Canada news

As Target updates on its third quarter performance, we look at how its Canadian operations performed. Quick take: our view It is clear that under the leadership of new CEO, Brian Cornell, the total business has been re-energised and is moving much quicker to implement some quick wins as it enters the critical holiday season. Fixing Canada remains a priority, although its US operations are ...

Metro’s fourth quarter sales increased by 3.9% to $2.7bn, with same-store sales up 3.1%. Net earnings increased by 6.2% on an adjusted basis. For the full year, the retailer’s sales increased by 1.7% to $11.6bn, with same-store sales up 1.1%. Investing in pricing to drive stronger traffic This was a solid quarter for Metro which saw strong sales across all of its banners. The retailer s...

While Walmart's improving US performance  dominates the headlines, we take a look at the wider performance of the business in Q3. The results: our quick take Having issued new guidance last month, downgrading sales growth to 2% to 3% for the full year, the results were broadly in line with expectations. Under the leadership of Doug McMillon, the retailer’s President & CEO since February t...

Amazon is reportedly set to test drones in the UK and today launched a dedicated amazon.nl site for the Netherlands. Meanwhile, same day delivery recently launched in Canada. Amazon.nl goes live Following long-standing rumours of a Netherlands launch, Amazon has gone live with with a Kindle store, which is similar to Amazon’s local language operations in Brazil and Russia. The site has laun...

As Loblaw reports a solid set of results for the third quarter, we take a look at the progress which it is making against its strategic priorities. Integrating Shoppers Drug Mart During the quarter, Loblaw realised almost $44m of net synergies associated with the acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart during the latest quarter, primarily in the cost of goods sold. It remains on track to achieve ...

Following Whole Foods Market’s full year results , we take a fresh look at its growth platforms for the year ahead. Portfolio growth - The retailer continues to see demand for 1,200 stores in the US, and is expected to cross the 500-store mark in 2017 Store re-models - Over the next year it will re-fresh 70% of its stores which are over 10 years old, from minor décor treatments ...

We recently attended Walmart’s annual meeting for the investment community, providing us with an opportunity to hear directly from the retailer’s senior leadership on plans for the year ahead. Doug McMillon, Walmart’s President & CEO, outlined how the company had adopted a new ‘enterprise approach’ in developing its strategy. “We’ve taken a fresh look at where we want to play – what businesse...

As Whole Foods Market reported its fourth quarter and full year results, we highlight five key takeaways. The retailer is committed to its value enhancing strategy Whole Foods Market will continue to invest in pricing, promotions and private brands to build strong value perceptions with its customers. While sales have been under pressure as it has continued to lower its...

While grocery ecommerce has seen spectacular growth in many parts of Europe, it is on the verge of becoming a key route to market in North America. With retailers pushing hard to build a presence in the channel, we've identified five key drivers that suggest things are about to take off in the region: Walmart’s scale to shift the channel New technologies reducing entry barriers Acqu...

Loblaw has launched a test of Click and Collect for groceries as part of its ecommerce development strategy. A developing channel that is attracting increasing retailer interest The store in Richmond Hill is the first of three which will launch this year in the Toronto area. The retailer has taken a number of learnings and best-practices from Europe in developing its proposition. Customers...