Retail and consumer goods industry news

Mercadona has announced its intention to enter the Basque Country, opening its first store in late 2014 or early 2015. Strategic plan involves commitment to 25 stores Mercadona has submitted a strategic plan which will see it invest more than €50m, over the next six years, to open 25 stores in the autonomous community and create 1,000 jobs.  Mercadona will also commit to purchase at leas...

Following a successful trial in Northern Ireland, Tesco is to roll out a voucher-at-till price matching initiative across the UK next Monday as part of a major push to strengthen its value credentials, according to press reports. Comparison with major rivals An extension of the retailer's existing online Price Promise scheme, the new scheme will instantly compare prices to those offered by A...

Supervalu has announced a number of senior leadership changes following its plans to divest five retail banners and almost 900 stores to AB Acquisition LLC. IGD’s view: moving quickly to fix the business With the divestment expected to be completed week commencing March 18th, Sam Duncan, Supervalu’s recently appointed president and chief executive officer, is moving quickly to establish hi...

Poundland is building a new distribution centre in Harlow to support its rapid expansion. Investing in supply chain The new 350,000 sq ft distribution centre, costing £40m, will operate as  Poundland's main distribution centre for the south east of the UK and has the capacity to serve up to 200 stores. The new centre is planned to be fully operational by 2014. Rapid expansion Poun...

Mexican retail group Controladora Comercial Mexicana (CCM) has reported net sales growth of 5.3% for 2012. Mexico City and metropolitan areas achieved best performance CCM said it saw solid increases in sales across all formats, especially supermarkets, as well as a better performance in the central and Mexico City  metropolitan areas; this was also the case in the fourth quarter.  Operat...

Leading Chilean retailer Cencosud has reported consolidated revenue growth of 20% for the full year 2012, mainly driven by over 150 new stores. Double-digit increase in operating profit The new stores included 31 supermarkets acquired from Prezunic and 39 department stores from Johnson.  Along with one month's worth of consolidation in Colombian supermarkets, and positive same store sales ...

Discount retailer Poundworld, has revealed that its Discount Wholesale operation has seen a massive rise in sales since going online. Impressive sales growth Since last year, the Discount Wholesale business has seen an uplift of 400%, following the launch of the website (www.discountwholesale.co.uk) in May 2012. The website offers over 2,000 products, targeting independent retailers, cove...

Publix’s fourth quarter sales, adjusted due to a 53-week year in 2011, increased by 3.4%, with comparable store sales up 1.2%. Adjusted total sales for the full year increased by 3.8% to $27.5bn, with comparable-store sales up 2.2%. Value focus enhanced through digital coupons While Publix delivered a solid performance in 2012, driven by its differentiated stores and product offer, the ...

Nisa Retail has announced a £100 million refinancing package to help continue its growth strategy and further develop its offer for members. Extending activities throughout the UK Nisa members trade approximately 3,750 stores throughout the UK , with Nisa Retail's turnover growing 50% over the last 5 years to £1.5 billion. The funding made available by Barclays will be used to extend Nisa's...

Waitrose has announced that it intends to add 400 lines to its entry level essential Waitrose range in 2013. Enhancing choice for value conscious shoppers The move will see the entry level range that was launched in March 2009 expanded to 2,200 lines, with new products introduced to both existing categories and to new areas of non-food. In total 700 lines will be new or improved in 2013. Val...