UK round-up: results, loyalty & range refreshes

In this instalment, our UK analysts offer their take on some of the market’s latest developments and initiatives for the week commencing 29 September 2025. Here's what you need to know about:

• Co-op hit by cyber disruption in H1

• Morrisons invests in franchise stores with ‘Spend-Stretch’ loyalty promotion

• New loyalty app for motorway service areas

• Iceland rolling out industry first same day in-store scheduled delivery

• Waitrose and Tesco refresh their organic ranges

• Home Bargains introduces automated pricing

Co-op hit by cyber disruption in H1 

Major national convenience retailer, Co-op has reported financial results for the first half of 2025, showing retail sales down 1.6% following the cyber-attack targeted at the business in May.  Excluding the impact of the disruption to its operations Co-op estimates its retail sales rose by 2.9%.  Other trade channels were also impacted by the disruption to operating systems, with sales at Co-op Wholesale (Nisa) falling by 3.9% (-1.9% excluding the ‘cyber impact’), meanwhile sales to FRTS (Federal Retail Trading Services) members were down 5.1%. 

IGD Insight Partner, Patrick Mitchell-Fox’s view:

While the cyber-attack has had a significant impact on Co-op's ability to operate normally, it has now been wholly contained, though the effects continue to resonate through the business in H2.  In the longer term the business is focusing on ensuring greater security and resilience.  In addition, Co-op is using its recovery as a platform to restructure its wider business with the creation of the Commercial & Logistics function (lead by Matt Hood) to drive future growth opportunities. 

Morrisons invests in franchise stores with ‘Spend-Stretch’ loyalty promotion 

Morrisons has revealed plans for an exclusive More Card loyalty promotion in its franchised Morrisons Daily convenience stores. From 8 October, More Card members who spend £15 or more in stores will receive an additional 1,500 More Card Points. More Card members earn a £5 Morrisons voucher for every 5,000 points earned. Morrisons is also strengthening the appeal of franchise stores with the addition of 200 new private label lines over the next five weeks, more than half of which will be fresh products. 

IGD Senior Insight Analyst, Alex Rowberry‘s view:

Morrisons has spent the past 12 months building up its loyalty offer in its convenience stores, having identified the channel as a key prospect for growth. With around 700 of its 1,700 Daily stores operating as franchises, this latest development will ensure shoppers feel the benefit of their More Card across its store estate. It will also act as an additional draw for retailers considering becoming a franchise partner, which will be crucial if Morrisons is to achieve its target of 400 additional convenience stores by the end of 2026. 

New loyalty app for motorway service areas

i-media, the operator of digital media screens at motorway service areas (MSAs), has launched a loyalty app for MSA users. Pitstop is positioned as ‘the motorway rewards app’ and includes locations operated by Roadchef, moto, Extra and Welcome Break. The app gives users points for each MSA visit, with ANPR being used to recognise the member’s vehicle. Points can also be earned via rating MSAs or introducing friends to the app. The loyalty scheme offers members discounts on purchases such as AA membership and Gousto meal kit services; enables members to exchange points for prize draw entries; and offers free or discounted products from MSA brands including WH Smith, Chozen Noodle, Leon, Costa and Coco di Mama.   

IGD Retail Futures Senior Partner Bryan Roberts’ view:

As we noted in our report on Next Level Loyalty, there is a resilience around coalition loyalty schemes and we admire how i-media has brought together four competing MSA operators to create a cohesive loyalty app that rewards frequency and brand interaction. The app is being marketed well at MSA sites although there appears to be more scope to add to the richness and variety of rewards and discounts on offer over time.

Iceland rolling out industry first in-store same day scheduled delivery 

Iceland has become the first UK grocery retailer to offer shoppers same-day scheduled grocery deliveries. Following a successful trial in nine stores, the scheme will be rolled out to a further 120 stores in partnership with last-mile delivery specialist Stuart. Shoppers will be able to shop in-store from Iceland’s full range of products before booking a two-hour delivery window for later the same day.  

IGD Senior Insight Analyst, Alex Rowberry‘s view:

Iceland’s latest move in the online channel, removing the hassle of getting a large amount of items home from its stores, should resonate well with shoppers. Continuing the partnership with last-mile specialist, Stuart, rather than taking on the task of delivery itself, should provide a greater chance to achieving a profitable service, combining the retailer’s range of products and locations with the last-mile know-how of Stuart. 

Waitrose and Tesco refresh their organic ranges 

Waitrose has revamped its Duchy Organic line, the UK's largest organic supermarket brand. The relaunch includes an overhaul of its branding and the addition of 24 new products including Wholewheat Tortiglioni, Milano Salami and Aged Red Leicester. To support the relaunch Waitrose is currently offering 20% of all Duchy Organic products. In total there are over 250 products in the range and every year sales from the brand contribute to an estimated £3m to the King Charles III Charitable Fund. In parallel, Tesco has expanded and refreshed the branding of its organic range this week too. 

IGD Insight Manager, Sneha Haria‘s view:

This move by major retailers to renew and expand their ethical ranges directly aligns with the trend we identified in our global private label trends report, which we termed Responsible Shopping. Consumers are now actively seeking out private label products that validate their commitment to health, welfare, and the environment, making this investment in organic and sustainable private label not just ethical, but essential for market share growth. 

Home Bargains introduces automated pricing

In partnership with Retail Insight, the variety discounter Home Bargains is introducing a new markdown process, replacing the previous handwritten labels. This will not only provide them with a solution that is data-driven, but will also free up store staff time to focus on other essential tasks. The change comes following a trial at 20 locations which began earlier this year. 

IGD Senior Insight Analyst’s Michela Pearson’s view:

With efficiency at the core of their business, variety discounters are constantly looking for ways to bring time-savings into stores for staff and shoppers alike. Making pricing simpler and automated reduces waste and increases volume sell-through, creating a win-win situation.