Weekly Round Up, March 31, 2015

By Publications Checkout
Weekly Round Up, March 31, 2015

The SuperValu TidyTowns competition 2015 has been launched by Minister of State for Rural Affairs, Ann Phelan and Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu. Kelleher commented, “2015 marks the 24th year of SuperValu's sponsorship of TidyTowns. This is one of the longest running sponsorships in Ireland and one that we are extremely proud to be supporting.” The closing date for entries for this year's competitions is 22nd May 2015.

Retail Ireland says a report by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on revitalising town centres highlights the importance of balanced regional growth. The group calls for measure to address legacy costs, such as excessive commercial rates and high rents. Director of Retail Ireland Thomas Burke said, “Retailers' ability to grow and create new jobs have been undermined by legacy costs. It's clear local authorities have a significant role to play by reducing commercial rates, and facilitating ‘rates holidays’ to encourage the take-up of vacant units.”

Discount retailer Dealz has opened its 40th Irish outlet at Market Square, Longford. Dealz Regional Manager, Leonard Brassel commented, “With our €1.49 price point, we are looking forward to bringing an extensive range of products offering amazing value to new customers in Longford.” The store will stock around 3,000 SKUs.

The Small Firms Association (SFA) has welcomed the publication of the Copenhagen Economics TTIP Impact in Ireland report by Minister Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton. The report shows that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will have a more positive impact on SMEs than on larger firms, as reduced fixed costs will make it easier for them to export to the USA. Director of the SFA, Patricia Callan commented, “During the next 2 years, it is vital that Government supports are in place through its agencies such as Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia, to ensure that Irish small firms can successfully enter the US market once TTIP is agreed.”

Retailers in Letterkenny are backing the Love Sterling Campaign this year, according to Donegal News. Retailers are displaying the Euro-Sterling exchange rate in bright pink letters as the euro continues to weaken against sterling, and are ready to reap the rewards in time for the Easter weekend. Shoppers paying in sterling could save up to 40% in Letterkenny stores.

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The former owner of Wexford Creamery, UK-based Dairy Crest has moved closer to the sale of its dairy operations to yoghurt giant Muller for €109 million, following European Commission approval. The Farmers Journal reports that the sale is set to include Dairy Crest’s loss-making milk business, along with its milk brand, bulk and potted cream unit and milk powder business.

Special K launched its Live in Colour campaign on Dun Laoghaire pier last week with the unveiling of a couture dress made of balloons, designed by Emma Manley and modelled by TV3 presenter Karen Koster. The campaign seeks to celebrate the colourful lives of women and will feature TV, press and outdoor advertising, supported by PR and social media activations.

Cuisine de France parent Aryzta has announced plans to sell off up to 49 million of its shares in agricultural services provider Origin Enterprises. The Swiss-Irish food group stated that it intends to offer the shares to a number of institution investors.

Easter eggs are to hit their lowest UK prices in years in the ahead of the Easter weekend, according to The Sunday Times. Cadbury’s Easter eggs, which are a major driver of growth in the category, are 4.4% cheaper in supermarket chains, with Nestle brands such as Smarties and KitKat seeing a price fall of 4.2%. These changes in price mean that the average price of an easter egg has fallen 9.7% in the UK.

© 2015 - Checkout Magazine

 

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