India news and analysis

Amazon has announced it is rolling out a new service, called Smart Stores, enabling customers to discover products at local stores in India, make payments, and earn rewards using Amazon Pay. Smart Stores With the launch of Smart Stores, customers in India can scan a QR code at participating stores using the Amazon app. These QR codes enable shoppers to access a digital storefront to learn m...

Netherlands-based SPAR International reported global sales growth of 4.35% to €37.1 bn (US $41.6 bn). The retailer stated its entry into two new markets, an additional 208 stores and the consistent expansion over the past four years has been a key growth driver, although the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has brought challenges. 2019 ‘has again delivered exceptional results’ Commenting o...

We review Walmart's first quarter results and its outlook as the business adapts to the new trading environment. Walmart's key numbers Walmart's total revenue in Q1 increased by 8.6% to $134.6bn Operating income increased 5.6% $5.2bn Sales in its US stores increased by 10.5% and by 9.6% at Sam’s Club US comp store sales increased by 10.0%, with average ticket up 16.5% while tran...

Reliance Retail added 1,533 stores last year, expanding its network to 11,784 across food, fashion and digital sectors. Total sales grew 24.8% The company’s pre-tax earnings grew 55.7% to INR96.5bn (US$1.3bn) year-on-year. March growth for the total company was the weakest due to the COVID-19 lockdown impact. However, grocery stores under the banners Reliance Fresh, Reliance Smart and Relia...

Facebook has invested US$5.7bn for a 9.99% stake in India’s Reliance Jio Platforms, while Amazon has launched ‘Local Shops on Amazon’. Connecting JioMart and WhatsApp Facebook’s investment may connect WhatsApp with JioMart , potentially allowing users to find local stores around them on WhatsApp, connect with store operators and place orders from within the instant messaging service. Lo...

India's FMCG businesses are partnering with the government to help up to 1m Kirana stores deliver safer shopping environments in the face of the Coronavirus pandemic. Ensuring minimum hygene and safety standards across Kirana stores As part of plans by the Union consumer affairs ministry, 12 FMCG companies including Nestle India, Britannia Industries, Marico, J&J, Dabur India, Tata Consumer...

Having previously announced it has temporarily stopped shipping non-essentials in Italy and France, Amazon has now rolled this out to India. The retailer will now focus on shipping the products customers need the most.   Limiting non-essential orders Earlier this week, Amazon temporarily stopped taking orders on non-essential products on its sites in Italy and France. The initiative has bee...

As authorities are encouraging people to stay at home, the demand for grocery home delivery is rising sharply. Growing online opportunities Since the beginning of the epidemic, online grocery retailers have seen a strong growth in their business: Big Basket: traffic and revenue doubled in less than two weeks. The average basket size increased by 20%. Many new users are placing ord...

Metro Cash & Carry will add 5 new stores in India this year. Partnerships with “kirana” stores The retailer will build partnerships with small family-owned stores known as "kirana" stores in Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Delhi. It will provide point-of-sale devices to owners to help them track daily sales, profits and order items from Metro online. The devices also allow the stores to trade usin...

Walmart has updated its forward-looking strategy. Here are 10 key facts to consider as you build your trading plans with the retailer. 1. Staying the course despite holiday sales miss The business remains confident in the long-term strategy and delivering growth despite the miss during the holidays. It was an isolated issue in toys, gaming and clothing. Activities are underway to fix this. ...