Retail and consumer goods industry news

Norwegian retail group, Reitangruppen has reported stellar performance in 2012, increasing sales by NOK8bn to a total of NOK71.7bn. Solid performance across all divisions All four divisions of the group saw sales rise, with a strong performance at  discount banner Rema 1000. Sales rose 11.6% across Rema, with Denmark delivering the strongest performance, up by 19.5% year on year. CEO of ...

The Midlands Co-operative has announced plans to roll out contactless payments across its estate Use of technology in convenience stores As part of a point of sale upgrade the retailer is undertaking in its 253 stores, it will soon be able to offer contactless payments on transactions of less than £20. With technology playing an ever increasing role in convenience stores, this move will a...

Discount retailer, B&M Bargains, has released double-digit growth in both sales and profits for 2012. Exceptional growth B&M Bargains posted an increase of 31.5% to £937.2m in the full year to 31 December 2012, while Pre-tax profits grew by 43% to £90.6m. It also extended its portfolio from 271 to a reported 324 in the same period. B&M has consistently outperformed the market with sales ...

In a speech to the World Retail Congress in Singapore, Tesco CEO Philip Clarke has outlined how the industry needs to 're-tool' for the 21st century to adapt to fundamental changes in the way people shop. Building on last year's Congress, when he discussed how shopping behaviour is changing, the Tesco CEO highlighted three areas where he believes the industry needs to make profound changes...

Waitrose is to offer a range of 6,000 gardening products through a revamped store offer and new online partnership, building on the success of its fresh cut flowers and bouquets range, Blossom and Bloom. New gardening and floristry range The almost 1,000 SKU strong Waitrose Flower Garden range will include a comprehensive range of plants, flowers, bulbs and seeds as well as tools and garden c...

Sainsbury's has revealed very strong Q4 trading for the 10 weeks to 16 March 2013, lifted by strong seasonal events (such as Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and support for Comic Relief), and a positive customer response to investments in own brand, multichannel and general merchandise. Key results at a glance Total sales up 6.3% (excluding fuel, inc. VAT) in Q4, making it the strongest q...

Walmart de México y Centroamérica is to invest USD30m in Nicaragua in 2013, which will be directed at new store openings. Maintaining levels of investment According to local press reports, the retailer will invest in seven new outlets in Nicaragua, to add to its existing portfolio of discount stores and supermarkets.  Corporate affairs manager Eduardo García said the rate of openings would ...

In advance of releasing its full year results later this week, Metro Group has announced Frans Muller, CEO of Metro Cash & Carry, is to leave the business. Simplifying top mananagement In a change to organisational structure, the business's supervisory board has taken the decision to consolidate the positions of CEO of Metro Group and CEO of the Cash & Carry division. As a result...

China's Sun Art Retail Group has reported turnover up 14.3% for the year ended 31 December 2012, and same store sales growth of 3.3%. New stores driving growth Sun Art Retail opened 43 stores across China during the year, of which nine were under the RT Mart fascia and 34 under Auchan.  The majority were in eastern China (12), followed by 10 each in central and southern China, four each in ...

Retailer Martin McColl is to open 150 new convenience stores over the next two years A growing force in convenience  Martin McColl has announced a debt refinancing deal worth £126.5 million which will help it add 150 new convenience stores to its estate. The retailer has 1,260 stores, of which over 650 are branded as convenience. Over the last seven years Martin McColl has doubled the numb...