1. Incoming M&S stores chief changes mind, stays with Morrisons
The newly-appointed Marks & Spencer stores director has changed his mind about taking on the role before he even started it.
According to Retail Week, David Lepley will now remain with Morrisons after the Big 4 grocer reportedly offered him a bigger role than his current operations director position.
2. 500,000 UK retail jobs to be replaced by robots by 2024
Robots are set to replace more than half a million retail jobs in the UK over the next five years as retailer increasingly look to automation to improve efficiency.
Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to replace one in five UK retail jobs by 2024, according to new research from KPMG and Harvey Nash, which forms part of the world’s largest technology leadership survey.
3. £30m stock clearance sale at 3 Forever 21 stores in the UK
Forever 21 has announced three of its UK stores will launch a £30 million stock clearance sale.
“Visitors to Forever 21’s UK stores in London, Liverpool and Birmingham can expect to see some very attractive prices from the outset.”
Seasonal stock is being delivered, while stock is due to be replenished throughout the winding down period with new lines added frequently.
4. Adidas launches “most digital store ever” on Oxford Street
Adidas has launched a new hi-tech flagship store in the heart of London set to be its “most digital store ever”.
Adidas LDN, situated on Oxford Street, is powered by 100 per cent green energy and will feature over 100 digital touch points throughout the store.
Bespoke services like an on-site seamstress, bra fitting services, instore shoe cleaning services from Crep Protect and product testing appointments with its Running Lab will also be available to all shoppers.
5. Bonmarché: What went wrong?
Parkash Singh Chima founded Bonmarché in 1982 to “ensure mature women feel fabulous about themselves, in good quality, affordable, stylish clothing”. The retailer collapsed into administration last week, putting almost 3000 jobs at risk. Retail Gazette discovers what went wrong..
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