Today’s news in brief-3/3/25

Asda is set to scrap bonuses for over 10,000 managers as part of cost-cutting measures amid challenging trading conditions. The decision comes shortly after chairman Allan Leighton returned to lead the supermarket after more than two decades, aiming to steer a turnaround for the struggling retailer. Leighton has already initiated restructuring efforts, including cutting 13 regional manager roles and reorganizing stores into 22 sub-regions, down from 30. The move follows a disappointing Christmas period, with sales dropping 5.8% and market share falling to 12.5%.

Morrisons has expanded its senior leadership team with several key appointments. Martin Dawson has been formally named group retail director, while Charlotte Exell has been promoted to online director. The supermarket has also hired Matt Heslop as director of convenience and wholesale, set to join in early 2025, and Matt McLellan as group data and media director. Bruno Lebon joins as group trading director for non-food, bringing extensive experience from Carrefour. Rachel Eyre, chief customer and marketing officer, will also return from maternity leave in March.

Angling Direct has appointed Neil Williams, former COO of French Connection, as an independent non-executive director. Williams, a chartered accountant with extensive retail and public markets experience, will also serve on the company’s audit and remuneration committees. His appointment is expected to support Angling Direct’s medium-term strategy and growth plans.

Go Outdoors is trialing bodycams at its Stoke store to enhance staff safety and deter theft. The initiative follows a partnership with the Retail Trust and comes amid rising retail crime, with losses from customer theft reaching £2.2bn in 2023/24. Store manager Claire Cowie highlighted the positive impact of the bodycams, noting increased staff confidence and customer trust. The trial’s results will guide decisions on wider implementation across the company’s UK locations.

Club L London has acquired women’s fashion brand Lavish Alice for an undisclosed sum. Founded in Manchester in 2013, Lavish Alice will continue to operate as a standalone brand, with its founders overseeing the transition before stepping away. The acquisition aligns with Club L London’s focus on accessible luxury and innovative design. CEO Katie Randev described the deal as a strategic step to strengthen the company’s market presence and support global expansion. The announcement follows Club L London’s recent financial success, with turnover doubling to £44.4 million in the year ending March 2024, despite challenging economic conditions.