New Pizza Chain Succeeds With Customization Concept

SeekingAlpha.com recently extolled the virtues of a small but fast-growing pizza chain known as Pie Five Pizza, launched by the same company that owns Pizza Inn. The main reason for the excitement about Pie Five – whose stock, it says, is undervalued – is a new concept the year-old chain is applying. For only $6.49, customers can custom-order the fresh-made dough, premium sauces and toppings, then watch the 9” pizza being assembled. It then takes only five minutes to bake. The chain has six restaurants, with one under construction, all in Texas, but has aggressive expansion plans. “The opportunity to buy the stock at cheap levels may not last for long,” Seeking Alpha says.

"5 Reasons This $2 Pizza Stock Could Outperform Chipotle And Panera", SeekingAlpha.com, August 08, 2012

Carrefour Looks At Other Options in Latin America Before Considering Assets Sale

Walmart is expected to slow down its efforts to acquire Carrefour’s retail operations in Latin America, according to a report by Bloomberg. A partnership with Walmart can help Carrefour catch up with Casino subsidiary Exito, currently the leading retailer in Colombia. Carrefour is also faced with similar trends in Brazil, where the retailer has trailed Casino-controlled CBD and Walmart in terms of investment. However, Carrefour’s newly appointed CEO Georges Plassat wants to first study other options, such as reexamining its strategic direction, before considering a possible deal with Walmart or other potential suitor. 

"Carrefour's LatAm Business A Tempting Proposition For Walmart", BMI Americas Food and Drink Insights, August 01, 2012

McBride Fails To Grow Sales In 2011, Plans Expansion In Asia

McBride posted flat sales in 2011, with household care products accounting for 80 percent and personal care representing 20 percent of sales. The company supplies more than 95 percent of the private-label requirements of Europe’s top 20 retailers, such as Aldi, Auchan, and Carrefour. While sales in the UK and Western Europe declined, sales in Central and Eastern Europe grew 18 percent to $222 million. McBride said it plans to expand operations in Asia.

"The international Top 30: 25. McBride", Happi , August 08, 2012

Retailers Expand Social Media Presence, Interact More With Customers

Retailers are expanding their use of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to interact with consumers. This trend is supported by results of various studies; for example, data from SOS eMarketing shows that a third of online consumers visit retailers’ Facebook pages at least once a month. Also, research shows that consumers who actively interact with supermarket chains’ Facebook and Twitter pages are more likely to shop there; other studies reveal that 46 percent of people who use retail-branded app visit stores more often. Many retailers are acquiring companies with social media expertise to expand their digital and social media presence. Wal-Mart, for example, acquired social networking firm Kosmix, while Sainsbury bought Global Media Vault and ebook company Anobii.

"Social media: retailers react to consumer interaction", just-food global news, August 01, 2012

Sephora Revitalizes Cosmetics Stores In New York

Sephora is reopening the Fragrance Flight Bar in New York’s Union Square as part of the beauty retailer’s revamp of its retail stores in the city. Sephora uses technology, including iPad tablets, to help consumers choose their favorite perfume. The opening of the Union Square store also features performance and appearances by some celebrities.

"Sephora gets a giant makeover at New York stores", NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, August 10, 2012

Tesco Opens Virtual Store At Gatwick Airport

Tesco opened a virtual store at the Gatwick Airport in London that offers customers the convenience of online grocery shopping with browsing products in a physical store. First launched in South Korea, the virtual store enables consumers to shop for grocery products even when they are away from home. By scanning barcodes with their smartphone, customers can add products they chose to online baskets, schedule home delivery, and checkout their purchases. 

"Fed up of coming home from holiday to an empty fridge?", Tesco, August 07, 2012

Marketing Experts Tell Retailers How To Encourage Shoppers To Try In-Store Brands

Progressive Grocer’s Store Brands presents the top seven recommendations by marketing professionals on how retailers can encourage shoppers to try their new in-house brands. Retailers should work at creating or developing a true brand instead of an imitation brand. In-store brands should come with well-designed packaging, which retailers should think of as an always-on advertisement. Retailers should revise the product selection of their in-store brands based on customer preferences. Also, retailers should place their in-store products in the store’s most prominent location. Retailers should put in-store brands on display and reinforce customer awareness with product samples. Finally, retailers should adjust their marketing message according to product category.

"The Art of Persuasion", Progressive Grocer, August 01, 2012