Today’s news in brief-23/7/24

Tapi Carpets and Floors Limited has acquired the Carpetright brand and 54 stores following its collapse into administration. While over 300 jobs were saved, more than 1,500 employees face redundancy due to the challenging retail climate and recent cyber attack woes.

Ikea plans to open 100 additional click-and-collect points at Tesco stores across the UK. This expansion aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for customers, reflecting a shift towards online shopping trends accelerated by the pandemic.

Aldi UK is set to open new stores at a rate of one per week until Christmas, creating 1,000 new jobs nationwide. The supermarket emphasised competitive starting wages and opportunities for career progression as it expands its presence in cities like Plymouth, Leeds, and London.

Superdrug CEO Peter Macnab has urged the government to reform business rates, describing them as a burden on retail and hindrance to creating vibrant shopping hubs. The company also seeks changes in essential product taxes and plans to leverage pharmacy expertise amidst recent closures.

Retail giants including AO, Tesco, and John Lewis have applauded government plans to replace the apprenticeship levy with a new Growth and Skills Levy. The reform aims to provide greater flexibility in workforce training, addressing industry concerns about the current system’s inefficiencies.

Penny Grivea, with extensive retail experience including roles at Selfridges and Rituals, has been appointed as CEO of Ashleigh and Burwood. Her appointment aims to bolster the brand’s consumer appeal and expand its market presence in the UK and internationally.