Latin America News & Analysis

Both Casino and Carrefour have reported results this week for the fourth quarter of 2014. How did they compare in Latin America? Casino: Brazil helps drive growth in Q4 Casino's international division enjoyed total sales growth of 3.5%. While the retailer's Cnova subsidiary (which includes European and Asian markets) generated the strongest growth, at 19% in total and 22.2% in organic terms...

France-based Carrefour has announced fourth quarter results saying total sales under banners, including petrol, saw sales rise by 3.9% at constant exchange rates to €27.0 billion. The retailer saw positive organic growth in both France, where organic growth excluding petrol and calendar effects rose 1.0%, and in its international markets, where organic growth rose by 6.6%. France: growth again...

France-based Casino has announced fourth quarter results that showed total sales rise by 1.3% to €13.3 billion and organic sales up 3.1%. The retailer said that it had enjoyed a ‘ recovery in organic growth ’ in France, albeit its operations in the country reported a contraction of 0.4%, while ‘ maintaining a good level of organic growth internationally ’, where they rose by 5.6%. ’ Significan...

GPA said its multiformat structure and multichannel initiatives allowed it to get closer to more customers, in more "buying moments" during Q4 2014. A combination of new store openings (117) and same-store sales growth of just over 4% drove an increase in consolidated net sales for the fourth quarter. Multichannel gets GPA closer to more customers GPA said its multiformat structure and m...

Walmex has reported a 4.1% increase in consolidated sales for 2014, a year in which it opened 132 new stores overall. Comp sales fall in Mexico Total sales for Mexico in 2014 were up 3.4%, but comp sales decreased by 0.2%. Performance was better in Central American outlets, with sales up 7.4% at constant exchange rates, and comp store sales increasing 4.1%. In December, comp store sales in ...

Chile-based retail group Falabella has revealed plans to invest USD4.4bn over 2015-2018, over half of which will go on opening new stores and shopping centres across the group's six markets. Over 100 new stores in next four years Falabella closed 2014 with 440 stores, having opened 31 and acquired 30 from DIY operator Maestro. Across 2015-2018 it will open 140 new stores and 11 shopping cen...

As we embark upon a new year, we look at four innovative ways in which suppliers and retailers engaged with consumers in 2014, focusing on Brazil and Colombia.  Brazil - Unilever powers phones with shampoo As part of its campaign for a new haircare range, Unilever opened a recycling station in a São Paulo subway station. Passers-by could deposit an empty bottle of any brand of shampoo and r...

We showcase some of the favourite stores we have visited during 2014, what's great about them and what inspirations retailers and suppliers can take from them. Here, our analysts have chosen three discounters that are reinventing their offer for today's shoppers.  DIA Market, São Paulo, Brazil Chosen by: Catherine Ellwood, Business Analyst - Latin America What's great about this store...

We showcase some of the favourite stores we have visited during 2014, what's great about them and what inspirations retailers and suppliers can take from them. Here, our analysts have chosen five that show larger formats at their best. Morrisons, Crawley, UK Chosen by: Nick Gladding, Senior Retail Analyst - UK What's great about this store? Crawley is the first new build Morrisons...

Walmex has announced that Enrique Ostalé will add the position of president and CEO to his current role as chairman of the board, with effect from 1 January 2015. Will continue to oversee Latin American operations Mr Ostalé has effectively been carrying out this role since October when Walmex announced the retirement of Scot Rank. He has extensive experience, having been at Walmart since 20...