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RETAIL BUSINESS
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March 1, 2016 to March 15, 2016
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| Geographies: |
Worldwide
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Comment & Opinion or Companies, Organizations or Consumers or Controversies & Disputes or Deals, M&A, JVs, Licensing or Earnings Release or Finance, Economics, Tax or Innovation & New Ideas or Legal, Legislation, Regulation, Policy or Market News or Marketing & Advertising or Other or People & Personalities or Press Release or Products & Brands or Research, Studies, Advice or Supply Chain or Trends
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Contents
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McDonald’s USA has announced a commitment to sourcing only chicken not raised with antibiotics, and milk from cows never treated with the artificial growth hormone rbST. The new antibiotics policy, developed with the cooperation of sourcing farmers, supports the company's “Global Vision for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Food Animals,” introduced in 2003. The company said it hopes to implement the new antibiotics policy to its supply chain over the next two years. Instead of antibiotics, farmers who supply chicken to McDonald’s will use ionophores, an antibiotic not used for humans that helps keep chickens healthy.
"McDonald's USA Announces New Antibiotics Policy and Menu Sourcing Initiatives", News release, McDonald's, March 04, 2015
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Panera bread has published a list of ingredients it either has removed or will remove from its bakery-café foods menus by the end of 2016 and replace with simpler ingredients. Included on the list are artificial colors and flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. The first menu items affected are salad dressings and salads, including the Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad and the Kale Caesar. The company said it consulted “third-party scientists and experts” to develop the so-called “No No List” of ingredients it plans to do without.
"Panera Bread Becomes First National Restaurant Company to Share List of Unacceptable Ingredients", News release, Panera Bread, May 05, 2015
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Subway promises to remove artificial flavors, colors and preservatives from its sandwiches in North America by 2017. The company says the process of “ingredient improvement” has been ongoing for several years. An example is the removal of caramel color from roast beef and ham. It will remove the preservative proprionic acid and replace it with vinegar by 2016. Last year, the company acknowledged it was removing azodicarbonamide from its bread after an online petition noted the chemical was used to make yoga mats. The company’s chief marketing officer says use of simple ingredients is becoming a "necessary condition" to satisfy customers.
"Eat fresher? Subway also dropping artificial ingredients", The Big Story, June 04, 2015
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Following in the footsteps of fast-food competitors Chipotle, Panera Bread and Pizza Hut, Papa John’s International Inc. says it will spend a small fortune to remove as many as 14 disliked artificial ingredients from its menu items by the end of 2016. It has already eliminated monosodium glutamate (MSG) from salad dressings and trans fats from garlic sauce. On the new shun list are corn syrup, artificial colors and various preservatives used in dipping sauces for pizza and chicken poppers. Pizza Hut announced similar plans a month ago. The initiative will cost Papa John’s about $100 million a year.
"Papa John's spending $100M to clean up menu", MSN, June 30, 2015
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A Michigan-based retail grocery chain is combining its house organic and natural foods line under one brand name and says sit plans to expand the 225-product family to 325. Meijer says the products – including granola chips, coconut oil, macaroni and cheese, juice boxes and spices – will be branded “True Goodness” to reflect consumer desire for healthier options, especially less-processed foods. They will contain no artificial ingredients or hydrogenated oils. USDA certified organic items will not contain GMOs, growth hormones, antibiotics, conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or ionizing radiation.
"Meijer expands and renames organic and all-natural line", Detroit Free Press, September 19, 2015
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Noting that it has been working for ten years to “reduce antibiotic use and confinement” of food animals in its supply chain, Panera Bread announced progress among pigs, poultry and beef cattle in 2015. However, it said its laying hens would not be cage-free for another four years. This year, pregnant pig sows would be 100 percent gestation-crate free; all chickens and turkeys used in sandwiches and salads would be raised without antibiotics; and 89 percent of beef cattle would be grass-fed and free range. CEO Ron Shaich said there was more work to do, but “we are within reach of a menu without antibiotics and unnecessary confinement.”
"Panera Bread says it will move to cage-free eggs by 2020", News release, Panera Bread, November 05, 2015
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Dunkin’ Donuts has clarified and strengthened its commitment to using only cage-free eggs in its U.S. menu. Earlier this year it said it would source ten percent of the eggs used in its breakfast sandwiches from cage-free sources by the end of 2016. In December, the donut chain and the Humane Society of the U.S. announced that the company would serve only cage-free eggs by 2025. The company also promised to “map” its worldwide egg supply chain to see whether it is feasible to transition to 100 percent cage-free eggs globally.
"Dunkin' Donuts, With The Humane Society Of The United States, Announces Timeline For Sourcing 100 Percent Cage-Free Eggs", News release, The Humane Society of the U.S., December 07, 2015
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Costco announced plans to sell only cage-free eggs. According to Costco, the retailer expects to sell more than 1 billion cage-free eggs in calendar year 2016. It added that while in 2006, only 2 percent of the eggs it sold were cage-free, the figure now stands at 26 percent. Costco said it will take time before all the eggs it sells are cage-free; however, the Humane Society of the United States commended the company and said it believes Costco can achieve that goal quickly.
"After months of pressure, Costco commits to a cage-free egg supply", Quartz, December 28, 2015
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After a review of its egg supply chain, burger and slider restaurant chain White Castle announced it would only use cage-free eggs by 2025, perhaps earlier. The company said it has been working with the Humane Society since last year to develop its cage-free egg policy. According to management, the new policy is a response to customer preferences. White Castle owns and operates nearly 400 restaurants in 13 states.
"White Castle to Transition 100% of Egg Supply to Cage-Free", News release, White Castle, January 29, 2016
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Specialty grocery chain Trader Joe’s announced that its 11-year-old plan to ensure that all of its house brand eggs come from cage-free hens -- would continue for nine more years, or earlier if market conditions permit. Sixty-two percent of the eggs it sells now are from cage-free hens. It will switch to 100 percent cage-free eggs in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado by 2020. Target has announced it was shifting to cage-free egg sources, as have restaurant chains Subway, Dunkin’ Donuts, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Panera Bread, among others.
"Trader Joe’s To Sell Only Cage-Free Eggs Nationally By 2025", Consumerist, February 15, 2016
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Investment company MNC Group launched BrandOutlet, an online store for high-end beauty and fashion products in Indonesia. Highlighting the potential of Internet-based retail in the country, the online store comes with a product lineup that is 60 percent made up of local brands. Operating on a multi-channel basis across mobile and desktop, the store also comes with a dedicated blog.
"Premium beauty and fashion e-commerce site launched in Indonesia", CosmeticDesign-Asia.com, February 18, 2016
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The Subway sandwich shop chain has introduced a new menu item that features chicken raised without antibiotics. Rotisserie-style chicken also contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. The company has also committed to serving only eggs from cage-free layer hens by 2025. Subway said it had a difficult logistical problem with its rotisserie-style chicken at first: finding enough suppliers of antibiotics-free poultry to meet the chain’s needs. The problem was solved, however, and beginning April 1, the company will begin serving all-white meat chicken strips that will also be free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and antibiotics.
"Subway Sandwich Shop Introduces New Rotisserie-Style Chicken Raised without Antibiotics", News release, Subway, February 26, 2016
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A French entrepreneur’s pasta-making business began to grow quickly – it is actually struggling to meet demand – after it began adding cricket flour to the recipe. Stephanie Richard tells people who may turn up their noses at the idea of pasta made with bugs, that her product is delicious, rich in easily-digested protein, and complements game meat. Richard's recipe calls for pulverized crickets and grasshoppers, mixed sometimes with ground cepes (mushrooms). According to a U.N. report, insects are routinely eaten by at least two billion people around the globe – thought not so much in Europe or North America – making it “the protein of the future.”
"Crickets, anyone? This pasta-maker's noodles are a hit", Digital Journal, February 27, 2016
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Discount retailer Aldi said it will start accepting credits cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, at all of its stores across the United States. Part of Aldi’s efforts to improve shopping convenience for the more than 30 million consumers who shop at its stores, the move will make grocery shopping simple and enjoyable for them, the company said. Also, Aldi plans to launch its first stores in Southern California later in March 2016, and bring its total store count to almost 2,000 across the country by the end of 2018.
"ALDI Charges Forward: Now Accepting Credit Cards At Stores Nationwide", ALDI, March 01, 2016
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Could tarts give cupcakes and other bakery staples a run for their money? A baker obsessed with the treat believes it will. Her new Washington, D.C., company Black Pearl Tarts is on a mission to “raise the profile” of tarts: “Please die, cupcakes,” says Christina Marie Chambers. “It’s time for tarts to rule.” The self-taught and admittedly passionate baker insists the tart is not really a small pie. The crusts, or shells, have a different consistency, more like cookies, thanks to room-temperature butter. In addition, tarts are not served in a pan. Chambers’ tarts are filled with a variety of sweet and savory flavors, including dried fruit and red wine compote with goat cheese, poached pears and winter spices, and smoked salmon with cream cheese.
"Why we’re suddenly craving tarts in a big way", The Washington Post, March 02, 2016
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Retailer Target launched the You Are Amazing and Mayfair Soap Foundry lines of bath and body care products. According to the company, You Are Amazing products are aimed at inspiring and empowering young women and feature a range of scents in four product formats. These include the Hello Beautiful Skin Body Lotion Collection and the Clean On Up Body Wash range. Mayfair Soap Foundry Grapefruit and Bergamot collection includes Sugar Scrub in Grapefruit Bergamot, while Body Souffle skin moisturizers combine aloe and cocoa seed.
"Bath and Body Lines Target Women and Children’s Well Being", Beauty Packaging, March 03, 2016
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Texas-based salad restaurant chain Salata said it is spending a million dollars to upgrade its ingredients under a new “Fresh First” policy. The company is using only antibiotic-free chicken, real butter, premium ingredients, no artificial additives, and cage-free eggs. It also plans to reformulate its protein marinades to reduce sodium levels, and switch to organic tea for all iced tea selections. In addition, the company will only sell sodas that contain no high fructose corn syrup at its 50 corporate and franchised locations in Texas, Southern California and Illinois.
"Salata Announces 'Fresh First' Clean Ingredients Commitment In 2016", News release, Salata, March 06, 2016
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Mexican restaurant chain Rubio’s, based in California, said it is extending its quality ingredients program beyond sustainable seafood, handmade salsas and guacamole, and fresh produce. The company – which already uses no artificial sweeteners, FD&C colors, MSG or hydrogenated oils – plans to serve only all-natural chicken without antibiotics and bacon without added nitrates or nitrites. It is looking into adding sustainable, wild-caught salmon, beef raised without antibiotics, and flour tortillas made with simple ingredients. Rubio’s operates 194 restaurants in California, Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Nevada.
"Rubio’s Restaurants Reveals Latest Commitment to Food Quality", News release, Rubio's, March 06, 2016
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Whole Foods plans to install rooftop solar power farms on 100 its stores and distribution facilities, according to a New York Times report. Covering almost a quarter of the retailer’s total store lineup, the move is expected to benefit both the company’s public image and its bottom line. Power provider NRG Energy will install the solar panels, which will be up to 200 times larger than the energy company’s usual home arrays.
"Whole Foods Will Add Rooftop Solar Farms To Many More Stores", Fast Company, March 09, 2016
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The 18-month, 17-city partnership between Whole Foods Market and the Instacart delivery service has been successful enough that the two companies are extending it. They will launch services in ”several” metropolitan areas this year, beginning with Orange County, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. The companies also expect to create new e-commerce and delivery solutions, while adding more stores that offer the Instacart delivery option. The extended relationship means Instacart is Whole Foods’ largest online ordering and delivery partner.
"Whole Foods Market and Instacart announce new markets, growth plans", Whole Foods Market, March 10, 2016
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Wal-Mart Stores has no plans of leaving the Japan market, according to Takeshi Kamigouchi, head of the retailer’s local business. Japan’s retail market has been hit by consumer reluctance to spend made worse by the 2014 increase in national sales tax. Kamigouchi said Wal-Mart plans to focus on remodeling existing stores instead of opening new ones in 2016; however, the company may open new stores if good locations can be found. Wal-Mart, which operates Seiyu-brand stores in the country, has seen its same-store sales growing year-on-year in the past two years, the executive said.
"Wal-Mart Japan to focus on remodeling stores, no plans to exit market", Reuters, March 15, 2016
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Beauty retailer Ulta said it plans to open 100 new stores in the United States, adding to its current store count of 874 across the country. Ulta reported sales jumped 21.1 percent to $1.27 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, while comparable-store sales rose 12.5 percent and net income grew 23.6 percent to $107.8 million in the quarter, compared with the same period in the previous year. Ulta’s expansion plans mean it is poised to stay much larger than nearest rival Sephora, which at present operates about 360 stores in North America.
"On Soaring Sales, Ulta's On An Expansion Binge", MediaPost, March 15, 2016
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Target partnered with beauty brand creator Project Underground to develop its in-house bath and body care brands Mayfair Soap Foundry, Marlowe, and You Are Amazing. Combined with Target’s acquisition of Sonia Kashuk and the introduction of Defy & Inspire line of nail polish products, the move highlights the mass retailer’s growing focus on its beauty business. Target’s partnership with Project Underground began in 2015, with the latter mandated to create high-quality products for the retailer, with emphasis on design and affordability.
"Target Taps Beauty Incubator to Develop Three Exclusive Lines", Women’s Wear Daily, March 15, 2016
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Whole Foods Market was on Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list, the 19th consecutive year the retailer has received the distinction. Ranking number 75 on the list, Whole Foods Market is one of only 11 companies to make the list every year since it started in 1998. According to the magazine, Whole Foods Market earned the recognition due to its passion for its mission and the many employees who personally support this mission. In February 2015, the retailer was also included in the magazine’s Most Admired Companies list.
"Whole Foods Market recognized 19 consecutive years on FORTUNE’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list", Whole Foods, March 03, 2016
Walgreens Boots Alliance is planning to launch its business operations in Australia. With about a century of failed previous attempts to establish a toehold in the country, Walgreens Boots Alliance, which registered its trademark with IP Australia in 2015, is evaluating its options to expand into the local market. Also, the company is eyeing to acquire or distribute local health and beauty brands for its retail network. Operating 13,000 pharmacies in eight countries, Walgreens Boots Alliance also runs a wholesale network, which supplies more than 140,000 pharmacies, health centers, and hospitals in 12 countries.
"Walgreens Boots Alliance eyes Aussie pharmacies", The Sydney Morning Herald, March 04, 2016
Tesco said it has appointed Tracey Clements as Managing Director for Convenience and CEO of the retailer’s One Stop business. Clements’ responsibilities will include helping develop Tesco’s convenience offer for customers through the company’s network of Metro, Express, and One Stop convenience stores across the UK. After joining Tesco in 2002, Clements has held several roles, including store director for Tesco’s Express format.
"Tracey Clements appointed Managing Director for Convenience and CEO of One Stop", Tesco, March 07, 2016
French retailer Carrefour’s website www.carrefour.es was voted the best online store for the supermarkets and hypermarkets category in Spain. Based on input from consumers who voted for their favorite websites on www.webshopdelano.es, criteria for choosing the winners included value for money, promotions and special offers, product selection, and customer service. In 2015, Carrefour Spain’s website recorded 45.9 million page hits, with the online food store accounting for 9.7 million.
"The website carrefour.es voted "Web Shop of the Year" in Spain", Carrefour, March 08, 2016
Aldi Inc. said it has promoted Brent Laubaugh, vice president of its Saxonburg division, to co-president of the discount retailer’s US operations. Laubaugh joins David Behm and Chuck Youngstrom as co-presidents, reporting directly to Aldi CEO Jason Hart. Laubaugh has been with the company for more than 20 years, holding various jobs of increasing responsibility.
"ALDI Strengthens Senior Management Team As Fast-Paced US Expansion Continues", PR Newswire, March 08, 2016
Online retailer Amazon is leasing 20 Boeing 767 freighter planes, according to Air Transport Services Group. Part of Amazon’s efforts to gain more control of the delivery process, expand delivery capacities during peak season, and lower its freight costs, the deal comes with lease durations of 5–7 years for the planes. Also, the deal includes Amazon buying a 19.9 percent stake in ATSG.
"Amazon Is Leasing 20 Boeing Planes to Create an Air Cargo Network", Fortune, March 09, 2016
Walmart plans to improve the design, quality of staff, and technology at its Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets as part of its efforts to improve business performance in the United States. Speaking at the 2016 Raymond James Investors’ Conference, Walmart US chief merchandising officer Steve Bratspies discussed the company’s four-point plan for the future. These strategies include delivering value, being great merchants by promoting customer advocacy and cost position, and providing shoppers with added convenience.
"Walmart’s four point plan to win in the US", Retail Analysis, March 14, 2016
Ahold shareholders approved the retailer’s proposed merger with Delhaize Group. During an Extraordinary General Meeting in Amsterdam, 129 shareholders, representing about 869 million shares of the company’s stock, voted in favor of the deal announced on June 24, 2015. During the meeting, Ahold shareholders approved the appointments of members of the future Ahold Delhaize Management Board and the Supervisory Board. Also, shareholders approved a proposal to return around €1 billion to shareholders through a capital repayment and reverse stock split.
"Ahold shareholders approve proposed merger with Delhaize", Ahold, March 14, 2016
Retailer Kroger Co. said it has promoted Mary Ellen Adcock to group vice president of retail operations. Effective on May 16, 2016, Adcock’s appointment will see her moving from her current post as vice president of operations for the company’s Columbus division and succeeding Marnette Perry who is set to retire. Adcock joined Kroger’s Country Oven Bakery in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1999. She held several management positions of increasing responsibility in Kroger Manufacturing.
"Kroger Names Group Vice President of Retail Operations", Kroger , March 16, 2016
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Detroit Free Press, September 19, 2015
The Motley Fool, February 01, 2016
Food Business News, February 11, 2016
The Wall Street Journal, February 14, 2016
Marketing Week, February 15, 2016
Bloomberg Business, February 18, 2016
Mintel, February 21, 2016
Environmental Leader, February 22, 2016
Click Z, February 25, 2016
Statesman, February 27, 2016
Mintel, February 29, 2016
eMarketer, March 02, 2016
Beauty Packaging, March 03, 2016
Bloomberg Business, March 04, 2016
The Economist, March 05, 2016
Euromonitor International, March 11, 2016
Tesco PLC, March 11, 2016
Women’s Wear Daily, March 15, 2016
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Consumers prefer to use technology to create their own personalized experience when shopping for beauty products. Mintel said its latest study revealed 45 percent of beauty consumers saying they want to search for product information in-store using their mobile devices, according to Mintel. Beauty channels can help drugstore chains and mass market operators to attract millennial shoppers; however, they will have to compete with specialty retailers, such as Sephora and Ulta. Data from TABS showed Sephora and Ulta have the highest cosmetics penetration growth in 2015, with 41 percent for Ulta and 25 percent for Sephora.
"What’s Next: The personalized beauty shopping experience", Drug Store News, March 02, 2016
In India, 12 percent of digital buyers said they shop online or via digital channels on a daily basis in 2015, an increase of 33 percent compared with data from 2013, according to research from the Retailers Association of India and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Data also revealed 39 percent of respondents said they do digital shopping on a weekly basis, compared with 31 percent in 2013. Results of the survey revealed 16 percent of digital shoppers made in-store purchases daily, compared with 15 percent in 2013.
"How Often Do India's Digital Buyers Shop?", eMarketer, March 07, 2016
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Supermarket News, March 01, 2016
Bloomberg Business, March 04, 2016
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| Deals, M&A, JVs, Licensing |
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China’s largest Internet companies, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and Tencent Holdings Ltd., expanded their rivalry to include the country’s oil and gas industries. Alibaba agreed to provide China National Petroleum Corp., the local oil and gas production giant, with Internet-based services. Alibaba’s deal came after Tencent signed in August 2014 a collaboration deal with China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., which operates more than 30,000 fuel stations across the country, in areas including mobile payments and media marketing.
"Alibaba and Tencent Extend Their Web Battle to the Gas Station", Bloomberg Business, March 10, 2016
French retailer Carrefour SA is negotiating to invest in Victory Supermarket Chain Ltd., the fourth-largest supermarket chain in Israel. Seen as part of Carrefour’s efforts to gain access to the country’s almost $9 billion retail market, the reported negotiations come as Victory is planning to submit a bid for Alon Blue Square Israel Ltd.’s troubled Mega Supermarket Chain.
"Carrefour in Talks to Enter Israel Market With Victory Deal", Bloomberg, March 10, 2016
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The Wall Street Journal, March 09, 2016
Whole Foods Market, March 10, 2016
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| Earnings Release |
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Discount retailer Lidl’s revenue in the Czech Republic grew 16 percent to 33.6 billion crowns for the financial year 2015, compared with the previous year. According to the company, its profit jumped 50 percent to 2.6 billion during the period. Lidl launched its business in the local market in 2003, with about 80 percent of products sold under private label.
"Lidl Czech profit doubles to 2.6 billion crowns", International Supermarket News, March 01, 2016
Ahold reported net sales increased 4.3 percent to €38.2 billion in 2015, compared with €32.774 billion in 2014. Underlying operating income rose 3.8 percent to €1.5 billion from the previous year, while free cash flow reached €1.2 billion. Ahold USA posted €23.7 billion in net sales, an increase of 1.4 percent, and accounting for 62.2 percent of the group’s total net sales. Underlying operating income increased 4.0 percent to €940 million.
"Annual Report 2015", Ahold, March 03, 2016
Carrefour reported net sales grew 4.1 percent at constant exchange rates and 3.0 percent on an organic basis in 2015, compared with the previous year. According to the company, all of its regions posted sales growth at current exchange rates, with Europe rising by 2.7 percent and emerging markets up by 3.8 percent. Recurring operating income for the period grew 7.0 percent to €2.445 billion, with France posting an ROI of €1.191 billion. Operating margin at its home market rose compared with 2014, the company said. ROI in other European countries jumped 33.4 percent to €567 in 2015 from €425 in 2014.
"FULL-YEAR RESULTS: FURTHER GROWTH IN 2015", Carrefour, March 10, 2016
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| Market News |
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Walmart plans to build eight new stores and a distribution center in China’s south region. Following the retailer’s signing of a cooperation memorandum with the local government of Dongguan, an industrial city near Hong Kong and Macau, the planned facilities are part of Walmart’s expansion in the region. According to the retailer, the planned expansion will create more than 3,000 new jobs in the city in the next five years.
"Walmart expands in southern China", Retail Analysis, March 07, 2016
Supermarket sales in the UK grew 0.5 percent during the 12-week period ending February 28, 2016, compared with the same period in the previous year, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Among the country’s top 4 retailers, Sainsbury’s recorded sales growth of 0.5 percent for the period, the company’s 8th consecutive period of growth. Although its market share remained flat at 16.8 percent, Sainsbury’s saw strong sales from its online business and its Local convenience stores. Sales in larger stores dropped 2.0 percent, a trend affecting Asda, which saw sales falling 4 percent and its market share down to 16.2 percent.
"British supermarkets witness fastest growth in five months", Kantar Worldpanel, March 08, 2016
Retail giant Walmart’s e-commerce business is seeing slower growth. According to the company, its e-commerce business grew 8 percent in its latest quarter, down from 22 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015, and 30 percent from two years ago. In contrast, rival Target expanded its e-commerce business 34 percent in its latest quarter. Also, Target has been able to post consistent growth in the last few years, with its e-commerce sales growing at least 20 percent on a quarterly basis for the past year. Walmart’s investments in its e-commerce business have so far failed to boost growth. For example, its Shipping Pass service, which offers unlimited three-day shipping for $50 a year, has failed to generate consumer interest. Walmart hopes to improve its e-commerce performance through its Walmart Pay mobile wallet service.
"Walmart is getting killed in the most important category", Business Insider, March 08, 2016
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Consumerist, February 15, 2016
Euromonitor Research, February 16, 2016
International Supermarket News, February 18, 2016
The Wall Street Journal, February 19, 2016
Forbes, February 29, 2016
Working Mother, March 01, 2016
Drug Store News, March 01, 2016
Retail Week, March 04, 2016
Springwise, March 04, 2016
Bloomberg Business, March 11, 2016
Kantar Worldpanel, March 14, 2016
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| Marketing & Advertising |
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Walmart’s wholesale unit Sam’s Club is expanding its store foods business, planning to open stores in higher-income areas, and giving regional buyers more autonomy in managing gourmet and natural foods inventory. In an interview with Fortune magazine, the company’s CEO described the moves as part of its “reset for the business.” Also, the wholesaler revealed it has closed underperforming locations, reviewed its merchandise categories, and expanded private labels in important areas.
"How Walmart Is Revamping Sam’s Club To Take On Competition?", Trefis, March 01, 2016
Retailer Target said that, starting in 2017, it plans to spend $2 billion a year on expanding its e-commerce operations. After reporting a 34 percent increase in online sales during the last holiday season, the company said it plans to invest $1.8 billion in 2016 on capital projects, mostly on e-commerce and supply chain improvements. For full-year 2015, Target’s e-commerce grew 31 percent, failing to reach CEO Brian Cornell’s promise to Wall Street to reach 40 percent. Its e-commerce investment announcement means the company intends to never miss the target again.
"Target Lays Out Multi-Billion Dollar E-Commerce Plan", Fortune.com, March 02, 2016
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The Economist, March 05, 2016
Harvard Business Review, March 10, 2016
Arab News, March 11, 2016
MediaPost, March 15, 2016
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| Press Release |
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Carrefour France received a Top Employer France certification for 2016 from the Top Employers Institute. Recognizing the high quality of the retailer’s human resources policy, the award highlights Carrefour’s criteria for its working conditions. Also, the award involves a strict certification process, which includes an HR Best Practice questionnaire and an independent audit of HR practices and policies.
"Carrefour France certified "Top Employer France 2016"", Carrefour, February 26, 2016
Kroger reported total sales, excluding fuel, rose 6.5 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, compared with the same quarter in the previous year. Total sales including fuel and Roundy’s increased 3.8 percent to $26.2 billion during the quarter, compared with $25.2 billion for the previous year. According to the company, net earnings for the quarter reached $559 million. For fiscal year 2015, total sales, excluding fuel, grew 6.0 percent, compared with the previous year. Total sales including fuel and Roundy’s rose 1.3 percent to $109.8 billion, compared with $108.5 billion in 2014.
"Kroger Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results", Kroger, March 03, 2016
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