Waitrose bucks grocery trend for store closures with 14 new openings for 2015

Waitrose is bucking the trend of store closures and job losses in the grocery sector by opening 14 new outlets in 2015, with more in the pipeline for 2016.

Big four grocers face 'unprecedented' competition, says Kantar

Christmas sales figures are neck-in-neck across the grocery market, according to Kantar's latest data, which shows the retailers are the closest they have ever been since the market research firm began keeping records 20 years ago.

Festive figures: Grocers celebrate small victories despite minimal growth

Despite "modest growth" of 0.6% across the grocery market during the festive period, Kantar Worldpanel says this gives cause to celebrate - representing the biggest boost across the sector since August 2014.  

Harpers Awards 2015 are open for entry!

 The entry process for the Harpers Awards 2015 is well and truly underway with the opportunity for businesses and individuals from across the UK on and off-trades to receive recognition for their hard work and achievements.

Morrisons pulls plug on CEO Dalton Philips amid disappointing Xmas sales

Morrisons saw like-for-like sales fall 3.1% in the six weeks to January 4 - making it the worst supermarket performer over Christmas  - as the board pulled the plug on embattled chief executive Dalton Philips.

Buckingham Schenk promotes Craig Durham to MD

Wine supplier Buckingham Schenk has promoted Craig Durham from sales director to managing director as current chief Jon Pepper MW prepares for his move to Enotria.

Tesco's credit rating downgraded to 'junk' status

Global credit rating agency Moody's has further downgraded Tesco long-term credit rating from Baa3 to Ba1, which is considered "junk" grade for investments that are considered 'high risk'.

March for the Independents campaign to put spotlight on wine merchants

Today Harpers is officially launching its most ambitious project yet to support and promote independent wine merchants. Here's how you can get involved in March for the Independents

New Street Wine Shop changes strategy by consumer demand

After two years of trading, London's New Street Wine Shop is thriving. But, as Richard Foster discovers, its customers have entirely up-ended the original business plan

How did you do in our Christmas Quiz? Answers revealed...

Up to 95% of suppliers demand retailers change the way they work with them

Up to 95% of the 200 suppliers who took part in our survey into the behaviour of major UK retailers want them to change. Here Gemma McKenna reveals what suppliers really think of the big multiples

Tesco is worst retailer to work with say wine and spirits suppliers in Harpers poll

Tesco has been named and shamed as the worst retailer to work with in a survey of over 200 wine and spirits suppliers carried out by Harpers.co.uk. 

Rowan Gormley tells the naked truth about Naked Wines

No one can deny Naked Wines has an innovative business model, but is it everything it claims to be? Erin Smith asks founder Rowan Gormley to reveal all

Marks and Spencer reports flat food performance in Q3

Marks and Spencer grew food sales 17% in Christmas week, but analysts were unimpressed by its flat food performance in Q3.

Tesco kicks off turnaround plan with asset sales and store closures

Tesco is taking radical steps to turn around its flagging business, including major cost-cutting, selling off assets, closing 43 stores and its Cheshunt headquarters and scrapping plans for 49 new ventures in a bid to fund lower prices.

New Direct Wines chief advocates getting more personal with consumer

David Thatcher, new group chief executive of Direct Wines, says the key to success in 2015 is a continued focus on personalisation, as he prepares to take up the role later this month.

Direct Wines' new chief David Thatcher shares his vision

David Thatcher, incoming group chief executive of Direct Wines, tells us how he is planning to build on the group's successful formula, ramp up personalisation and how Prosecco outsold Champagne 2:1 over Christmas.

Drinks industry leaders praise outgoing Direct Wines' chief Simon McMurtrie

Drinks industry leaders have heaped praise on outgoing Direct Wines' group chief executive Simon McMurtrie, as he prepares to take up a series of roles as  chairman of different businesses.

Major wine retailers boast mixed fortunes over Christmas

Majestic Wine saw sales creep up 1.1% over a "difficult Christmas" while Waitrose celebrated a bumper 15.4% increase in BWS sales over the same period last year.

Independent wine merchants celebrate festive fillip

Independent wine merchants across the country are toasting a cracking December, with sales up across the board.