News

Retail and consumer goods industry news

15 April 2013
What conditions make Asian markets so receptive to the online/offline model? Looking at how this trend has progressed, we focus on some key examples to sketch the shape that online/offline developments might take in the future. QR code walls – media stunt or innovative solution for busy shoppers? In 2011 Tesco launched the world’s first virtual store – a QR code shopping wall in a subw...
15 April 2013
Catalan retailer Bon Preu intends to open four new stores in Barcelona, Tarragona and Girona this year, continuing the momentum begun in 2012. Two supermarkets and two hypermarkets The retailer will open two supermarkets and two hypermarkets this year, beginning in June in Barcelona.  Stores will range from 1,150 sq m to around 5,000.  Maintains momentum from 2012 Bon Preu closed 2012...
15 April 2013
GPA has reported a gross sales increase of 9.7% in Q1 2013, vs Q1 2012, driven by same-store sales growth of 6.6% and 25 new store openings.   Same-store sales were highlight GPA drew out the same-store sales performance of Assaí, Minimercado Extra and Ponto Frio as an "outstanding" highlight of the quarter. Assaí and Minimercado Extra outperformed the group average, reaching double dig...
15 April 2013
Walmart has outlined two key commitments related to the procurement of renewable energy and reducing the energy intensity of it buildings by 2020, as part of its goal of being supplied 100% by renewable energy. Key milestones for its global sustainability initiative Unveiled at Walmart’s Global Sustainability Milestone Meeting, the retailer has committed to achieving the following by the en...
15 April 2013
99p stores has announced plans to open its first store in Scotland, in Ayr Central Shopping Centre. It will be 99p Stores' 230th store. Targeting new catchments 99p stores is already enjoying success in England and Wales, and it is now looking to establish a presence north of the border. The first Scottish store is set to open next month, with a further four stores planned in the followin...
12 April 2013
X5 has announced Q1 sales of RUR 126,296m representing an 8.1% year-on-year increase. Net sales up 8.1% X5 posted an 8.1% increase in Q1 net sales to RUR 126,296m. The 12.4% increase in selling space and 23.2% increase in the number of stores is being credited for this robust sales figure. However, like-for-like sales performance for the quarter is just 0.5%. Average basket spend increa...
12 April 2013
Kenya-based Uchumi has announced plans to enter the new markets of Rwanda and South Sudan during 2013. Retailer investigates opportunities for new stores and markets Uchumi’s chief executive, Jonathan Ciano, said that the retailer was planning to add six new stores, to its total of 27 as of April 2013 – in the next six months, while also looking for a chance to expand into Rwanda and South Su...
12 April 2013
Spinneys’ chief executive, Michael Wright, has told Arabian Business that the retailer is searching for opportunities to expand in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Retailer to add 10 stores in Saudi Arabia Wright said that the company was aiming to open 10 stores in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on Jeddah and Riyadh. He was quoted as saying: “ In Saudi Arabia, we’ve worked with the developer on projects...
12 April 2013
Rewe plans to open a standalone restaurant in Cologne this June, according to German press reports.  Will be called "Made by Rewe" According to Lebensmittel Zeitung, the 200 sq m outlet will serve foods such as pasta, pizza and salads, plus wine and soft drinks, to eat in and take away.  Rewe has reportedly been working with Mark Korzilius, founder of restaurant chain Vapiano, to develop...
12 April 2013
Coop Schweiz has announced a reorganisation of its sales regions and various management changes, the first of which will take effect in January 2014.  New sales regions and management changes As of 1 January 2014, Coop will be subdivided into the following sales regions: Suisse Romande; Bern; Nordwestschweiz/ Zentralschweiz-Zürich; and Ostschweiz-Ticino.  This will be accompanied by mana...