Green Retail World starts the week with a quick news-in-brief round-up of events from the retail sustainability space.
Green Retail World editor hosts DPP webinar
Green Retail World editor Ben Sillitoe is moderating a webinar in association with Centric at 14:00 BST on 8 July.
If you haven’t already signed up, you can do so via this link.
Panellists involved are Andrew Xeni, co-founder of Nobody’s Child, Hrishikesh Mohan, director product management – sustainability at Centric, and circular economy expert and advocate Carolynn Bernier.
Ex-Asda George sustainability boss Jade Snart to join Primark
Prominent retail sustainability figure Jade Snart, who left her role as senior sustainability manager at Asda George in March, has taken the head of product compliance role at fashion retailer Primark.
According to her update on LinkedIn, the role will start at the end of July.
Last month while on garden leave, she wrote on the social networking platform: “After just over 10 years, my journey with Asda came to an end on March 17th, as my role was made redundant.
“It’s hard to put into words just how much this chapter has meant to me. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented, passionate, and supportive people, many of whom I now call lifelong friends.”
Snart added: “The George/Asda family really is like no other, and I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow, learn, and collaborate across multiple areas of the business both internally and externally too.”
Lucy & Yak to open store number 12
Lifestyle brand Lucy & Yak is set to reach a dozen stores later this month when it opens the doors to a shop in Chester.
Located on Chester’s high street, Lucy & Yak’s latest addition will open its doors on Friday 25 July. Each shop also serves as a ‘Re:Yak’ hub, supporting services such as the buyback scheme called PreLoved and providing space for customers to recycle, repair or upcycle their clothes.
Lucy Greenwood, co-founder of Lucy & Yak, commented: “The teams are currently working hard to bring more localised events and community meet-ups to our little pink shops, which you can keep an eye on on our website – there’s lots of exciting things to come.”
Currys and Back Market join call to scrap VAT on repair and refurbs
Tech retailers Currys and Back Market are among the businesses, NGOs, and charities calling for the UK government to scrap VAT on repairs and refurbished goods.
In an open letter to the new environment secretary Steve Reed, the organisations wrote: “We are united behind a vision of the UK in which longer lasting electrical products are encouraged through better design, repair and reuse.
“This would be good for the British public, who can save money by keeping items in use for longer. It would drive economic growth, boost our circular economy, and create green jobs across the UK by supporting our repair, refurbishment and resale economy.”
The letter called for the removal of barriers to repair by harmonising UK regulation in line with EU Right to Repair legislation.
“We recommend reducing costs for households and businesses through government led incentives such as repair incentives and zero rating VAT on repairs,” it said.
Businesses signing the letter include Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, Beko, Hotpoint, and Indesit.
Source Fashion taking place in London 8-10 July
Source Fashion runs 8-10 July at Olympia London, welcoming buyers, retailers, and sourcing professionals from around the world.
According to the organiser, representatives from AllSaints, Burberry, Frasers, French Connection, Gymshark, Harrods, JD Sports, John Lewis, JoJo Maman Bebe, Killstar, Lyle & Scott, Next, Paul Smith, Primark, River Island, Selfridges, Tottenham Hotspur, Victoria Beckham, Zalando, and more are pre-registered for the event.
Key speakers include Lynda Petherick, chief information officer at New Look and non-executive director of the British Fashion Council, who will reflect on the challenges of steering teams through disruption.
Hash Ladha, former CEO of Jigsaw, will also talk about how strong internal alignment, cross-functional communication, and strategic supplier partnerships can build resilience and help businesses navigate global instability with confidence.
[image credit: Source Fashion]
