Retail and consumer goods industry news

Target’s first stores in Canada have their official launch today. The 24 stores in Ontario soft-launched over the last three weeks enabling the retailer to test systems and processes, including its supply chain. Food and grocery less critical in driving traffic in Canada The official launch of these stores is marked by its first promotional flyer.  Target's private label general merchand...

Nisa's new symbol fascia, Loco has passed the 50 store mark. Fascia for smaller independent retailers The new fascia, which was introduced in February 2012, was developed with independent retailers to enable those with smaller shops to benefit from  being part of a symbol group. Retailers who become members of Loco have access to a free fascia, smaller and more frequent deliveries and a...

Discount retailer Aldi has launched its first 'convenience' store in London. A more direct move into the convenience market The store, a former Peacocks unit in Kilburn, North West London, is approximately half the size of a typical 15,000 sq ft Aldi . The move by Aldi to open smaller stores in high footfall locations, and close to transport hubs in London, will boost competition with Sa...

Retailers Yonghui and CP Lotus report differing full year results, but both highlight the importance of greater centralisation in order to grow profits in 2013. Yonghui continues rapid growth Yonghui reports a strong performance, with total revenue growing 39.2% to CNY24.5 bn (US$3.9 billion)in 2012. Profit grew 8% to CNY502 m (US$80.1 million). In 2012 the retailer opened 47 new stores...

Following encouraging shopper uptake to its initial Payday Bonus loyalty mechanic earlier in the year, Morrisons has launched a new Payday Bonus for April. Well-targeted mechanic Each time shoppers spend at least £35 over the next three weeks they will receive a Payday bonus coupon. When a shopper has three coupons from different weeks they will be able to claim a £10 refund off a £35+ shop in ...

Following a meeting between the retailer Auchan and India's Commerce and Industry Minister this week, Auchan is reportedly planning to open 60 stores in the country. Assessing the best way to unlock the market's potential Auchan's plans are still in the development stages, and the retailer is yet to reveal information about time scale or whether it will expand via the franchise route o...

Netherlands-based PLUS, part of the Sperwer Group, has announced its 2012 annual results. Like-for-like sales drive overall performance The company said that organic sales growth of 1.1% meant that PLUS grew in line with the market. However, due to operating net four fewer stores – five unprofitable stores were closed and one was opened – during 2012, total sales increased by only 0.1% to €1....

Leading UK wholesaler Booker has announced like-for-like sales up 2.2% in the final quarter (12 weeks to 29 March) of its 2012/13 financial period, driving total sales for the full year up 3.5% overall (3.3% L4L) to reach £4.0bn, excluding the Makro business acquired last year. Non-tobacco and catering keys to growth Though the sales trend has slowed from Q3, the drag has come from tobacco ...

The latest news from leading players Tesco Lotus, Big C and Central Food Retail Corporation in this booming Asian market. Casino accelerates the pace of store openings The Bangkok Post reports Casino's plans to increase investment in the market to THB8 bn (US$272.2 million) in 2013, funding more than 200 new openings, to be supported by an additional two new distribution centres. At pres...

Whole Foods Market is to build a commercial-scale greenhouse on the roof of its forthcoming store in Gowanus, Brooklyn. The 20,000 sq ft facility will grow pesticide-free produce throughout the year for the store and other locations in New York City. Partnering with local supplier This is an innovative approach from Whole Foods Market to the concept of local sourcing. While it has suppor...