Retail and consumer goods industry news

Half year figures from WHSmith revealed a 5% rise in profits, despite challenging high street conditions causing falling LFL sales at both its high street and travel sites. Impressive profit growth WHSmith announced pre-tax profits of £69m for the six months to February 28 as its strategy to prioritise profits over sales continued to pay off. At its high street stores trading profits r...

Leclerc has gained further market share in the period from 25 February to 24 April, according to latest data published in LSA. Leclerc leads the pack Leclerc gained 0.7 points during the period, driven by new customers and by increased spending per customer. Intermarché gained 0.5 points and Système U also gained, up 0.4 points following more frequent customer visits. No figures were ...

Edeka has revamped its consumer website, www.edeka.de , to provide a more informative, interactive and engaging experience for its customers.  Food takes centre stage Edeka's focus on food is evident, with deals, offers and recipes clearly highlighted.  Daily changes encourage customers to return frequently.  Interaction is promoted, with online activities supporting a new grill/barbec...

Convenience symbol group Nisa has announced it will invest £10 million in price cuts for retailers. Prices maintained in 2013/14 Following the success of the price cut initiative in 2012, Nisa will invest again to drive down the long term prices and improve its members profitability. Prices, subject to manufacturer price changes will then be maintained for a full year. It is understood acti...

Russian retailer Lenta, which is St Petersburg-based, has outlined its plans for expansion into the Moscow province. Moscow a priority Lenta had already expressed an interest in extending its portfolio to Moscow; plans have now been confirmed. CEO Jan Dunning has stated that Lenta will open up to ten stores in Moscow over the next three to four years, with one or two expected this year an...

Turkey-based BIM has opened its first store in Egypt according to reports, marking its entry into the country. 2013 to see further expansion for BIM The retailer has previously stated that it aims to operate 14 stores in the greater Cairo by the end of April and 30 by the end of 2013. In the medium term BIM will look to expand into Alexandria and other population centres of the Nile delta...

Figures released by Nielsen show that UK grocery retail sales grew by 6.2% in the four weeks to 30 March 2013, with volumes up 2.5% year-on-year.  With Easter falling a week later in April in 2012, March got the full benefit of a 41% rise in confectionery sales and a 12% rise in BWS sales, as consumers celebrated the holiday weekend. Sainsbury's well ahead of major rivals Sainsbury's gain...

Netherlands-based Albert Heijn has, according to Distrifood, begun to replace the entry level EuroShopper private label brand with a new AH Basic range. New private label to build on strength of Albert Heijn brand The retailer said that the range would enable it to build on the strength and heritage of the Albert Heijn brand name. Alfred Levi, Albert Heijn’s director of marketing, merchandi...

Leading UK retail buying consortium Nisa has appointed Amanda Jones to the newly created role of chief operating officer, in a move to enhance its senior management team as it embarks on the next stage of its transformational journey and drive growth for the future. To manage day-to-day operations Reporting directly to chief executive Neil Turton, the new chief operating officer role will fo...

As it looks to strengthen links with key suppliers and form longer term partnerships. Coles has agreed deals with two of Australia's dairy co-operatives, Murray Goulbourn and Norco. Contracts will supply private label milk Australia's largest dairy co-operative, Murray Goulbourn, which has 2,500 member farms, has signed a ten year contract, which will see the company supply the retailer's...