Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Marks & Spencer, Phones4u, Asda and Uniqlo

Marks & Spencer’s distribution centre hit by IT glitches

Marks & Spencer’s new distribution centre in Castle Donington, Leicestershire has been beset with IT glitches causing concerns about stock availability in store.

The IT issues at the 900,000 sq ft warehouse, which was opened to great fanfare in May, has caused some trading directors to express concerns about allowing their stock to flow through the new centre, according to Sky News.

Phones 4u looks to increase part-time contracts for staff

Mobile phone retailer Phones 4u is looking to increase its proportion of part-time workers, as the firm continues to recruit for new positions. The retailer, which has around 70% of staff on full-time contracts, intends to shift the ratio to 60:40.

Phones 4u, which currently has 299 staff vacancies nationwide, revelead that it plans to create 900 jobs next year.

Asda drops Saatchi & Saatchi from its ad account

Asda has dropped its incumbent agency Saatchi & Saatchi off the pitch for its £100m advertising account ending its relationship with owner Publicis Groupe that goes back to 1990, according to Campaign magazine. The retailer has selected just JWT London and VCCP to proceed to the final stage of the pitch.

Asda kicked off the review of its ad account in June following the arrival of Chris McDonoughas as  marketing director. McDonoughas has previously worked with VCCP.

Uniqlo launches kidswear collection

Uniqlo has launched its debut own-brand kidswear collection in the UK, catering for newborns up to age 12. The range is now available online at uniqlo.co.uk and lands in stores from Friday August 23.

All outerwear come with an interior name label to prevent mix ups at school, pockets are reinforced to stop tears and waistbands are fully adjustable.

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