News

Retail and consumer goods industry news

25 July 2013
UAE-based LuLu has announced that it will open its 106th hypermarket in the region in Ibri, Oman. New store builds on retailer’s regional presence LuLu said that the new store will measure nearly 14,000 sq m, stock about 45,000 products and, as with its operations elsewhere, be supplied by local manufacturers. Discussing the company adding a store in Oman, its managing director, Yusuffali ...
25 July 2013
Best Buy, Canada’s fastest growing retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics, entertainment software and personal computers is to start selling beauty and healthcare products online. Expanding assortment Best Buy is synonymous for being one of Canada’s leading consumer electronics retailers, however, it has announced the launch of a lifestyle brand that targets female customers and is...
24 July 2013
@WalmartLabs has acquired Torbit, a technology company specialising in front-end optimisation. Its primary focus has been to develop measurement, analytics and performance improvement tools to help companies identify and enhance their overall site performance. Talent acquisition an important element of the deal Strategic acquisitions have been a key element of the growth and development str...
24 July 2013
The Co-operative has again strengthened its management team, with the appointment of former Tesco executive Michael Fletcher as the new trading director for its food business. A range of experience from Tesco Michael Fletcher is joining The Co-operative after 22 years at Tesco, where he held a variety of roles including commercial director for Tesco Malaysia and most recently commercia...
24 July 2013
Egypt-based Spinneys has announced that it is going to start operating a loyalty card in conjunction with Lebanon-based businesses. Tie up to reward shoppers Spinneys said that the first shoppers to enjoy the new benefits will be employees of Banque Libano-Française and LibanPost and enable them to collect 15 points for every LBP15,000 – about US$10 – rather than 10 points for the standard ca...
24 July 2013
Health and beauty retailer Superdrug has launched an online doctor service whereby doctors offer consultations and advice via the website. Confidential online consultations Partnering with general medical practice Health Bridge, Superdrug has launched the online service which offers consultation and advice from qualified doctors through the Superdrug Online Doctor website. The new online...
24 July 2013
Dixy, one of Russia’s leading grocery retailers, has announced strong growth in the first half of the year, for the period ending June 2013. Sales grew 23.3% in the first half Dixy have reported that sales increased to RUB 87.4 bn (US $2.8 bn) in the first half, representing 23.3% year-on-year growth. Like-for-like sales grew 4.2% in the half. The retailer opened 108 stores (net) over the...
24 July 2013
In separate developments, Ahold-owned subsidiaries in the Netherlands –Bol.com – and US – Peapod – have advanced their digital capabilities to offer shoppers new online solutions. Peapod to sell ‘Local Farm Boxes’ in US Peapod has announced that, in conjunction with Harvest Moon Farms, it is going to offer shoppers the chance to purchase ‘Local Farm Boxes’ as part of a Community Supported A...
24 July 2013
Finland’s Kesko Group saw first half sales decrease 4.4%, although the grocery division grew sales 1.8% in the period ending June 2013. Grocery sales rise 1.8% Kesko Group as a whole reported a decrease in sales of 4.2% to €4.6bn in the first half of 2013. The grocery division saw a 2.0% increase in sales to €2.1bn. The majority of this grocery growth was seen in the first quarter, where ...
24 July 2013
Loblaw’s second quarter total sales, for the 12 weeks to June 15, increased by 2.0% to $7.5bn, with net earnings up 14.1%. Retail sales increased by 1.9% over the period, with same-store sales up 1.1%. Improving performance reflects investments in pricing, fresh foods and category reviews These are a strong set of results from Loblaw , demonstrating the positive momentum which the company n...