Retail and consumer goods industry news

As part of an interview in Wirtschaftswoche, Rewe Group’s chief executive, Alain Caparros, has said that the retailer is looking to invest in online businesses. Retailer to invest in start-ups Caparros said that the retailer had been slow to invest in online operations and that ‘as a stationary-orientated retailer, perhaps we lack the DNA for an e-commerce business’. In order to change this...

Premium Italian food retailer Eataly has partnered with 360 Capital Partners to launch 'Eataly Net' - an international e-commerce distribution venture. Aim is to achieve "worldwide dominance" Eataly has a majority interest of 60% in the venture, called www.eataly.net , with 30% in the hands of 360 Capital Partners and 10% with the CEO and co-founder of Eataly, Franco Denari.  The "ultim...

Celesio UK (owners of Lloydspharmacy) has announced the appointment of a new director to strengthen the UK management team. As part of the European Pharmacy Network (ENP) programme, a third concept store has been opened in Scotland. UK management team reorganised The new marketing and sales director is Nigel Swift, who will also be responsible for a number of other directors within the busines...

Following the opening of Aldi's new small format store in Kilburn, North West London, we take a look at Aldi's first foray into convenience retailing. 'Lunch for Less' A well constructed food-to-go section greets customers as they enter the store with the 'Lunch for less' theme, a clear example of how Aldi is making this store relevant to convenience shopper missions. Marketing highlight...

Sainsbury's has announced that it is to be the title sponsor of the Sainsbury's Summer Series. The three world athletics events will culminate in the Sainsbury's Anniversary Games to celebrate the first anniversary of the start of the London 2012 Olympics. Rekindling the spirit of 2012 The partnership will see Sainsbury's sponsor two IAAF Diamond League events, the final of the IPC Grand Pri...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...