Search criteria: |
YOUR CORPORATE NEWSLETTER SOLUTION...
-
Ready-to-go newsletters on topics you choose, in your template
-
We prepare the content for you
-
You review, edit and click Send. Easy!
DELIVERING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE...
-
A competitive intelligence leader for 20 years
-
Helping top corporations with research and analysis
-
From quick projects to ongoing support and outsourced services
|
Subject: |
RETAIL BUSINESS
|
Period: |
June 15, 2016 to July 1, 2016
|
Geographies: |
Worldwide
|
Categories: |
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
|
Contents
|
|
|
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is urging KFC to stop using antibiotics in its chicken production. Seventy percent of the antibiotics used to treat human bacterial illnesses are given to mostly healthy pigs, chickens, cattle, and other livestock. That practice “promotes the growth of drug-resistant superbugs,” posing a serious threat to public health. Other big fast food chains – McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Subway and Taco Bell – are committed to eliminating antibiotics from poultry production. But KFC, with more chicken-based restaurants than any other chain and sales second only to Chick-fil-A, “has yet to get on board.”
"It’s Time for KFC to Kick Its Drug Habit", News release, Natural Resources Defense Council, May 19, 2016
|
British supermarkets, including Tesco and Asda, are reporting greater acceptance of so-called “wonky” (ugly or misshapen) fruits and vegetables, thanks to significant discounting. Tesco launched an initiative called Perfectly Imperfect in March with misshapen potatoes and parsnips, extended it to apples and strawberries in May, and hopes to broaden the range to 15 to 20 produce lines. A Tesco executive called the program a huge success, with sales having grown tenfold. Sales of Perfectly Imperfect strawberries account for 10-15 percent of total category sales. Besides increasing sales, the initiative has also led to increased crop utilization and reduced food waste. Tesco is now taking 95 percent of strawberries from its suppliers, up from 85 percent. Apple utilization is at 97 percent.
"Sales of new Perfectly Imperfect fruit & veg are 'flying' at Tesco", The Grocer, May 27, 2016
|
Responding to concerns voiced by consumers regarding artificial ingredients in their foods, Pizza Hut says it will eliminate even more questionable additives from its menu items. The company a year ago removed artificial flavors and colors from its pizzas. Now it says it will remove the antioxidants BHA and BHT (and other preservatives) from its meats and cheeses, as well as antibiotics from chicken, by next March. Though removal of GMO ingredients from foods has garnered more headlines (thanks largely to a Vermont law taking effect next month), other companies, including Kellogg and General Mills, have announced plans to remove BHA and BHT from their products.
"Plano-based Pizza Hut to ditch artificial preservatives as industry faces skeptical public", The Dallas Morning News, May 31, 2016
|
Several large fast-food restaurant chains have announced voluntary “free from antibiotics” policies thanks to pressure from consumers and consumer advocacy groups. But with limited information from the companies themselves, no agreed-upon standards, and no government regulation, how does a consumer really know whether his pizza is antibiotics-free? Each company is implementing the policy in its own way, some following, for example, USDA guidelines for reducing drug use in livestock production except in case of illness. But one fact remains clear: there's little evidence that agricultural use of antibiotics is dropping. The FDA reported in December that antibiotics sales for farm animals was up 22 percent from 2009 to 2014. International use is expected to rise 66 percent by 2030.
"Can You Really Know If That Pizza Is Antibiotic-Free?", Bloomberg, June 04, 2016
|
Swiss food manufacturer Nestle and British retail grocery chain Tesco have announced support for new international reporting requirements for food loss and waste. A Nestle representative called the reporting standards “a massive, global step in fighting food loss and waste.” The World Resources Institute (WRI) said food loss and waste globally costs $940 billion a year; food loss generates about eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Using the standard, countries and companies will be able to quantify how much food is lost and wasted and where. They will also be able to report on it credibly and consistently. Other major companies backing the standard individually, or through the Consumer Goods Forum, include Australia’s Woolworths and Unilever.
"Nestle, Tesco back new world standard on food loss and waste", Just-Food, June 06, 2016
|
Carrefour expanded its 24-hour business in Spain, by opening new stores in Madrid. Results of test runs in two stores in the country's capital have encouraged the company to expand the concept by adding a Carrefour Market branch to its lineup of locations that operate 24 hours a day. Carrefour's 24-hour push is targeting the city's workforce who work long hours or finish very late, as well as shoppers who hate large crowds.
"Carrefour Expands 24-Hour Shopping In Spain", European Supermarket Magazine, June 13, 2016
|
Six chief executive officers from the retail industry are among the 50 Highest Rated CEOs list for 2016 from Glassdoor. Apple CEO Tim Cook is on 8th place overall, with Glassdoor employee approval rating of 96 percent. Supermarket chain H-E-B’s CEO Charles C. Butt dropped 16 places from his third place finish in 2015 to 19th overall, with employee approval rating of 95 percent. Nike CEO Mark G. Parker, whose e-commerce business goal for his company is $7 billion in revenue by end of fiscal year 2020, has an employee approval rating of 94 percent. At 46th place is Costco CEO Craig Jelinek who has 92 percent employee approval rating. Laurent Potdevin, CEO of yoga and fitness apparel retailer lululemon, has an employee approval rating of 92 percent. Sephora USA CEO Calvin McDonald earned for himself a 92-percent employee approval rating.
"Retail's 6 Highest Rated CEOs", Retail Info System, June 14, 2016
|
Lush Cosmetics does not advertise on traditional media but instead relies on word-of-mouth marketing. In order to grow into a large beauty retail company, Lush Cosmetics has implemented a content strategy using non-traditional methods using brand values and identity, reinforced by the company's dedication to its ethical principles, such as minimal packaging and protests against animal testing. Also, the company is known for its unique and interesting copywriting, using flowery and humorous language to describe its products.
"How Lush Cosmetics uses word-of-mouth marketing", Econsultancy, June 15, 2016
|
Further applying its Panera 2.0 program, Panera Bread says it will remove all artificial ingredients from its range of 50 Panera at Home products by the end of the year. It has also said it will eliminate all artificial ingredients from its food in all 2,000 bakeries and cafes by the end of 2016. The company has already removed ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners, from 90 percent of its food items. Panera at Home sells Panera branded products to other retailers, including refrigerated soup, mac and cheese, pasta, and salad dressings, as well as artisan frozen bread, sliced sandwich bread and coffee.
"Panera to Remove Artificial Ingredients from At-Home Products", Zacks, June 16, 2016
|
Online retailer Amazon.com Inc. announced lower fees it charges merchants that sell small, flat products that can fit in envelopes. Effective July 1, 2016, sellers would pay $1.61 to ship three, flat, 1-ounce packages, which is 67 percent lower than the existing fee. Covering merchants using the online retailer’s Fulfillment By Amazon Small and Light program, the move is seen as part of the online retailer’s efforts to better compete with marketplaces owned by rivals Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., EBay Inc., and Wish.com that link China-based sellers with shoppers in the US.
"Amazon Cuts Shipping Fees in Threat to Alibaba’s U.S. Business", Bloomberg Technology, June 16, 2016
|
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it has agreed to sell its Yihaodian website in China to JD.com Inc., the country’s second-largest online retailer. As part of the deal, which marks a strategic shift in the US-based retailer’s approach to e-commerce business in China, Wal-Mart will receive a 5-percent stake in JD.com. After opening its first store in China in 1996, Wal-Mart has found it hard to expand in the country where it operates about 430 locations. In 2012, Wal-Mart first invested in Yihaodian and gained full control of the website in 2015.
"Wal-Mart to Sell Chinese E-Commerce Business to JD.com", Wall Street Journal, June 20, 2016
|
Estee Lauder Cos. Inc.'s Bobbi Brown brand is opening its first West Coast retail store and second US store in Beverly Hills. Featuring almost 700 square feet of retail space, the store gives the brand exposure on a major route in Los Angeles. Selling all of Bobbi Brown's product lines, as well as its signature line of sunglasses, the store lets customers view new products and features a section, which allows shoppers to try products. Also, the store offers 18 how-to tutorials designed to help customers pick products and services.
"Bobbi Brown Opens Beverly Hills Flagship", Women’s Wear Daily, June 21, 2016
|
Schwarz Group said it plans to invest €6.5 billion to upgrade and renovate the stores owned and operated by its discount retail business Lidl. Part of the planned investments will be allocated to the company’s Kaufland chain of hypermarkets. Lidl and its rival Aldi have expanded their shares of the retail markets across Europe; however, they also have seen their shares suffer in their home market, Germany. Schwarz plans to invest more than €3 billion to make its Lidl stores in Germany more attractive to customers, as well as improve the shopping experience.
"Lidl owner Schwarz Group to plough £5bn into revamping stores", Retail Week, June 24, 2016
|
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., named Lee Tappenden as chief executive of its business operations in Canada. With 20 years in various Wal-Mart positions worldwide, Tappendend succeeds Dirk Van De Berghe, who was appointed to head the company's operations in China. Wal-Mart has been expanding its operations in Canada, with more than 400 store locations across the country.
"Wal-Mart Names Lee Tappenden as New Canada Head", Nasdaq, June 27, 2016
|
Discount retailer Lidl launched its Cien line of skincare and haircare products. With products priced between €1.99 and €3.99 each, the skincare line includes a BB cream available in two shades, Cien Eyeshadow, and Volume Mascara. Featuring keratin, the haircare products are designed to relieve dry and damaged hair for as little as €1.69 per product. Starting on June 30, 2016, the Cien products will be permanently available in all Lidl stores.
"Lidl's new makeup and haircare range is INCREDIBLY cheap - and there's more good news", Dublin Live, June 27, 2016
|
Whole Foods Market, Inc. named Nielsen as its primary provider of analytics services in the US. Nielsen is collaborating with the leading natural and organic supermarket chain to develop a customized system for ranking products. Also, the system will offer a comprehensive view of product categories, including ingredient level attributes. With the system in place, Whole Foods and its suppliers will be able to make decisions that are supported by data and aimed at driving business growth.
"Whole Foods Market® Selects Nielsen as U.S. Analytics Provider", PR Newswire, June 28, 2016
|
Walgreens said more than 135 million Paperless Coupons have been clipped by customers. First launched in 2014, the retailer's electronic coupons program has been available to the company's more than 85 million active Balance Rewards loyalty program members through its website and mobile app. According to Walgreens, it has continued to improve and simplify its paperless coupons by offering manufacturer coupons in collaboration with Quotient.
"Walgreens Launches Next Evolution in Paperless Coupons, Enabling Seamless Redemption and Clipping on Digital Channels", Business Wire, June 28, 2016
|
Glow Recipe seeks to provide consumers in the US with Korean beauty products and accurate information about them. According to Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, co-founders of the online retail platform, see their company as curators of K-beauty products rather than a mere retailer. Also, the company employs a diverse panel of evaluators to ensure the suitability of Korean products they sell with the array of skin types in the American market. For example, the Splash Mask by Korean brand Blithe is one of the most popular products on the online store. Lee and Chang had to convince the manufacturer to change the product's name from Patting Water Pack to Splash Mask for American consumers.
"Glow Recipe aims to educate U.S. in K-beauty", Korea JoongAng Daily, June 29, 2016
|
|
|
Companies, Organizations |
|
|
Trader Joe's is the most customer-centric grocery chain, according to results of the latest Customer Quotient survey from C Space. Data from the customer intelligence agency revealed Shaw's had the lowest score among retailers covered by the study. Trader Joe's received particularly high marks for its shopper loyalty despite the fact that it has no loyalty program. Results of the survey, which asked the opinion of more than 500 shoppers across the US, showed customers expect to continue shopping at Trader Joe's because the company hires friendly and helpful staff.
"Study: What grocers satisfy customers the most (and least)?", Chain Store Age, June 08, 2016
Wal-Mart Stores aims to increase sales by $45 billion to $60 billion over the next three years, according to CEO Doug McMillon. He made the statement during a presentation at the Consumer Goods Forum even in Cape Town. McMillon said that sales growth would show the company is actually a growth company.
"Wal-Mart targets new sales of up to $60 billion by 2019: CEO", Reuters, June 16, 2016
Carrefour plans to test one-hour delivery service in Paris, according to retail trade magazine Lineaires. Reportedly dubbed Carrefour Now, the test offering will run in three Carrefour Market stores. Store employees will ready consumers' orders, which will be delivered by bicycle riders courtesy of La Poste. Also, the retailer plans to start offering Apple Pay to its customers in France.
"Carrefour Testing One-Hour Delivery", Retail Analysis, June 22, 2016
|
Wall Street Journal, June 27, 2016
PR Newswire, June 28, 2016
Financial Express, June 30, 2016
National Real Estate Investor, June 30, 2016
Cincinnati Business Courier, June 30, 2016
|
|
Innovation & New Ideas |
|
|
Carrefour Argentina has implemented Caja Ya, a customer queue management system developed to shorten shoppers' waiting time when paying for their purchases. Designed to ease the flow of customers, the system of electronic queues generates shifts and screens with information on waiting times. Shoppers can pick up the device upon entering the store, take their turn by scanning the bar code at a Consultation Point.
""Caja Ya" (Checkout), Carrefour’s new service in Argentina", Carrefour, June 13, 2016
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is collaborating with robotics company Five Elements Robotics to develop a shopping cart that would help shoppers look for items on their lists. Robotic shopping carts can help brick-and-mortar retailers to compete with Amazon.com Inc. and other retailers, according to Five Elements Robortics founder and CEO Wendy Roberts. Wal-Mart has been investing in technology to improve customers' shopping experience and compete with online retailers.
"Wal-Mart Experimenting With Robotic Shopping Cart for Stores", Bloomberg , June 15, 2016
|
Mobile Commerce Daily, June 03, 2016
Luxury Daily , June 07, 2016
Business Wire, June 28, 2016
Business Wire, June 28, 2016
|
|
Market News |
|
|
In 2015, the world's top retailers resumed their international expansion, according to market research group Planet Retail. Data from the company's report "Internationalisation of Retail, 2016," revealed an increase in the number of markets in which the leading players operated, compared with the period 2012 to 2014. Last year, the Top 100 retailers added 27 new markets to their global operations, compared with only 17 in the previous two years combined. Africa and Middle East became a key region for top retailers' international expansion efforts, with the region experiencing the fastest growth rate among all the regions covered by the study. Marke leaders, such as Walmart, Carrefour, and 7-Eleven, are targeting the region. Retailers are also using the Internet and marketplace platforms to launch their international operations without actually setting up physical stores in countries outside their home markets.
"Internationalisation of Retail", The Consumer Goods Forum and Planet Retail, June 14, 2016
Discount retailer Aldi was recognized as Grocer of the Year at the 2016 Grocer Gold Awards. Marking the third time the retailer won the award in four years, the event saw Aldi grabbing the award from rivals Lidl and Ocado. Tesco was voted UK's Favorite Supermarket by the public, while Andy Savage from Morrisons was Store Manager of the Year.
"Aldi crowned Grocer of the Year", The Grocer, June 15, 2016
Online retailer Amazon plans to enter Indonesia's e-commerce market, according to Indonesia E-commerce Association chairman Daniel Tumiwa. According to Tumiwa, local e-commerce companies “stand no chance to win against” the online retailer. Tumiwa also said Amazon plans to invest $600 million for its proposed Indonesia operations.
"Amazon to enter Indonesian market, gets US$600M ready for its first year", Yahoo! News, June 20, 2016
In 2015, private-label products’ share of the FMCG market in Europe in terms of value dropped by 0.6 points to 38.3 percent, compared with the previous year, according to IRI Worldwide. Data from the report “Private Label in Western Economies” revealed private-label unit market share also dropped by 0.5 points to 47.4 percent during the period. These numbers prove that the segment’s downward trend, which started in 2014, has continued, as well as focus on the challenges faced by private-label retailers and manufacturers across Europe. Among the eight countries covered by the study, France showed the highest decrease in private label’s market share, although it has a high share at 34.1 percent compared with Italy’s 17.2 percent value share and Australia’s 13.9 percent value share. Private label’s promotion market share in the US was 37.7 percent, the highest among the countries covered by the report.
"Private Label in Western Economies", IRI, June 22, 2016
|
The Wall Street Journal, June 15, 2016
Euromonitor International, June 16, 2016
Business Journals, June 16, 2016
Bloomberg Businessweek, June 20, 2016
Kantar Worldpanel, June 21, 2016
Boston Consulting Group, June 21, 2016
PR Newswire, June 21, 2016
Kantar Retail, June 24, 2016
Women’s Wear Daily, June 24, 2016
Advertising Age, June 27, 2016
FOODnavigator-USA.com, June 27, 2016
Marketwired, June 28, 2016
Carrefour , June 29, 2016
|
|
Marketing & Advertising |
|
|
Effective on July 1, 2016, Israel Assa assumes the role of senior vice president and general manager for business operations, travel retail worldwide, at The Estee Lauder. Newly created by the company, the post, which will be based in Switzerland, will have Assa overseeing the company’s three travel retail organizations. He will report to Olivier Bottrie, president of Travel Retail Worldwide.
"Israel Assa promoted to key new travel retail leadership role at The Estée Lauder Companies", The Moodie Davitt Report , June 20, 2016
UK retailer Tesco's Thailand business unit Tesco Lotus said it plans to double its online retail business in the country every year for the next 3‒5 years. Tesco Lotus digital and online business director Wanna Swuddigul said the growth plans are in line with growing consumer demand for instant access to information, products, and services. According to the company, its digital platform involves e-commerce, which offers products to customers through Tesco Lotus Shop Online and the Tesco Lotus shop on Lazada online market. Tesco Lotus uses Digital Connection, the second component of its e-commerce operations, to keep in touch with customers through social media and other online channels.
"Tesco Lotus aims to double online shopping every year", THE NATION , June 28, 2016
|
PYMNTS.com, June 02, 2016
Wall Street Journal, June 14, 2016
Wall Street Journal, June 21, 2016
Retail Week, June 24, 2016
Mobile Marketer, June 29, 2016
|
|
Press Release |
|
|
Carrefour plans to install Apple Pay at its stores in France, allowing shoppers to pay for their purchases using their smartphones. Combined with Carrefour Banque, Apple Pay will offer a “simplified, seamless and practical shopping experience” to all PASS MasterCard cardholders. Easy to set up, Apple Pay offers security and privacy. Also, Apple Pay is designed to let users continue receiving all of the rewards and benefits offered by credit and debit cards.
"Apple Pay coming to Carrefour’s Customers in France", Carrefour, June 13, 2016
Tesco reported like-for-like sales grew 0.9 percent in the first quarter ending May 28, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. Marking the second straight quarter of growth, total sales grew 1.1 percent at constant rates. At actual exchange rates, however, sales grew 1.8 percent, with a 0.7 percent positive foreign exchange rate effect due to a weaker sterling against European currencies. Supported by the retailer’s Brand Guarantee program, Tesco now offers customers a weekly shop that is 6 percent cheaper than it was in September 2014, the company said.
"First Quarter Trading Statement 2016/17", Tesco, June 23, 2016
|
Millward Brown, June 07, 2016
|
|