of its supplier agreement with forecourt retailer Tout Group.
This extension builds on their existing five-year partnership, during which Tout Group has benefited from Co-op’s extensive product range.
Looking ahead, Co-op Wholesale will continue to support Tout Group as it grows its forecourt estate and develops more convenience-focused sites.
This aligns with Co-op Wholesale’s broader strategy to strengthen its retail supplier network.
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This extension builds on their existing five-year partnership, during which Tout Group has benefited from Co-op’s extensive product range.
Looking ahead, Co-op Wholesale will continue to support Tout Group as it grows its forecourt estate and develops more convenience-focused sites.
This aligns with Co-op Wholesale’s broader strategy to strengthen its retail supplier network.
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01/Dec/2025 08:55
Co-op announces 11 new store openings this week
Co-op is rolling out 11 new stores this week to accelerate growth across its convenience network.
This expansion is part of the retailer’s wider investment programme to deliver 200 new and refurbished stores during 2024/25.
The new openings will include a combination of newly built stores, franchise outlets and renovated branches.
Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: “We are focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contributes to local life and meets the needs of communities conveniently.
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This expansion is part of the retailer’s wider investment programme to deliver 200 new and refurbished stores during 2024/25.
The new openings will include a combination of newly built stores, franchise outlets and renovated branches.
Kate McCrae, Co-op operations director, said: “We are focused on creating local stores which are more than just a shop – they are a hub locally that contributes to local life and meets the needs of communities conveniently.
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25/Nov/2025 10:44
Marks & Spencer targets 500 new sites for growth
Marks & Spencer has announced a search for 500 additional locations to develop new stores and upgrade existing ones as part of its food retail expansion strategy.
Marks & Spencer has revealed plans to identify up to 500 new sites for new and refurbished stores as it continues to grow its food business.
Alex Freudmann, managing director, M&S Food said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth.
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Marks & Spencer has revealed plans to identify up to 500 new sites for new and refurbished stores as it continues to grow its food business.
Alex Freudmann, managing director, M&S Food said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from Elgin to Exmouth.
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24/Nov/2025 10:59
Asda announces appointment of new senior executives as part of a leadership restructuring
Supermarket chain Asda has expanded its senior leadership team as it looks to accelerate growth in the year ahead.
The retailer has named Andy Newton as its new vice president of property, a role in which he will lead real estate operations, acquisitions and store development.
Newton brings extensive industry experience to the position, having previously held roles at Safeway, Morrisons and, most recently, Poundstretcher.
Following his appointment.
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The retailer has named Andy Newton as its new vice president of property, a role in which he will lead real estate operations, acquisitions and store development.
Newton brings extensive industry experience to the position, having previously held roles at Safeway, Morrisons and, most recently, Poundstretcher.
Following his appointment.
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20/Nov/2025 08:53
M&S unveils its newest flagship supermarket in central Bristol
M&S has officially opened its new 80,000 sq ft flagship store in Cabot Circus, Bristol City Centre, following its initial announcement in October.
The store features a full range of M&S Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty products, along with a 200-seat coffee shop.
The retailer’s new Bristol flagship includes a market-style foodhall with fresh produce, and in-store bakery, and two floors dedicated to fashion.
Shoppers will also find M&S kidswear.
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The store features a full range of M&S Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty products, along with a 200-seat coffee shop.
The retailer’s new Bristol flagship includes a market-style foodhall with fresh produce, and in-store bakery, and two floors dedicated to fashion.
Shoppers will also find M&S kidswear.
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17/Nov/2025 08:49
M&S appoints former Morrisons category director as its new head of trading
Marks & Spencer has named Faye Atkins, former Morrisons eggs and dairy category director, as its new head of trading for bakery and impulse.
Atkins joined Morrisons in 2019 as a buying manager and subsequently progressed through head of trading and category director positions, including roles overseeing bakery and cakes. She was appointed eggs and dairy category director in March.
Her position at Morrisons has since been filled by Kelly-ann McQueen, previously a buyer at Asda.
Announcing her move on LinkedIn.
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Atkins joined Morrisons in 2019 as a buying manager and subsequently progressed through head of trading and category director positions, including roles overseeing bakery and cakes. She was appointed eggs and dairy category director in March.
Her position at Morrisons has since been filled by Kelly-ann McQueen, previously a buyer at Asda.
Announcing her move on LinkedIn.
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14/Nov/2025 17:46
Marks & Spencer names British Airways CEO as a non-executive director
Marks & Spencer has announced that Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of British Airways, will join its board as a non-executive director, effective 1 December 2025.
Doyle brings extensive experience to the role, having held several senior leadership positions within the airline industry.
The appointment forms part of the retailer’s efforts to refresh its board leadership as it advances its strategic growth agenda.
M&S chair Archie Norman said: “We are delighted to have one of the UK’s leading serving chief executives join our board.
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Doyle brings extensive experience to the role, having held several senior leadership positions within the airline industry.
The appointment forms part of the retailer’s efforts to refresh its board leadership as it advances its strategic growth agenda.
M&S chair Archie Norman said: “We are delighted to have one of the UK’s leading serving chief executives join our board.
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13/Nov/2025 08:26
Co-op plans to open and refurbish 50 stores ahead of Christmas
Co-op plans to open 50 new or refurbished stores across the UK before Christmas, as part of its ongoing investment in local high streets.
The openings, scheduled for November and December, include a new outlet at London’s Brent Cross Town development and five smaller-format stores. It also includes a franchised branch at Lancaster University’s campus.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: “We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street.
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The openings, scheduled for November and December, include a new outlet at London’s Brent Cross Town development and five smaller-format stores. It also includes a franchised branch at Lancaster University’s campus.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: “We’re investing in stores and communities right across the UK because we believe in the future of the high street.
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10/Nov/2025 08:38
Aldi set to launch 16 new UK stores ahead of Christmas
Aldi is gearing up to open 16 new stores across the UK over the next five weeks, accelerating its nationwide expansion in the lead-up to the busy festive trading season.
The new stores, ranging from Kentish Town in London to Kirkintilloch in Scotland, are part of Aldi’s £650 million investment plan for 2025, which encompasses new openings and refurbishments across its 2,000-strong UK portfolio.
Each new store will create around 40 jobs, generating approximately 640 roles in total. In addition.
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The new stores, ranging from Kentish Town in London to Kirkintilloch in Scotland, are part of Aldi’s £650 million investment plan for 2025, which encompasses new openings and refurbishments across its 2,000-strong UK portfolio.
Each new store will create around 40 jobs, generating approximately 640 roles in total. In addition.
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05/Nov/2025 11:10
Morrisons appoints former Asda executive as trading director for dairy and eggs
Morrisons has appointed former Asda executive Kelly-Ann McQueen as its new trading director for dairy and eggs, effective immediately.
She brings extensive experience to the position, having spent 14 years at Asda overseeing roles across fresh, grocery, and non-edible categories.
In her most recent role, McQueen served as senior buying manager for Asda’s core chilled division, a position she held for the past two years.
In a statement Morrisons said: “Kelly-Ann has a proven track record in delivering customer-centric strategies and building high-performing teams that achieve outstanding commercial results.
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She brings extensive experience to the position, having spent 14 years at Asda overseeing roles across fresh, grocery, and non-edible categories.
In her most recent role, McQueen served as senior buying manager for Asda’s core chilled division, a position she held for the past two years.
In a statement Morrisons said: “Kelly-Ann has a proven track record in delivering customer-centric strategies and building high-performing teams that achieve outstanding commercial results.
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04/Nov/2025 09:51
Marks & Spencer appoints former Asda CEO as its new non-executive director
Marks & Spencer has announced that former Asda chief executive Roger Burnley will join its board as a non-executive director, effective 1 December.
Burnley served as Asda’s CEO and COO between 2018 and 2021, stepping down earlier than planned following the supermarket’s £6.8 billion takeover in 2021.
Before joining Asda, Burnley held the role of retail and operations director at Sainsbury’s. He currently serves as a non-executive director at Pets at Home Group.
Burnley said: “M&S is a much-loved brand which I have always admired as setting the standard in UK retail.
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Burnley served as Asda’s CEO and COO between 2018 and 2021, stepping down earlier than planned following the supermarket’s £6.8 billion takeover in 2021.
Before joining Asda, Burnley held the role of retail and operations director at Sainsbury’s. He currently serves as a non-executive director at Pets at Home Group.
Burnley said: “M&S is a much-loved brand which I have always admired as setting the standard in UK retail.
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03/Nov/2025 08:34
Waitrose invests £1 million to advance regenerative farming initiatives
Waitrose has invested £1 million and formed new partnerships with the Soil Association Exchange and Regenified to accelerate its backing of regenerative farming.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in the retailer’s Farming for Nature programme, which seeks to help 2,000 British farms transition to regenerative methods by 2030 and achieve net zero across all UK farms by 2035.
Waitrose farming for nature and Leckford director Andrew Hoad said: “We are delighted to bring both Soil Association Exchange and Regenified into our Farming for Nature programme.
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The initiative represents a significant milestone in the retailer’s Farming for Nature programme, which seeks to help 2,000 British farms transition to regenerative methods by 2030 and achieve net zero across all UK farms by 2035.
Waitrose farming for nature and Leckford director Andrew Hoad said: “We are delighted to bring both Soil Association Exchange and Regenified into our Farming for Nature programme.
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30/Oct/2025 08:11
Manchester, the wait is over! Bread Ahead is opening soon – with 1000 FREE doughnuts!
The wait is overproofed, Manchester – artisan London bakery and baking school Bread Ahead are set to open their doors up North for the very first time! Partnering with luxury retailer Harvey Nichols Manchester, Bread Ahead will launch their delectable doughnut pop-up from Monday 3rd November.
Manchester, You Asked. Bread Ahead Listened.
If you follow Bread Ahead on socials, you’ll know they’re a chatty bunch. Their Borough Market bakery proudly sports a world map dotted with pins from fans far and wide. After a recent Instagram post asking where they should open next.
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Manchester, You Asked. Bread Ahead Listened.
If you follow Bread Ahead on socials, you’ll know they’re a chatty bunch. Their Borough Market bakery proudly sports a world map dotted with pins from fans far and wide. After a recent Instagram post asking where they should open next.
more »
27/Oct/2025 10:23
Co-op Wholesale appoints former Booker chief as new customer director
Co-op Wholesale has named Martin Swadling as its first customer director, a newly created role designed to enhance its delivery offering and drive business growth.
A seasoned retail and wholesale professional, Swadling brings over 30 years of industry experience to the role. The former customer director at Booker has also held senior leadership positions at Londis, Premier, Musgrave, and Grand Metropolitan Foods.
During his time at Booker, Swadling led the company’s customer strategy and previously drove record growth for Londis and Premier.
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A seasoned retail and wholesale professional, Swadling brings over 30 years of industry experience to the role. The former customer director at Booker has also held senior leadership positions at Londis, Premier, Musgrave, and Grand Metropolitan Foods.
During his time at Booker, Swadling led the company’s customer strategy and previously drove record growth for Londis and Premier.
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23/Oct/2025 09:37