Ocado slumps after grocery profits go off December 19, 2011 SHARES in Ocado took a battering yesterday after the online grocer warned that full-year profits would come in below expectations, due to problems at its main distribution centre in north London. The company, which sells goods from high-end supermarket chain Waitrose, said underlying earnings for the year would be within a range of £27.5m–£28.5m, down [...]
Ocado running late more often December 4, 2011 ONLINE grocer Ocado has seen the punctuality of its deliveries slip in the face of increasing demand. The listed company, which sells Waitrose goods, is understood to have delivered 90-95 per cent of its shopping early or on time in the past three months, compared to an average punctuality rate of 95.5 per cent in [...]
Ocado issues profit warning December 19, 2011 British online grocer Ocado said its full-year earnings were on track to rise by at least a quarter after an easing of supply bottlenecks at its main distribution centre helped weekly deliveries hit a new record. But Ocado, which mostly sells the products of high-end supermarket chain Waitrose, said underlying earnings for the year to [...]
WAITROSE SALES SIZZLE April 12, 2011 SALES at Waitrose soared by 23.7 per cent for the week ending 10 April, it revealed yesterday, as the hot weather saw people head outdoors to eat. Sales of barbecue food were up 566 per cent on the same period last year. Sales of side salads were up 128 per cent, dressed salads were up [...]
Waitrose takes the challenge to Ocado with warehouse opening April 20, 2011 WAITROSE is setting itself up to directly compete with Ocado, by opening a massive “virtual shop” in west London to step up the delivery of orders from its website in the capital. Waitrose will use the the warehouse in Acton to store goods ready for dispatch. The supermarket has a clause in its contract with [...]
Pimm’s and trifle give Royal Wedding boost to Waitrose May 2, 2011 THE extra Royal Wedding bank holiday pushed Waitrose sales up 23.1 per cent compared to last year’s Easter break, the supermarket said yesterday. Total branch sales for the week to Saturday 30 April jumped as revellers stocked up for barbecues and street parties. Popular items included trifle, with sponge sales rising 370 per cent on [...]
Pimm’s and trifle give Royal Wedding boost to Waitrose May 2, 2011 THE extra Royal Wedding bank holiday pushed Waitrose sales up 23.1 per cent compared to last year’s Easter break, the supermarket said yesterday. Total branch sales for the week to Saturday 30 April jumped as revellers stocked up for barbecues and street parties. Popular items included trifle, with sponge sales rising 370 per cent on [...]
Stuck for wine this Xmas? Try a Madeira my dear December 12, 2011 HEAD SOMMELIER AND MANAGER OF LUTYENS RESTAURANT In the great age of exploration, Portuguese sailors would fill the holds of their ships with the wines of Madeira and sail to the New World. Like many wines of the era, destined for export, they were fortified – grape spirit was added to improve their stability and [...]
Still not ready for Valentine’s tonight? February 13, 2012 Staying In & Going Out ENJOY THE PERFECT RESTAURANT MEAL – AT HOME | FROM £35 Get amazing takeaway. The key for this one is to make sure it’s ready when she gets home – you want the table set, the candles lit, the wine out. Chinese isn’t allowed: instead, opt for the very best [...]
John Lewis profits hit in price squeeze September 14, 2011 JOHN Lewis yesterday revealed a slump in profits as discounting in the face of the tough consumer climate took its toll. The retailer, which also owns the Waitrose chain, said first half pre-tax profits plunged by 18 per cent to £90.4m. Its Never Knowingly Undersold pledge – meaning that they will offer the lowest prices [...]