Media Commentary 2017

This page provides a listing of, and links to, some of the media commentary produced by members of the Institute for Retail Studies on various retail related topics.

October 2017

Junk food deals to be outlawed – comments by Leigh Sparks on Obesity and Cancer Awareness Week and University of Stirling report for FSS on retailing, diet and health, Daily Mail, 11th October

September 2017

Towns need space to nurture and flourish – column by Leigh Sparks, Vision Scotland, Scotsman, 28th September

What’s next for Scotland’s town centres – includes reference to work by Leigh Sparks and Local Data Company, Scotsman, 28th September

Why Argos’s actions in Scotland could mean the end of bulky shopping catalogues – comments by Leigh Sparks, Herald, 7th Sept

August 2017

Why Amazon is in its Prime – comment column by Leigh Sparks, Sunday Post, 6th August (pdf here).

July 2017

Town centre investment – interview with Leigh Sparks on Cumbrian town centre investments, BBC radio Cumbria, 24th July

Challenge and hope with the changing face of retail areas – column by Leigh Sparks, Sunday Herald 23rd July, Supplement

Sector wars: can mid-market retailers survive without change? Retail Gazette, 7th July, Comments by Leigh Sparks on recession, fashion and luxury/value.

FSS puts retailers in regulation spotlight – continuing coverage of our FSS Report, Scottish Grocer, 3 July.

June 2017

Retail market share figures – discussion by Leigh Sparks, BBC Radio Scotland, 27th June

Avocados to be marked by laser to reduce labelling – comments by Leigh Sparks, Scotsman, 20th June

Retail revolution needed to tackle obesity – coverage of our report for FSS on Retailing ans the Scottish Diet. STV News ; BBC News;  The Herald; Food Navigator ; The Courier; Press and Journal; Hospitality and Catering News; Institute of Food Science and Technology; Central FM; Kingdom FM; Health Medicine Network; Holyrood Magazine; Food Manufacture; Medical XPress; Food & Drink Technology, Aberdeen Evening Express and widespread coverage in local media outlets. 16-20th June.

May 2017

Scots products rampant whatever the wrapper says – comment by Leigh Sparks on demand for Scottish products in UK, Scotland on Sunday, 21st May (pdf here)

Let’s be clear: water should be free – comments by Leigh Sparks on charging for water in restaurants, Scotsman, 13th May

Morrisons and WH Smith are UK’s least loved stores – comments by Leigh Sparks on recent Which survey results, Scotsman, 13th May

The (unpopular) rise of self checkouts and how to fix them – BBC Future report, including comments by Leigh Sparks, 10th May. See http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170509-the-unpopular-rise-of-self-checkouts-and-how-to-fix-them?ocid=ww.social.link.twitter

Insight: Gourmet meals on bicycle wheels – comments on the home delivery of food by Leigh Sparks, Scotland on Sunday, 7th May (PDF – Scotland on Sunday – On your bike)

How do we save Sauchiehall Street? – comments by Leigh Sparks, Herald, 6th May. (PDF The Herald Magazine – How do we solve a problem like Sauchiehall Street)

April 2017

Why we are back in love with Morrisons – comments by Leigh Sparks, The Sunday Post, 9th April

Retail shops closure and town centres  – interview with Leigh Sparks on STV Scotland News, 7th April

Quarter of shops could close, retail bosses warn – comment by Leigh Sparks, The Times (Scotland), 7th April

March 2017

Sir Shifty’s just playing games with us – comments by Leigh Sparks on the continuing fall out from collapse of BHS and pension issues, Sunday Mail, 5th March

February 2017

You favourite supermarket explored – discussion by Leigh Sparks on BBC Scotland Good Morning Scotland, 16th February

January 2017

Own-brands will compete for culinary ‘Oscars’ – comments by Leigh Sparks on retail own brands in food, The Times (Scotland), 30th January