The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has announced inspections of up to 100 retail outlets. Between now and Christmas, SEAI will check if the stores inspected are correctly displaying energy labels in accordance with EU regulations.
Dublin-based shopping app Pointy is expanding into San Francisco and New York. The app is designed to show users what their local shop has in stock, and has already signed up 750 shops in Ireland.
Dunnes Stores' UK profits are up, despite fall in revenue. Pre-tax profits increased 17% for the retailer's main Northern Ireland and UK arm. Revenues fell 7% and its employees in the UK also went down, by 118 to 1,474.
The new vintage of Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais arrives in Ireland on November 17. Distributor for Georges Duboeuf in Ireland, Febvre, will be delivering the wine to off-licenses and restaurants, but in accordance with French law cannot release it for sale before the third Thursday of November.
Aldi are selling Christmas lights from November 17. On sale in 126 Aldi stores will be such festive offerings as a Dancing Flame Candle (€3.49), a Christmas Light Up Globe (€12.99), 480 LED Cluster Lights (€24.99), and 24 Giant Icicle Lights (€21.99), among others.
Coca-Cola has announced its 12th annual Designated Driver campaign with rugby star Tommy Bowe. The campaign, becoming a Christmas tradition, rewards safety-conscious designated drivers with two free soft drinks at participating licensed trade venues. The campaign launches nationwide on November 26.
Health campaigners and the Northern Irish Government have praised Tesco for its plans to cut sugar levels in its soft drinks. Chris Askew, Diabetes UK chief executive, said: "Helping customers lead healthier lives by reducing sugar in its own brand soft drinks is a welcome move by Tesco." Public Health Minister Nicola Blackwood also commented: "It is great to see Tesco leading the field by reducing the level of sugar in their own brand drinks. [...] Responsible actions like this are so important in our fight against childhood obesity."
