RETAIL/CONSUMER

Tradition and innovation can mingle, and meshed if boundaries for originality are maintained and respected, shares Pat Whelan, director at James Whelan Butchers of Ireland.

Diageo Plc said its net sales increased 11 percent for the third quarter ended March mainly due to the acquisitions of Mey Icki, Serengeti Breweries and Meta Abo Breweries.

Diageo Plc is expanding into fast-growing emerging markets with a cautious view on the consumer and economic trends in 2012,

Home Retail Group reported a fall in its full-year profits, as the spending in the group's markets declined further than the expectations with many customers facing pressures on the amount of disposable income.

ASOS Plc says it is positive about the progress towards achieving its sales target of £1 billion by 2015 and by that time it is expected international sales will account for 90 percent of total group's sales.

Electrolux AB reported a record growth in its first-quarter sales, primarily driven by the acquisitions of CTI and Olympic Group and robust organic growth in Latin America.

Premier Foods reported a slight rise in its first-quarter sales and said its cost reduction and restructuring programme was on track.

High sugar prices, bargain-hunting consumers help lift AB Foods sales, shares.

Aquascutum's manufacturing plant in Corby has been closed by the administrators of the fashion brand leading to the loss of 115 jobs at the factory.

British Beer and Pub Association claims government was "wrong" with beer tax raise.

Department store group posts solid earnings, but says Olympics, Jubilee celebrations will hit second-half trading

Global brewer sees Latin America, Africa sales offset European slowdown

SABMiller Plc plans to revamp breweries with $2.5 billion investment in Africa as the group sees strong prospects for increasing its volumes, revenues and profitability.

Demand for luxury goods increasing in Asia and the US.

Tesco posted a rise in its underlying pre-tax profits of 1.6 percent to £3.9 billion and announced it will spend over £1 billion to make the UK shopping trip better for customers.

Falling sales in M&S's general merchandise were only just offset by increasing food sales at the upmarket British retailer.

Marks and Spencer has reported a drop in its UK like-for-like sales by 0.7 percent for the 13 weeks ended in March, but reported a growth in food sales by 1 percent. Analysts forecasted a rise of 0.4 - 1.6 percent.

Raincoat maker sees 18 percent pop in second half sales; investors book profits

Burberry Group says it remains focused on implementing its proven core strategies to attain long-term growth while continuing in the demanding macro environment. The group is scheduled to release its trading update for the six months ended March 31, 2012 on Tuesday.

March's warm weather might have helped Marks and Spencer as shoppers were encouraged to buy into spring clothing collections. While the older and wealthier customers are becoming more confident about their finances.

Swedish clothing retailer says poor comparative sales and good weather boosted March sales and warn of negative effect on April figures.

Federation of Small Businesses says smaller retail outlets under threat from Tesco expansion of local convenience stores.

John Lewis stores saw a 27.5 percent boost in Easter sales compared with the previous year.

Punch Taverns reported a fall of 20 percent in its profit before tax for the six months ending in March at £33 million compared to £41 million a year ago. But expects expects to reap benefits during the second half of the current year from the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, the UEFA European football championship and the Olympic Games.

International hypermarket chain sales hit €22.5bn (£18.5bn) as Latin America helps balance European decline.

Retailer to close 36 Mothercare and 75 Early Learning Centre sites in UK but international sales grow.

Wigan-based sports group hails “turnaround” as former CEO faces £1m fraud charges.

Halfords Group's shares dropped as much as 3.3 percent after disappointing trading update ahead of its full-year earnings.

Halfords Group expects its full-year gross margins to decline by 130 to 150 basis points. It says the expected decline is in line with market expectations although it is worse than the forecast at least 100 basis points given in November.The group is scheduled to release its pre-close trading update on Thursday.