Aldi milk bottles are being fitted with tags to allow experts to track empties. The retailer is piloting a scheme to track the journey of empty bottles from homes to recycling centres, in a bid to better measure how many arrive for recycling.

As part of an eight-week project with dairy cooperative Arla and tech firm Polytag, selected Aldi bottles will have invisible, fluorescent tags printed on their labels. Once any empties reach recyclers, the tags will be scanned and their arrival recorded.

Aldi and Arla plan to use the data gathered to better understand where the bottles go after they are thrown away. The scheme should also help them gain a more accurate measure of recycling rates.

Customers don’t need to do anything differently and are encouraged to continue recycling as usual.

Luke Emery, Aldi’s plastics and packaging director, said: “This next phase with Polytag represents an exciting step forward in how we use data to drive our sustainability strategy.

“By integrating this advanced traceability technology into our packaging, we can gain deeper insights into the lifecycle of our materials.”

This latest pilot comes after Aldi, Arla and Polytag teamed up for a previous scheme, which used pressure-sensitive labelling.

Polytag’s chief executive, Alice Rackley, said the latest phase showed that UV tagging technology could be used on a larger scale.

She said it offered brands a cost-effective way to obtain more comprehensive information about recycling.

Sun Chemical developed the fluorescent ink used on the labels. Stefaan D’Hoore, its director of business development for speciality inks and coatings, said it was the first commercial use of its fluorescent ink with Polytag’s tech.

The trial will run for eight weeks, after which the companies are expected to assess the recycling data gathered by the tags.

Morrisons upped hourly pay at its UK stores second time in 2026 last month. In May, the grocery giant announced that a proposed pay deal for store and manufacturing workers been given the greenlight by USDAW union, which negotiates pay for large sections of Morrisons’ workforce.

It paved the way for implementing pay rises for all eligible hourly-paid staff across three phases. It started with hourly rates for all Customer Assistants rising to £12.81 (backdated to March 30), with all other established hourly rates for eligible roles seeing a 10p uplift. From Monday, July 20, 2026, customer assistants at Morrisons stores saw their pay going up from £12.81 to £13.00, while all other established hourly rates for the other roles rose by 19p.

The final increase will come into effect from Monday, October 26, 2026, when the hourly rate will rise from £13.00 to £13.11, with pay for the other roles seeing an 11p increase.

In the May announcement, Morrisons said in addition to the pay rises, all eligible hourly paid colleagues would receive a one-off fixed payment of between £25 and £175 based on their contractual hours.

Jodie Keating, group people director of Morrisons, said at the time: “We’re pleased that we can now implement the pay proposal and increase pay for our colleagues to reward them for the contribution they make to our business.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues for everything they continue to do for Morrisons.” It came as rival supermarket chains also upped workers’ pay this year to retain and attract staff, as cost-of-living pressures continue to hit British households.

Morrisons is just one of several retailers who introduced pay increases this year, as retailers look to attract and retain staff.

For example, Sainsbury’s previously brought in an above-inflation pay increase of 5% for hourly paid workers in March, with hourly pay pushed up to £13.23 per hour nationally, whilst in London it rose to £14.54 per hour.

In London, entry-level store workers had their pay increased to £14.80 per hour, while the hourly rate for experienced staff can rise up to £15.35.

The following month, Store Assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches also saw their pay rise (to £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88).

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20, respectively, based on length of service.

Primark is set to slash costs on hundreds of favourite products as competition from Temu, Shein and Vinted hots up. Last week, Primark confirmed it would cut prices on retail items such as womenswear, menswear and kidswear, as the high street chain aims to “reaffirm its place” as the home of value.

For women, Primark’s velvet plush leggings will now be priced at just £6, with men able to pick up cosy hoodies from £9 each. It comes after customers have complained about Primark’s pricing, with one student claiming that the shop has “definitely got more expensive”.

The company has suffered a drop in sales, reporting a 2.2% fall in like-for-like sales during its third quarter ending in June. The business has blamed a “challenging consumer environment”, with the rise of new online retailers likely the biggest threat.

Chinese company Shein has become the latest player, with the business selling dresses for as little as £3. Customers can also secure budget deals on second-hand clothing on Vinted, while popular budget store Temu also sells clothes at a discount.

Online stores can simply undercut retailers because they do not pay for store locations and some import duties, meaning the customer can pay substantially less. Customers have taken to social media, with one user, @CramberryCheese1997, explaining the difficult position that Primark has found itself in.

They said: “Primark has found itself in an awkward middle ground. It used to be the dirt cheap place for clothes. But now you got people buying their really cheap stuff from Shein and Temu, and you’ve got the likes of Next and M&S sitting a class above.” [sic]

@GodofThunder888 added: “Primark isn’t the cheapest anymore, and while not expensive, when prices are very close to shops like New Look and H&M, why not just go for better quality?”

But Primark is looking to fight back, with Matt Houston, Chief Customer Officer, explaining that new budget price tags would ensure the business would help shape the future of “affordable fashion”.

He said: “Value matters to customers today more than ever and for more than fifty years customers have trusted us as the destination on the high street for great value fashion at prices you can’t find anywhere else.

“We want to continue to lead the way in shaping what affordable fashion looks like and give our customers the confidence that they can always trust Primark for the very best prices but without compromising on style or on quality.”

A spokesperson for Primark told Express.co.uk: “We know value matters more than ever to our customers and we’re responding to that consumer demand. Ahead of autumn/winter we reviewed every price point across ranges to ensure that customers can trust that they are getting the best value when they shop in Primark.”

A major UK kitchen company is closing down 15 of its sites as part of its restructuring programme. Magnet Kitchens operates 159 showrooms across the UK and has confirmed it will axe 15 of them as part of a proposed company voluntary arrangement (CVA). The insolvency process aims to help Magnet negotiate with creditors and reduce property costs that are “no longer sustainable”, while permitting the wider business to continue trading.

The proposals remain subject to creditor approval and are being overseen by Natasha Harbinson, Will Wright and Chris Pole from restructuring firm Interpath, Retail Gazette reports.

Magnet has already closed the first of the 15. Its Watford branch, located at Caxton Way, shut on July 14, with existing orders being transferred to its nearby stores in St Albans and Harrow.

The retailer said impacted staff would be supported with alternative roles offered elsewhere in the business wherever possible.

Magnet chief executive Sophie Rose said: “This is a difficult decision and not one we have taken lightly, particularly where colleagues may be impacted.

“But taking this action now is the right thing to do for the long-term health of Magnet Group. It allows us to deal with property costs that are no longer sustainable and protect the stronger parts of our estate.”

She explained that removing the weighing costs from the business would allow it to focus its investment on other areas offering the greatest opportunities for growth and to improve profits.

Ms Rose continued: “I am confident these proposals will help Magnet Group build a stronger, more resilient business that is better placed to serve customers, support partners and return to sustainable profitability.”

Magnet has reassured customers that they will continue to receive uninterrupted service during the restructuring. Orders from closed showrooms will be handled by the nearest alternative branch.

Morrisons will be upping hourly pay at its UK stores later this month for the second time in 2026. In May, the grocery giant announced that a proposed pay deal for store and manufacturing workers been given the greenlight by USDAW union, which negotiates pay for large sections of Morrisons’ workforce.

It paved the way for implementing pay rises for all eligible hourly-paid staff across three phases. It began with hourly rates for all Customer Assistants increasing to £12.81 (backdated to March 30), with all other established hourly rates for eligible roles seeing a 10p uplift. From Monday, July 20, 2026, customer assistants at Morrisons stores will see their pay going up from £12.81 to £13.00, while all other established hourly rates for the other roles will rise by 19p.

The final increase will come into effect from Monday, October 26, 2026, when the hourly rate will go from £13.00 to £13.11, with pay for the other roles seeing an 11p increase.

In the May announcement, Morrisons said in addition to the pay rises, all eligible hourly paid colleagues would get a one-off fixed payment of between £25 and £175 based on their contractual hours.

Jodie Keating, group people director of Morrisons, said at the time: “We’re pleased that we can now implement the pay proposal and increase pay for our colleagues to reward them for the contribution they make to our business.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues for everything they continue to do for Morrisons.” It came as rival supermarket chains also upped workers’ pay this year to retain and attract staff, as cost-of-living pressures continue to hit British households.

Morrisons is just one of several retailers who introduced pay increases this year, as retailers compete to attract and retain staff.

For example, Sainsbury’s previously introduced in an above-inflation pay increase of 5% for hourly paid workers in March, with hourly pay boosted to £13.23 per hour nationally, whilst in London it rose to £14.54 per hour.

From March 1, Lidl increased hourly pay for store assistants outside London to £13.45, a rate that increases to £14.00 depending on length of service.

In London, entry-level store workers had their pay upped to £14.80 per hour, while the hourly rate for experienced staff can rise up to £15.35.

The following month, Store Assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches also saw their pay increase (to £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88).

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service.

John Lewis has confirmed it plans to spend a whopping £20million on upgrading one store, in what the brand has described as one of the business’s “largest single-store investments”. The department store will invest a whopping £20million in a full redevelopment of its Glasgow Store in a massive boost.

John Lewis has claimed that the new refurbishment will bring new brands, elevated products and experiences, as well as an environment that meets customers’ wants and needs. Every floor of the 28,000-square-metre store in Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow, is set to be upgraded.

Chiefs have already confirmed that changes will be coming to the site’s fashion, beauty, home and technology departments. The store is set to remain open throughout the refurbishment, with the work expected to be completed in the Spring of 2027.

Kathy Murdoch, centre director for Buchanan Galleries, Landsec, said: “We welcome John Lewis’s £20m investment in its store in Glasgow, a powerful vote of confidence in the city.

“It complements our own plans for Buchanan Galleries, where we are investing to enhance the retail and leisure offer, create new experiences, and support Glasgow’s continued growth as a leading UK destination. The centre will be open and trading as normal throughout, and we look forward to seeing the new store take shape.”

Peter Ruis, managing director of John Lewis, explained: “Whether customers shop with us online, in our shops or across both, they expect the same trusted advice, service and experience.

“We’re continuing to invest across our estate so our shops reflect the things customers value most about John Lewis – expert guidance, inspiring products and the confidence to make the right choice. These investments are about more than just a fresh look; they are about creating places where customers love to spend their time.”

“The response from customers to the improvements we’ve already made gives us confidence to continue investing for the long term.”

Morrisons will be increasing hourly pay at its UK stores from late October as part of a three-stage uplift. In May, the supermarket chain announced that a proposed pay deal for store and manufacturing workers had been resoundingly approved by the USDAW union, which negotiates pay for large parts of the workforce.

It opened the door for implementing pay increases for all eligible hourly-paid staff in three phases. The pay boost began with hourly rates for all Customer Assistants rising to £12.81 (backdated to March 30), with all other established hourly rates for eligible roles increasing by 10p. From Monday, July 20, 2026, customer assistants at Morrisons stores will see pay increase from £12.81 to £13.00, with all other established hourly rates for the other roles rising by 19p.

Then, from Monday, October 26, 2026, the hourly rate will climb further, from £13.00 to £13.11, with pay for the other roles upped by 11p.

In the May announcement, Morrisons said that, in addition, all eligible hourly-paid colleagues would receive a one-off fixed payment of between £25 and £175 based on their contractual hours.

Morrisons’ Group People Director, Jodie Keating, said at the time: “We’re pleased that we can now implement the pay proposal and increase pay for our colleagues to reward them for the contribution they make to our business.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues for everything they continue to do for Morrisons.”

It comes as Morrisons’ supermarket rivals also upped workers’ pay this year in a bid to retain and attract staff, as UK households continue to wrestle with cost-of-living pressures.

From March 1, Lidl increased hourly pay for store assistants outside London to £13.45, a rate that rises to £14.00 depending on length of service.

In London, entry-level store workers had their pay upped to £14.80 per hour, while the hourly rate for experienced staff can rise up to £15.35.

The following month, Store Assistants working at Aldi’s UK branches also saw their pay increase (to £13.50 per hour nationally, with those working inside in the M25 getting £14.88).

These pay rates rise to £14.47 and £15.20 respectively based on length of service. Aldi said at the time that the change would benefit 28,000 hourly-paid store workers.

Other major retailers that increased hourly pay in 2026 include Sainsbury’s, Primark, and John Lewis.

Booths, Britain’s oldest family-owned supermarket, which has traded since 1847, has announced a major evolution of its brand identity and a strategic push to expand beyond its traditional store estate. The upmarket Northern grocer, founded in Blackpool by Edwin Henry Booth, has introduced the new identity line “The Family Grocers” as part of a refreshed visual identity.

This includes a richer “Booths Blue” colour and greater prominence for its iconic lion logo, intended to reinforce the brand’s heritage, trust, and quality. The changes, described as an evolution rather than a complete overhaul, will be rolled out across stores, packaging, and digital platforms throughout 2026. They were developed with brand consultancy The Strategy Shop and design partner Smith.

Emma Booth, chief brand officer and sixth-generation family member, said the move would allow the company to reach more customers while remaining true to its roots.

She explained: “We see a significant opportunity to take what makes Booths special and share it with more customers beyond our store estate. This evolution gives us a clearer and more confident platform to grow the brand into new channels and markets, particularly through our Booths brand ranges, while staying true to the quality and provenance that have defined Booths since 1847.”

Booths aims to position itself as “the irresistible food and drink specialist” in the UK. The strategy focuses on expanding distribution of its award-winning own-brand products, including ready meals, butchery, tea, coffee, wine, and craft beers, through new channels and potential partnerships.

The rebrand emphasises Booths’ connections to customers, colleagues, producers, and food-loving communities, particularly in its heartland of Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria, and Cheshire.

The retailer operates a relatively compact estate of premium stores and has built a reputation as the “Waitrose of the North”.

The announcement follows strong trading, including record Christmas sales in 2025, and comes after a leadership refresh earlier this year in which Emma Booth was promoted to her current role.

Booths has traded continuously as a family business for nearly 180 years, maintaining a focus on high-quality, locally sourced produce and personal service that distinguishes it from larger national chains.

Radley has been bought out of administration from the owners of Poundland in a deal which leaves the retailer’s shops at risk of closure. Gordon Brothers, which also owns LK Bennett, purchased the Radley brand, intellectual property and some assets in a pre-pack administration deal.

However, the takeover does not include Radley’s retail operations, which include 21 stores across the UK. It confirmed that 42 jobs would also be lost “with immediate effect”, as a result. It came after Radley hired administrators from FTI on Tuesday, after being hit by a slump in consumer demand and higher costs.

Handbag specialist Radley was founded by Australian designer Lowell Harder in London in the 1980s, starting from a stall in Camden Market.

Previous owner Freshstream, a private equity company, purchased the business in 2016 but reportedly put it up for sale earlier this year amid pressure on its finances.

In a statement, FTI said: “The administration team will guide and support affected team members over the coming weeks through the redundancy claims process.

“The administration appointments follow a sustained period of challenging economic conditions for the retail environment, including declining customer demand and increasing operating costs, all of which have had a negative impact on trading.”

It is the latest rescue deal from Gordon Brothers, which purchased Poundland for £1 last year before overseeing significant store closures to help drive the brand’s turnaround.