1. Travis Perkins Q3 sales rise 15% thanks to Wickes
Travis Perkins has recorded a 3.8 per cent growth in third-quarter sales, attributing the success to its DIY chain Wickes.
The home improvement retailer also said it had brought the sale process for its plumbing and heating division to a halt due to uncertain market conditions.
2. Co-op launch initiative to improve night shift workers’ sleep quality
Co-op CEO Steve Murrells is testing out a new initiative to better understand how to improve the quality of sleep for night shift workers.
As part of its partnership with health charity Wellcome, Co-op seeks to support its night shift workers by offering professional sleep expert advice with its “Night Club” scheme, which could help with sleep health and mental well-being.
3. Social media fuelling serial returns among millenials
Social media is fuelling the rise of serial returners according to internationally acclaimed psychologist Professor Geoff Beattie.
Serial returning among millennials and gen-z is a bi-product of an increasing need for affirmation driven by social media, which encourages young people to “present yourself differently to get likes”.
4. Morrisons unveils largest EV rapid charging network in UK
Morrisons has unveiled its first 50 electric vehicle (EV) rapid charging points at its locations across the country, while planning to roll out a further 50.
The grocer now has the largest network of rapid charging points in the UK and plans to double this number by 2020.
Its GeniePoint rapid charging points are able to charge an EV six-times quicker than standard charging points, charging a battery from empty to full in just 45 minutes.
5. September online sales provides no respite for retailers
After enduring a sluggish summer period, the new school year and change of season failed boost online retail sales in September, according to the latest data.
Online sales recorded a rise of just 0.6 per cent year-on-year last month, IMRG and Capgemini’s latest Online Retail Index indicates.
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