Top stories in the papers this week 6 – 12 May 2011

Discounters increase market share to over 10%; Superquinn unions seek talks on future of retailer; Euro General Retail to create 100 jobs in 12 new stores

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1. Discounters increase market share to over 10%

Aldi and Lidl combined now account for over 10% of the grocery market, the Irish Examiner reports. Irish figures from Kantar Worldpanel for the 12 weeks ending April 17, 2011, show both retailers increased their market shares, from 3.3% to 4.2% for Aldi and 5.7% to 6.1% for Lidl, compared to this time last year. According to the analyst, growth has been driven by customers’ increasing trust in their fresh food offering.

2. Superquinn unions seek talks on future of retailer

Trade unions representing 2,500 Superquinn staff have called for an urgent meeting with senior management at the chain as concerns about the future ownership of the retail company mount. The Irish Times reports that although Superquinn has repeatedly denied it is for sale, the rumours have persisted, and Musgrave is said to have re-entered the frame in recent days having made tentative approaches to the group.

3. Euro General Retail to create 100 jobs in 12 new stores

Discount retailer, Euro General Retail, plans to open 12 new stores and create over 100 jobs.  Charlie O’Loughlin, who owns the network of discount €2 or less shops, said this was the company’s first expansion since 2007, and it was driven by the fact rents are now lower. The Irish Independent reports the new stores will open between now and September, with 50% in Dublin, and several based in Westport and Sligo.

4. Footfall figures show shoppers abandoning North

The number of shoppers in the Republic heading north to shop, has dropped significantly, according to a report in the Irish Examiner. Figures released by Experian show that year on year, average footfall in the RoI have dropped by around 1.4% over the past four quarters. However, the average year on year decline is almost 4% in Northern Ireland, which recorded a drop of 7.2% in the final quarter of 2010.

5. Gardaí arrest 10 men in raids targeting smash-and-grab gangs

Gangs, using high-power stolen cars in smash-and-grab robberies throughout Munster, Leinster and Connaught, were targeted in dawn raids by gardaí earlier this week. The Irish Examiner reports 10 men in their 20s and 30s were arrested in connection with the incidents which frequently targeted c-stores. More than €250,000 in cash was found and a high-powered stolen car was also recovered in the operation.

Also:

No tea, no coffee, no sugar: the guaranteed Irish diet (Irish Times)
-The ‘Eat Only Irish Week’ initiative explained

Baker ‘passing off’ bread as rival’s, court told (Irish Independent)

Magners key to growth at C&C, say analysts (Irish Examiner)

Every little brand helps: Tesco boss unveils new global retail strategy (Guardian)

Retail Excellence Ireland welcomes promised wage-setting reforms (Irish Examiner)

Sainsbury’s profits rise to £665m (Evening Echo)

Sainsbury’s staff bonus pool cut by quarter (Guardian)

Massive disadvantages exist in having such a big stock of Irish beef on EU supermarket shelves (Irish Independent)

Shop sales boosted by sunny weather (Belfast Telegraph)

Retailers call for action from new NI Assembly (Inside Ireland)

Heatwave boosts strawberry growers (Newsletter)

Small mercy on way for motorists as petrol drops 2c a litre (Irish Independent)

Outrage over car parking charges ‘sham’ in NI towns (Belfast Telegraph)

Dundrum Shopping Centre creates 318 jobs despite spending slump (Irish Independent)

Grocery wages plea (Evening Herald)

Ocado drops 8% after update, while FTSE 100 edges lower on ex-dividends (Guardian)

Footfall in shopping centres down by 1.4% (Irish Times)

Newsagent hits out at illegal cigarette trade (Dublin People)

One third of world’s food lost or wasted, UN report shows (Irish Examiner)

Xtravision seeks extension of court protection (Business and Leadership)

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