Tag Archives: Christmas

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Co-op partners with FareShare to provide 100,000 meals to vulnerable people this Christmas

MANCHESTER, UK, 2017-Dec-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — The Co-op has pledged to provide 100,000 meals to vulnerable people in the run-up to Christmas through its partnership with food redistribution charity FareShare.

The move follows news that since 2013, the community retailer has supplied almost 1,300 tonnes – enough to provide over 3,085,000 meals to those in need – by redistributing surplus food through its UK-wide network of nine depots.

Meat, fruit, vegetables, ready meals and chilled items are all passed to FareShare who then allocate it to local charities and community groups so they can provide balanced and nutritious meals.

The volume of Co-op surplus food redistributed from January to November is 435 tonnes, which equates to approximately 1,000,000 meals. With just two weeks to go until the end of the year, the Co-op will redistribute an additional 40 tonnes, which is equivalent to another 100,000 meals – taking the total to 1.1 million.

Over 1,135 charities and community groups have received Co-op food through FareShare this year. They include includes children’s breakfast and after school clubs, youth centres, hostels and supported housing for people suffering from homelessness, community cafes, older people’s services to tackle social isolation, food banks, and family and children’s centres.

Cathryn Higgs, head of food policy at the Co-op, said: “We’re very proud of our partnership with FareShare which has enabled us to provide over three million meals to vulnerable people in just four years. Our long-term ambition is that no food fit for consumption should go to waste and that’s why we are why we are working hard to provide an extra 100,000 meals in the run up to Christmas – a time of year that is so strongly associated with the enjoyment of food. Whilst so many people in the UK still aren’t able to get access to a nutritious cooked-meal we must do whatever is necessary to support the work of FareShare and put an end to unnecessary food waste.”

Lindsay Boswell, Chief Executive of FareShare, said: “FareShare is undergoing a period of rapid growth at present, coupled with unprecedented demand for food from the voluntary sector. The food we receive from the Co-op has been critical to our ability to supply thousands more charities on the front line helping those in need. We congratulate the Co-op for providing over three million meals so far and give thanks to all those involved in ensuring this valuable food continues to reach us week in week out.”

In April, the Co-op launched a 60-store trial to redistribute food from its food stores.

Source: Co-op

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Tesco expands its vegetarian and vegan food offering this Christmas

Tesco expands its vegetarian and vegan food offering this Christmas

 

Welwyn Garden City, UK, 2017-Dec-05 — /EPR Retail News/ — Changing UK diets have prompted Tesco to double its vegetarian and vegan centrepiece festive food offering this year.

And that should be good news for the growing number of people who don’t eat or want to cut down on meat or dairy foods. It also shows customers that however they do Christmas – everyone’s welcome at Tesco.

In the last year demand for vegetarian and vegan food has soared and Tesco is seeing the effect of lifestyle choices like Meat Free Mondays and flexitarian diets with sales of chilled vegetarian ready meals and meat substitutes growing by 25 per cent.

For vegetarians there’s a Portobello Mushroom Wellington made with spinach and bursts of cranberry in rich puff pastry and also a Festive Nut Roast with a mulled wine and cranberry glaze.

And for the first time ever Tesco has two vegan Christmas dinner centrepieces – a sumptuous Turmeric Spiced Cauliflower Wellington and a festive Pecan and Peanut Roast with maple-roasted carrot and parsnip.

Tesco recently announced that chef Derek Sarno would be joining the retailer as director of plant-based innovation, with a focus on helping customers enjoy more plant-based food by putting it centre stage like never before.

Derek is now working with suppliers, farmers and chefs on developing exciting new foods that go on sale over the coming year.

Chef Derek Sarno said:

“These are changing times and vegetable dishes have now become centrepiece heroes in their own right on dinner tables up and down the country.

“We think that our Portobello Mushroom Wellington is so delicious that it may tempt diners to try something different this Christmas.

“This year, Tesco’s Christmas campaign celebrates the many ways we come together at Christmas, and with the quality of vegetarian and vegan food now so good there may even be squabbles across the dinner table over who gets what.”

Tesco has been catering for the increasing amount of vegan customers throughout the year and is offering its biggest ever range of vegan products.

It recently increased its range of dairy free cheeses to nine and among the new additions are a melty red Leicester for cheese on toast, Mozzarella to top pizzas, a jalapeno Cheddar, a blue cheese, and Cheddar.

It has also launched eight new milk free desserts to cater for vegans.

According to a British Social Attitudes report published last year, three in 10 people in Britain (29 per cent) say they have reduced the amount of meat they eat in the past 12 months.

And nearly half (44 per cent) of people either do not eat meat, have reduced the amount of meat they eat or are considering reducing the amount of meat they eat.

Lynne Elliot, Chief Executive, the Vegetarian Society commented:

“With demand for vegetarian and meat-free alternatives rising, it’s great to see supermarkets across the UK like Tesco working hard to keep their customers happy and increasing their vegetarian range.

“Offering customers a better choice is especially welcome at Christmas.”

As part of Tesco’s commitment to increase the amount of vegetables in people’s diets and encourage healthier eating, it has recently pledged to increase the amount of vegetables used in recipes and also offer more vegetable options amongst its ready meal deals.

Notes to editors:

  • Tesco signed up to The Food Foundation’s Peas Please pledge, focused on making it easier for more people to eat more vegetables, in October. More here.

We are a team of over 450,000 colleagues dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01707 918 701

Source: Tesco

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Australian Retailers Association believes toy retailers will be as busy as elves this Christmas

Melbourne, Australia, 2017-Nov-27 — /EPR Retail News/ — With the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan Research predicting Australians to spend more than $50 billion over the Christmas trading period from November 15 to December 24, 2017, the ARA believe toy retailers will be as busy as elves this Christmas.

With the ARA and Roy Morgan Research tipping Australian consumers to spend 2.8% more on Christmas compared to last year, ARA Executive Director, Russell Zimmerman said it’s a busy time for toy retailers across the country.

“Keeping up with hottest-selling toys for kids at Christmas is like keeping up with digital technology in the retail landscape… both retailers and consumers need to be prepared,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“With many new toys hitting the shelves this year, parents need to start their shopping early to ensure they can get the toy at the top of their children’s wish list.”

“Likewise retailers need to be prepared for the onslaught of parents trying to secure the perfect gift for their children.”

With the ARA and Roy Morgan Research predicting Aussies to increase their spending in the ‘Other retailing’ category by 3.96%, the ARA have worked with Toys“R”Us to identify the Top 20 Toys for kids this Christmas.

“It appears Hatchimals continue to outperform retailer’s expectations as they completely sold out last year, so we urge retailers to be prepared for a similar toy rush this pre-Christmas period,” Mr Zimmerman said.

New to the toy scene, LEGO Boost Creative Toolbox is one of the most sought-after interactive toys in the tech space this year. This innovative creation targeted for boys aged 7+, enhances the building and learning experience for boys by not only building the robot but also coding its behaviour.

“Gone are the days when we used to fly model planes, it seems LEGO Boost is now a must have for tech savvy youngsters this Christmas,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“Just like retail, Christmas is all about the consumer experience, and for girls aged 3+ this year’s highly sought-after toys include LOL Dolls and Pikmi Pops as they provide the ultimate unwrapping experience this silly season.”

With many Australian children on Santa’s nice list this year, the ARA expect both retailers and Santa’s elves to be extremely busy over the next few weeks.

To view the ARA and Roy Morgan’s Annual Pre-Christmas Sales Predictions for 2017 please click here. And for more information regarding the Top Toys this Christmas please click here.

About the Australian Retailers Association:

Founded in 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the retail industry’s peak representative body representing Australia’s $310 billion sector, which employs more than 1.2 million people. The ARA works to ensure retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 7,500 independent and national retail members throughout Australia. For more information, visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

For interview opportunities with ARA Executive Director Russell Zimmerman call the ARA Media Line on 0439 612 556 or email media@retail.org.au

Source: ARA

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Asda introduces the Cheese Advent Calendar this Christmas

Asda introduces the Cheese Advent Calendar this Christmas

 

  • Fromage lovers rejoice as Asda launches Cheese Advent Calendar
  • Complete with 24 delicious cheeses, including Applewood, Mexicana and Jarlsberg

LEEDS, UK, 2017-Oct-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — From chocolate to beauty and even gin – it’s not a true Christmas without an advent calendar. And now, brie-lieve or not, all our Christmas prayers have been answered as Asda launches the holy grail of all advent calendars and it’s good, very good.

Introducing the Cheese Advent Calendar, sure to see cheese lovers around the country rejoicing this festive season. Behind each of the magical 24 doors, you’ll find a different delicious cheese variety, including Applewood, Mexicana and Jarlsberg.

An Asda spokesperson said: “The Cheese Advent Calendar is a revolution for cheese enthusiasts this Christmas. We’re becoming famous for our award-winning cheese and the Cheese Advent Calendar is the latest innovation handpicked by our team of experts.”

Asda’s new Cheese Advent Calendar will be available in Asda stores from 6th November with a RRP of £10.

More information about our award winning cheeses can be read here: https://corporate.asda.com/blog/2017/10/03/judges-at-the-global-cheese-awards-name-asda-as-retailer-of-the-year

About Asda Stores Ltd.
Founded in the 1960s in Yorkshire, Asda is one of Britain’s leading retailers and helps customers save money and live better in stores, online and through their mobile devices.

Each week more than 18 million customers visit its 645 stores – including 30 Supercentres, 392 Superstores, 155 Supermarkets, 33 Asda Living stores, and 35 standalone petrol stations – and websites, and are served by 153,000 colleagues. www.asda.com and www.george.com deliver to 99% of the UK’s homes and to its 538 click and collect sites across the UK.

Its main office is in Leeds, Yorkshire and its George clothing division is in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Asda joined Walmart, the world’s number one retailer, in 1999.

Please contact:

asdafoodanddrink@mischiefpr.com for more information.

Source: ASDA

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Narragansett turkey available online and in Tesco stores across the UK this Christmas

CHESHUNT, England, 2016-Dec-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — A rare breed of premium heritage turkey which has not been sold in supermarkets for more than 70 years has been brought back by Tesco.

The Narragansett turkey, which was bred by crossing old English breeds together over 200 years ago, is a real gourmet treat.

It’s been selected by the supermarket for its finest range, because of its unique, succulent and flavoursome taste.

Narragansetts are particularly distinctive because of the way they are reared. Living on acres of land, they are among the most free range birds in the UK- they can eat, rest and play whenever they like.

They spend their days exploring their surroundings in woodland and rural areas, pecking at soil and eating the same natural diet they would have in the wild.

Game cover – such as strips of plants like kale and chicory – is also planted on the land so the birds are sheltered from the late summer sun, winter wind and rain.

Tesco turkey buyer Suzanne Eldridge explains:

“With only a few days to go before the big day, the Narragansett is the bird to impress guests and to treat the family this Christmas.

“Considered to be the king of British turkeys, the wonderful tasting dark meat and a succulent breast certainly has the flavour to match its reputation.”

The Narragansett is being bred for Tesco by award-winning farmers in East Anglia and is available online and in Tesco stores across the UK from £9 per kg.

It was reintroduced to customers, after trials over the last two years proved that there was a huge appetite for this heritage turkey.

Note to editors

*The last dates for turkey ordering at Tesco are midnight on Wednesday Dec 14 for tesco.com orders and Thursday midnight for store shoppers.

The Narragansett gets its name from the area in Rhode Island, North America where some of the English pioneers settled in New England and starting breeding the turkeys they brought with the native, wild American variety.

Customers can order turkeys here, but supply is limited. A whole Narragansett will cost £9 per kilo while a crown will cost £16 per kilo.

We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01707 918 701

Source: Tesco

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9 Christmas Gift Exchange Ideas to Trim Your Holiday Spending

NEW YORK, 2016-Dec-02 — /EPR Retail News/ — Here are a few alternative Christmas gift exchange ideas from Coupons.com savings and consumer trends expert Jeanette Pavini for you to create a fun experience while keeping your holiday spending in check. You can find even more ways to save on our Coupon Codes page and more savvy ideas on The Good Stuff!

  1. Pick a secret Santa. This game is a classic, but by only giving one gift to a family member, you can focus more on the gift-giving experience (and picking out something extra special) rather than spending money on several gifts that may or may not hit the mark. You can even up the ante by asking family members to leave secret notes and treats for the person whose name they’ve drawn leading up to December 25. Be sure to put a dollar limit on how much each person can spend on the final gift given on the holiday!
  1. Make a coupon book for family members. I love this idea because it’s personalized and can be a lot of fun depending on how creative you get! These coupons can be for “Making Your Bed for a Week,” “Doing the Dishes for 1 Week,” or “Letting You Pick the TV Show We Watch.” Choose simple things that can make other family member’s life a little easier or a little more fun!
  1. Set gift expectations early. It’s important to set gift expectation for kids early on. Let them know that even if they have a long wish list, only a few presents will show up under the tree. You can make this into a learning exercise by having your children prioritize which gifts they really want. Have them rate each gift idea by putting stickers next to them on the list, coloring in stars, or writing out why they want this particular gift more than others. You can also help your kids choose a couple toys they already have to donate to charity. This kind act makes room for a few new ones while teaching them about giving and sharing with others.
  1. Take a family trip or staycation. Instead of spending money on everyone’s presents, use the money for an outing. It can be as simple as a local trip — you’ll even find some good deals during the week between Christmas and New Year’s while the kids are still on vacation. Even if you just travel to a nearby town or a local park, it’s the act of getting away as a family. Too stressed to plan a family trip? Check out this list of easy family staycation ideas!
  1. Let your kids do the shopping. If they’re old enough, give your kids a set amount of cash, allow them time to search for deals and coupons, and then let them shop away for gifts for family.  The cash will help them learn the value of every dollar and how to stay within a set budget, plus most kids love the thrill of shopping on their own!
  1. Give back as a family. You can sponsor a family in need by making a donation through Heifer International. As a family you can provide a gift of a cow, goat, or chickens to a struggling family from another part of the world. You may also be able to sponsor a local family through your local Salvation Army, Families First, or even adopt a military family for the holidays through Soldiers’ Angels. It’s a wonderful way to feel the real meaning of the holidays and do something as a family!
  1. Trade favorite recipes. For extended family, have everyone make their favorite dish or dessert and attach hand-written recipe cards — one for every member of the family. Gather together for a family meal and swap recipe cards so everyone in the family can build their own family recipe book!
  1. Share a family photo collage. Photos are one of the least expensive and most treasured gifts, in my opinion, so why not build a family photo album together? Have each member of your family print up to 10 (or more if you like!) of their favorite photos from that year for each person in your family. (That would be six copies of each photo if you’re a family of six.) Then, share your memories while enjoying time together. You can also have each family member bring an empty photo album with them to fill with the photos they receive so they can look back on their wonderful holiday experience next year.
  1. Create a family gratitude journal. Grab a beautiful journal or inexpensive notebook and set it in a public place where every member of the family has access to it. Starting on January 1 or even as early as December 1, each person will write one thing they’re thankful for in the journal each day. In 2018, you can all look back on your thankful messages together!

 

By: Jeanette Pavini – Coupons.com

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Make someone’s Christmas magical with personalised letter from Santa

letter-from-santa

Elfie Begins the Annual Countdown to Christmas; Order Soon Before It’s Too Late!

LONDON, 2016-Nov-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — The countdown to Christmas is once again speeding along at record pace, meaning now’s the time to get those perfect gifts prepped and readied. Over at Elfie, the world’s premier provider of enchanting Christmas messages directly from Santa himself is urging customers not to leave their orders too late! Time is running short and the countdown is on – place your order for a personalised message from Santa and make someone’s Christmas even more magical!

 

A Unique, Timeless Gift

“Each letter from Santa tells a different, adventurous, funny story from Santa’s daily life in Lapland. Create a letter from Santa for your child in less than 5 minutes. Provide the name, select and edit the contents, add something from yourself and leave the rest to Santa. The letter will be delivered by traditional post to your house in just a few days. Joy and disbelief guaranteed!” – Elfie

There’s really nothing like a personal, heart-felt message from Santa himself to put that extra sparkle into the festive season. Adults and kids of all ages simply cannot resist the allure of a message from the big guy himself, though time is running out to place an order through his elves!

Simply enter a few details online, after which Santa’s team will get busy preparing this incredible one-of-a-kind Christmas gift. When you see the face of the recipient light up on Christmas morning, you’ll understand the true magic of timeless, unique and sentimental gifts.

Personal Video Messages

“This year, why not go for something with an edge of extra originality at Christmas time and truly surprise your friends, family and children with a remarkable gift that they will cherish forever and certainly never forget! Let our talented team of tech savvy Elves create a Santa video for you that will really bring the legend of Father Christmas to life. Sit back with your child and be carried away into the magical world of Santa. An unforgettable souvenir and a true bestseller!” – Elfie

Of course, there’s always the option of ordering a truly incredible video message from Santa, taking the whole experience to an even higher level. Whatever the message you’d like Saint Nick to deliver to someone special, you can be sure he’ll do so in the most magical way possible! From friends to family, kids to adults and all others in-between, it’s the kind of surprise they won’t see coming and will never forget!

Once more, time is running out to get those orders placed…Santa and his elves are pretty busy right now! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to make this festive season truly unforgettable for someone close to you!

About Elfie:

Elfie is staffed by a group of life-long Christmas fanatics with one goal – to amaze, astound and delight with unique personalised gifts. Since 2013, the Elfie team have been creating and delivering truly exceptional written and video-recorded messages from Santa Claus, making the perfect Christmas gift for family, friends, children and adults of all ages. Their commitment to going the extra mile to deliver truly captivating results has earned the Elfie brand an international reputation for superior quality and value for money.

Contact-Details: Elfi Santa, Poland, mail@elfisanta.uk, https://www.elfisanta.uk

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Carphone Warehouse study: 10% of UK household expected to have some form of VR technology at home by Christmas

  • One in 10 UK homes will own VR devices by Christmas
  • 45% of Brits have now experienced VR, but 10% still admit to some form of “VR faux-pas”
  • VR gaming the most popular activity (51%), followed by travel experiences (21%)
  • Free VR headset with Pay Monthly contracts1 only from Carphone Warehouse

London, UK, 2016-Nov-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — With only 45 days until the big day, Christmas 2016 looks set to be the year Virtual Reality (VR) finally becomes mainstream. A new study from Carphone Warehouse has revealed one in 10 (10%) UK homes are expected to have some form of VR technology in their home by Christmas; doubling the number of households currently using the technology (5%).

According to analyst firm CCS Insight, VR devices have had the highest growth rate among the main wearable categories this year: globally, sales units of smartphone companions (mostly smartwatches) are expected to grow 49%, fitness trackers and sports watches growth 30%, while augmented and virtual reality devices are projected for a 172% increase.

A number of VR headsets have entered the market this year, and for those who want escape from real world reality, there is a wealth of VR content available to try out. You can watch films in your own private cinema, enjoy 360-degree documentaries, experience Google Street View like you’re actually there, walk on Mars or even waltz amongst the stars on the red carpet.

Gaming is set to be the most popular use for VR (51%), followed by travel experiences such as seeing the Northern Lights (21%) from the comfort of your home, and watching music concerts when you can’t be there (8%). With nearly half (45%) of all adults having tried some form of VR experience, and 80% now aware of it, Carphone Warehouse predicts Christmas 2016 will be the first time VR devices cement themselves as a must-have item.

Take-up of the technology, however, isn’t without its blunders, 10% of those who have tried it confessed to having struggled to get to grips with it. The research found the most common VR ‘faux pas’ is accidentally bumping into someone, or being so loud or animated that they’ve been asked to leave the room by their nearest and dearest.

Ten per cent of Brits admitted they’d secretly like to ask for VR this Christmas, but some feel it’s either too expensive (57%), they might look silly using it (8%), or are confused about the content that’s available to them (7%).

Dean Kramer director of Accessories, Carphone Warehouse comments, “Christmas 2016 will see VR become truly mainstream. Gaming is without doubt the reason most consumers are interested in VR but this is just the beginning. As more and more players enter the market, the more content and choice of headsets will become available.

“Whether it’s to visit the Maldives on Christmas day from the comfort of your sofa, or opting to enjoy the latest music gig during the Queen’s speech, there’s content available for everyone to try out, regardless of age or interests.”

Carphone Warehouse has an exciting range of Virtual Reality deals on offer in the lead up to Christmas, including:

  • Free Samsung Gear VR with any S7 and S7 Edge on any Pay Monthly contract
  • Free Goji VR headset with all Android phones1 on any Pay Monthly contract

A great range of Virtual Reality are available from Carphone Warehouse and Currys PC World, including:

Carphone Warehouse

  • GOJI 3D Cardboard VR – £7.99
  • Goji VR Headset – £24.99
  • Daydream View – £68.99
  • Samsung Gear VR Headset – £79.99

Currys PC World

  • PLAYSTATION 4 VR – £349.99
  • OCULUS Rift – £549
  • HTC Vive – £769.99

1Excluding Google Pixel. Free Goji universal virtual reality headset available on all Android pay monthly upgrades and new connections. Free Gear VR 2 headset available on all S7 and S7 edge pay monthly upgrades and new connections. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. No cash alternative. Subject to availability whilst stocks last. Headset will be shipped to customer’s address within 28 days.

Notes to editors:

2,000 British adults were polled by Opinium from 28th October – 1st November 2016

About Dixons Carphone

Dixons Carphone plc is Europe’s leading specialist electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company, employing over 40,000 people in 9 countries.

Focused on helping customers navigate the connected world, Dixons Carphone offers a comprehensive range of electrical and mobile products, connectivity and expert after-sales services from the Geek Squad and Knowhow.

Dixons Carphone’s primary brands include Carphone Warehouse, Currys and PCWorld in the UK & Ireland, Elkjøp, Elkjøp Phonehouse, Elgiganten, Elgiganten Phonehouse, Gigantti and Lefdal in the Nordic countries, Kotsovolos in Greece, Dixons Travel in a number of UK & Ireland airports and Phone House in Spain. Our key service brands include Knowhow in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, and Geek Squad in the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Business-to-business (B2B) services are provided through Connected World Services, PC World Business and Carphone Warehouse Business. Connected World Services aims to leverage the Group’s existing expertise, operating processes and technology to provide a range of services to businesses.

Dixons Carphone was voted ‘Retailer of the Year’ at the Retail Week Awards 2016.

For more information about Dixons Carphone plc, please visit www.dixonscarphonegroup.com

Follow us on Twitter: @DixonsCarphone

Please contact Carphone Warehouse Press Office at M&C Saatchi PR for further information: Press Office carphonewarehouse@mcsaatchi.com

Source: Dixons Carphone

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Currys PC World’s brand new campaign offers viewers advice on how to get it right this Christmas

  • £5 million advertising campaign offers viewers the expertise and advice they need to get it right this Christmas
  • Dramatizing the insight that it can be hard to get the right gifts to make your Christmas perfect, the ads present Currys PC World as the solution to this problem – with the right gadgets and the expertise to help you drop a crucial hint
  • Integrated marketing campaign with creative agency AMV BBDO, media agency Blue 449, PR agency M&C Saatchi PR and social media agency 1000 heads

LONDON, 2016-Nov-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Currys PC World today (03 Nov 2016) unveils their brand new Christmas campaign, Get It Right.

Featuring a variety of interactions between British families, the ads aim to demonstrate that Currys PC World understands it’s difficult to get the best gifts to make your Christmas perfect, and sometimes you need to drop an unsubtle hint to your family to get it right.

In each of the ads, viewers are given a glimpse into different settings where families are participating in recognisable Christmas scenarios, such as putting up the Christmas lights, attending the much-anticipated school nativity, knitting Christmas jumpers or decorating the Christmas tree.

As each of these moments unfold, our protagonists seize the opportunity to drop their loved ones a not-so-subtle hint about their dream gift this Christmas, leaving their loved ones in disbelief as to how far they’re willing to go to share this crucial message.

While the ads are full of humour and light-hearted moments, they also demonstrate that the retailer has the right prices, right products and right services to help customers get it right this Christmas.

The ads aim to position Currys PC World as the solution to this problem, by offering the expertise and advice you need to choose the right gadgets for any home entertainment, home preparation, and gifting, all at the right prices.

The campaign will feature 30” hero TV executions alongside a suite of C5 sponsorship idents breaking over 5 days, starting on air from Thursday 3rd November, and is supported by promotional activity throughout November and December

The installments all focus on a variety of products available from the retailer, including an LG OLED 4k Curved TV, Bose QC35 Wireless Noise-cancelling Headphones, Bose SoundTouch 10 Speaker, Bose SoundTouch 300 Bluetooth Soundbar, Xbox, and Samsung Galaxy Tablet.

Rolling out across TV, video on demand, social and online (YouTube) in the UK, the ads will appear during some high-profile television slots on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th November including Gogglebox and X Factor, as well as commercial broadcasters including ITV, C4, C5 and Sky Multichannel.

The ad campaign is one element of a fully-integrated nationwide campaign, set to incorporate all areas of the business right down through to stores.

Georgina Bramall, Head of Brand and Advertising, Dixons Carphone: “The idea of helping customers ‘get it right’ this Christmas really plays to our strengths as our aim has always been to ensure we have the right products at the best prices. Celebrating the role our expert colleagues play in helping our customers choose the perfect gift from our wide range of food prep, entertainment and gifting lines was also a key consideration when building our plans. This campaign thought is so intrinsic to our business already, that it was easy to fully integrate it across all of our customer touch-points in a holistic and authentic way.”

James Rouse, Director, Outsider: “The idea of dropping unsubtle hints to get the gifts you want this Christmas is simply a great campaign thought. It sets up characters and humour brilliantly, as I think has come across in the final films. My vision was simply to evolve the lovely characters of protagonists, building on their almost childish selfishness. They’re all loveable in their own way, an aspect that was brought out brilliantly by the actors who played them. I’m extremely happy with the result. Everyone came together to make a really nice set of films for Currys PC World.”

Campaign credits:

Project: Unsubtle Hints
Client name & job title: Georgina Bramall, Head of Brand and Advertising
James Cheetham, Head of Advertising
Creative Agency: AMV BBDO
Creative Director: Alex Grieve and Adrian Rossi
Copywriter: Richard McGrann
Art Director: Andy Clough
Agency Planner: David Edwards/Tom Claridge
Agency Account Man: Chris Taggart/Mark Graeme/Amy Tippen/Flo Prevezer
Agency Producer: Sophie Honour
Media Agency: Blue 449
Media Planner: Lindsay Turner/Lizzie Andrew/Tom Coles
Production Company: Outsider
Director: James Rouse
Production Co. Producer: Benji Howell
Post-production Company: Framestore
Sound Design Chris Turner, Jungle Studios

About Dixons Carphone

Dixons Carphone plc is Europe’s leading specialist electrical and telecommunications retailer and services company, employing over 42,000 people in eleven countries.

Focused on helping customers navigate the connected world, Dixons Carphone offers a comprehensive range of electrical and mobile products, connectivity and expert after-sales services from the Geek Squad and Knowhow.

Dixons Carphone’s primary brands include Carphone Warehouse and Currys PC World in the UK & Ireland, Elkjøp, Elkjøp Phonehouse, Elgiganten, Elgiganten Phonehouse, Gigantti and Lefdal in the Nordic countries, Kotsovolos in Greece, Dixons Travel in a number of UK & Ireland airports and Phone House in Spain. Our key service brands include Knowhow in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, and Geek Squad in the UK, Ireland and Spain.

Business-to-business (B2B) services are provided through Connected World Services, PC World Business and Carphone Warehouse Business. Connected World Services aims to leverage the Group’s existing expertise, operating processes and technology to provide a range of services to businesses.

Dixons Carphone was voted ‘Retailer of the Year’ at the Retail Week Awards 2016.

For more information, please contact the Currys PC World press office:

M&C Saatchi PR
curryspcworld@mcsaatchi.com
0207 544 3600

Source: Dixons Carphone

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Debenhams CEO Michael Sharp: We have traded well in the first 19 weeks of the financial year with a strong performance over peak resulting in a record Christmas

LONDON, 2016-Jan-18 — /EPR Retail News/ — Debenhams plc, the leading international, multi-channel brand, today announces its trading update for the 19 weeks to 9th January 2016.

Financial Highlights
• Group gross transaction value +2.5%
• Group like-for-like sales +3.5% in constant currency; +1.9% as reported
• Online sales +12.1%; click & collect penetration has risen to 31%
• Gross margin within FY16 guidance of +0 to +50bps
• Strong performance in the 7 week Christmas period to 9th January:
– LFL sales +3.7% in constant currency, two year growth of +7.1%; +1.8% as reported
– Online sales +15.4%, +26% over two years

Operational Highlights
• Further progress on strategic priorities set out at the Prelims in October 2015 delivered a strong trading performance, with the Christmas week achieving record sales
• Less discounting and a lower level of promotional activity led to full price sales growth of 5%, supported by planned reduction in stock levels across clothing, particularly in weather-sensitive categories
• Black Friday, which falls within our existing promotional calendar, traded successfully and profitably with good year on year growth both in stores and online
• Continuing service improvements delivered a further uplift in online performance over peak, with click & collect penetration peaking at 46% in the pre-Christmas period and strong growth in premium delivery services
• As planned, five new stores opened between September and November 2015: in Bradford, Wandsworth, Rugby, Beverley and Newport
• Internationally, Debenhams performed in line with expectations, with Magasin du Nord in Denmark delivering a record Christmas and further strong momentum in constant currency

Michael Sharp, Chief Executive of Debenhams, said:
“We have traded well in the first 19 weeks of the financial year with a strong performance over peak resulting in a record Christmas. This performance is evidence that our strategy is working with our customers finding our mix of products and brands both compelling and great value for money. The further improvements to our service proposition and our online presentation have delivered strong multi-channel sales growth, building on the progress we saw last year.
“I would like to thank all our colleagues for their continued hard work and support which has ensured that we traded our peak period successfully and with our systems and fulfilment working well. We remain on track to deliver full year profits in line with market expectations.”

Performance in the first half to date
In the 19 week period, Group gross transaction value rose by 2.5%, with like-for-like growth of 3.5% in constant currency, 1.9% as reported.

Further progress on our strategic priorities has supported our performance, delivering a good Black Friday and Christmas trading outcome and full price sales growth across the period of 5%. A planned reduction in outerwear clothing stocks has enabled us to trade a difficult autumn clothing season successfully and we entered the sale period post-Christmas with less stock than in the prior year, in line with our expectation. Strong growth in Beauty has reinforced our market leadership in the premium segment and despite tough comparatives over peak, sales across gift categories have shown good further growth. Non-clothing categories now account for 55% of total revenues, in line with our strategy.

Online sales have delivered continuing positive momentum in the 19 week period, growing 12.1% and with stronger growth over peak. This reflects increasing customer confidence in our service proposition as well as later cut-off times, the extension of endless aisle to improve availability, and more competitive premium delivery charges. We have made further improvements in our online presentation, with mobile orders our fastest-growing channel. As expected, click & collect penetration has continued to increase, growing at 45% year on year and accounting for 31% of online orders in H1 to date.

International sales grew in line with expectations, with Magasin du Nord continuing to deliver good growth and record Christmas trading helped by a recovering Danish economy.

-ENDS-

A conference call for analysts and investors will be held at 8.30am today. To join the call, please dial +44 (0) 20 3427 1912 (UK/Europe) or +1 646 254 3388 (US), PIN 9914197. A recording of the call will be available for seven days on +44 (0) 20 3427 0598 or +1 347 366 9565, PIN  9914197

Enquiries:
Analysts and investors
Debenhams PLC  Matt Smith, Chief Financial Officer
Katharine Wynne, Director of Investor Relations
020 3549 6304

Media
Brunswick Group  Simon Sporborg/Jon Drage
020 7404 5959

Notes to editors
Debenhams is a leading international, multi-channel brand with a proud British heritage which trades out of over 250 stores across 27 countries.  Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.

Debenhams has been investing in design for over 20 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands.  Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Giles Deacon, Sadie Frost and Jemima French, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Stephen Jones , Ben de Lisi, Todd Lynn,  Julien Macdonald, Savannah Miller, Jenny Packham, Aliza Reger, John Rocha, Ashley Thomas, Justin Thornton and Thea Bragazzi, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.

CONTACTS
For more information and high-res lifestyle and cut-out imagery please contact:

Debenhams Press Office
020 3549 6420 / press.office@debenhams.com

SOURCE: Debenhams Retail plc

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Debenhams CEO Michael Sharp: We have traded well in the first 19 weeks of the financial year with a strong performance over peak resulting in a record Christmas

Debenhams CEO Michael Sharp: We have traded well in the first 19 weeks of the financial year with a strong performance over peak resulting in a record Christmas

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BRC’s Helen Dickinson on retail sales in December: This was very much an online Christmas

  • Online sales of Non-Food products in the UK grew 15.1% in December versus a year earlier, when they had risen by 7.0% over the previous year. This is the best performance since June. December’s online sales performance was ahead of its 3-month and 12-month averages of 12.3% and 12.4%, respectively.
  • In December 2015, Online sales represented 19.7% of total Non-Food sales, against 17.3% in December 2014, meaning almost 1 in 5 pounds was spent online. This is the second highest penetration of 2015, indicative of the popularity of online shopping in the run-up to Christmas and during the early January sales.
  • Toys & Baby Equipment was the second fastest growing category and achieved its best performance since June. This was followed closely by Furniture and Homewares, the latter grew at its fastest rate since the inception of this monitor in December 2012.
  • Online sales contributed 3.0 percentage points to the year-on-year growth of Non-Food total sales in December, the highest on record, while stores made a negative contribution.

LONDON, 2016-1-12 — /EPR Retail News/ — Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium, said: “This was very much an online Christmas with this channel playing a vital role in driving retail sales in December. Growth was up 15.1 per cent, ahead of its 3-month and 12-month averages of 12.3 and 12.4 per cent respectively, and December’s online penetration rate was the second highest of 2015, at 19.7 per cent, up from 17.3 per cent the same time last year. The proportion of online spend was up across all categories we measure with household appliances, footwear and furniture leading the way. Over the three months to December, online contributed 2.5 percentage points to UK non-food growth overall, confirming this channel as the key driver of growth. In fact, store sales were in reverse.

“Click & Collect continued to be instrumental, providing convenience for consumers and equipping smaller format stores with extended product ranges during the busy Christmas period. There were also some knock-on benefits, such as encouraging greater footfall into stores in turn inspiring impulse buys.”

David McCorquodale, Head of Retail, KPMG, said: “With 190% of average rainfall in December, many consumers chose to login rather than walk in over the festive period. There was marked increase in online shopping this year with that channel producing its highest contribution percentage to non-food sales growth compared to a decline in store growth.

“Whilst the weather was one reason for this, another is a significant shift in consumer behaviours with online channel more convenient and logistics and fulfilment networks becoming increasingly slick. The online phenomenon is clearly here to stay and will continue to challenge the role of the store. 2016 will no doubt bring further innovation in this arena as retailers strive to deliver a seamless omni-channel experience.”

British Retail Consortium, 21 Dartmouth Street, Westminster, London, SW1H 9BP. 020 7854 8900. info@brc.org.uk.

SOURCE: British Retail Consortium

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Tesco: What are you most likely to forget this Christmas?

  • One in five Brits forget to pick up an essential item for Christmas Day, with one in ten having even forgotten the turkey
  • Batteries, cranberry sauce and Christmas presents are the items most commonly forgotten in the lead up to Christmas

CHESHUNT, England, 2015-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — New research commissioned by Tesco reveals almost a third of Brits (30%) are struggling to juggle day-to-day responsibilities with the preparations for Christmas, resulting in one in five (20%) forgetting an essential item for the big day.

Batteries (32%), cranberry sauce (29%) and Christmas presents (22%) top the list of forgotten items, while nearly one in 10 Brits (7%) even forget to pick up the turkey! While batteries may be the item people are most likely to leave behind, the true disappointment lies in forgetting items essential to the main event, with people left disgruntled if presents (41%), the turkey (37%) and the Christmas tree (14%) are left out of the festivities.

The top 10 items Brits are most likely to forget in the rush before Christmas are:

1.      Batteries (32%)

2.      Cranberry Sauce (29%)

3.      Christmas presents (22%)

4.      Sellotape (18%)

5.      Christmas crackers (13%)

6.      Cling Film (12%)

=7.  Gravy (9%)

=7.  Sprouts (9%)

=7.  Gift tags (9%)

=7.  Bread sauce (9%)

The study also reveals the measures taken to avoid disappointment at Christmas, with over half (55%) writing a good old fashioned shopping list, followed by writing reminders in a diary (16%), electronic reminders in a phone or on email (16%) and the simple yet effective tactic of telling a partner to remind them (15%). However, a quarter of us (25%) throw caution to the wind, taking no precautions at all to ensure the essentials are in hand before the big day.

Tesco are also giving away three of the top 10 most commonly forgotten items – cranberry sauce, cling film and gravy – outside Glasgow Central, Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street and select London tube stations.

Simon Brady, Brand Director at Tesco, says: “We all know what a busy time of year Christmas can be so it’s no surprise a quarter of us leave the big Christmas food shop to the last minute and forget one or two items as a result. This festive season, we want to help make Christmas as easy and enjoyable as possible for our customers so we hope our ‘most forgotten’ list will help jog a few memories and ensure customers have got everything ready in time for the perfect Christmas.”

 

Notes to Editors

Tesco commissioned OnePoll, who carried out the survey research 21st October and polled 2,000 UK adults that celebrate Christmas

*9.8 million people is based on 20 per cent of 49 million adults in the UK aged 18 or overhttp://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-368259

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on 01992 644645
We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

Visit our Christmas 2015 news site at www.tescoplc.com/christmasnews

SOURCE: Tesco PLC

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Online searches at Homebase.co.uk reveal Brits prepare their homes for visiting guests this Christmas

Milton Keynes, UK, 2015-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Forget perfume, jewellery and gadgets, shoppers are more likely to be buying toilet roll holders, doorbells and curtain poles as they prepare their homes ready for visiting guests this Christmas, Homebase reveals.

Online searches at Homebase.co.uk revealed Brits thoughts in the two weeks running up to Christmas is not on present buying, but on last minute items to make their homes welcoming for guests coming for the festive season.

In addition to looking for Christmas trees and decorations, practical items people were looking for included rugs, shelves, and even doorbells, which were up 16 per cent on searches compared to in September, as homeowners look to make those last minute touches to their homes.

Some are so keen to impress their family and friends that they are even looking to buy a new dining table with searches up by 25 per cent compared to in September as people try to accommodate all family on Christmas Day.

Homebase Christmas Buyer Lindsay O’Neil, said: “We are house proud as a nation, and Christmas usually is the time we have most of the family round with many staying with us for a few days, so getting our homes looking great becomes the priority after the presents are sorted.

“We have also seen Christmas homewares have grown in popularity by around 30 per cent from last year. With Christmassy bedding and cushions being the most popular items. increase in demand this year for Christmassy duvet sets, cushions and throws compared to last year, which just shows people want to go the extra mile and make the spare room as good as a hotel room for guests.”

Interestingly online search results also revealed the outside of the home gets a makeover ahead of guests arriving. A new garden shed and even a pressure washer are a top last minute must have in the run up to Christmas, as the driveway and car get a deep clean prior to guests arriving.

Most searched for items before Christmas:

1. Toilet roll holder

2. Door bell

3. Dining table

4. Cushions

5. Shelves

6. Curtains poles

7. Wardrobes

8. Laminate flooring

9. Radiators

10. Duvets

11. Folding chairs

12. Shower screen

13. Axe

14. Skirting board

15. Bath panel

16. Tablecloth

17. Drill

18. Chainsaw

19. Shed

20. Rugs

 

Note to Editors:

For more information, images, pricing please contact the Home Retail Group Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email media.relations@homeretailgroup.co.uk .

For hi-res images and to view the new Schreiber Home Collection lookbook, go the www.homeretailgroup.pressarea.com/

About Homebase
Homebase is a leading home enhancement retailer with around 58 million transactions a year, selling around 38,000 products for the home and garden. It has 271 large, out-of-town stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland and a growing internet offering at www.homebase.co.uk . In the financial year to February 2015, Homebase sales were £1.5 billion and it employed some 17,000 people across the business.

Homebase is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.

SOURCE: Home Retail Group

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Tesco introduces finest Duck Éclair just in time for Christmas

CHESHUNT, England, 2015-12-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — Move over chilli chocolate, so long salted caramel, say hello to the Tesco finest* Duck Éclair – just in time for Christmas. Taking sweet and savoury food fusion to the next level, this winter, Tesco is offering a new, exciting and innovative twist on a classic sweet chocolate éclair, which is sure to be the talking point of Christmas parties up and down the country.

The Tesco finest* Duck Éclair is stuffed with tender duck and marinated with Chinese 5 spice and star anise for an authentic Asian flavour. Accompanied with finely cut carrots and onion, this is all seasoned with a sweet and soy sauce and encased in a pastry éclair, which is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. The hoisin drizzle on top replaces the traditional chocolate and adds a rich sweet flavour to the éclairs.

Fiona Carter, New Product Development manager at Tesco comments, “We wanted to create an innovative party snack for our customers this Christmas – something that would be both delicious and the talking point of Christmas get-togethers and parties. Our duck éclair will hopefully do just that – plus there’s the added bonus of little prep time, so party hosts will have more time to mingle and enjoy themselves”.

Notes to editors:

*RRP £5.00 for a pack of 8 (280g).

For more information please contact the Tesco team at Splendid Communications on 0207 553 7300  or Tesco@splendidcomms.com 

We are a team of 480,000 in 11 markets dedicated to serving shoppers a little better every day.

Visit our Christmas 2015 news site at www.tescoplc.com/christmasnews

SOURCE: Tesco PLC

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Tesco introduces finest Duck Éclair just in time for Christmas

Tesco introduces finest Duck Éclair just in time for Christmas

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Sainsbury’s announces price cuts on unleaded petrol and diesel to help customers go further this Christmas

LONDON, 2015-12-10 — /EPR Retail News/ — From tomorrow, 9 December, Sainsbury’s is cutting the price of unleaded petrol and diesel by up to 2 pence per litre across its 301 forecourts to help customers go further this Christmas.

As usual, customers will also be able to collect Nectar points every time they fill up with Sainsbury’s, one point on every litre purchased.

Avishai Moor, Sainsbury’s Head of Fuel, said: “Whether it’s driving home for Christmas or running errands ahead of the big day, fuel can be a big expense at this time of the year. We’re happy to be able to offer good value during the festive period to our customers.” 

SOURCE: J Sainsbury plc

 

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Sainsbury’s announces price cuts on unleaded petrol and diesel to help customers go further this Christmas

Sainsbury’s announces price cuts on unleaded petrol and diesel to help customers go further this Christmas

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Kroger’s new website 25 Merry Days presents daily deals for all your December needs

www.kroger.com/25MerryDays offers exclusive daily deals, “Cheer Challenges” and holiday-themed extras for all your December needs

CINCINNATI, 2015-12-7 — /EPR Retail News/ — Why celebrate the traditional 12 days of Christmas when you can celebrate all 25?  That’s why The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) family of stores has launched a new website, 25 Merry Days, a present to its customers that offers:

  • Different, exclusive Daily Deals digital coupons for products and gift cards – check back each day to find out if you’ll score a deal on a gift card from a popular national retailer or a key ingredient for your holiday meals. Act fast — when the day is over, so is the deal!
  • A Cheer Challenge which encourages customers to spread the cheer each day by posting pictures or videos of different “Challenges of the Day” on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #CheerChallenge. One day you might be showing us your chaotic but happy holiday kitchen; another you’ll capture the moment when you “pay it backward,” by buying a small treat for the unsuspecting guest behind you in line.
  • Recipes from the elegant “brie en croute” to the whimsical “wonut” (that’s right! A waffle donut!).
  • Gift ideas from edibles to homemade coconut oil hand soap.
  • Tips and tricks to master holiday dilemmas, whether you’d like to organize your presents better or want easy and festive ideas for spreading holiday cheer throughout your home.
  • How-to videos to help you create impressive decorations and recipes as lovely to look at as to eat.

“Our customers rely on us for the best prices on the widest assortment of items, and we thought December was the perfect time to really save them money when they need it the most,” said Anne Maness, who leads Kroger’s digital marketing team. “In addition, we wanted to anticipate any other holiday need they may have, from what to bring to the neighborhood potluck to how to spread joy in a fun, spontaneous way.”

Kroger, one of the world’s largest retailers, employs more than 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,620 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.  The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 326 fine jewelry stores, 1,360 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.  Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and community organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber’s Million Dollar Club.

Kroger Family of Stores Media Contacts

The Kroger Co. – General Office

Keith Dailey
Director, Media Relations/Corporate Communications
Office: 513-762-1304
Cell: 513-257-4955
Email: keith.dailey@kroger.com

 

SOURCE The Kroger Co.

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Toy brand Chad Valley has Christmas covered with a raft of toys and gifts available exclusively at Argos

Milton Keynes, UK, 2015-8-4— /EPR Retail News/ — From babies to toddlers and pre-tweens, much-loved toy brand Chad Valley has Christmas covered with a raft of toys and gifts to make 25 December the most fun and interactive yet. Shopping for presents for little ones is easy and convenient as all Chad Valley products are available exclusively at Argos where you can reserve online for free, instant pick-up from more than 780 stores.

With 184 new products available for Christmas 2015 there is something for every child whether they like traditional play, building or interacting with others. Here are Chad Valley’s top picks for Christmas:

Chad Valley Three-Storey Summer Winter Dolls House 392/3146 – £99.99

One of the top toys for 2015, this unique large wooden three-sided, three-storey house provides hours of play. With summer and winter sided looks, the house comes complete with a spiral staircase and wooden furniture.

Chad Valley Lily Interactive Doll 404/1388 – £24.99

A doll that will be on many children’s Christmas list to Santa, it features 10 lifelike and interactive functions from being able to tickle her feet to make her giggle, to rocking her to sleep and feeding her a bottle to hear her drink.

Chad Valley Mega Vehicle Jump 402/5744 – £19.99

This will keep kids entertained and playing together for hours. The high vehicle jump comes with two vehicles, all for a great price.

Chad Valley Airport Playset 400/9681 – £24.99

With lights and sounds this playmat will keep kids amused all Christmas and beyond. The set includes four vehicles, an airplane, helicopter and two luggage carriers.

Chad Valley Curved Wooden Kitchen 395/3934 – £39.99

A stunning deluxe wooden kitchen equipped to provide playtime fun for boys and girls. The kitchen features everything from an oven with opening door, clock, frying pan, saucepans and even a sink.

Chad Valley Wooden Farm Set 408/6879 – £39.99

This traditional play set features over 50 pieces from the farmer and his wife, to a host of animals including chickens, cows and sheep along with a barn and shed – keeping little ones entertained all day.

Chad Valley Pipsie Interactive Horse 404/6510 – £39.99

For kids that love horses this is a must have. Pipsie is an interactive horse who comes to life with five different touch functions. Pipsie walks, neighs, swishes its tail, moves its head when the mane is brushed and munches toy apples which are included.

Chad Valley Adventure Zone 385/8792 – £39.99

Create your own soft play area with this beautifully designed inflatable adventure zone. Not only great for fun days at home it also aids child development with sensory elements including squeak and crinkle. Little ones can also crawl through and slide down the adventure zone.

Chad Valley Safari Locomotive 412/4418 – £12.99

Perfect for pre-school play, this set features six different safari animals. Children will be able to play with animals, pressing them down to hear their noises whilst the train moves forward.

The Chad Valley range is available exclusively at www.argos.co.uk/chadvalley where products can be reserved free-of-charge for instant pick up from over 780 Argos stores.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

For more information, please contact the Argos Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email: media.relations@argos.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter at @argos_PR.

About Chad Valley
Founded by Anthony Bunn Johnson in Harboure, Birmingham in 1860, Chad Valley is one of the UK’s oldest toy manufacturers. Over the years Chad Valley has been making toys for eight generations of children and has one of the UK’s highest toy maker satisfaction rating with an average customer review score of 4.2 out of 5. Chad Valley toys are designed to be affordable, durable and inspiring, fostering greater creativity and development by encouraging imaginative childhood play. With over 400 products available exclusively at Argos stores nationwide or online at argos.co.uk/chadvalley, you’ll be sure to find that perfect toy for your little one.

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Toy brand Chad Valley has Christmas covered with a raft of toys and gifts available exclusively at Argos

Toy brand Chad Valley has Christmas covered with a raft of toys and gifts available exclusively at Argos

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Sainsbury’s Q3 total retail sales down 2.5 per cent (inc fuel); 29.5 million customer transactions in the 7 days before Christmas

LONDON, 2015-1-7 — /EPR Retail News/ — Good sales performance in a tough market.

  • Total Retail sales for third quarter down 0.4 per cent (excl fuel), down 2.5 per cent (inc fuel)
  • Like-for-like Retail sales for third quarter down 1.7 per cent (excl fuel), down 3.9 per cent (inc fuel)
  • Over 29.5 million customer transactions in the seven days before Christmas
  • Over 1,000 product prices reduced since we announced our £150 million price investment

Mike Coupe, Chief Executive, said: “Sainsbury’s has provided a great Christmas for our customers. Food price deflation and falling fuel prices have enabled our customers to treat themselves over the festive period.

“Customers traded up over Christmas as sales of our Taste the Difference range grew by five per cent year-on-year. As an example, sales of our Taste the Difference Conegliano Prosecco grew by over 30 per cent. We also sold over 57 million mince pies and over 550,000 turkeys, up eight per cent year-on-year.

“Our colleagues continue to provide excellent in-store service, and again did a fantastic job of serving our customers during the busiest time of the year. A record-breaking week before Christmas saw over 29.5 million customer transactions. We continued to help our customersLive Well for Less with the redemption of £124 million worth of Nectar points during the quarter supported by our popular Christmas Double-Up campaign.

“The trend of more frequent and local shopping continues and we saw growth of over 16 per cent in our convenience business in the quarter. As well as over six million convenience customer transactions in the week before Christmas, we also saw our largest ever day for convenience sales on 24th December, taking over £8 million. For our groceries online business, this Christmas was our biggest to date. In the three days to 23rd December, our online team delivered more than 110,000 orders.

“Our clothing and general merchandise businesses traded strongly over the quarter, in particular our clothing business was up nearly ten per cent year-on-year. We sold more than twice the number of Christmas jumpers compared to last year and our ‘snowman’ jumper,designed by one of our colleagues, was our best-seller by volume.

“We opened 25 new convenience stores and refurbished a further seven in the quarter. We also opened four new supermarkets, one extension and one replacement store, and refurbished seven supermarkets.

“In November, we announced our plans to invest £150 million in the prices of some of our most popular products. This week we are lowering prices on over 700 of these, including reductions in our Meat, Fish and Poultry categories. For example, the regular price of our 260g boneless cod fillets has dropped from £4.00 to £3.30 and the regular price of a Sainsbury’s 1.35kg British whole chicken has fallen from £4.50 to £3.50. This now means we have reduced the prices of over 1,000 products since we made our announcement.

“The outlook for the remainder of the financial year is set to remain challenging, with food price deflation likely to continue. Our performance in the third quarter showed an improving trend quarter-on-quarter. However, given the uncertainty in the trading environment, food price deflation and the price reductions we announced this week, we currently expect our fourth quarter like-for-like to be similar to that of our first half. Our prices versus our supermarket peers have never been better and alongside our differentiated quality and service offer, we are confident we will help our customers Live Well for Less throughout 2015.”

Notes to editors

1. All sales figures contained in this trading statement are stated including VAT and in accordance with IFRIC 13

2. Like-for-like sales include the impact of extensions as follows

Q1 Q2 H1 Q3
Sales growth including fuel (%)
Total (0.3)% (2.3)% (1.4)% (2.5)%
Like-for-like (2.4)% (4.1)% (3.4)% (3.9)%
Sales growth excluding fuel (%)
Total 1.0% (0.8)% 0.0% (0.4)%
Like-for-like (1.1)% (2.8)% (2.1)% (1.7)%
Included in like-for-like sales (%)
Net contribution from extensions 0.2% 0.2% 0.2% 0.2%

3. Store investment programme 2014/15:

Q1 Q2 H1 Q3
Supermarkets
New – 2 2 4
Replacements – 1 1 1
Extensions 1 3 4 1
Refurbishments 3 2 5 7
Closures – (1) (1) (1)
Convenience
New 27 23 50 25
Closures – (1) (1) (1)
Refurbishments 12 10 22 7

At the end of the quarter, we had 598 supermarkets and 684 convenience stores.

4. Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future events or results referred to in these forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, regulation or accounting standard, we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

5. Sainsbury’s also released today its Third Quarter Corporate Responsibility update

6. A conference call will take place at 8:30am. To listen to the audio webcast we recommend that you register in advance. A transcript of the conference call will be made available later today.

7. Sainsbury’s will announce its Fourth Quarter Trading Statement on Tuesday 17 March 2015.

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Sainsbury’s Q3 total retail sales down 2.5 per cent (inc fuel); 29.5 million customer transactions in the 7 days before Christmas

Sainsbury’s Q3 total retail sales down 2.5 per cent (inc fuel); 29.5 million customer transactions in the 7 days before Christmas

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John Lewis Christmas barometer: Record fashion and home sales weeks

This week’s big story: Record fashion and home sales weeks

LONDON, 2014-12-23 — /EPR Retail News/ — Both our Fashion and Home directorates had record sales weeks and this was reflected in their year-on-year increases of +2.5% and +0.6% respectively.The Fashion directorate’s record sales week reflected the last minute gifting trend with premium beauty +5% year-on-year alongside strong sales of beauty gift sets +7% year-on-year.

Weekly trading update

With the final few shopping days before Christmas still to come, last week John Lewis achieved sales of £160.6m +6.5% week on week, confirming our expectation that customers are choosing to leave their Christmas shopping right up until the last minute. The year on year comparison at -2.4% reflects the changing shape of Christmas trade with an early peak at the end of November. Online sales had a steady performance at +5.5% year-on-year.

Both our Fashion and Home directorates had record sales weeks and this was reflected in their year-on-year increases of +2.5% and +0.6% respectively. Electricals and Home Technology was -10.8%, a sign of the growing significance of Black Friday on the shape of pre-Christmas trade. Small electrical was up 7% year-on-year with GHD and Nespresso having record weeks growing +44% and +13% year-on-year respectively.

The weekend saw customers’ focus firmly shift to our shops, with branches up and down the country packed with Christmas shoppers and standout year-on-year performances from Chichester +10.6%, Chester +7.6% and Swindon +4.8%. We are giving customers an extra day to order Click & Collect items to any John Lewis shop, by extending the cut off date for orders to Tuesday 23 December for collection in our shops on Christmas Eve. This week, Click & Collect orders were up 30.3% year on year.

The Fashion directorate’s record sales week reflected the last minute gifting trend with premium beauty +5% year-on-year alongside strong sales of beauty gift sets +7% year-on-year. Menswear and sports also achieved record weeks with sports sales +13% including sports technology +90%. Further strong performances came from men’s formalwear +9.2% joined by men’s own brand +6.6%. Childrenswear also saw significant sales of +11% including nightwear +24% with onesies continuing their enduring popularity.

In Home, the record week reflected the strength of our own-brand range, which is selling well right up to Christmas, ahead of discounting when Clearance starts online on Christmas Eve. Impressive growth came right across our own brand home ranges including fitted furniture +11% and bed linen +6% year-on-year. Standout performances included our Aroma Home range of hot water bottles and hand warmers growing +26% year on year.

Andrew Murphy, Retail Director John Lewis, said: ‘Last week we said it’s all to play for and that is still absolutely the case as we have seen a building trend of customers leaving their gift purchases right up until the last minute. The record levels of trade in our fashion and home assortments are hard won in what has been a challenging market. However, busy though‎ our shops have been over the past week, it’s only in these final pre-Christmas days that many customers are finally moving to complete their gift buying and other purchases. Consequently our Partners are standing ready for a very busy final trading day before the festive break.’

Our next trading update will be on Monday 5 January which will give an overall view of the five weeks over the Christmas period up until Saturday 27 December.

All figures quoted are total sales including VAT.

  • £160.6m sterling total
  • +6.5% week on week increase
  • -2.4% year on year decrease
  • +5.5% year on year increase johnlewis.com

Week on week increases are percentage increases in sales value.

What Britain’s buying this week

(year on year % increase)

  • +90% Sports technology
  • +44% GHDs
  • +26% Aroma hot water bottles
  • +13% Nespresso
  • +9.2% Men’s formalwear.

Notes to editors

John Lewis – John Lewis operates 43 John Lewis shops across the UK (31 department stores, ten John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. It is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership where all 30,000 staff are Partners in the business. John Lewis, ‘Multichannel Retailer of the Year 2014’¹ , ‘Best Overall Retailer’² and ‘Best Retailer 2014’³, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com stocks over 280,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹ Oracle Retail Week Awards 2014
² Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2014
³ Which? Awards 2014.

Enquiries

For further information please contact:

Email: johnlewis@brands2life.com
Telephone: 0207 592 1200

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Tesco and Sam Faiers to give Maisie Bone from Kent an incredible Christmas this year

Cheshunt, England, 2014-12-22 — /EPR Retail News/ — Tesco has enlisted the help of stunning starlet Sam Faiers to give one fan an incredible Christmas this year. Maisie Bone, 19, from Kent was given the ultimate surprise when Sam knocked on her door last night to meet her in person.

The blonde beauty arrived with her glam squad in tow to give the star struck fan a gorgeous makeover in time for Christmas Day. After a girly gossip with Maisie, the former TOWIE star and her team gave Maisie an amazing new look with big and beautiful party hair and glamorous makeup. Sam even offered some of her top styling and beauty tips for the festive season.

This once-in-a-lifetime visit was organised by Tesco after the social media team spotted Maisie on Twitter and wanted to give her a special festive treat. This early Christmas present is part of the supermarket’s Every Little Helps Make Christmas campaign, which aims to go the extra mile for customers this Christmas and help them in whatever way they can, big or small.

Sam Faiers said, “I love getting glammed up with my girls for Christmas parties, so I jumped at the chance to surprise Maisie with a makeover treat. It was clear from her reaction when we knocked on her door that she had no idea we were coming. I really hope Tesco and I have helped make Maisie’s Christmas unforgettable this year!”

Maisie Bone said, “Opening the door to Sam Faiers was like a dream come true – I’m such a huge fan. I love my new hair style and make-up and got some great styling tips from Sam. I can’t believe Tesco organised this for me – best Christmas present ever.”

Danny Coleman-Cooke, at Tesco commented, “We saw on Twitter that Maisie was a huge fan of Sam and so we wanted to bring the ultimate Christmas surprise to her front door. We hope that together with Sam we’ve given Maisie a Christmas she’ll never forget.”

Sam Faiers top styling and beauty tips for this Christmas include:

  • Turn any outfit from day to night with a pair of gorgeous metallic shoes and a statement necklace
  • Faux fur is big this Christmas. Glam up your look with gorgeous faux fur accessories
  • I love sparkle to really make me feel festive – a gorgeous sequin dress is a must for my wardrobe
  • Nothing makes you stand out from the crowd more than a leopard print coat. Wear it over a little black dress for a gorgeous party look
  • Bronze eyes with luscious red lips is my favourite look this party season
  • Tong hair for a loose curl and add a couple of braids for a tousled look taking you from day to night
  • Always cleanse, tone and moisture and never sleep in your make-up to keep your skin looking radiant at all the parties
  • Billie and I love getting into a pair of new PJs on Christmas Day – it’s a must in my house!
  • When applying liquid or gel eyeliner always start from the outside in for a classy winged look
  • Body shimmer makes your skin glow and helps hide little imperfections, try my La Bella body shimmer this Christmas

Maisie was also treated to a hamper of goodies, including Tesco finest Champagne and party nibbles and a personally signed Sam Faiers La Bella gift set, which includes her debut fragrance.

Join the conversation at #Make_Christmas.

For more information please contact the Tesco Press Office on
01992 644645
We are a team of over 500,000 people in 12 markets dedicated to providing the most compelling offer to our customers.

###

Tesco and Sam Faiers to give Maisie Bone from Kent an incredible Christmas this year

Tesco and Sam Faiers to give Maisie Bone from Kent an incredible Christmas this year

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Homebase unveiled brand new campaign that brings to life the magic of transforming your home at Christmas

Milton Keynes, UK, 2014-11-21 — /EPR Retail News/ — Homebase has unveiled a brand new campaign that brings to life the magic of transforming your home at Christmas.

The new 30 second Homebase ad, written by Leo Burnett and produced by Hogarth Worldwide, shows a family changing their uninspired dining room table and living room by revealing brand new, on-trend Christmas decorations and homewares, with everything from Christmas trees and lights, tableware and soft furnishings.

And if cute animals are the way to customers’ hearts, then Homebase has Christmas in the bag with the addition of man’s best friend to its new brand campaign. ‘Harriet the dog’ also features in her very own spin-off ad, exclusively created for social media, which depicts how even the smallest of spaces can be magically transformed.

Jo Kenrick, Homebase Marketing Director said: “Christmas is all about spending time with friends and family – and we know that people love to go all out with finishing touches at this festive time of year.

“Hosting doesn’t need to be stressful and planning is key. Make sure you not only think about turning your home into a festive grotto, but remember to tackle the little jobs, such as freshening up the spare bedroom, which will make your guests feel comfortable too.”

The TV campaign also includes re-worked music by Professor Bobo and Bosko Slim (it is the same music but with a bit of Christmas sparkle). The campaign breaks on TV tonight (Wednesday 19 November). The ‘Harriet the dog’ spin-off can be seen first on the Homebase’s YouTube page. Follow Harriet’s adventures @Harrietwoofs.

 

ENDS

Note to Editors:

For more information, please contact the Homebase Press Office on 0845 120 4365 or email media.relations@homebase.co.uk.

Follow us @Homebase_PR.

 

About Homebase
Homebase is a leading home enhancement retailer with around 60 million transactions a year, selling around 38,000 products for the home and garden.  It has 316 large, out-of-town stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland and a growing internet offering at www.homebase.co.uk. In the financial year to February 2014, Homebase sales were £1.5 billion and it employed some 18,000 people across the business.

Homebase is part of Home Retail Group, the UK’s leading home and general merchandise retailer.

 

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John Lewis issued update on its Christmas sales and activities

LONDON, 2014-11-11— /EPR Retail News/ — John Lewis issued update on its Christmas sales and activities

This week’s big story: Monty’s Christmas

Monty’s Christmas has received over 16 million views on social media. The advert racked up 7 million views on social media in 24 hours, seven times as many as at the same point last year.

Weekly trading update

This week has seen solid sales of £95.7m, +5.1% on last year and week on week +3.9%. Online sales were +17.0% year on year.

In a week which saw the coldest day of the year so far customers turned to our winter assortments. Our fashion directorate posted a +6.0% year on year sales increase. Particularly strong performers were girls’ onesies and men’s slippers +86% and +10% year on year respectively along with cashmere roll necks +80% week on week.

Home posted strong sales at +9.2% year on year with bedroom furniture +31% and sofa beds +12%.  Bedding saw a +10% year on year increase with faux fur bed throws +36% week on week and Dreamland electric blankets +85% week on week.

Our EHT assortment experienced more modest growth +1.0% year on year influenced by comparison with last year’s later iPad launch. The new iPad still remains one of the most popular products with our 3 year guarantee promotion, but the comparative launch timings are different year on year. Within EHT, washer dryers were +18% year on year and heating +115% on last week with the Dyson Nickel Fan heater +228% week on week.

The week saw the launch of our Christmas advert, ‘Monty’s Christmas’ which has received over 16 million views on social media. The advert racked up 7 million views on social media in 24 hours, seven times as many as at the same point last year. By the end of the week ‘Monty’ became the most searched for term on our website. This year the ad will be supported by an in-store experience, ‘Monty’s Den’, where people can meet Monty and Mabel using interactive technology.

Andrew Murphy, retail director at John Lewis, said: ‘With the weather turning colder, our customers have really shifted into winter mode. They’ve been purchasing duvets, throws and electric blankets along with preparing their homes for Christmas guests with increasing sales of sofa beds and bedroom furniture. It’s also pleasing to see such a strong result from our fashion assortment after the impact of warmer temperatures earlier this season.’

All figures quoted are total sales including VAT

  • 5.1% year on year increase
  • 3.9% week on week increase
  • 95.7m sterling total
  • 17% year on year increase johnlewis.com

What Britain’s buying this week

  • Dyson Nickel Fan Heater +228%
  • Dreamland electric blankets +85%
  • Cashmere roll necks +80%
  • Faux fur bed throws +36%
  • Sofa beds +12%

Notes to editors
John Lewis – John Lewis operates 43 John Lewis shops across the UK (31 department stores, ten John Lewis at home and shops at St Pancras International and Heathrow Terminal 2) as well as johnlewis.com. It is part of the John Lewis Partnership, the UK’s largest example of worker co-ownership where all 30,000 staff are Partners in the business. John Lewis, ‘Multichannel Retailer of the Year 2014’¹ , ‘Best Overall Retailer’² and ‘Best Retailer 2014’³, typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines in its department stores across fashion, home and technology. Johnlewis.com stocks over 280,000 products, and is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK. John Lewis Insurance offers a range of comprehensive insurance products – home, car, wedding and event, travel and pet insurance and life cover – delivering the values of expertise, trust and customer service expected from the John Lewis brand.

¹ Oracle Retail Week Awards 2014
² Verdict Consumer Satisfaction Awards 2014
³ Which? Awards 2014.

Enquiries

For further information please contact:

Email: johnlewis@brands2life.com
Telephone: 0207 592 1200

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Christmas Present Ideas Range For 2012 Launched By Paramount Zone

With economic times still being tough, Paramountzone.com who have been selling fun gadgets and cool Christmas present ideas online for over a decade have focussed on providing the most fun and innovative gadgets and toys for the best possible prices in their 2012 Christmas gift range.

James Morris, Managing Director of the company, said:
“More than ever, and particularly online, customers are looking for great products at the lowest possible prices, and that is what we have been focusing on for our latest range of over 50 new products. You can spend £50 with us and get a variety of fun and innovative Christmas gift ideas.”

One of the more expensive Christmas gift ideas is our latest Turbo Drone Quad copter that at £50 is around 30% of what other similar products are being sold at.

At the lower end of the price spectrum you can buy a USB cup warmer for under £5, which makes the perfect stocking filler or secret Santa gift idea. The mini alcohol breath tester is also under £5, a great gadget for the Christmas party season.

For under £10 you can buy the Music hat (iHat) which is an innovative winter hat with in built speakers that is the perfect gift for any teenager.

One of the best Christmas presents for kids is our screaming flying monkey toy (£4.99) or the awesome magic rainbow projector at only £12.99.

Fun Christmas gifts for her include the Tap style shower radio and Hangover kit that both come in at under £5.

As well as a huge range of great value Christmas presents for men and all the family, Paramountzone.com aim to give a very high level of customer service.

Delivery options include next day delivery within the UK, as well as worldwide options.

Visit www.paramountzone.com for the full range of Christmas presents for 2012.

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Beat the Christmas Shopping Rush With Christmas Hamper

With Christmas just days away, and with more shoppers than expected heading to the high street, Christmas Hamper advise consumers on how to make Christmas a lot less stressful.

Shoppers have returned to the British high street in their thousands this year, as recent figures have revealed that more consumers than expected went Christmas shopping during the final weekend before Christmas, spending an estimated £1 billion on the Saturday before Christmas alone. While this is great news for retailers after a rather difficult year, it isn’t great news for customers, as more sales means more crowds and also longer waiting times. However, shoppers who still have presents to buy needn’t worry because Christmas Hamper have a solution.

A spokesperson for Christmas Hamper explains:
“December has been a much more profitable period for retailers than previously expected, as more consumers than expected have returned to the high street. However, the increase in sales has led to issues for customers, as the surge in people visiting shops, supermarkets and other retail centres had meant that their shopping experience might not have been as enjoyable. At Christmas Hamper, we know how stressful Christmas shopping can be, and so we’ve taken a lot of time and care to that our customers can order our hampers in the comfort of their own home, and with no stress.

While the retail figures from last weekend before Christmas have revealed that shoppers in the UK spent an impressive £1.5 million every minute last Saturday, the high street is obviously a very busy place to be this Christmas. But at Christmas Hamper, they have some advice for any shopper that has to do last minute chopping during the festive season, including the final day to order gifts to ensure they arrive before Christmas day.

The spokesperson for Christmas Hamper continues: “Christmas time is obviously the busiest time of year to go shopping, with so much to buy, such as cards, wrapping paper, gifts, toys and hampers but we realise that there are certain times when a consumer has to go to the high street or their supermarket to get some last minute presents and other essentials for the festive season. So our advice to customers is that if they are worrying about going shopping during this time, then they should be organised, they need to have a plan before they leave the house: such as writing a list of what they need, how much it costs, and where they have to buy it, and they should leave the house early in order to beat the crowds. If they are ordering presents online, then it’s vital that they are aware of the final day to order gifts to ensure Christmas delivery. At Christmas Hamper, our final order date before Christmas is the 21st of December, which means that anyone who orders on this date will receive their hamper before the 25th. Once all the shopping is done, it’s time to relax and enjoy Christmas, and so we want to wish all our customers a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.”

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Allsaints Spitalfields Launch Exclusive Online Christmas Promotion

Struggling with those last minute gift ideas? AllSaints have launched an exclusive online promotion just in time! For one day only receive 25% off EVERYTHING at AllSaints.com, when using the promotional code, CHRISTMAS, at the online basket page.

This promotion ends at 23:59 GMT on Friday 16th December; which is also the last day for guaranteed Christmas Delivery to UK addresses.

For some festive inspiration we recommend shopping for her from the Knitwear and Embellishment ranges, where you will find delicate, but densely hand-embellished pieces like the Orna Devo Dress and Erodes Skirt. The Cashmere jumpers and cardigans, inspired by traditional Pearly Kings and Queens, feature mother of pearl components and metal beads; adding a quirky take on a Pearly Queen graphic.

Meanwhile, for Him, we’re looking towards the Sterling Silver collection; exclusively available online only. The Encrypt Ring is a classic style and comes with a suede leather pouch. Or for the Technology-minded loved ones, the Hoist iPhone and iPad cases are essential gifts!

Still not sure what to purchase ahead of the big day? An AllSaints Gift Card is the ultimate last minute gift, perfect for all your loved ones. AllSaints Gift Cards come in the signature distressed style; allowing the recipient to choose their most coveted pieces from the Winter 2011 collection. The AllSaints Gift Card is redeemable both in standalone UK stores and European stores* and online with a purchase value of up to £1000/€1000.

*Gift Cards can only be spent in the currency of which they were purchased. GBP Gifts Cards can only be redeemed against GBP purchases. EUR Gift Cards can only be redeemed against EUR purchases.

Please also note that online Top-Up for existing Gift Cards is currently unavailable.

Gift Cards are not included in the one day Christmas online promotion.

Shop online at www.AllSaints.com.

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Beat the Christmas Postal Rush This Year With ParcelsPlease

With Christmas just around the corner, the leading parcel delivery company ParcelsPlease advise customers of their collection dates, so they can have all their gifts delivered by the 25th of December.

The festive season is almost upon us, and with so much to do in time for Christmas day, the UK parcel delivery company, ParcelsPlease have released their collection dates for Christmas and New Year, so that consumers can be extra organised and most importantly, have more time to spare so that they can sit back, relax and finally, enjoy Christmas 2011.

A spokesperson for ParcelsPlease comments: “Christmas is a fantastic time of year, but it’s also one of the busiest seasons for the postal service, and we know that if customers are kept up to date on the final posting dates before Christmas, it helps them be more organised with what gifts and cards they need to post. So on the ParcelsPlease website, we’ve made it so much easier for our customers to arrange their Christmas deliveries by allowing them to make bookings up to three weeks before the day of collection, which means that they can plan ahead and beat the horrible winter weather, simply by using ParcelsPlease.”

The collection dates for Christmas and new year can be accessed on the ParcelsPlease Christmas Parcel Deliveries page where customers can quickly and easily find the company’s parcel collection dates for this period, depending on the date, and most importantly, the location of the customer. Which means that all their customers will be able to find out when their parcel can be collected, and most importantly, when it will arrive.

The spokesperson for ParcelsPlease continues: “With Christmas fast approaching, to a lot of people there is nothing more important than insuring that Christmas presents reach their loved ones in plenty of time for the 25th December. Instead of waiting in queues to post your parcel, we encourage customers to use use the ParcelsPlease website and benefit from our vast experience in shipping Christmas presents around the world. Whether it’s to send a present to an aunt in France or a friend in Australia, ParcelsPlease is a cost effective and reliable parcel delivery company to trust with Christmas deliveries.”

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Debenhams Announces 9 New Store Openings And 45 Store Modernisations

Debenhams has reported strong year-end results, showing group sales up by 4.5% and profits up for the third year running by 10.0% to £166.1m. It also announced the acceleration of its store modernisation programme and the opening of nine new stores.

Debenhams logo - links to home page

The results, first announced by Debenhams’ new chief executive Michael Sharp, buck recent high street gloom.

The new store and modernisation programme will create 4,050 jobs and further cements the retailer’s commitment to getting Britain working again. It builds on the recent announcement that the retailer is creating 6,500 roles in the run up to Christmas.

Debenhams announced that the first 20 of the 45 stores to receive a makeover will be completed in 2012 in the following areas: Chester, Bournemouth, Harrow, Luton, Colchester, Harrogate, Preston, Middlesbrough, Cheltenham, Reading, Northampton, Bedford, Hull, Carlisle, Worthing, Sutton (Surrey), Plymouth, Salisbury, Blackburn and Southend on Sea.

The remainder will be finished by the following year and these further locations will be announced at a later date.

“This is a strong signal that the UK high street is alive and well and we are backing it 100%. It’s great news for job seekers as well as shoppers across the country. It also shows a very real commitment to our clear focus on growing our UK retail business.

“A mix of refurbishment, new brands and the addition of extra top designer and beautybrands deliver what effectively looks like a new store following a modernisation.

“I’m delighted that over the next few years more customers than ever before will have access to the UK’s top name beauty brands and our exclusive and ever-growing Designer at Debenhams offer”, said Michael Sharp, Chief Executive, Debenhams.

The nine new stores will be open over the next four years (2012 to 2015) in the following areas: Chesterfield, Burton upon Trent, Darlington, Carlow (Republic of Ireland), Sligo (Ireland), Bradford, Hereford, Barnsley, and Macclesfield.

The Debenhams property team is also actively looking for further sites to bring the department store offer to even more locations across the UK.

“Our new Debenhams Extra order screens enable our smallest stores to offer our widest range.

“Our model allows us to trade successfully in store sizes from 25.000 sq. ft. to 200,000 sq. ft. which means we can be successful in a variety of markets.

“This year alone Debenhams has opened a 25,000 sq. ft. store in Fareham and a 70,000 sq. ft. store in Wakefield,” continued Michael Sharp.

The acceleration of the programme follows 14 stores that have been modernised across the country from Stirling in the North of Scotland to Portsmouth in the South from spring 2010 to date.

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Debenhams Announces 6500 Festive Jobs Up For Grabs

Debenhams announced that it is on the lookout for 6,500 seasonal temps to cope with its busiest time of year; Christmas.

Debenhams logo - links to home page

The retailer’s emphasis on flexible shift patterns will ensure additional staff are in store whenever customers need them.

Successful candidates will work with the department store from mid-November until the beginning of January, to cover the pre-Christmas spectacular through to the beginning of the January sale.

Michael Sharp, Debenhams CEO said: “These jobs are sure to be welcomed by local economies during the most financially challenging part of the year.

“Approximately a quarter of staff that works with us over the festive season will stay on in permanent roles, making this a crucial period in our employment calendar.”

The jobs will be split across Debenhams’ 163 stores and average out at 40 per store, and are based in the menswear, womenswear, accessories, childrenswear, home, gifts or cosmetics departments.

To improve efficiency and productivity, Debenhams is also hoping to re-recruit temporary staff who worked for the retailer last year in around 30% of stores.

In addition the fashion store will also be calling on its 2,100 casual employees already on Debenhams’ payroll to step in to deal with the festive season shopping frenzy.

Roles available are varied and include everything from stock handling and general sales advisor jobs to gift advisor roles which require special training.

Debenhams is recruiting directly through its website and looking for energetic people with a talent for customer service. Previous retail experience isn’t essential.

Michael Sharp continued: “In recent years we have noticed a much broader range of candidates applying for these roles, including many more school leavers and graduates looking for their first step on the employment ladder.

“It’s fantastic that we have the opportunity to give some of these young people valuable retail experience.”

Minister for Employment, Chris Grayling added: “These roles offer invaluable retail experience for first-jobbers whilst giving those with families the flexible working hours they need.

“We are committed to injecting new life into the economy and this is a great example of how major players in the private sector are playing a key role in that.”

Contracts will be for flexible working hours with the majority of positions running from November through to the January sale.

Staff will benefit from a Debenhams discount – the perfect perk for saving on Christmas shopping.

More information and application forms can be found on www.debenhams-jobs.com or by contacting the local store.

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All Fancy Dress Reveal Santa is a Best Seller

It has been revealed that Santa will be breaking new records. With All Fancy Dress launching new Santa costumes, demands for the suits have astonishingly increased and are already beginning to sell out.

Last year Santa costumes were extremely popular with party goers. However, this year Santa is set to become a best seller.

Santa is, of course, the most lovable and iconic symbol of Christmas, This festive character is based on Saint Nicholas, who gave gifts to those in need anonymously. Santa is known to give gifts to nice children and a sack of coal to the naughty.

In the All Fancy Dress Santa collection you can find top sellers such as the Deluxe Santa Costume and the Plush Santa Suit. New Santa costumes have also been launched into the collection to keep up with customer demand. New costume Plus Size Santa Costume is already proving a popular choice.

Mark Heaton of All Fancy Dress.com commented; “In these tough economic times people are increasing turning to ‘dressing up’ as an escape from reality. Santa Claus is particularly popular as a costume, perhaps because it reminds us of the true message of Christmas as symbolised by St.Nicholas, which is about helping others and spreading happiness.”

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Christmas Comes Early for BT Shop Customers

Customers shopping at online at BT Shop over the next few days could well find themselves receiving an early Christmas present.

The company has decided to get into the festive spirit a little early this year and is handing out some incredible free gifts to shoppers who purchase electronic gifts from a range of popular products. The special offer is open to anyone who buys a laptop from the electronic retailer’s online store – they will receive a free Microsoft wireless mouse in their Christmas stocking. And customers purchasing a desktop computer from the BT Christmas Shop don’t need to worry about missing out, as they will receive a Logitech webcam absolutely free.

The offers don’t stop there however. A free 2GB SD memory card is being offered with a selection of digital cameras, while customers buying a 30-50 inch television will also receive a wall mount and HDMI cable completely free.

A spokesperson for BT Shop said: “The festive period has always been a time for giving and everyone here at BT Shop is trying to make the experience of shopping for Christmas gifts online a little bit special this year.

“We have some amazing deals on products across all of our ranges and this offer is just one way of thanking customers who buy from some of our most popular categories this Christmas. We know what our customers actually want to buy, and so this is one way of saying thank you and spreading some good will.

The offers last until November 30 and will be followed by more deals throughout December. And there’s even more good news for BT Shop customers who are looking to cut down on the cost of Christmas this year. Free delivery is being offered on every single product on the website until the end of November.

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