News

Retail and consumer goods industry news

02 May 2013
Richard Wallace and Laura May explore the areas of strength and weakness for manufacturers in eCommerce, examples of how retailers are investing in the online channel, key digital developments in Asia, and what the outlook is for online grocery... The online channel in 30 minutes... This half hour video will explore how to build capability in the online channel, how retailers are invest...
02 May 2013
Germany is the heartland of discount retailing and it remains the most popular format in the market, with multiple discounters operating successfully in the country. We recently visited several German cities to bring you the key developments within the channel. 1. Greater focus on health & beauty Across the discount channel a growing focus on the health & beauty (H&B) category was apparent....
02 May 2013
Metro Group has reported EBIT (before special items) of €14m, compared to €-8m in Q1 2012, due to earnings improvements at Real, Media-Saturn and other areas of the business.  Group sales down slightly Group sales for the period January to March were €15.5bn, a slight decrease of 0.9% vs. the previous year. This year included three fewer trading days, and the unseasonably cold weather af...
01 May 2013
Morrisons has launched a new 'Market Street Giveaway' prize draw in a move designed to draw attention to its craft skill strengths and appeal to households on tight budgets. Further highlighting Market Street Visitors answering a simple Market Street related question on the  Morrisons website can enter the draw which offers a weekly winner a £500 prize in Morrisons vouchers. Draws take place o...
01 May 2013
Lidl has announced plans to double the number of healthy tills in its UK stores following a successful trial since January, while in Netherlands it is running healthy eating workshops for children. Turnover 100% higher from healthy tills Lidl UK has trialled one healthy till per store since January. These tills replace 'treat' items such as crisps, popcorn and chocolate with products th...
01 May 2013
Ensuring product availability for the shopper is the ultimate aim of a successful supply chain for both retailers and suppliers. Our supply chain team recently talked with UK based industry leaders and posed the question, “What gets in the way of good on-shelf availability?” Promotions emerged as a dominant theme and an area where big improvements could be made. Promotions play a vital role ...
01 May 2013
Système U's online operator Telemarket has been placed into receivership, with a one-month observation period allowing it to seek buyers.  Was expected to drive growth in Paris region Système U had been trading online since 2008 via the site magasinsu.com.  It acquired Telemarket from Galeries Lafayette in 2011 and renamed it U-Telemarket. Based in Paris, the retailer expected the site...
01 May 2013
After a period of speculation about its long term presence in the market, Carrefour has announced that it has decided to reorganise the governance of its joint venture in Turkey, CarrefourSA. Carrefour to remain in the market Carrefour’s announcement will see its joint venture partner in the country, locally-based Sabanci Holding, acquire a further 12% of the capital of CarrefourSA, taking ...
30 April 2013
GPA has reported EBITDA up 11.2%, and +6.2% for the food business, in the first quarter of 2013. Improved sales mix helps margin The group has been restructuring GPA Food since late 2011, to make it leaner and simpler, and the continuing improvements have contributed to growth. A gross margin increase was put down to an improved sales mix, with customers trading up in fresh produce to hi...
30 April 2013
Waitrose has announced that it is to begin supplying on board food and drink on Eurostar train services. The partnership comes into immediate effect. Buffet Bar selection More than 20 Waitrose food and drink products will be available in standard class coaches on board the Anglo-French and Anglo-Belgian train services. The range includes hot and cold options from sandwiches, ready meals and s...