Retail and consumer goods industry news

Following on from the company’s annual results statement, Ahold has set out elements of its strategy for its operations in the US. Initiatives to build on current foundations In the results call with analysts, Ahold chief executive, Dick Boer, said that in the US the company would focus on: Adding further pick up points Embed shoppers’ use of the retailer’s apps Have 40% private...

South Africa-based Woolworths has announced plans to expand the range of products it carries at its supermarkets as part of a wider enhancement of the retailer’s stores. New initiatives to support on-going strategy The retailer said that it was looking to extend its ranges, add 2,000 new SKUs, offer more branded goods, invest in price and expand space in order to better meet the needs of its ...

Coop Italia is divesting a number of Dico discount stores to Gruppo Tuo, a member of Despar Italia, according to local press reports. Store swap with Gruppo Tuo The move will involve a store swap and will see Coop Italia take on stores from Gruppo Tuo in return for those divested.  It is not yet definitively known how Coop Italia will brand these new stores.  Press reports suggest the m...

Costco’s second quarter sales, for the 12 weeks to February 17, increased by 8.2% to $24.3bn, with comparable store sales (excluding the impact of fuel and currency), up 5%. Net income attributable to Costco increased by 38.8% to $547m. A resilient model despite economic headwinds Costco delivered a strong set of results for the quarter, despite the headwinds of higher payroll taxes and ...

John Lewis has announced it is investing £2million trialling a new food concept at its Watford department store, offering John Lewis customers access to Waitrose products as they shop. Look and feel 'like a little Waitrose' The store will be managed by the John Lewis division, occupying 5,500 sq ft of space on the second floor which was previously used as back of house. The offer will look ...

Sobeys’ third quarter sales, for the 13 weeks to February 2nd, increased by 8.8% to $4.3bn, with same-store sales up 1.2%. Adjusting for the impact of acquisitions, total sales increased by 2.6%. Investing its stores and distribution network Sobeys’ sales in the quarter were boosted by the acquisition of over 260 retail gas locations and related convenience stores which occurred in the fou...

Auchan has opened its new fresh concept store, under the Arcimbo fascia, in Villeparisis, Seine-et-Marne, in the north-eastern suburbs of Paris. Fresh focus to complement Drive outlet This store located next to an Auchan Drive outlet, where it is hoped that its focus on fresh produce will complement the purchases of dry or bulk goods made by customers using the Drive service.  Auchan ...

In a presentation to a retailing event in the country, the founder of Netherlands-based Jumbo, Karel van Eerd, said that the company’s aim was to drive turnover to €7 billion by 2017. Plans envisages doubling of sales through Jumbo stores In 2012 Jumbo branded stores generated sales of €3.2 billion, with sales growth boosted by the rebranding of C1000 stores to the Jumbo banner. The doublin...

Chilean convenience retailer OK Market plans to almost quadruple store numbers by 2017, according to local press. Operated 90 stores at end 2012 OK Market began operating in 2002 and has build a presence in the regions of Metropolitana, Valparaíso and Los Ríos.  By the end of 2012 it had grown to 90 stores and, according to the report, aims to reach 300-340 by the end of 2017.  It targets sal...

Boots is today launching its first range of healthy, ‘ready meals’ under its lunchtime Shapers brand. Expansion of food offer The offer becomes available today within 100 Boots stores throughout London and across major commuter sites. The Shapers evening meal selection offers 27 new options with prices from £1.25 including main meals, warm salads,  vegetable accompaniments and desserts. The...