Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Aldi, UK exports and more

Aldi unveils six new stores across Scotland for 2017

Aldi is set to open six new stores across Scotland this year, making its mark in Dumfries, Montrose, Auldhouse Retail Park and Drumchapel in Glasgow, and Oxgangs in Edinburgh, the BBC reported.

This plan will bring the total number of Aldi stores in Scotland to 78 by year-end, employing 2,600 people. Planning permission for the sixth store is still being sought.

The supermarket will continue to grow its range of 360 Scottish-sourced products.

Aldi Scotland managing director Richard Holloway said: "We want to build on the success of 2016 by opening additional stores in new locations in Scotland and work with even more of the best Scottish producers.

"Our growth plans for 2017 underpin Aldi's ongoing commitment to Scotland, which saw eight new stores open in 2016 and the launch of Aldi's first Scottish Sport Fund, support which shall be renewed in the course of the year."

Irish food exports to UK decrease

Irish food and drink exports to the UK decreased 8% last year to €4.1bn owing to the weaker sterling against the euro, according to reports from the Irish Food Board, Reuters reported.

The UK accounts for about 17% of exports and is Ireland's largest single trade partner.

The share for food and drink increased 37%, leaving the jobs-rich sector vulnerable to Britain's departure from the European Union.

The overall food and drink exports increased 2% year-on-year.

Sales to other European markets, accounting for 32% of food and drink exports, increased 3%, while trade to the rest of the world increased 13%, including a 35% surge to China, accounting for 8% of exports, almost as much as North America.

Golden Discs reports pre-tax loss

Golden Discs reported a pre-tax loss of €466,158 in the 12 months to the end of June 2015, compared with a profit of €30,885 a year earlier, The Irish Times reported.

The company currently has 14 stores and employs more than 150 people.

The retailer has signed an agreement with Tesco to open concession stores in 80 Tesco outlets nationwide.