Europe news & analysis

Casino has reported Q4 2012 sales of €12,856m, up 35% on a total basis following the full consolidation of Latin American operations and up 3% on an organic basis. While international sales grew by 76% during the quarter, domestic sales declined 3% as household consumption lagged. For a detailed sales breakdown click here . French hypermarkets down more than 10% Net sales in France declin...

Major UK wholesaler, Bestway has revealed its financial performance figures for the year to 30 June 2012, with overall group sales surpassing £2.5bn for the first time.  Within that, its key UK wholesaling division saw turnover increase by 5.7% reaching £2.3bn.  Wholesaling profitability was down slightly to £58.2m, impacted by costs for the integration of acquired businesses and the set up of new...

Austria's Pfeiffer Group wants to increase its holding in the retailer Zielpunkt, to become the majority owner, according to press reports. Wants to be majority owner in three years Pfeiffer Group currently owns 24.9% of Zielpunkt, but wants to take over the remaining shares within three years, according to comments made by CEO Erich Schönleitner to local press.  The immediate focus however...

FreshDirect is to expand its service from Centre City Philadelphia to the Greater Philadelphia area suburbs ahead of schedule, following the successful launch of its service in the city last year. Attracted 50% more customers than planned Having been focused on the New York Metro area for the last ten years, FreshDirect launched in Philadelphia last October. Originally the online retailer ...

The Co-operative Group has reported encouraging Christmas and New year trading in its food business for the three weeks ending 5th January, with performance driven by a strong like-for-like growth from its convenience estate. Targeted promotions and new brand advertising drive sales Over the three week period, The Co-operative food saw total sales rise 2.4% and by 2.2% on a LFL basis.  Ke...

Swiss discounter Denner has revealed its third consecutive year of growth, with net sales for 2012 up 1.8%. CEO: 'we have chosen the right strategy' Growth taking into account inflation of 1.5%, was 3.3%.  Denner Wineshop, the online sales channel dedicated to wine, saw sales up 44%.  CEO Mario Irminger said: "Denner has evolved in a remarkable way over the past three years, proving ...

Walmart is to buy an additional $50bn in US products over the next ten years for its domestic operations. Looking to bring production back to the US Walmart's initiative to support US manufacturing will be driven through increasing sourcing for products which are already bought in the US, including sporting goods, storage products and paper products, and by helping to onshore US producti...

Boots Retail (Ireland) Ltd has announced sales and profit increases despite the tough economic climate. Business expands in 2012 Boots , Ireland's largest health and beauty retailer, recorded an increase in sales and profits for the period ending 31st March 2012. Pre-tax profits were up by +11% to €17.8 million, whilst retail sales were up by 3.2% to €275 million. The increase in pro...

For the six trading weeks to 06 January 2013 Ocado has reported 14.2% gross sales growth to £91.6m, while gross sales in the seven days to Christmas were up 17% to £21.8m. Customer orders increased 11.4% and the average number of orders per week was 140,000. Solid but relatively modest growth Trading against the relatively tough partial comparatives of last year, where sales rose 16.0% to...

Kantar has issued a special six-week Christmas release of its Worldpanel market share data.  Offering specific detail on relative performances in the grocery sector in the key festive trading period, this provides a useful counterpoint to corporate statements.  The figures issued for the period to 6th January 2013 shows market growth accelerated  modestly to 3.8%, though the fortunes of retailers...