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retail

The government is to consult on the return of VAT-free shopping for international tourists. New and improved tax-free shopping schemes are hoped to boost sales and draw international shoppers after the former scheme was scrapped in January 2021. Sector leaders have welcomed the discussions, but have also stressed the importance of reducing VAT and business rates to support businesses and domestic consumers.

Deliveroo has opened its first brick-and-mortar grocery store in partnership with Morrisons. The Deliveroo Hop store on London’s New Oxford Street allows customers to click and collect, arrange deliveries and shop instore using digital kiosks. The shop will stock over 1,750 grocery items, including Morrisons’ own ranges. Deliveroo COO Eric French said the store “should help boost the local area with nearly two-thirds of shoppers saying they will visit other nearby shops as they come to shop with Deliveroo.”

Property

Greggs has opened a net 90 new stores this year, with 60 more on the way, bringing its total estate to 2,271 stores as of October 1. The company is moving towards its goal of 150 new openings this financial year. New stores include drive-through and railway station sites across the UK. Greggs’ full-year outlook is in line with expectations, which the bakery chain says is partly due to its value for money amid rising costs.