New research from The Local Data Company shows that 40% of ex-Woolworths stores still remain empty. Since the last report in July 2009, this shows a reduction from 60% vacant a year ago. This equates to over 300 ex-Woolworths stores still remaining unoccupied – a sizeable network for many national retailers. 2.1% of the total (807) are on their second tenant.

The regional imbalance of a year ago has leveled out. The greatest change has been seen in the North East, from only 10% occupied to over 55%.  Notwithstanding the Channel Islands (2 units), the highest occupancy can be seen in the Greater London region with 81% occupied, with the next closest being Yorkshire & The Humber on 64%.

Whole Foods Market has announced its Missions App is available on the App store. As a part of the company’s ongoing mission to promote wellness and encourage healthier lifestyles, the Whole Foods Market Missions App will help users eat better and live better.

The app revolves around more than 70 challenges known as Missions, where users engage in a series of steps to earn badges and bragging rights. Each user creates their own profile to track the badges they earn and their favorite tips, which can be shared via Facebook, Twitter, and email.

Due to an overwhelming customer response to the inaugural Coles Bag Drive in June, Coles has announced a second bag drive in September this year.
Over 37,000 bags were collected nationwide, equivalent to approximately 7,800 cubic metres of landfill which would fill three Olympic-size swimming pools.
All bags collected will be recycled in Australia, turned into outdoor furniture and donated to 100 primary schools nationwide.
Coles Operations Director, Stuart Machin, congratulated customers on the result and encouraged them to continue their commitment to using and recycling reusable bags.

Whilst there are question marks as to whether the end of the summer is nigh it is with certainty that Waitrose announce the start of the English apple season.

The first crop of Discovery apples hit branches on Wednesday 18th and their arrival signifies what promises to be the start of an exciting English apple season at Waitrose.   As we progress into autumn, shoppers will be able to choose from some forgotten gems as well as some new varieties of apples, which haven’t been offered as UK grown before.