News

Retail and consumer goods industry news

28 May 2013
Soon after purchasing Carrefour’s stake in its joint venture, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has announced plans to invest up to US$1 billion in 2013 to expand its presence across the region. Outlay to fund expansion in Middle East Iyad Malas, Majid Al Futtaim’s chief executive, was quoted by Reuters as saying: “ Our capital investments could be anywhere between $600 million and $1 billion this ...
28 May 2013
Kenya-based Nakumatt has stated it will invest nearly KES1.4 billion (€12.5 million) to expand its store base. Retailer remains ‘optimistic’ about retail’s growth The company’s managing director, Atul Shah, said that Nakumatt is ‘ optimistic that the retail sector will this year make a very significant contribution to the economy largely due to the prevailing growth oriented economic environm...
28 May 2013
Chilean retailer Unimarc is to stock more than 40 Waitrose products in 100 of its stores, according to reports. Meeting demand for more cosmopolitan flavours The products will reportedly include "favourites" such as tea, biscuits and pasta. Waitrose business-to-business director, David Morton, was quoted: "South America, in particular Chile, has a growing economy and we were approached by...
28 May 2013
Caprabo has reported a 4.5% fall in sales for 2012, to €1,418m, mainly influenced by the contraction in consumption. Cataluña worst hit by fall in consumption Caprabo said its main strategic market, Cataluña, was particularly badly hit. Consumption in the community fell by 3.5% compared to 2.4% in Spain overall.  Price investment hits profits Operating profit was flat compared to pr...
28 May 2013
Grupo Wong, Cencosud's Peruvian business, has reported online sales up 15% for the period January to March 2013. Launches click & collect Grupo Wong is also launching click & collect , allowing customers to order by phone or online and collect in a store of their choice. It is operating in seven locations. Grupo Wong says it is the first retailer in Peru to introduce this service. ...
28 May 2013
Rewe has revealed plans, according to reports in Piata magazine, to invest €58 million in its operations in Romania in 2013 and a further €50 million in 2014. Investment to fund store growth According to the reports, which quoted Rewe Romania’s chief financial officer Daniel Gross, the investment would mainly be spent on the expansion of the retailer’s store network and the modernisation of...
28 May 2013
Chilean retailer Falabella has announced the acquisition of a 50.1% share in Construdecor SA, which operates Dicico DIY stores in Brazil. Transaction should complete by 30 June Construdecor operates 57 DIY stores in the state of São Paulo, and reported a turnover of around BRL789m at the end of 2012. The transaction should close at the end of June.  Will be Falabella's fifth market ...
28 May 2013
Premium chocolatier Hotel Chocolat has confirmed that it is in talks with private equity groups over the potential sale of a minority stake. Stake sale to facilitate expansion According to press reports the retailer has hired PwC to evaluate "unsolicited approaches". Hotel Chocolat said: “Current discussions may lead to the investment of a minority stake in the business, to assist with the nex...
28 May 2013
Under the retailer's new value where it aims to 'use its scale for good', Tesco has committed to helping its colleagues and customers live healthier lives, with Clubcard tipped to play a key role. Duty to help people make healthier choices As one of the biggest food providers in the world, Tesco believes it has a duty to help customers and their families achieve the behaviour change neede...
27 May 2013
Asda has refreshed its online homepage and launched a tablet-optimised site as the latest moves in its goal to be a world class dotcom business. Enhanced its online presence Asda's homepage has been redesigned and now features more simple signposting, making it easier for users to navigate to its three main sites: grocery, George clothing and non-food. Asda has also introduced a new si...