Sales of Halfords jerrycans fueled coverage for the retailer in March, amid speculation of a strike and a government directive to stock up in advance. The retailer announced a near 500% rise in sales, moving them to 16th in mainstream media, up 22 places compared to February. Fuel discussions were prominent for the Grocery sector also, with threats to supply on forecourts at Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
The March Retail Barometer analysed 48,360 pieces of mainstream coverage and 489,339 social media mentions, a substantial increase in volume compared to content in February. Discussion of this summer’s Olympic Games was a contributing factor, with retailer like Next releasing Olympic themed lines: “fans supporting Britain’s Olympic athletes this summer will be able to show their colours thanks to fashion chain Next”. Overall it was a better month for the High St with Gap, Zara, Next and H&M posting positive sales numbers
Sir Philip Green’s extravagant 60th birthday party raised notable press coverage as it was recorded that £6.5 million was spent on the occasion. Additionally, Piers Morgan’s comments about Kate Moss being a “spoilt little madam from Croydon” also caused uproar as her association with Topshop and friendship with Philip green was conveyed alongside the feature.
Philip Clarke, Tesco CEO, was the most talked-about retail exec in March, attracting nearly a quarter of all mentions (22%) in coverage triggered by the announcement that the retailer’s UK boss, Richard Brasher, would step down and Clarke would take a more hands-on role.
Social content boosted discussion around Sainsbury’s chief exec Justin King as he took part in a Sport Relief fun run. Sport Relief was a hot topic in social media, generating 2,500 mentions.
Gorkana Group’s Barometers allow organisations to benchmark themselves against competitors within their sector. For more information about the Retail Barometer contact Paul Kennedy on paul.kennedy@gorkana.com or see here.
