Grocery shopping is a hot issue right now in retail, so ask yourself, how often do you evince customer loyalty when shopping for groceries? According to a new research project undertaken by Shoppercentric, previous speculation about customer loyalty is now being flipped.

Retailers are turning their sights

Shoppercentric’s “WindowOn…Fragmented Shopper Repertoires,” demonstrates that on average, UK shoppers switch between five different retailers and three different channels to make purchases on monthly perishables like groceries. Loyalty, says the report, can no longer be assumed.

Danielle Pinnington, Managing Director at Shoppercentric, said that: “The big four grocery retailers are turning their sights from large format one-stop-shops to smaller c-store formats, yet panel research suggests that the convenience channel has actually lost share in the past five years. We decided to talk to shoppers directly and find out how they believe their habits are changing.”

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The appointment, which starts from July 17, follows Newton-Jones’ four-month interim stint in the role leading the maternity-to-nursery-equipment provider.

The hire reflects the importance of online and multichannel retailing to the company: Newton-Jones previously spent 10 years as chief executive of home shopping business Shop Direct [IRDX RSDG], during which it moved firmly towards online, launching brands including very.co.uk and isme.com. He also previously spent 18 years at Next [IRDX RNXT], with five years as director responsible for the Next Directory.

Alan Parker, Mothercare chairman, said he was delighted with the £600,000-a-year appointment.

“[Mark] has already made a substantial difference to the UK business already in the four months he has been with us and is a first-class retailer with a highly successful track record,” he said. “After a rigorous recruitment process, we have chosen a strong and experienced leader in Mark to drive the UK turnaround, and take Mothercare’s international business from strength to strength in order to deliver significant value for our shareholders.”

Mark Newton-Jones said: “I am very much looking forward to leading the Mothercare Group at such an important time in its development. Mothercare and Early Learning Centre are two iconic UK retail brands which have both developed into significant international businesses, serving parents and young children in 60 countries.

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