Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Debenhams, Amazon and Aldi

Amazon unveils cargo plane to expand delivery network

Amazon has unveiled its first branded cargo plane, one of 40 jetliners, in order to take control of its delivery process, the Columbus Dispatch reported.

The decision to introduce speed delivery is an outcome of the increasing number of packages being shipped worldwide. Amazon One, it’s first branded "Prime Air" cargo plane, was unveiled on Friday at the annual Seafair Air Show.

A total of 40 Boeing jets were leased from Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings and Air Transport Services Group. Out of these, 11 are already delivering packages for Amazon's annual Prime loyalty programme offering free two-day shipping.

Debenhams to open new store in Fosse Park

Debenhams plans to open a new store as part of a proposed £150m extension to Fosse Park, the Leicester Mercury reported.

One of the main units at the planned Castle Acres development will be taken by Debenhams for the store.

Blaby District Council is yet to grant permission for the 12.5 acre retail complex proposed by brewers Everards. A decision regarding Castle Acres scheme is expected either by the end of this month or in September.

Cut-price wine attracted middle-class shoppers: Aldi boss

Matthew Barnes, chief executive of Aldi, has revealed that the strategy of cutting the price of quality wines has attracted many middle-class shoppers, the Daily Mail reported.

This has helped the supermarket gain 12% of the fresh food market. Aldi’s success was due to cheap but good quality products, according to Barnes.

The retailer notched up 16 awards at the International Wine and Spirits Challenge in July. This year, Aldi has received over 90 international awards for its beers, wines, spirits and liqueurs.