Retail and consumer goods industry news

ICA reports mixed results across markets, but delivered healthy growth and a strong profit performance in 2012. "A successful year" Full year sales totalled SEK 96.9m, up 1.8% on 2011, +4.2% at constant exchange rates and adjusted for the divestment of ICA Maxi stores in Norway . It also delivered strong operating profit performance of SEK 192m, growth of 11.9%. Commenting on the results,...

Whole Foods Market’s first quarter sales, for the 16 weeks to January 20, increased by 13.7%, with comparable store sales up 7.2%. Net income over the period increased by 24.3%. Strong performance although growth rates ease slightly Whole Foods Market has delivered another quarter of strong sales and earnings growth, extending its industry leading performance of the last two years.  The re...

Latest figures released by Nielsen indicate that the aggregate sales for UK supermarkets grew by 2.2% in the four weeks to 2nd February. This  marked a slowdown from the Christmas period when sales rose by 3.7%. Volumes flat Nielsen reports that unit sales in the latest four week period were unchanged (versus +0.5% in the previous period), reflecting the continuing cautious mood of UK ...

Meier is investing $160m in its store estate this year, with plans to open six new supercentres and complete five major store remodels. New flagship to test future concepts Meijer’s plans this year will also include the construction of a new flagship store. The retailer will be remodeling its Knapp’s Corner store in Grand Rapids to test some new elements that could form the basis of futur...

.style1 { border-width: 0px; } Waitrose has announced it intends to double its estate of inner London convenience stores over the next year. 10 openings targeted The move will involve the opening of 10 stores during 2013 and represents the largest numbers of stores the business has ever opened in inner London in a year. Waitrose also intends to open 10 supermarkets this year. Locati...

Tesco is aiming to become the first UK retailer to use virtual reality technology to plan its categories, which should lead to better  in-store efficiencies and more effective and flexible ranging in its formats. .style1 { text-align: center; } New software will introduce faster and more reactive category planning Tesco has been working with technology company Red Dot Square for the las...

Aeon continues its rapid Asian expansion, announcing plans to open malls and stores in the thriving Indonesian market. "Indonesia has great prospects" Japanese retailer Aeon will take a two-pronged approach in the Indonesian  market, openings shopping malls alongside its smaller scale retail stores, including the convenience chain Ministop. Aeon Indonesia president Toyofumi Kashi h...

Rewe and BP are to roll out their forecourt partnership in Austria, opening three to four 'Merkur-inside' stores every month until the end of 2014. Rollout follows trial in Vienna The parties trialled the concept in Vienna, opening five Merkur-inside stores on BP forecourts.  The rollout will see this trial expanded to 80 locations across Austria.  Expansion in contrast to slowdown at ...

With 2013 lacking the wealth of event opportunities offered last year by the Olympics, Euro 2012 and Diamond Jubilee, retailers are looking to make full use of the year's seasonal events, with Valentine's Day and Shrove Tuesday being developed to drive shopper enthusiasm for these celebrations. Home dining for Valentine's Day Valentine's Day presents a clear opportunity to promote luxury 'dine ...

Aldi Australia has confirmed that it plans to expand its store portfolio into both the states of Western Australia and South Australia. Increased competition for Coles and Woolworths In Australia, Aldi trades over 280 stores which are focused around the eastern seaboard. Outlets are currently located in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. However, ...