Did you know… The operator of the National Lottery has reportedly modified the software on its new ticket terminals? Premier Lotteries Ireland says it has identified problems in the response times on some terminals and has installed a modification in the software to fix the problem. It also said it will take six more weeks to enable in-store ticket checkers to interface with the new terminals. “We are currently handling over half a million retail transactions per day. We are aware of some very minor functionality issues and we have developed a software update resolving this,” a spokesperson told the Irish Times.
Did you know… Two shops owned and operated by the O’Hehir family in Sligo town have been closed? The retail stores on High Street and Wolfe Tone Street were closed following poor trading. Sligo Today reported that several small stores in Sligo have closed in Sligo town after the arrival of big-name shops and discounters like Aldi. High Street in Sligo town has seen a series of high-profile closures in the last few years, including the Innisfree Hotel. The O’Hehirs thanked locals for their support with notices in both shops over the weekend.
Did you know…The Sales Institute of Ireland is hosting a special FMCG Review breakfast seminar at 7.30am on Wednesday 4th February, at the Alexander Hotel, off Merrion Square. The ever popular FMCG Review event will give sales professionals from FMCG orientated organisations to network and hear an overview of this vital sector of the Irish economy, with speakers including Matt Clark from AC Nielsen and Gordon Neil and Frances Shanagher from McCurrach. For more information, click here
Did you know… Aldi has been recruiting senior staff from the army? According to The Sunday Times, the discounter has hired over ten former middle-ranking officers as managers. Aldi has been advertising for “born leaders possessing the drive and ambition to succeed in a demanding and fast-paced environment.” One army source told the newspaper, “Aldi and Lidl have model that works; they are not looking for creativity but for people to perpetuate their formula.”
Did you know… Coleraine businessman James Todd has claimed that a new local retail park “has killed” Coleraine? Todd, who leases out retail units at the Old Court Market on Castlerock Road, told the Coleraine Chronicle, “40 years ago most business premises were owner-run and profits stayed in Coleraine. But there are virtually no owner-run premises left in the town centre now. We are over-shopped with a Sainsbury's, Asda and Tesco store - it's crazy.” He also says that the town’s struggling traders are being “crucified” by the prospect of spiralling rates bills. He commented, “Some of our Coleraine properties are looking at their rates bills doubling and being more than their rent. The situation is ridiculous."
Did you know… MEPs sitting on the EU's Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee believe the country of origin of meat used in processed foods should be labelled? The group is asking the European Commission to devise legislation to ensure that meat origins are labelled on processed food products, in order to rebuild consumer confidence after the horse meat scandal of 2012. A European Commission report showed that 90% of consumers think it is important that meat origin is labelled on processed foods. MEPs also said that roughly 30% to 50% of slaughtered meat is processed into meat ingredients. The resolution was passed by 48 votes to 15, with four abstaining, and it will be discussed and put to a plenary session vote in February.
Did you know… Owners of the Galway Shopping Centre are seeking more time for a proposed €200 million revamp? In their submission to the City Council, Lindat Ltd said that the project had not progressed because of the global economic collapse. The firm has sought an extra five years to build the 53,400 square metre residential and retail development, as planning permission for the site will expire at the end of February. According to the Connacht Tribune, Lindat’s consultants told the Council, “The recent positive economic signs have indicated that the funding of this project will be achieved and that an extension of duration is warranted”, and asked that the planning be extended until February 2020. The development will be arranged around four blocks ranging from six to eight storeys and will include retail units, apartments and a municipal art gallery.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson and Jenny Whelan.
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