Retail and consumer goods industry news

Leading retailer of food in travel locations, SSP has indicated that it is initiating a major review of its UK operations in the light of slow returning business post-lockdown.  With global sales running 90% below normal levels in June, the business is beginning to see an uptick in traffic in some geographies as lockdowns are eased in North America and Continental Europe.  However, this relative ...

Sainsbury's has reported 8.5% (8.2% LFL) sales growth for the 16 weeks to June 27th, driven by sharp increases in grocery and online sales. Results summary Total sales growth Q1 (7 weeks to 25 April) Q1 (9 weeks to 27 June) Q1 (16 weeks to 27 June) Grocery 12% 10% 10.5% General merchandise 3% 12% 7.2%...

IGD analysts share their thoughts regarding the impact of COVID-19 on grocery retail channels. “Discount growth could accelerate in the medium to long term” Maxime Delacour, Senior Retail Analyst Prior to the pandemic, the discount channel was enjoying some of the fastest growth in the industry. This is expected to continue, with discount retailers adapting quickly to market trends to ...

The retailer announced the opening of its 27th store last week. It is Sam Club’s second store in the city of Ningbo, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment and confidence in its development plan in China. Pleasant shopping environment Same as other Sam’s Club stores, this new store has spacious environment. Aisles are nine metres high and three metres wide. Shopping carts with two child ...

We review Couche-Tard’s fourth quarter performance and its outlook as it navigates the current phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key numbers Fourth quarter merchandise and service revenues fell 2.6% to $3.2bn Same-store merchandise revenues fell 6.5% in Europe and 0.5% in the US, while Canada saw a 4.7% increase Fourth quarter operating income increased 87.6% to $769.7m Full year ...

As retailers seek to reassure shoppers on hygiene and cleanliness, we look at how businesses in other sectors are enhancing their brands in this area, including partnering with two leading CPG suppliers. A safe place to work and shop Providing associates with a safe place to work and consumers a safe place to shop has become a priority for food retailers as they navigate the coronavirus pan...

In the 12 weeks to 14th June 2020 take-home grocery sales in the Republic of Ireland grew 24.7%, according to Kantar. We explore the growth in more detail and look at key retailers' performance. Convenience and online drive growth The 12 weeks up to 14th June encompass the entire lockdown period. The additional spend equates to €628.7m (£573.7m). Similarly to the UK, shopping patterns in...

While celebrating Canada Day is usually marked by large-scale events and gatherings, we look at how retailers in Canada are adapting their approach this year given social-distancing requirements. Being relevant in the moment These four initiatives highlight how retailers have been able to pivot and ensure their campaigns are relevant for the type of activities that consumers will be partici...

Amazon has announced it is rolling out a new service, called Smart Stores, enabling customers to discover products at local stores in India, make payments, and earn rewards using Amazon Pay. Smart Stores With the launch of Smart Stores, customers in India can scan a QR code at participating stores using the Amazon app. These QR codes enable shoppers to access a digital storefront to learn m...

Brazil has become the first country to enable consumers to send and receive money through the (Facebook-owned) WhatsApp messenger app. WhatsApp has over 120m users in Brazil who can now use it to send and receive money between friends and family, to make purchases or pay local businesses without leaving the app. Payments made using Facebook Pay The payment is made in WhatsApp, but uses th...