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Retail and consumer goods industry news

14 March 2013
Casino's partner in Thailand, Big C reported full year sales of 112.1bn baht, an increased 9.3% and a growth in net income of 15.9%. The retailer is exploring a dual strategy of accelerating expansion and offering a differentiated way to shop in order to maintain growth in an increasingly competitive market. Developing a multi-format portfolio Hypermarkets continue to be Big C's primary ...
14 March 2013
The Competition Commission has announced its summary of provisional findings from its investigation into the acquisition of Makro by leading UK wholesaler, Booker.  These indicate that it has found no significant case against the deal on competition grounds, and therefore it is likely to recommend that Booker may proceed with integration without the need for disposals or other remedies. No lesseni...
14 March 2013
If there’s one category which lends itself to adopting new technology very quickly, it has to be health & beauty. Whether it’s online or in-store, shoppers are rapidly taking to new digital applications. Pharmacies recognise patient benefits In pharmacies, patients can now get health and wellness advice in store, in the US, companies including CVS and Walgreens have developed apps for ...
14 March 2013
Ocado has reported a gross sales increase of 14.4% for the 12 weeks to 24 February 2013. In more significant news, it has announced it is in discussions with Morrisons to license certain parts of its technology and operating knowledge for the purpose of Morrisons commencing online operations. Sales momentum continues into 2013 Ocado updated on Christmas trading mid-January and today's int...
14 March 2013
Morrisons has announced a fall in LFL sales and lower underlying profits in a challenging year for the retailer as it looks to online and convenience to deliver faster growth. Headline numbers from 2012/13 Turnover up 3% to £18.1bn LFL sales (ex VAT, ex fuel) down 2.1% Underlying profit before tax down 4% to £901m LFL performance "not as good as it should have been" Commenting o...
14 March 2013
Leading UK delivered wholesaler Palmer & Harvey and symbol group specialist Costcutter have announced the creation of a partnership to join forces in the supply and support of their combined affiliated store networks, forming a single symbol group with a total of some 2,500 stores. Costcutter to take on Mace franchise Under the agreement Costcutter , with its expertise in the development a...
14 March 2013
Sonae has reported group EBITDA down 0.3% for the year ended December 2012, but growing recurrent EBITDA for its food retail business.  Increased efficiencies boosted market share Despite the difficult macroeconomic environment, and reduction in private consumption mentioned in its full year sales announcement , Sonae said it became more efficient in 2012 and gained market share.  Commen...
14 March 2013
X5 Retail Group intends to increase sales by 11% in 2013. 11% is realistic, says Ducharme The group CEO, Stephan DuCharme, announced today that the Russian retailer is expecting an increase of 11% in sales this year and believes that, following on from 8% growth in 2012, this expectation is realistic. Organic growth Although sales growth has struggled somewhat following a strategy...
14 March 2013
Following the release of its 2012/13 results, we assess Morrisons strategic priorities for the year ahead and what they mean for suppliers. Promotional innovation at the heart of refocused marketing strategy Under new group marketing director Nick Collard, a new approach is already evident with the signing of Ant and Dec to front Morrisons new campaign to highlight its provenance and craft ...
14 March 2013
Spanish discounter DIA has launched its loyalty programme, ClubDIA, in China today. Will be in all Shanghai stores by end June DIA began testing its loyalty scheme in selected Shanghai stores in December 2012.  ClubDIA will be gradually rolled out to all stores in the city by the end of June.  Customers can find out more at www.diatiantian.com .  Key features of the scheme The pr...