Walgreens CEO Sees Positives In Consolidation Of US Drug Store Market, Seeks Geographic Expansion December 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Stefano Pessina, Walgreens CEO, sees large benefits from market consolidation, arguing that unified control brings efficiencies and the chance to deliver affordable care: “If there are many services are under the same head it’s easier to coordinate the dynamics and lead in an efficient way.” Walgreens Boots Alliance is currently working to close a $17 billion merger with Rite Aid, a combination that would bring together the world’s largest drugstore operator, Walgreens Boots Alliance, with its 13,000 stores in 11 countries, and Rite Aid that operates about 4,600 stores around the US, mainly on the East and West Coasts. Pessina seeks to expand geographically to become a truly national player with “an even presence everywhere in the U.S.” Michela Tindera, "Walgreens CEO Stefano Pessina: 'Consolidation Is A Good Thing For This Market'", Forbes, December 01, 2016, © Forbes Media LLC

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In-Person Shopping Way More Important Than Online For Cosmetics And Grooming Products December 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A recent Harris Poll found that in-person purchases remain dominant for cosmetic and grooming products, and especially so for trialing and first time purchases.  The research underlined the importance of in-person channels, finding that around 90% of purchasers shop in-person for a range of personal care items, including hair styling products, shampoos and conditioners, cosmetics, non-sunscreen products with SPF protection, and sunscreen.  “Big box” retailers continue to be the preferred purchase location. Online channels are more popular for smaller items, with 40% of purchasers shopping online for cosmetics and 34% for facial/skin care products. They are less likely to shop online for bulkier items, likely reflecting shipping costs: just 17% shop online for shampoo/conditioner and 22% for sunscreen.  In all this, price remains the most important determinant of where consumers will purchase: 87% say they’ll buy a product wherever they can get the best deal. "Brick and Mortar Merchants Remain Top Purchasing Location for Cosmetic & Grooming Product Consumers", Harris Poll, December 01, 2016, © Harris Poll

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Machine-Learning Offers Significant Benefits For Grocery Retailers December 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Fresh foods account for about 40 percent of a grocery retailer’s revenue, and 33 percent of cost-of-goods sold. So it is imperative that stores have neither an excess or shortage of fresh food in stock. It’s a complex problem for a variety of reasons. But it can be mostly solved – with significant financial and logistical benefits – using machine-learning. The technology is based on algorithms that allow computers to “learn” from data while significantly boosting forecast and order accuracy. Some retailers using machine-learning have reduced out-of-stock rates by as much as 80 percent and cut write-offs and days of inventory on hand by 10 percent. They have also seen gross-margin increases of up to nine percent. Christoph Glatzel et al., "The Secret to Smarter Fresh-Food Replenishment? Machine Learning", McKinsey & Company, December 01, 2016, © McKinsey & Company

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Premiumization Driving Sales In Many Categories Worldwide December 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A Nielsen report highlights the strength of the premiumization trend that is driving sales around the world and looks set to continue as powerful underlining shifts play out. Rising income and a desire for exceptional quality (cited by 54% as a factor in premium purchases) and superior performance (46%), are core drivers. Interestingly, Nielsen finds that products with social or environmental benefits have premium potential. Some 42% of global respondents say they’d be very willing to pay a premium for products made with organic or all-natural ingredients, while nearly the same proportion (39%) say they’d pay extra for sustainable or environmentally friendly products.   Premium is well established in many markets – it already accounts for about 25% of dollar sales in both the personal-care category in the U.S. and Southeast Asia and is growing faster than other segments.  In Southeast Asia, for example, the premium segment grew 21% from 2012 to 2014, over double the rate of the mainstream and value tiers (8% and 10%, respectively). Strong and growing levels of consumer acceptance indicate the segment will continue to expand. Nielsen states that over 25% of global respondents say they’ll consider buying premium personal-care product:  hair-care (27%), body-care (26%) and oral-care (26%). More: we previously looked at prestige strategies in India. [Image credit © KMM Productions] "Global Premiumization Report: Moving Up", Nielsen , December 01, 2016, © The Nielsen Company

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Philosophy Ventures Offline With An Experience Rich, Multisensory Concept Store November 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty brand Philosophy will shortly launch its first concept store in the Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus, New Jersey. The company hopes its WellBeing Beauty Workshop will be experience-rich and engage consumers across all senses: "the environment invites you to mindfully engage the senses on an individual level through touch, sight, sound and scent.” In addition to a discovery station where shoppers can touch, test and sample Philosophy skincare products, the store will have personalized consultants and a conversation station to promote Philosophy’s ethos and community. A cornerstone of this is the company’s ‘hope & grace’ initiative and its commitment to support mental health and well-being, as well as its undertaking to contribute 1% of sales to the hope and grace fund.   Briana Draguca, "Philosophy Launches Its First WellBeing Beauty Store", Instyle.com, November 27, 2016, © Time Inc.

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China Continues To Embrace Online Shopping November 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the second volume of a report on shoppers in China, Kantar Worldpanel and Bain & Company highlight continued rapid growth in online sales and expansion in the number of categories bought online. Online sales of FMCG products grew 36.5 percent last year, with volume up 69 percent. A decline in the average selling price came from the broadening of product options beyond the expensive original categories, baby care and beauty. It also found that physical stores are trying to complement online shopping, with the growing popularity of convenience stores driven by urbanization, for small baskets and top-up shopping. The authors believe that online and offline channels need to adapt to the changing reality to stay competitive. The growth in online shopping was demonstrated by the 11/11 Singles’ Day promotions. This year, Alibaba drew sales of $17.8 billion in the day, and the report suggested reasons for this sales splurge: existing shoppers choosing to spend more on the day; shoppers deferring purchases in the lead up to the day; and new shoppers attracted by the promotions. "Dealing with Two-speed China", Kantar Worldpanel, November 24, 2016, © Kantar Worldpanel

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Slow Moving Tesco Will Finally Remove Microbeads From Own-Branded Products November 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Acknowledging that it has been slow to react to growing worries about microbeads in personal care and household products, Tesco announced it will phase them out from all its own brand products before year-end. Ten of its personal care products and 10 household products will be affected. Tesco claims it is responding to growing consumer concerns over long-term environmental impact that microbeads have in oceans and ecosystems generally. It is encouraging suppliers to use natural alternatives, such as ground coconut shells that can be effective in face scrubs, or removing microbeads entirely. UK ministers indicate that microbeads (actually tiny pieces of plastic) will be banned from personal care products by the end of 2017. It is currently unclear if other categories will be affected. [ Image credit (C) Tesco plc ] Adam Vaughan, "Tesco to phase out microbeads from its products by end of 2016", The Guardian, November 24, 2016, © Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies

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Sourdough Bread Maker Finds National Audience November 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A California bread bakery that began as a restaurant sideline has become so popular, among locals and nonlocals, it is shipping its product around the country. Manresa Bread of Los Gatos makes only sourdough breads that are highly hydrated and highly fermented. They therefore have a longer shelf life and can withstand shipping times. With each shipment the company sends detailed instructions for warming and storing the bread for maximum freshness, along with recipes. The company bakes the loaves, packs them (in plastic bags) and ships four-loaf orders every Tuesday via two-day or faster shipping. Jody Meacham, "This Los Gatos Bakery's Bread is so Good that it's Now Shipping Nationally", Business Journals, November 23, 2016, © American City Business Journals

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Lack Of Authenticity Trips Up Luxury Retailers But Lets Sephora Shine In Consumer Engagement November 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Research by Shareablee released in advance of Black Friday and the start of the biggest shopping season of the year shows Sephora is considerably outperforming other retailers on social media this year. Sephora had 2.4 million consumer interactions (which includes reactions, shares, comments, retweets, favorites) across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, with engagement on Instagram especially important. This contrasts with big box and luxury retailers that all showed declines in social engagement, with Homegoods down 74%, Barneys off 50% and Bergdorf Goodman down 39% compared to last year. Shareablee CEO and Founder, Tania Yuki puts the shift down to greater consumer skepticism about retailer engagement attempts: “The consumer is much more skeptical of the retail season this year, and are rewarding only those retailers truly making an effort to be authentic and to add value to their shopping and research…”.   "Beauty Retailer Sephora Leads Consumer Engagement on Social in the Run Up to Black Friday as Many Major Retailers Struggle to Capture Consumer Interest", PRNewswire, November 22, 2016, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Pie Or Cake For Dessert? How About Both, In One Pastry? November 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Thanksgiving is over for 2016, but a peculiar leftover remains. The holiday dessert category now includes a mashup, or hybrid, known as the piecaken, a name that conjures up another Thanksgiving oddity, the turducken. The piecaken comprises a layer of pecan pie, a layer of pumpkin pie and a layer of apple upside-down cake, topped with cinnamon buttercream. Other incarnations feature fudge cake, peanut butter or cheesecake. The idea seems novel, but a baker in Minnesota has been turning out something similar for a while, but dubbed the "piesplosion." One version of it (the Black Forest) consists of cherry pie baked inside chocolate and red velvet cake. Aimee Blanchette, "Thanksgiving's most bizarre mashup bakes pie into cake — behold, the 'piecaken'", StarTribune, November 22, 2016, © StarTribune

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After Reports Of Food Waste, Meal Delivery Firm Fires Co-Founder November 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The co-founder of a San Francisco-based meal delivery start-up was replaced as CEO after news reports that the company wastes money on marketing and makes more food than customers use – as much as 16 percent wasted. Munchery denied it wasted food, noting that it was proud of the fact that any unsold food is donated to charities for redistribution to the poor. Nevertheless, the company replaced co-founder Tri Tran with new CEO James Beriker, a former chief executive of Simply Hired. Riley McDermid, "Munchery CEO Replaced as it Grapples with Reports it Wastes 16% of Food Made", Business Journals, November 22, 2016, © American City Business Journals

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Dunnes Now Dominates Ireland’s Retail Grocery Market November 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Industry researcher Kantar Worldpanel’s latest data show that Dunnes Stores is now the largest grocery retailer in Ireland, based on 12-week supermarket share: now 22.6 percent, up from 22 percent a year ago. A Kantar analyst says Dunnes achieved strong performance by implementing a strategy of encouraging larger shopping trips via its “Shop & Save” promotional campaign. The company encourages shoppers to add one extra item to every basket – worth €3.20 on average – adding to an additional €2.8 million each week. The retailer experienced growth – an overall sales increase of 6.7 percent year on year – thanks especially to toiletries, alcohol, frozen food and confectionery. "Dunnes becomes Ireland’s largest supermarket", News release, Kantar Worldpanel, November 22, 2016, © Kantar Worldpanel

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Restaurant Goers Want Natural, Local, Sustainable, And Delicious November 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A market research survey has found that 60 percent of restaurant diners who choose meat or poultry say the “all natural” claim is important to them. All natural covers a lot of ground, but for the most part it includes concerns about animal welfare and sustainability, and whether the animal is fed a grass or vegetarian diet. In this respect the concern is linked to the impact of the animal’s diet on the quality, taste and healthfulness of the dish. Local sourcing is very important these days as well. The researcher says the percentage of consumers who make an extra effort to buy local should crack 50 percent in a couple of years, in the face of widening concerns about where food comes from. Locally grown meat and poultry, for example, are at the top of consumer priority lists. "Food Transparency and Knowledge: 2 Trends Shaping Meat & Poultry Market", News release, Packaged Facts, November 21, 2016, © Packaged Facts

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Food For All App Eases Access To Surplus Restaurant Meals November 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Food for All project, funded by a Kickstarter campaign, has developed an app that eases the purchase of surplus restaurant food, helps reduce food waste, and saves consumers money. Food for All is based on a simple premise: people should be able to buy cheaply the unsold food prepared by restaurants, cafeterias, fast food eateries, and caterers – which together toss out more than 43 billion pounds of food annually. The app allows people to search for the closest restaurants that have available food; reports the price set by the restaurant (usually 50 to 80 percent cheaper); and tells the time when the food can be picked up (usually at closing or shift-end). "An app that allows you to buy food restaurants did not sell by the end of the day, up to 80% cheaper.", News release, Food for All, November 20, 2016, © Food for All

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Whole Foods Looks At Options For Getting The Word Out On Pricing Strategy November 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, formerly with Walmart, is the new head of global marketing for Whole Foods Market, and she may have her eye on revamping the company’s ad strategy to make it more aggressive. Whole Foods has launched a media agency review, just two years after hiring Texas-based GSD&M to handle its national ads. There is some question as to whether the agency is in or out with the company, which is battling worrisome declines in same-store sales. The strategy is to get the word out more effectively on the new affordability of many Whole Foods products. Steve McClellan, "Whole Foods' $65 Million Media Assignment Is In Review", MediaPost, November 18, 2016, © MediaPost Communications

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Target.com Now Offers Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care Line November 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST From November 2016, Target.com will sell the Dr. Sharp natural premium oral care range. Dr. Sharp, the dentist who created the vegan product line, said consumers can help keep their families healthy by learning about a product’s ingredients. The range covers items for babies through to adults. The products are fluoride-free and also do not contain gluten, alcohol, parabens, heavy metals or sodium lauryl sulfate. The non-GMO products do contain Xylitol, Green Tea and some natural extracts with soothing benefits. "Target.com Expands Their Oral Care Category With Dr. Sharp Natural Oral Care", PRWEB, November 17, 2016, © Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

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Walmart Posts Solid 3rd Quarter November 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart posted a $0.98 EPS on total revenue of $118.2 billion, an increase of 0.7 percent, for its fiscal 2017 third quarter. Net sales at Walmart International were $28.4 billion, a decline of 4.8 percent. Globally, on a constant currency basis, e-commerce sales and GMV increased 20.6 percent and 16.8 percent, respectively, representing continued acceleration. U.S. comp sales were up 1.2 percent, thanks to a traffic increase of 0.7 percent. Consolidated operating income dropped 10.4 percent, mainly because of ongoing investments in people and technology, as well as currency exchange rate fluctuations. CEO Doug McMillon said the third quarter was solid and the company was positioned well for the fourth quarter and the holiday season. "Walmart reports Q3 FY17 EPS of $0.98", Earnings release, Walmart, November 17, 2016, © Walmart Stores, Inc.

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Majority Of Food Retailers Are Working To Reduce Food Waste November 16, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Nearly three-fourths (71 percent) of food retailers who responded to an industry survey indicated that they were “aggressively investing” in ways to improve food donations to charities that feed the hungry. Retailers are also investing in areas related to food waste recycling (67 percent), food waste reduction (63 percent), and food waste disposal (58 percent). Within these areas, companies are devoting capital and employee time on improving food waste measurement and tracking. The survey was sponsored by the Food Waste Reduction Alliance, which includes the Food Marketing Institute. The FWRA analyzed food waste among U.S. food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurants. "Food Waste Initiative Suggests Food Retail Industry Making Significant Reduction Efforts", Food Marketing Institute, November 16, 2016, © Food Marketing Institute

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Kenneth Cole Announces Plan To Close All US Stores November 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Kenneth Cole said it plans to close all of its 63 stores across the US and will instead focus on expanding its online and full-price retail businesses. In May 2016, the company launched the fragrance brand Mankind Hero and scent Blue, which were created under a licensing deal with Parlux. Kenneth Cole needs to focus its “energies and resources” on improving its ability to serve consumers on their terms, according to CEO Marc Schneider. Lucy Tandon Copp, "Kenneth Cole to Close Entire US Outlet Division", Cosmetics Business, November 14, 2016, © HPCi Media Limited

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New Las Vegas Location Signifies Taco Bell’s Aggressive Expansion Plans November 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Calling it the “ultimate expression of the Taco Bell brand and lifestyle,” Taco Bell has opened restaurant 7,000, this one on the Las Vegas strip. Accompanying th new restaurant is a new logo, the first revision in 25 years. The company said the new eatery and logo signify a growth plan goal of becoming a $15 billion brand within six years. The company hopes to add 2,000 more restaurants and 100,000 new jobs in the time frame. The Las Vegas location becomes the fourth Taco Bell Cantina facility to open, following Wicker Park Chicago, SOMA San Francisco and Austin, Texas, and the first of its kind to offer 24-hour service. "Taco Bell Goes All-In on its Brand Evolution", News release, Taco Bell, November 14, 2016, © Taco Bell

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Walmart India Posts Strong Revenue Growth In 2016 November 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart India reported revenue grew 7 percent to Rs 3,996.8 crore for the 15-month period ending March 2016, compared with the 12-month period ending December 2014. Although sales grew 34 percent, the company grow 7 percent on an annual basis. Also, losses dropped from Rs 232.2 crore to Rs 140.4 crore during the same period. Walmart also opened a new store, taking the company's store count to 21, after more than two years of not adding a new location. Sagar Malviya, "Walmart India revenue rises 7% as sales jump 34%", Economic Times, November 14, 2016, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Bakery Waste Is A Major Problem In The U.K. November 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST One of the biggest sources of food waste in the U.K. is the baking industry. Waste is not only costly, it generates a lot of negative publicity. The country’s Waste and Resources Action Program (WRAP) estimates the bakery, cake and cereals manufacturing sector generated 90,000 tons of avoidable waste in 2014 and 2015. That's about 10 percent of food manufacturing's total avoidable waste. Baked goods manufacturers are developing ways to cut waste. For example, foodservice and own-label supplier Fosters Bakery reworks a percentage of leftover dough back into the next batch, sells unsold bread loaves as breadcrumbs, and turns food waste into animal feed at £40 a ton. Nevertheless, the bakery still generates about £100,000 a year of food waste. "A waste of dough", British Baker, November 11, 2016, © William Reed Business Media Ltd.

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France Sues Carrefour For Alleged Unfair Supplier Discounts November 9, 2016: 12:00 AM EST France is suing retailer Carrefour for allegedly demanding huge discounts from suppliers without providing anything in return. According to the French Economy Ministry, the government “would seek a fine and a court order” to stop the retailer's alleged unfair commercial practices that also harm companies and farms. Leigh Thomas, "French government to sue Carrefour over big supplier discounts", Reuters, November 09, 2016, © Reuters

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Boots Launches 2016 Christmas Campaign Highlighting Working Women November 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retail company Boots launched its “The gift of beauty” marketing campaign for Christmas 2016. Highlighting working women, the campaign focuses on those who have to work on Christmas day and support their communities instead of celebrating the holiday. Also, the ad features two women, including a paramedic, talking about their experiences. Rachel Gee , "Boots takes emotional route with Christmas ad celebrating working women", Marketing Week, November 08, 2016, © Centaur Communications Ltd

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Sephora Faces Trademark Infringement Lawsuit From Green Heart Labs November 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora has been sued by Green Heart Labs for allegedly violating the company's trademark for its Aha! Moment! skincare product. According to the lawsuit, Sephora has failed to stop selling the brand Drunk Elephant, which Green Heart Labs claims is using the trademark to promote its product. Green Heart Labs also claims the infringement “has caused injury to its business, goodwill, and property.” Deanna Utroske, "Sephora caught up in trademark lawsuit", Cosmetics Design, November 08, 2016, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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Target Appoints Natarajan SVP Of Network Planning And Operational Design November 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Target Corporation said it has appointed Shekar Natarajan as senior vice president, in charge of the retailer’s network planning and operational design. Reporting to Target’s executive vice president and chief supply chain and logistics officer, Arthur Valdez, Natarajan will manage the retailer’s direct-to-store and direct-to-guest supply chain network. Also, he will oversee the use of new automation and other technologies aimed at improving speed, accuracy, and efficiency. "Target Names Shekar Natarajan Senior Vice President, Network Planning and Operational Design", Target, November 07, 2016, © Target Brands, Inc.

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Brexit, Pound Value, Put Pressure On Retail Grocery Prices November 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Food retailers in the U.K. may be using Brexit and the drop in the pound to justify price hikes. Data collected by Mysupermarket.com show that U.K. supermarkets are charging a lot more for Unilever products than a year ago, and the trend is not slowing. Stores whose prices have risen include Asda, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Tesco. But there is less evidence that Asda’s prices on Unilever products have risen very much, mainly because Asda, owned by Walmart, benefits from the U.S. retailer’s massive buying power. For its part, Unilever, which has consistently warned that Brexit would lead to price increases, said raising prices for retailers is “never done lightly” and it is absorbing most cost pressures itself. Sean Poulter , "After Marmitegate, More Price Rises from Unilever: Firm Blames Impact of the Brexit Vote as Price of Products Including PG Tips and Persil Surges", Daily Mail, November 07, 2016, © Associated Newspapers Ltd.

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Carrefour Spain's Express Store Count Reaches 500 November 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour Spain has opened 160 new Express stores in 2016, bringing the total to 500 locations across the country. With the new stores creating 1,100 new jobs, the company's Express-format business currently employs more than 3,000 in the country. With an average floor area of 100‒500sq m, Express stores offer consumers in Spain with a local retail outlet that offers about 5,000 products at the most affordable prices, the company said. "Carrefour Spain reaches 500 Express Stores", Carrefour, November 04, 2016, © Carrefour

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Sam's Club China Offers More Expensive Products; Aims For Country's High-Spending Consumers November 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart has revised the merchandising strategies at its Sam's Clubs members-only warehouse chain in China. During the past two years, the retailer has added more expensive products, such as Zojirushi rice cookers, which cost $3,200 each, and diamond rings that cost $295,000, to the product collections of the 14 Sam's Club stores in the country. Walmart believes China offers big growth potential, with the company's Sam's Club in Shenzhen being the best-performing among the retailer's locations worldwide. Also, as part of efforts to attract more high-spending customers, Walmart increased the club's annual membership fee in April 2016 to 260 yuan, or $40, almost double the previous fee. "China’s High-End Retail Emporium", Bloomberg Businessweek, November 04, 2016, © BLOOMBERG L.P.

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Walgreens Boots Alliance Gets CSR Leadership Award From American Ireland Fund November 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retail company Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., received the Corporate Social Responsibility Award from the American Ireland Fund for its commitment to and investment in Ireland. Awarded during the organization's 32nd Annual Chicago Dinner, the recognition honors the retailer for the jobs it has created and services provided at more than 170 stores in Ireland. "Walgreens Boots Alliance Receives American Ireland Fund Corporate Social Responsibility Leadership Award", Walgreens Boots Alliance , November 03, 2016, © Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

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Target Says SVP Of Grocery Anne Dament Leaving Company November 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retail company Target Corp. said senior vice president of grocery, Anne Dament, is leaving the company effective November 18, 2016. Chief merchandising officer Mark Tritton is taking over Dament's position on a temporary basis. Dament has occupied the post for about 18 months, during which time the company's grocery business did not perform as well as expected. Khadeeja Safdar, "Target’s Grocery Chief to Leave", Wall Street Journal, November 02, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Whole Foods Market Posts Strong Sales Growth In FY 4Q 2016 November 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market, Inc., reported total sales grew to a record $3.5 billion for the fourth quarter ending September 25, 2016. During the period, comparable store sales declined 2.6 percent, with net income at $88 million, or 2.5 percent of sales for the quarter. According to the retailer, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization were $276 million, or 7.9 percent of sales, with return on invested capital at 13 percent. Cash flow from operations were at $352 million, with the company investing $195 million in capital expenditures. Also, the company returned $44 million in quarterly dividends to shareholders and repurchased $15 million, or 0.5 million shares, of common stock. "Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2016 Results", Whole Foods, November 02, 2016, © Whole Foods Market

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Major Management Restructuring At Whole Foods Market November 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market is eliminating its co-CEO management structure in favor of a single chief, naming John Mackey to the position. Walter Robb will remain as co-CEO until the end of December. After that, he will remain a director and continue to serve as chairman of both Whole Kids Foundation and Whole Cities Foundation. The company also announced that CFO Glenda Flanagan will retire from the role after 29 years at the end of fiscal 2017 (Sept. 2017), but will remain an advisor. "Whole Foods Market Announces Changes to Leadership; Eliminates Co-CEO Structure; Appoints John Mackey CEO ", News release, Whole Foods Market, November 02, 2016, © Whole Foods Market

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Majority Of Millennial Consumers In Asia-Pacific Still Living With Parents, Survey Reveals October 30, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In Asia-Pacific, 63 percent of millennials 22‒29 years old are living with their parents, according to a CBRE survey. In China, more than 60 percent of millennials are staying with their parents, the third highest in the region after Hong Kong and India, which both had around 80 percent. Data from the report revealed cultural norms and high property prices are keeping Chinese millennials from buying their own place, with 28 percent of respondents claiming it would take them 2‒5 years to afford to move out. Almost 90 percent of Chinese millennials dream of buying property, compared with the Asia-Pacific average of 55 percent. Millennial consumers in China spend 14 percent of their incomes on non-food purchases, the highest rate in the region. Liz Flora, "Study: Chinese Millennials Spend Big on Shopping Because They Live with Their Parents", Jing Daily, October 30, 2016, © Jingdaily

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The Cruffin Debuts In Philadelphia, Where Budino Thrives October 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Philadelphians love the sweet Italian custard known as budino, usually served like pudding in small jars or ramekins, and chefs have been experimenting with variations on it for years. At first there was salted caramel budino, then frozen budino pops (on a stick), and budino-stuffed doughnuts rolled in salted caramel crunch. The latest incarnation is the salted caramel budino-stuffed cruffin from Barbuzzo's. Similar in concept to New York's famous cronut, it is a hybrid of the croissant and the muffin, stuffed with caramel budino pudding, topped with dark chocolate cookie crumbs and some fleur de sel (sea salt), all rolled in sugar. Alex Tewfik, "Introducing Philly’s New Hybrid Dessert, the Salted Caramel Budino Cruffin", CNBC, October 26, 2016, © CNBC LLC

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Why Strong Consumer Spending Isn’t Buoying Retail Companies October 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Economic metrics related to U.S. consumers – i.e., unemployment, gas prices, stock market, etc. – are all trending positively. So why are the big retail chains, like Target, Abercrombie & Fitch, Dollar Tree, Barnes & Noble, etc., blaming their financial troubles on a dismal retail environment in which consumers aren’t spending? Analysts say consumers are indeed spending, just not as much at increasingly less relevant brick-and-mortar retailers. The facts: online buying is booming, especially at Amazon; there’s been a shift in buying products to buying experiences like travel (that show better on social media sites); and the success of upstart e-commerce brands such as Bonobos (left) or Fabletics. Matthew Townsend, "The U.S. Retail Environment? It's Doing Just Fine, Thanks", Bloomberg, October 25, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Lidl Eyes 100 More Stores In Romania October 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST German discount retailer Lidl plans to add 100 stores more to its current 200 locations in Romania, according to Frank Wagner, the company's director of operations in the country. After launching its business in Romania by acquiring discount retailer Plus in 2011, Lidl has opened 10‒15 stores each year until 2016. At present, Lidl is the third largest retailer in the country, following Kaufland and Carrefour. "Lidl plans to open another 100 stores in Romania", Romania Insider, October 24, 2016, © City Compass Media

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Metro AG Looks At Possibility Of Opening Representative Office In Armenia October 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Metro AG vice president for external corporate policy and head of Moscow representative office Alexei Grigoryev met with Armenia's Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan. During the meeting the executive and the prime minister discussed the possibility of establishing links between Metro and Armenian export-oriented companies. Also discussed was the possibility of Metro opening a representative office in the country. "Metro AG may open representation office in Armenia", ARKA, October 24, 2016, © ARKA

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Ugly Fruits, Vegetables Are Finally Making Their Way To Stores Instead Of Landfills October 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The food industry is getting the message from both anti-waste activists and consumers that fruits and vegetables don’t have to be uniformly perfect cosmetically to be marketable. Throwing away imperfect produce, whether at the production, distribution, or retail levels, is a huge waste of money – $40 billion a year – considering the water, fertilizer, energy and other resources it takes to grow crops that are never eaten. But that’s changing now: it’s increasingly possible to purchase ugly, or “wonky,” produce at grocery stores where bargain-hunting shoppers enjoy the hefty discounts. Beth Gardiner, "Food Industry Goes Beyond Looks to Fight Waste", The New York Times, October 24, 2016, © The New York Times Company

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Walmart Invests $50M In China’s Big Online Grocery Retailer October 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Just one day after Walmart and China’s JD.com revealed they would collaborate on three new online services, the U.S. retailer announced a $50 million investment in New Dada, the country's largest local on-demand logistics and grocery O2O e-commerce platform. The investment enables grocery delivery from certain Walmart stores. The earlier announcement focused on Sam’s Club and Global Imports stores on JD.com, and two-hour grocery delivery through New Dada, an independent joint venture of JD.com and Dada. New Dada has more than 25 million registered customers and provides local on-demand delivery in 300 cities in China. Walmart has 426 stores in 170 cities. "Walmart Announces Strategic Investment in China’s largest on-demand logistics and O2O Grocery platform New Dada", News release, Walmart, October 21, 2016, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports 20.3 Percent Profit Increase In 4Q October 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. announced adjusted fiscal 2016 fourth quarter net earnings increased 20.3 percent to $1.2 billion over last year, on sales of $28.6 billion (up 0.4 percent). Fourth quarter net earnings per share were $0.95 compared with $0.02 in the same quarter a year ago. The company said increases in net earnings reflect fluctuations in the quarterly fair value adjustments of the company's AmerisourceBergen Corporation warrants. Fiscal 2016 earnings per share declined 4.5 percent from the prior year, to $3.82. CEO Stefano Pessina said, "The exercise of the AmerisourceBergen warrants in August provides an example of the opportunities open to us to deploy capital.” "Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2016 Results", Earnings release, Walgreens Boots Alliance, October 20, 2016, © Walgreens Boots Alliance

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Starbucks To Expand Investment In Super-Premium Coffee Bars October 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Starbucks is in a fight to dominate the emerging super-premium coffee shops market, dubbed the “third wave” coffee movement. It just announced plans to add Reserve coffee bars in up to 1,000 of its cafes over the next year. Over time it plans to open 1,000 cafes that would sell only the Reserve brand coffees. Its two biggest competitors in the market are Blue Bottle, known for exotic micro-lot coffees, and Intelligentsia, owned by a German holding company. Lisa Baertlein, "Starbucks Plans New 'Reserve' Targets in Super-Premium Battle", Reuters, October 20, 2016, © Reuters

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The Body Shop Opens First Pop-Up Store In Canada October 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer The Body Shop opened a pop-up store in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood, the company’s first in Canada. Designed for testing new installations and activations and promote holiday gifts, the store features iPad tablets that display videos highlighting the retailer’s Bio Bridges rainforest awareness program. Also, the store includes an installation for Body Butter products that tells stories about the company’s partnerships with community-based suppliers of shea nuts and other materials. Rebecca Harris , "The Body Shop pops up in Yorkville", Marketingmag, October 20, 2016, © Rogers Media Inc.

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Retail Grocers Need To Stay Focused On The Importance Of Innovation October 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Many big food companies are working hard to innovate, constantly refreshing their product offerings, hoping to satisfy consumer appetites for new and exotic foods and flavors. Kraft Heinz, for example, recently added Aioli Mayonnaise and Korean Barbecue Sauce to its product line. But the problem, according to the Kraft Heinz Europe president, is that grocery retailers are putting limits on the array of products they offer shoppers, to the point that supermarkets are “in danger of becoming too ‘manicured’ and reminiscent of ‘libraries’.” Matt Hill said retailers should not lose focus on the need to innovate in the food industry. Jennifer Faull, "Supermarkets Will Feel Like Dull Libraries if Bosses Don’t Support In-Store Marketing From FMCG Brands, Warns Kraft Heinz", The Drum, October 18, 2016, © Carnyx Group Ltd

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Tesco's Sales Outpace Overall Market, Kantar Worldpanel Says October 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Tesco grabbed a bigger share of the UK retail market at 28.2 percent, helped by 1.3 percent increase in sales, during the 12-week period ending October 9, 2016, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Data from the market research firm revealed Tesco's sales grew faster than the overall market's 0.8 percent. Tesco gained 228,000 new shoppers during the period, as other retailers also posted market share gains, including Iceland, 6.9 percent; Co-op, 3.1 percent; and Waitrose. Sainsbury's sales declined 0.4 percent, while Morrisons saw sales drop 3.0 percent. "Tesco wins market share for first time in five years", Kantar Worldpanel, October 18, 2016, © Kantar Worldpanel

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Food Delivery Firm Just Eat Adds Former P&G Exec To Board October 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online food delivery company Just Eat has named former P&G marketing exec Roisin Donnelly to its board of directors. Donnelly, 54, spent 31 years at P&G, most recently as chief marketing officer for Northern Europe. She left the company in June and was replaced by Stefan Feitoza de Oliveira. Just Eat, which operates a global marketplace for online food delivery, has 15.5 million active users in 13 countries. Barrett J. Brunsman, "Former P&G Marketing Chief to Help Run World’s Top Online Food-Ordering Firm", Business Journals, October 17, 2016, © American City Business Journals

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Walgreens Customers Can Now Buy Online, Pick Up At Store, For Free October 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Pharmacy chain Walgreens is following the lead of other big retailers by unveiling program that allows customers to buy online or on the phone and then pick up the purchase at a store. The new Ship to Store program, available at 7,600 Walgreens and Duane Reade stores, features free shipping with no minimum order requirement. Orders can be picked within one to three days of purchase. Online purchases can also be delivered to the home for free with a minimum order of $35. David Salazar, "Walgreens introduces Ship to Store program", Drug Store News, October 17, 2016, © Drug Store News

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Tesco Settles Pricing Dispute With Unilever October 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Tesco and Unilever have settled their pricing dispute caused by the drop in the pound's value following the country's vote to leave the European Union. Before settling the dispute, Tesco suspended sales of some Unilever products on its online store. Industry sources revealed that Unilever had demanded 10 percent increases in the prices it charges the country's big 4 supermarkets for a wide range of products. James Davey and Martinne Geller , "Tesco, Unilever settle prices row after pound's Brexit dive", Reuters, October 14, 2016, © Reuters

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Ulta Widens Expansion Plans, Announces Plan To Open 1,400‒1,700 Stores In US October 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. announced plans to expand its store network by opening 1,400‒1,700 locations from its current 900. Significantly higher than the company's previously announced plan to have 1,200 stores in the US by 2019, the planned expansion is in line with Ulta CEO Mary Dillon's aim of doubling market share in the next several years. Also, the company aims to increase online sales to $1 billion, with Ulta raising its revenue forecasts for the year. Khadeeja Safdar , "Ulta Bucks Retail Trend, Plans New Stores, Lifts Outlook", Wall Street Journal , October 13, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Asda Names Eilidh MacAskill VP Of Creative October 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Asda named Eilidh MacAskill as vice president of creative. Previously global marketing director at Monsoon Accessorize, MacAskill will take charge of Asda's design, marketing, and advertising. MacSkill is joining a marketing team which has seen several executive departures and appointments. Maisie McCabe, "Asda recruits Eilidh MacAskill as vice-president of creative", Campaign Live, October 13, 2016, © Haymarket Media Group Ltd.

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