The Office for National Statistics has changed its Consumer Prices Index to reflect pandemic-driven consumer behaviours. Increased home working and more relaxed office dress codes have meant that suits have now been removed from the ‘basket’ of 700 typical goods that make up the Index. Popular items such as sports bras and vegetarian sausages have been added. Increased pet ownership has also led to the inclusion of cat and dog collars in the inflation figures. Unsurprisingly, antibacterial surface wipes also now feature.
Next’s first department store-style concept is to open next month at the Atria centre in Hertfordshire. The 95,000sq ft store will feature Next’s own brand fashion, home and beauty offerings alongside third party brands. A second store under the same concept is to open in November at the Trafford shopping centre in Manchester.
Marks & Spencer will open Early Learning Centre concessions at 10 of its stores at the end of the month. The partnership is part of the retailer’s bid to boost its appeal to a wider range of shoppers. It is also continuing to extend the presence of third party brands at several stores, including fashion brands Seasalt and Nobody’s Child.
The Tasty group, which operate the Wildwood and Dim T restaurant brands, plan to open five or six new UK restaurants this year. The group currently operate 50 restaurants across the two brands with four sites currently closed. It also plans to return its focus to takeaway and delivery.
Rudy’s Pizzeria aims to reach 15 sites this year, extending its North West presence and entering Yorkshire and the Midlands. Further sites are to open on Sheffield’s Division Street and Greater Manchester’s Portland Street. Following the success of its Birmingham restaurant, the brand is looking to open more Midlands sites.
Tinie Tempah has launched his own fried chicken brand, RAPS, starting a four-month residency at the Oxford Street John Lewis’ rooftop bar. The menu centres on chicken wraps (or ‘raps’), also offering other fried chicken dishes. The British rapper has also partnered with Deliveroo and dark kitchen network Kitchen Ventures to offer delivery across London.
Amusement park operator Babylon Park will make its UK debut at Camden Market Hawley Wharf this spring. The three-floor venue will include bumper cars, arcade machines, soft play areas and karaoke. There will also be F&B outlets selling drinks, ice cream and waffles. The operator already has 19 sites in three countries and is planning on further expansion in the coming years. The upcoming London site will be its largest to date.