April 2018

Apr 30

Sainsbury’s/Asda Agree Merger

Sainsbury’s and Asda have agreed terms for a proposed merger, which is likely to be investigated by the Competition and Markets Authority.

The combined group of the UK’s second and third largest supermarkets would total 2,800 stores and would represent 31.4% of the UK grocery market.

Mike Coupe, Sainsbury’s chief executive said: "This is a transformational opportunity to create a new force in UK retail, which will be more competitive and give customers more of what they want now and in the future.

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Apr 27

Learn More about Upcoming Regulation at ACS’ Responsible Retailing Forum 2018

ACS’ Responsible Retailing Forum on 16th May aims to provide convenience retailers with latest policy developments as well as the tools and knowledge to ensure that their stores are trading legally and responsibly.

This year’s Forum will focus on environmental issues, tobacco track and trace, changing age restrictions and the latest alcohol policy update.

Speakers already confirmed include:

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Apr 26

ONS: Shop Theft Incidents Increase by 8%

The Office for National Statistics has published its latest crime statistics for England and Wales showing that shop theft continues to increase year-on-year.

The statistical bulletin covers the year ending December 2017 which found that there has been a 8% increase in the number of shop thefts from the previous year, increasing to 385,265 incidents.

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Apr 25

ACS Welcomes New PASS Scheme Video

ACS welcomes the launch of the PASS scheme's new video promoting the value and use of PASS accredited Proof of Age Cards. The new video replaces the video that has been available for a number years and illustrates the virtues of Proof of Age Cards with the use of small cast of four people and a door supervisor, in a realistic scenario.

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Apr 24

Chief Executive's Blog: Addressing Employment Challenges

We’re asking for your help in completing our National Living Wage survey and I hope and expect we’ll get a strong response from retailers because it’s the biggest financial issue facing our sector.  How do we cope with our biggest cost rising by over 4% per year, above inflation and the growth rates in this (and pretty much any) sector?  We really need to hear from you about the impact on your business.

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Apr 24

ACS Welcomes Environmental Audit Committee Inquiry on Hand Car Washes

ACS has welcomed an inquiry launched by the Environmental Audit Committee which seeks evidence ahead of a one-off session examining hand car washes.

Mary Creagh MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee said: “Hand car washes are a familiar sight throughout the UK and often offer drivers a cheaper and more convenient alternative to automatic car washes, but they may be having a damaging environmental impact.

“Our inquiry will look at the environmental impact of hand car washes and ask how effective the regulations that govern them are.” 

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Apr 20

ACS Supports Protection of Shopworkers Bill in Scotland

ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation launched by Daniel Johnson MSP on plans for the creation of new offences designed to protect shopworkers from violence. The consultation explores the creation of new offences to deter harassment, abuse and violence against staff, triggered by asking customers for proof of age or denying sale of age-restricted products.

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