Retail and consumer goods industry news

German discounter Norma increased sales by 5.8% in 2012, to €2.6bn, according to local press reports. Momentum continuing despite economy These results follow increases of 3.7% in 2011 and 5.2% in 2010.  They are down to a strong focus on the food ranges and modernisation of the store network, according to German trade press reports. Norma has refreshed between 70 and 80 stores per year...

Two new initiatives have been launched in Carrefour's Chinese stores, appealing to shoppers' interest in fresh, healthy and safe foods. Putting local shoppers at the heart of the business Last week CEO Georges Plassat announced stable results for Carrefour's  operations in China and Taiwan. At the same time he stressed the importance of understanding local shoppers in order to compete wi...

India's Future Group is developing a cash and carry format in partnership with Hong Kong's Li & Fung Group, the Economic Times reports. Launch expected in the next three months The companies are already in partnership in logistics and supply chain under the subsidiary Future Supply Chain Solutions. It is expected that Li & Fung will hold a 26% stake in their latest joint venture, though a ...

Casino's partner in Thailand, Big C reported full year sales of 112.1bn baht, an increased 9.3% and a growth in net income of 15.9%. The retailer is exploring a dual strategy of accelerating expansion and offering a differentiated way to shop in order to maintain growth in an increasingly competitive market. Developing a multi-format portfolio Hypermarkets continue to be Big C's primary ...

The Competition Commission has announced its summary of provisional findings from its investigation into the acquisition of Makro by leading UK wholesaler, Booker.  These indicate that it has found no significant case against the deal on competition grounds, and therefore it is likely to recommend that Booker may proceed with integration without the need for disposals or other remedies. No lesseni...

If there’s one category which lends itself to adopting new technology very quickly, it has to be health & beauty. Whether it’s online or in-store, shoppers are rapidly taking to new digital applications. Pharmacies recognise patient benefits In pharmacies, patients can now get health and wellness advice in store, in the US, companies including CVS and Walgreens have developed apps for ...

Ocado has reported a gross sales increase of 14.4% for the 12 weeks to 24 February 2013. In more significant news, it has announced it is in discussions with Morrisons to license certain parts of its technology and operating knowledge for the purpose of Morrisons commencing online operations. Sales momentum continues into 2013 Ocado updated on Christmas trading mid-January and today's int...

Morrisons has announced a fall in LFL sales and lower underlying profits in a challenging year for the retailer as it looks to online and convenience to deliver faster growth. Headline numbers from 2012/13 Turnover up 3% to £18.1bn LFL sales (ex VAT, ex fuel) down 2.1% Underlying profit before tax down 4% to £901m LFL performance "not as good as it should have been" Commenting o...

Leading UK delivered wholesaler Palmer & Harvey and symbol group specialist Costcutter have announced the creation of a partnership to join forces in the supply and support of their combined affiliated store networks, forming a single symbol group with a total of some 2,500 stores. Costcutter to take on Mace franchise Under the agreement Costcutter , with its expertise in the development a...

Sonae has reported group EBITDA down 0.3% for the year ended December 2012, but growing recurrent EBITDA for its food retail business.  Increased efficiencies boosted market share Despite the difficult macroeconomic environment, and reduction in private consumption mentioned in its full year sales announcement , Sonae said it became more efficient in 2012 and gained market share.  Commen...