Retail and consumer goods industry news

Thailand retail sales were hit by lockdown in July and August. Consumer Confidence Index declined to lowest in August 2021 and GDP growth revised down to -0.5% according to Thai Chamber of Commerce. Berli Jucker’s Big C reports -4.6% decline in Q3 2021 vs Q3 2020 Retail sales for Q3 declined to THB22,805m (US$683m), a decrease of THB 1,094m (US$32m) driven by negative same store sales. Non-...

US-based Southeastern Grocers has opened two new stores under its Hispanic-focused banner, Fresco y Más. We look at how the retailer is aiming to win with this key shopper group through tailoring its offer to better meet its needs. Authentic experience Southeastern Grocers launched this format in 2016. Over the last five years it has grown to almost 30 stores throughout Florida, mainly thro...

We review Couche-Tard’s results for the half ending 10 October 2021. Key H1 numbers YoY Total revenue up 36.5% to US$27.8bn Merchandise and service revenues up 5.6% to US$8bn Road transportation fuel revenues up 54.8% to US$19.4bn Same-store merchandise revenues up 5.9% in Europe and other regions (including Hong Kong), 0.6% in the U.S and -6.1% in Canada Same-store fuel...

Lidl GB has announced a new store target for 2025.   How many stores does Lidl GB want to open? The retailer aims to reach 1,100 stores by the end of 2025. What do these numbers tell us? Lidl was previously targeting 1,000 stores by 2023, showing it wants to maintain the 50 stores per year opening rate. Lidl will remain the smaller of the two discounters in the UK, with Aldi ...

In recent years, expansion of the proximity (convenience) channel has been fairly stagnant in Brazil. As of Q3 2021, the countries’ two largest retailers (Carrefour and GPA) operated just 371 stores between them. For a country of Brazil’s magnitude this feels like a missed opportunity, particularly as the channel has been a success in the city of São Paulo, where most stores are currently based. ...

Quick commerce pure play Getir has acquired its UK competitor Weezy in the latest consolidation in the fast growing and competitive sector. Meanwhile, Gopuff launched in 10 cities across the UK, driven by the acquisition of Fancy and Dija earlier this year. Getir’s commitment to the UK market Getir, which launched in Turkey in 2015, expanded to the UK in January 2021. In October, it anno...

Asda has launched a refillable draft beer concept, the first UK grocer to do so, as it extends its refillables trial to another location. Takeaway craft beer offer Located in the beers, wines and spirits aisle at Asda’s Milton Keynes store, the new fixture provides customers with a regularly changing selection of 12 beers from draft beer pumps which colleagues will pour into one or two litr...

Sainsbury’s has rolled out a Caffe Carluccio’s coffee-to-go solution to a number of stores. The trial builds on the existing relationship between Sainsbury’s and Boparan Restaurant Group , owners of the Carluccio’s brand.  The partnership has already seen Sainsbury’s open Caffe Carluccio’s cafés in the St Albans and Selly Oak stores, a Carluccio’s deli counter in the Leamington Spa store, and T...

Availability issues Operational labour and HGV driver shortages continues to disrupt food supply chains. Food and consumer good businesses have been hit hard by recruitment and retention challenges in 2020 and 2021. This is resulting in lower order fulfilment levels than normal, meaning there is an impact on availability of some food and groceries. The government has committed to a package...

Walmart is partnering with Twitter to host livestream shopping as part of a broad programme of similar events this holiday season. The retailer is the first partner for the social media platform in the US for this type of event. Kick-off to Cyber Week This event will feature singer, songwriter and dancer Jason Derulo and will mark the launch of Walmart’s Cyber Week. This is a major sales ev...