Retail and consumer goods industry news

During our recent market visit we saw how Lidl France has made an early start for its Christmas ranges, well ahead of its competitors. The discounter’s strategy to win with families this Christmas is focused on a wide assortment of premium products, many gift ideas for all and some “hero” products. Building anticipation and creating excitement by starting early Source: IGD Research ...

The new concept is being tested in Quincy, Mass at its Retail Business Services' offices. Seamless experience The concept is around 300 sq ft and is called Lunchbox. The frictionless technology allows registered shoppers to scan in, shop and walk out, and offers fresh, healthy options which are available 24/7. This builds on a variety of experimental concepts that Ahold Delhaize has been te...

Ahold Delhaize’s US banner, Giant Food Stores, has opened two new Giant Heirloom Market stores in Philadelphia. We look at how the retailer has tailored the stores to the local communities. Giant Heirloom Market, University City In August 2019, Giant opened its second Heirloom Market in University City, at 3401 Chestnut St. The 925 sq. m store is located between University of Pennsylvania a...

Walmart has outlined aggressive store expansion plans in China. 500 new outlets by 2026 Walmart plans to open 500 new stores in China in the next five to seven years. This will more than double its presence in the country. The China Daily reports that the new openings will consist of a mix of hypermarkets and supermarkets. The new stores will increasingly focus on hypermarkets in commerc...

A.S. Watson has opened its 3,800th Watsons store in Yunnan province, China. One-to-one beauty services  The new store is located in Living Mall of Yunnan in Kunming. It operates more than 185 sq m / 2,000 sq ft and is designed to provide one-on-one beauty services to customers supported by integrated digital experiences. Kulvinder Birring, Watsons China’s CEO, said, “Building customer c...

Spain-based El Corte Inglés has announced an increased turnover of 1.3% in the first half of FY 2019. The group is divided into retail, travel, fashion, insurance, technology and a new addition of real estate. Sales performance   The retail division increased its turnover by 1% year-on-year to €6,036m. The food sector increased its sales substantially in supermarkets and hospitality. The tr...

FamilyMart has opened its largest convenience store in Manila, Philippines. Foodservice central to the store The new 400 sq m store is located on the ground level of UDENNA Towers in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It carries an expanded range of products and features a 40-seat dining area to cater for a menu of Filipino and Japanese dishes prepared upon order. There is also a dedicated rame...

Loblaw is extending the range of products that it offers online through the development of an online marketplace. Extended range and supplier partnerships Through this new marketplace, Loblaw will offer an extended range of brands and products across baby, toy, home, kitchen and pet categories. Although the retailer offers a broad general-merchandise offer through its hypermarkets, this wil...

Ahold Delhaize-owned Albert Heijn (AH) is hosting in-store cooking demos through FoodFirst Network. In addition, the retailer receives positive feedback from its Nutri-Score trial and develops a blockchain for eggs. FoodFirst Network cooking demos AH has announced that FoodFirst Network will give cooking demos in all AH XL stores for five weekends. The lifestyle platform, which was acquired...

Costa Coffee has announced that Dominic Paul will step down as CEO at the end of the month. He will be replaced by Jill McDonald. Experienced business leader Jill McDonald joins Costa Coffee from Marks & Spencer, where she held the role of managing director of clothing and home. Prior to that, McDonald served as CEO of Halfords Group, where she worked from 2015 to 2017. She replaces Dominic...