Breakfast briefing: Retail news on Debenhams Ireland and Aldi

KPMG called in as examiner to Debenhams Ireland

KPMG's Kieran Wallace has been appointed as an interim examiner to Debenhams Retail Ireland (DRIL).

DRIL sought court protection earlier this month arising from consistent losses sustained since the recession in 2007.

Rossa Fanning, barrister for DRIL, said it has incurred losses of €22.6m in the past three years and, while revenues had increased in 2015 and 2014, it continues to be loss making in the current year.

Wallace now has up to 100 days to put together a scheme of arrangement with creditors, which if approved by the High Court will allow the company continue to trade as a going concern.

Aldi set to open dedicated pop-up wine shop in Shoreditch

Aldi is opening its first standalone wine shop today in east London in a move to tap the popularity of its wine in the capital, The Independent reported.

The high tech pop-up Aldi Wine Store ,located in Boxpark, Shoreditch, boasts glass wine displays and stations with tablets where shoppers can order their favourite bottles to be later delivered directly to their door.

A spokesperson for the German discounter told the Independent that the retailer could “potentially” open a permanent store in the long run if this one proved successful. But for now the aim was just to “get Aldi's wine in front of Londoners.”

“Our store, open for three days until May 28, represents our dedication to opening up the world of Aldi wine to all - allowing customers both new and existing, to try before they buy either in store or online,” said Tony Baines, joint managing director of corporate buying at Aldi.