News

Retail and consumer goods industry news

12 March 2013
Musgrave's SuperValu  supermarket network, comprising independently owned stores across Ireland, has recorded total retail sales of €2.1bn for 2012, ahead of the overall rate of market growth. Focus on 'local' SuperValu's key point of difference continues to be the strength of the local affiliations stores are able to develop with their specific communities, supported by Musgrave .  In 201...
12 March 2013
Superdrug has announced plans to introduce Wi-Fi free of charge in its stores as part of its strategy to improve customer engagement. Interactive in-store The health and beauty retailer plans to roll out free internet access in all of its stores by the end of the year. Superdrug recognises customers are keen to keep up with trends and so providing free Wi-Fi offers an opportunity to pi...
12 March 2013
Following on from the company’s annual results statement, Ahold has set out elements of its strategy for its operations in the US. Initiatives to build on current foundations In the results call with analysts, Ahold chief executive, Dick Boer, said that in the US the company would focus on: Adding further pick up points Embed shoppers’ use of the retailer’s apps Have 40% private...
12 March 2013
South Africa-based Woolworths has announced plans to expand the range of products it carries at its supermarkets as part of a wider enhancement of the retailer’s stores. New initiatives to support on-going strategy The retailer said that it was looking to extend its ranges, add 2,000 new SKUs, offer more branded goods, invest in price and expand space in order to better meet the needs of its ...
12 March 2013
Coop Italia is divesting a number of Dico discount stores to Gruppo Tuo, a member of Despar Italia, according to local press reports. Store swap with Gruppo Tuo The move will involve a store swap and will see Coop Italia take on stores from Gruppo Tuo in return for those divested.  It is not yet definitively known how Coop Italia will brand these new stores.  Press reports suggest the m...
12 March 2013
Costco’s second quarter sales, for the 12 weeks to February 17, increased by 8.2% to $24.3bn, with comparable store sales (excluding the impact of fuel and currency), up 5%. Net income attributable to Costco increased by 38.8% to $547m. A resilient model despite economic headwinds Costco delivered a strong set of results for the quarter, despite the headwinds of higher payroll taxes and ...
12 March 2013
John Lewis has announced it is investing £2million trialling a new food concept at its Watford department store, offering John Lewis customers access to Waitrose products as they shop. Look and feel 'like a little Waitrose' The store will be managed by the John Lewis division, occupying 5,500 sq ft of space on the second floor which was previously used as back of house. The offer will look ...
12 March 2013
Sobeys’ third quarter sales, for the 13 weeks to February 2nd, increased by 8.8% to $4.3bn, with same-store sales up 1.2%. Adjusting for the impact of acquisitions, total sales increased by 2.6%. Investing its stores and distribution network Sobeys’ sales in the quarter were boosted by the acquisition of over 260 retail gas locations and related convenience stores which occurred in the fou...
12 March 2013
Auchan has opened its new fresh concept store, under the Arcimbo fascia, in Villeparisis, Seine-et-Marne, in the north-eastern suburbs of Paris. Fresh focus to complement Drive outlet This store located next to an Auchan Drive outlet, where it is hoped that its focus on fresh produce will complement the purchases of dry or bulk goods made by customers using the Drive service.  Auchan ...
12 March 2013
In a presentation to a retailing event in the country, the founder of Netherlands-based Jumbo, Karel van Eerd, said that the company’s aim was to drive turnover to €7 billion by 2017. Plans envisages doubling of sales through Jumbo stores In 2012 Jumbo branded stores generated sales of €3.2 billion, with sales growth boosted by the rebranding of C1000 stores to the Jumbo banner. The doublin...