Top stories in the papers this week August 27 – September 03
O2 plans to cut margins, warnings about illegal cigarettes and a rise in retail theft in Limerick
Print3 September 2012
1. Retailers will fight O2 plans to cut margins on top-ups
More than 4,000 of Ireland’s independent retailers are preparing to go to war against expected plans by the leading mobile phone service provider O2 to cut margins on phone top-up services in shops throughout the country. The Irish Independent notes that the possibility of a protracted dispute could ultimately lead to the withdrawal of O2 mobile phone services from stores around Ireland.
2. Fuel and clothes drive slight rise in retail sales
Latest figures from Government show there was a marginal increase in retail sales of 0.07% in July, reports the Irish Independent. However, on a yearly basis, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show shop sales were down 1.5% compared with last summer. Figures show clothing rose 5% during the month, followed closely by a 4.5% surge in DIY materials such as hardware and paints. Fuel also rose by 3.8%.
3. Consumer warning over smuggled cigarettes
Retailers are warning consumers about the danger of buying smuggled cigarettes. The Irish Examiner states that criminals involved in cigarette smuggling have undertaken a leaflet campaign offering the contraband goods for as little as €3.50 for a box of 20 cigarettes. Retailers say that illegal cigarettes contain rat droppings, arsenic and fibreglass and pose an even bigger risk to health than normal cigarettes.
4. Limerick Garda conference will discuss rise in retail store thefts
Limerick retailers are being invited to a Garda conference to help devise a strategy to combat a rise in theft offences. Limerick’s Live 95FM notes that there has been an 8% increase in reported thefts from retail stores across Limerick this year. Chief Superintendent Dave Sheehan is planning a conference for the end of September in order to put a policing plan in place ahead of the Christmas season.
5. Retailer given the green light to appeal planning for large development
A Waterford retailer has been granted permission to challenge a decision by An Bord Pleanála to give the go ahead for a large scale retail development at a former military barracks in Cork. The Irish Examiner reports that Leefield Ltd, Supervalu, Tramore, Co. Waterford has been granted leave to challenge the decision of 6 July for permission for a retail store, café and staff facility at Ballincollig, Co. Cork.
Also:
Groups aim to launch legal challenge against GM trials (The Journal)
Support your local shop before it’s too late (Kilkenny People)
Decisions imminent on major Derry retail plans (Derry Journal)
UK retailers eye overseas growth (Belfast Telegraph)
Low prices, rising costs and bad summer frustrate farmers (Impartial Reporter)
Australia – Lamb promotion from Woolworths (Meat Trade News Daily)
Shoe firm suffers as stock tied up in depot (Irish Independent)
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