Consumer and Retail in the News – Issue 300

This week's top stories in the Consumer and Retail sector:

Your guide to OSS and pitfalls to avoid_Your Pocket Roadmap_022023

TW Viewpoint:

Whilst there is plenty of doom and gloom in the retail news this week (House of Fraser, Oddbins, Patisserie Valerie and HMV to name a few), we're also celebrating the 300th issue of Consumer & Retail - in the news. So in light of this momentous occasion, we've adopted a theme of firsts and milestones in our picks for the week.

Reports that Hermes is taking action following the Employment Tribunal decision last summer represent a significant development for the gig economy. However, it's worth noting that Hermes still won't recognise their staff as workers and there are additional queries regarding issues including tax status and pensions obligations. Expect this to be a continuing story for the year to come…

Poundland sells 20,000 engagement rings in run up to Valentine's Day
(Retail Gazette)

Hotel booking sites forced to end misleading sales tactics
(The Guardian)

Marks & Spencer introduces on-the-go phone charging
(ESM)

Selfridges introduced suit bags made from plastic bottles
(Huffington Post)

How social media is increasing consumer spending for Valentine's Day
(CNBC)

Retailers respond to MPs' sustainability charges
(Drapers Online)

Climate change could threaten future supplies of British food
(The Grocer)

Hermes is first to give gig economy workers trade union recognition
(The Guardian)

Retail sales rose in January
(The Independent)

Government to take "pragmatic approach" to food labelling changes post-Brexit
(The Grocer)

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