February retail sales rose 2.2% year-on-year in the UK according to the British Retail Consortium, though good comparatives and postponed sales mean the numbers are not quite as cheerful as they seem to be.

The BRC has released figures showing that retail sales did increase in February. However, the month's sales are being compared to the disastrous February of 2010, making this years sales look healthier that they in fact are. 

International Supermarket News will be giving £15,000 advertising to the winner of the Fresh-Cut award in a ceremony at the World Fruit and Vegetable Show on 27th October 2010.

Entry for the award will open on 1st September 2010. The competition will be judged by major fresh-cut supermarket buyers. The winner will be able to use £15,000 advertising in the International Supermarket News magazine and on the website.

Marks & Spencer will be opening a new 'Simply Food' store on the new retail park on Springfield Way, Anlaby in the UK, and this will create 50 new jobs in Yorkshire. Originally the new retail park was not to be allowed to have food sales. The East Riding planning committee

The First Minister in the Scottish Parliament, Alex Salmond launched a new marketing campaign in February, to promote Label Rouge Scottish Salmon to discerning European consumers as new figures show sales of the premium product leapt 19 per cent to record levels in 2009.

Matalan owner John Hargreaves has made plans to pay himself a £250m dividend from fresh loan capital, according to Reuters banking sources.

Two forms of debt finance are being obtained by the company: a £250 million loan and a £225 million bond. Some of the money will be used to repay £260 million debt, and the excess will be paid out in dividends, according to sources close to the deal.