George MacDonald @GeorgeMacD Twitter profile

Last Seen Profiles

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

M&S is awarding frontline stores and supply chain staff an additional 15% pay in recognition for their work during coronavirus outbreak. Furloughed staff - voluntary at present - will get full pay.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Some god news for British fishing. Morrisons has bought Cornish fish and shellfish supplier Falfish - and becomes first supermarket to own its own trawler - the Jacqui A

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

1 year

Greggs opens 30th outlet store today, in Newham, east London. Must admit I didn't know they had any, but they've existed since 1972 'to support socially deprived areas and redistribute unsold food items'. In 2021, they sold 1.1m sweet products, 1.1m sarnies and 1m savoury items.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Quote of the week? Primark parent ABF’s CEO George Weston on coronavirus impact: ‘In time we can rebuild the profits. We can’t replace the people we lose.’

Retail Week

@RetailWeek

4 years

Primark warns of challenging store reopening process post-coronavirus

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Nipped to Tesco Express. A few people in front of me eagerly chatted to the cashiers, who chatted back. Had impression checkout staff were the only people those customers had talked to this weekend. I happily pay a bricks-and-mortar premium for that contribution to society.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Superdrug, Savers and perfume Shop owner AS Watson has announced an employee support package of £40m (!!!) to help staff through cornavirus

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 months

The traditional Boxing Day hunt sets off from the High Green.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Morrisons is paying staff a special 12-month 'thank you bonus' for sterling work during coronavirus outbreak. Full time staff will be entitled to £1,050 vs £350 average last year. Another retailer doing the right thing.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

New king Charles III visited Morrisons' HQ today to meet people from Morrisons Farming, Community, Sustainability and Apprenticeship programmes and farmers from Prince’s Countryside Fund, which is supported by Morrisons.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Morrisons has upped production of food parcels for vulnerable and self-isolating from 10,000 to more than 100,000 in response to coronavirus emergency.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

@DavidLammy Can we sort out knife crime in Haringey please? In the last year there’s been so much of it and neither you nor anyone else seems especially bothered. Imho it should be your number 1 priority.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Asda has launched a ‘volunteer shopping card’ enabling friends, relatives etc of people who have to say at home during coroanvirus to shop on their behalf. Can be topped up with credit online.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

What is actually happening in retail? You have old companies hitting the buffers, newer ones doing no better. Shops up and down, online growth up and down. Confusing data from all quarters. I don’t know - but will try and find out. Task for next week. It will be a killer article.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

A look inside Boots' store of the future, which opens tomorrow in Covent Garden.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

So what does Michael Eavis do in a year when there's no Glastonbury? Cuts the ribbon on the new Co-op in Pilton.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

1 year

Good idea to reduce food waste. At the end of each day, M&S takes unsold baguettes and turns them into frozen garlic bread. That's done in 253 stores at present and will be rolled out to another 125 next month. So far 2.1m have been sold

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

The pile-on on pubs is getting on my nerves. Nobody who doesn’t want to need go anywhere near, almost nobody will get hammered, and hooray for a tentative step towards normality.

BBC News (UK)

@BBCNews

4 years

Sheffield Council apologises for tweet telling people coronavirus will be "waiting for you" at pubs reopening this weekend

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Hhhmm. Iceland launches 'world-first' cheeseboard bath rack.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Helped out my parents when they went to get vaccinated today. They were full of praise for how efficiently it was run and how nice everyone was. 👏 Light at the end of the tunnel.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

And very pleased to have it. All very smoothly run.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

British retail is desperately trying to find models that work. Depressing that so many people only criticise. Constructive criticism is vital, but let’s not forget the ‘constructive’ bit. Easy to throw stones, harder to sustain businesses and safeguard jobs.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

On my way home from the Grosvenor last night, where I’d drunk champagne and had a good meal, to see this was sobering.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

More I think about it, more I think it would be great to use shops as polling stations in December. Doesn’t disrupt nativity plays - seemingly politicians’ priority number 1 after pesky business of getting elected - and may boost retail footfall while enabling people’s civic duty

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Time to clock off. Long week - and I’m only writing about it. To all working in retail over what may be another difficult weekend, hope it goes ok. Lots of people recognise you’re doing a great job in hardest of circumstances.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

Harrods has brought forward Sale from Boxing Day to tomorrow. Tells you everything you need to know about central London footfall.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

If all goes to plan, a bit of a life change planned when I split my time between #townandcountry . I’ll live here part of week and in London the rest. #bestcounty #bestcity

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Big move. John Lewis suspending click and collect. Says in recognition of 'the increased need to remove reasons for non-essential travel during the current lockdown, to help encourage the public to stay at home'.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Taking the river bus instead of the Tube this evening. I usually forget it’s an option but so good.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Good line from M&S's Steve Rowe on the impact of business rates. In Covent Garden, now closed, rates were £500k. He observes: "We sell sandwiches."

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

M&S has started selling food boxes online today 'to help customers get the products they need and support those who aren’t able to easily visit stores during this unprecedented time'. It's also using its Sparks loyalty data to enable priority access for those over 70.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Morrsons CEO David Potts: 'Morrisons key workers have played a vital role during the pandemic, especially [for ]the most vulnerable... I am delighted we are recognising their contribution by becoming the first supermarket to pay a minimum of £10 an hour to all store colleagues.'

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Sometimes you just want a proper, old-fashioned tea after work, with white bread and salt.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

10 years

Amazing photo. MT @CityWestminster : Roll of honour has started at the famous Piccadilly Lights #LightsOut http://t.co/jVuaSWMm0X

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Sad news. Primark founder and retail legend Arthur Ryan has died, aged 83. This is the painting of him that hangs in Primark’s HQ.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Both done now. 😊💉

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Nice from Morrisons. From Monday all teachers and school staff - inc caretakers, dinner ladies etc - entitled to 10% off their shopping. Lasts until after Christmas and is 'a thank you for those 'looking after the nation’s children and supporting them through the pandemic'.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Relishing every extra minute of daylight at the mo. Roll on longer days.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Making fast food even faster: McDonald's has opened a pilot 'to go' store on Fleet St. No seating, reduced menu, takeaway only with focus on speed of service. Time is the new money.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Amazing to think that Boots was once one of the biggest book lenders. It had libraries right up until the 1960s.

Alan Russell

@soxgnasher

4 years

Boots Photograph of Southampton store Booklovers Library 1905 Southampton/Hampshire/England bootsarchives

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Morrisons' profits down 50.7% to £201m after it bore £290m of direct Covid costs 'to help feed the nation through the crisis'.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

The best thing now I think would be a mass giveaway of masks from now on in malls, shopping centres, stores etc to normalise wearing them.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Sainsbury’s is to pay small suppliers immediately to smooth coronavirus impact. About 1,500 small businesses with T/O of less than£100,000k will benefit...

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

Striking stat in Co-op results: Online sales were £200m last year. Two years ago they were £4m!

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

The Co-op has done a good job of bringing rarefied COP26 meeting down to earth with this in-store campaign suggesting practical changes customers can make to shopping and consumption habits.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

Had a vg Indian meal in Kings Cross. I noticed a few times they took packages of food to the door and gave them to people who didn’t look like couriers. Turns out they give 20-25 meals away to homeless every night - and even know who’s vegetarian or not. Will go back. ✔️

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

7 years

Overheard in Tesco. Guy, to sassy looking v fashionable girlfriend: 'I'll pay by card.' Her: 'Do they even take cards?' #perception &reality

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Primark is donating 74,000 everyday products such as underwear and towels for specially made up care packs donated to NHS Nightingale in London. Globally Primark is donating 400,000 such items in the markets where it trades, inc Ireland and US, to help out during corinavirus.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

This is a new one, and a nice idea. Morrisons is giving the 2,700 farmers who supply it a 5% discount until mid-July 'to say thank you for feeding the nation'.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

7 years

V amusing. Saw outside my local Tesco Express.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Julian Richer, described by Asda saviour and M&S chair Archie Norman as ‘one of the greatest entrepreneurs we have’, is spot-on: ‘You can’t get your staff to give great customer service if they think you’re just a greedy bastard.’

Retail Week

@RetailWeek

5 years

Julian Richer is the recipient of the AlixPartners Outstanding Contribution to Retail. His revolutionary, staff-centric approach to retail has enabled his business to thrive and helped transform some of the biggest names in the industry. #RWAwards2019

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

This is great. Cover of new edition of British Vogue features key workers. Here's Waitrose shopfloor employee Anisa Omar, photographed by Jamie Hawkesworth. 👏

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Honouring a retailer. Great from Tesco.

Laura Slattery

@IrishTimesLaura

5 years

Tesco has taken a full-page ad in ⁦ @IrishTimesBiz ⁩ today paying tribute to Feargal Quinn, founder of rival Superquinn.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

6 years

Perhaps the big picture on House of Fraser is being missed. It’s not that Mike Ashley hasn’t paid House of Fraser suppliers, it’s the fact that under its former owner HoF racked up debts of £1bn - what new owner would pick that up?

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

On way to @BBCBreakfast to discuss Debenhams and Mike Ashley, and Tesco, with @stephbreakfast . On about 7.50 I think.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

11 months

. @ThatsSoVillage The Spout, Bilsdale.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

M&S, which is opening longer in run-up to Christmas, has decided to lose on Boxing Day. CEO Steve Rowe says: 'This is a big decision, but it is absolutely the right one given the incredible effort everyone has made in the most challenging of circumstances.'

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

7 years

Now that's what I call a Sale.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

6 months

Most unexpected news of the day? Greggs is opening a 'fine dining bistro' in Fenwick's flagship Newcastle store!

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Great message.

Poundland

@Poundland

4 years

Hey Chunterers, a respectful request... #BeKind #Proudland

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Grocer @sainsburys is opening a pop-up ‘giving store’, where you pay a fiver to get in but 'leave empty-handed'. Using pre-paid tokens you can 'buy' things like non-perishable food and toiletries and toys which are donated to people in need. #seasonofgoodwill

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

10 years

Lidl has been on offensive this week. Clever newspaper ad re Morrisons' price-matching (via @rudemrlang ). http://t.co/mHaqp8sAe1

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Hooray.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Imho self-service tills are a heap of rubbish. I get that for retailers they are supposedly more efficient but are they? When you watch them in action, ffs. More time spent on sorting out all the associated problems than serving any customers.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Went to town today. Not a soul to be seen on the train down. When I got there, quite a few wasters in London weren’t wearing masks - all in twos and threes so doubt they were exempt. Tossers.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

First M&S launched Plan A. Now it's Plan Bee - the retailer is introducing 30 million bees to 28 UK Select Farm partners.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

6 years

Btw, if you happen to be in Oxford St after dark, you can see the names of everybody who works in John Lewis Oxford St lit up on the front of the building as part of emphasis on people/partners making the difference.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Heading to York today for retail reopening. Not a bad view on the walk to my local station.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Snowy village sunset.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Against the grain in the current climate: comic book and gaming specialist Geek Retreat intends to open 100 high street stores over the next two years. It has 14 at present.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Good initiative from Asda. It's investing £2m alongside Dell to provide 7,000 laptops to schools to help children at risk of falling behind in their education because they don't have the tech to take part in online lessons during lockdown.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Column by me. The crisis should be a cue for fundamental overhaul. Let’s finally pedestrianise it. And why not make the rooftops destinations with terrace cafes etc?

Retail Week

@RetailWeek

4 years

Opinion: Oxford Street needs post-pandemic retail reinvention

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Good news - at last - for retailers. No business rates for retailers for 12 months, chancellor Rishi Sunak says.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Dunelm CEO Nick Wilkinson is voluntarily giving up 90% of his salary during coronavirus outbreak. The retailer has reopened its website after getting expert advice on ensuring health and safety.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

6 years

Ikea’s new urban format opened today on Tottenham Court Rd. Video to come later.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Hmm. I believe over that time it also paid c£200m in wages. Four times what it took for itself. Clearly, absolutely villainous. Those bastards, paying people money, preserving jobs...

Labour Whips

@labourwhips

5 years

The vulture fund that owns HMV took almost £50m in fees out of the music retailer during its 5yr ownership, while HMV paid no corporation tax. 2,200 staff face the loss of their jobs. The cost of any statutory redundancy payments will be borne by taxpayers

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

Fantastic sunset this evening.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Not everyone is shutting shops. Screwfix aims to open more than 50 this year - 40 of them in the UK, the rest in Ireland - creating around 600 jobs altogether.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

A little snow blowing around on Christmas Eve. That will do me - #WhiteChristmas

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

Day off today. Went to the beach and had it to myself.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

M&S has launched an official alumni network for former staff. Smart idea to draw on good will and knowledge of ex-employees to contribute to the business...

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

6 years

A lot of snarkiness about Luke Johnson last few days but unlike some others he seems to have behaved honourably.

Neil Saunders

@NeilRetail

6 years

🇬🇧 Patisserie Valerie chairman pumps in £20m to stave off collapse.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Stark facts from Shoe Zone: 'Over past 10 years rates paid as a proportion of our rent has increased from 26.4% in 2009 to 54.3% in 2019. Despite rationalising our store estate, the value of rates paid has increased by £700k despite having 38% fewer stores and 30% lower sales.'

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Heartwarming stat of the day. In its first half, as the pandemic and lockdown bit, Lego donated 250,000 Lego sets 'to children in need of play'.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

All the best for strong trading today as retail fully opens again after lockdown. Spend a bit on a ‘non-essential’ treat!

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

On subject of masks, some of the most vociferous objections and vows 'never to go shopping again' seem to be from people who hardly strike me as shopaholics, or even as people who would know where the milk is in Tesco.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Have a great Christmas everyone.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

Burns Night supper. Talisker and McSween��s.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Tesco has announced a £30m coronavirus community support package. Includes extra £15m of donations to food banks, £2m to Red Cross and £1m for local causes to go through stores.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Watching @SkyNews . Tells you everything you need to know about Parliament’s attitude to retail that @nigelmp says he doesn’t want December election to disrupt nativity plays. But as for trading for retailers, biggest private sector employer, no mention.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

2 years

Man gets job after standing in Tube station with CVs and sign – and bagging an interview within three hours

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

6 years

30 years ago this week Kylie was number 1... and @RetailWeek launched. @IanMcGarrigle1 , who now runs @WorldRetail had the front page story along with the legendary Patience Wheatcroft.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

A second Amazon Fresh opens its doors today at Wembley Park.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Forgive me if I’m not very excited.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

6 years

Gobsmacked by the responses to Deirdre’s tweet. The sense of entitlement and lack of consideration for readers looking for an independent take is breathtakingly arrogant. #iagreewithDeirdre

Deirdre Hipwell

@DeirdreHipwell

6 years

I have had two PRs emailing me Today asking for a hyperlink to their company’s website in articles I have written.I wish this intensely annoying trend in [generally consumer] pr would STOP.Isnt it enough the company is mentioned without trying to wangle free advertising too.Grrr

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Significant from John Lewis: 'Before the crisis we believed that shops contributed around £6 of every £10 spent online. We now think that figure is, on average, around £3. This has the effect of reducing the book value of John Lewis shops by about £470m.'

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

5 years

Sometimes I get really f***ing angry at quality of comment on Twitter. Endless sourness, whining and oneupmanship. However it’s redeemed by optimism, enthusiasm and engagement - often from people who don’t have zillions of followers but are just interested in life and ‘stuff’.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Thought it would be rude not to have a pint at both of the village pubs.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

Booked hotel for my next London trip. Got message asking if I wanted rose petals in a heart shape on bed and champagne/chocolates. Since it’s a work trip (‘purpose’ of travel an obligatory bit of booking) and a single room I very much doubt it.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

3 years

A sombre day for retail. Debenhams to be wound down. Its 124 UK stores will trade to clear current and contracted stock, then close.

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George MacDonald

@GeorgeMacD

4 years

Officially on staycation. Normal service resumed late next week.

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