Beloved San Francisco Bakery Flourishes With Time-Tested Recipes August 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A 105-year-old San Francisco bakery continues to flourish because it still produces pastries that locals love so much. Schubert’s bakery was founded by a German immigrant in 1905, sold to Hilmar and Annie Maier in the 1960s, then sold again to the Wenzel brothers, both accomplished pastry chefs and employees. Over the years the goal has been to preserve the status quo by keeping the menu intact and doing whatever was necessary to make customers happy. That included dusting off a discontinued cake recipe requested by a customer at Christmas. The cake – striated vanilla and chocolate sponge between layers of chocolate and raspberry whipped cream – has since become “a menu mainstay.” Alissa Merksamer, "SF is Still Sweet on 105-Year-Old Schubert’s Bakery", San Francisco Chronicle, August 08, 2016, © Hearst Corporation

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Walmart Buys Jet.com; Girds For Future E-Commerce Wars August 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart has completed its $3.3-billion acquisition of online retailer Jet.com, as part of its efforts to improve its ability to compete in the e-commerce market. Although ranked as number 2 in L2's Digital IQ Index: Big Box report for its e-commerce capabilities, Walmart lags behind market leader Amazon. In 2015, Walmart reported $13.7 billion in online sales, while Amazon earned more than $92 billion. Elisabeth Rosen, "Walmart’s New E-Commerce Weapon", L2 Daily, August 08, 2016, © L2 Inc.

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Walmart Seals Acquisition Deal With Online Retailer Jet.com August 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart has inked a deal to buy fast-growing ecommerce retailer Jet.com for $3 billion in cash, both up front and over time, as well as $300 million in shares over time. The company says the acquisition brings numerous benefits, most significantly expanded customer reach and new capabilities that will mean faster ecommerce growth. Other benefits: Jet has proven it can scale with speed, having reached $1 billion in run-rate gross merchandise value and 12 million SKUs in its first year; 400,000 new shoppers are added to its customer base each month (especially urban shoppers and Millennials); and its technology rewards customers in real time with savings on items bought and shipped together, reducing supply-chain and logistics costs. "Walmart Agrees to Acquire Jet.com, One of the Fastest Growing e-Commerce Companies in the U.S.", News release, Walmart, August 08, 2016, © Walmart Stores

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App Helps British Restaurants Sell Meals Otherwise Destined For The Landfill August 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Danish entrepreneurs have developed a smartphone app that makes it easier for people to buy edible food cheaply from British restaurants that might otherwise toss it into a waste bin. A U.K. government report in May revealed that 1.1million tons of food are "avoidably" thrown out every year. Too Good To Go connects food buyers with top flight eateries that have trash-bound meals at prices ranging from $2.63 to $4.99. The app, which is already available in Brighton, Leeds, Birmingham and Manchester, will debut this month in London, where more than a hundred restaurants will participate in the initiative. Kate Nelson, "The App that Lets You Order Cheap Food from Restaurants that Would Be Thrown In The Bin", The Independent, August 07, 2016, © Independent Digital News and Media Ltd.

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Julep Signs Deal With Ulta Beauty To Sell Products Across US August 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty brand Julep said it has entered into a national distribution deal with retailer Ulta Beauty. With input from its customers, Julep chose 57 of its leading products to be sold at Ulta Beauty stores across the US. Calling itself a “social brand,” Julep relies on crowdsourcing and social feedback to create its beauty and skincare products. Ulta Beauty, with its 886 retail locations, is the largest beauty retailer in the country. "Julep Announces National Partnership with Ulta Beauty", Business Wire, August 05, 2016, © Business Wire

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Carrefour Expands Small-Convenience-Stores Business In China; Moves Away From Hypermarkets August 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour SA is shifting its focus from its hypermarket business to a business model emphasizing a smaller convenience store format in China. In 2016, the French retailer plans to open 40 to 50 convenience stores in Shanghai. According to the company, fresh products are driving sales growth in the country. With 14 currently operating Carrefour Easy stores in Shanghai, the company plans to launch online operations in Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province. Wang Zhuoqiong, "Carrefour shifts focus away from hypermarts", China Daily, August 05, 2016, © China Daily Information Co

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Sephora, Macy's Add Instagram Stories To Social Marketing Tools August 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST LVMH-owned beauty retailer Sephora and Macy's have joined other marketers that are using Instagram’s Stories feature as part of their social media marketing campaigns. Part of Instagram’s efforts to compete with rival social media platform Snapchat, the Stories feature allows users to record video and pictures. These videos and pictures appear as top updates of selected newsfeeds for only 24 hours. Brielle Jaekel, "Sephora, Macy’s embrace Instagram Stories for easier accessibility than on Snapchat", Luxury Daily, August 05, 2016, © Napean LLC

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Bulldog Agrees To Sell Products Through Walgreens Stores In US August 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST UK-based men's skincare brand Bulldog signed a deal with Walgreens to distribute its products in the US through the retailer's more than 2,000 locations across the country. As part of the agreement, Walgreens will sell Bulldog products, including the Original Moisturiser, New Original Face Wash, and New Original Post Shave Balm. Also included in the product lineup are the New Original Face Scrub and Original Shave Gel. Gina Acosta , "Bulldog men's skin care line looks to expand", Drug Store News, August 05, 2016, © Drug Store News

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Wal-Mart In Talks To Buy Jet.Com Inc., Reports Say August 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is reportedly negotiating to buy online discount retailer Jet.com Inc. Representing a significant expansion in Wal-Mart's e-commerce operations and efforts to compete with online rival Amazon.com Inc., a purchase deal would improve the retail giant's warehousing and delivery capabilities. Launched in 2014, Jet.com began as a most serious challenge to Amazon's hold on the market leadership position in the online retail segment. Jet.com has raised more than $500 million and could be valued at up to $3 billion. Greg Bensinger et al, "Wal-Mart in Talks to Buy Web Retailer Jet.com", The Wall Street Journal, August 03, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Walgreens, Unilever Partner In Program To Provide Clean Water To African Communities August 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walgreens and Unilever have come up with a way to boost sales while benefiting African communities that need clean water. Between July 31 and August 27, each purchase of specific Unilever products (i.e., TRESemmé, Suave, Caress and Axe) at a Walgreens store provides five gallons of clean water to a family in a developing Kenyan community. A purchase of two or more Unilever products at Walgreens will help provide 15 gallons of clean water. The donations through the program Give H2OPE to Others are handled by the social enterprise ME to WE. In 2015, Walgreens and Unilever helped donate more than 17.5 million gallons of clean water to the Kenyan village of Kipsongol – 31,000 gallons a day provided by the digging of a borehole. "Walgreens and Unilever Team Up with ME to WE for Second Year of Give H2OPE to Others", News release, Unilever, August 03, 2016, © Unilever

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Florida Bakery Group Features A Grilled Cheese Doughnut August 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A chain of three bakeries on Florida’s east coast is offering an unusual hybrid treat: the grilled cheese doughnut. The $3.00 delicacy comprises a choice of white American Swiss, cheddar or other cheese grilled on a fresh doughnut. The Viero Love Bugs Bakery manager calls the Donut Grilled Cheese “the perfect combination of sweet and savory.” The bakeries also offer a full array of traditional doughnuts, bagels, muffins, cupcakes, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and even a version of the famous “cronut” croissant/doughnut hybrid. Maria Sonnenberg, "Have Your Grilled Cheese on a Doughnut at Love Bugs", Florida Today, August 03, 2016, © www.floridatoday.com

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What Walmart Would Gain From Acquiring Ecommerce Innovator Jet.com August 3, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Though Jet.com is barely a year old, it is already an ecommerce giant thanks to an innovative logistics platform that calculates in real-time the most efficient way to fulfill orders and pass savings onto shoppers while they shop. Walmart is in discussions with founder Marc Lore – he of Quidisi.com fame – to purchase Jet.com, and Euromonitor sees a number of advantages for Walmart in the deal. Certainly there would be immediate access to four million shoppers and $1 billion in online retail sales, expected to reach $20 billion within five years. But over the long term, Walmart could become much more competitive with online powerhouses eBay and Amazon.com, thanks to Jet’s innovative ecommerce practices. Another benefit: Jet.com has expanded into grocery delivery, which Walmart is eager to try. Michelle Malison, "Why Walmart Wants to Buy Jet.com and What You Need to Know About the Potential Deal", Blog post, Euromonitor International, August 03, 2016, © Euromonitor

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Lidl Plans To Test Market New Private-Label Baby Brand In UK August 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl plans to start testing marketing its private-label baby care brand Lidl'uns in the UK. According to the company, the test will cover four of the country's regions and, if successful, the brand would be launched nationwide. Based on Lidl's trademark application, the company plans to expand its baby care brand to include baby food, toiletries, and non-food items. Priya Chandarana, "Lidl UK to test new private label baby brand", Retail Analysis, August 01, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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Tesco's Top Marketing Executive Leaves The Company August 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Tesco’s chief customer officer Robin Terrell is leaving the company after less than two years of managing the retailer’s marketing. According to reports, the retailer will not eliminate the role of chief customer officer and that Tesco is looking for a replacement, marking the fourth time in three years it has to recruit a new CMO. Terrell is seeking a “different direction in his career,” Tesco said, citing the reason for the executive’s departure from the company. Thomas Hobbs , "Tesco on the hunt for fourth marketing boss in three years as Robin Terrell departs", Marketing Week , August 01, 2016, © Centaur Communications Ltd

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Micro-Bakery Sells Fresh-Baked Baguettes From Vending Machine July 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A San Francisco entrepreneur has launched a business based on a vending machine that dispenses freshly-baked French baguettes 24 hours a day in a market hall near the Lower Haight district. Le Bread Xpress prepares partially baked loaves that are loaded every day into the machine. Founder Benoit Herve says there’s only the one dispenser now, but he has definite plans to expand to other locations as soon as possible. Bonnie Burton, "Baguette Vending Machine Bakes Up French-Style Bread At Anytime", CNet, July 31, 2016, © CBS Interactive Inc.

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USPTO Rejects Whole Foods’ Trademark Request July 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has rejected an application by Whole Foods Market to brand itself the “World’s Healthiest Grocery Store.” The rejection letter noted that the slogan can’t be trademarked because it is merely descriptive of the company’s services. Besides, the company has stores in only three countries: the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., making it difficult to support a “world” claim. The company has six months to respond to the letter. Meantime, Whole Foods posted disappointing 3rd quarter financials, including a 2.6 percent drop in same-store sales. Tonya Garcia, "U.S. Patent Office Rejects Whole Foods’ Bid To Brand Itself ‘World’s Healthiest Grocery Store’", MarketWatch, July 31, 2016, © MarketWatch, Inc.

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More Sweat Cosmetics Find Their Way To Sephora's Online Store July 30, 2016: 12:00 AM EST After launching Sweat Cosmetics' Twist-Brush + Translucent Mineral Powder and Twist-Brush + Mineral Foundation SPF 30 beauty care products in June 2016, beauty retailer Sephora is adding more products from the brand to its online store. Starting on August 9, 2016, Sweat Cosmetics' Gleam On mineral powder illuminator, Glow Hard mineral powder bronzer, and Skin-Balancing Cleansing Towelettes will also be available on sephora.com. Launched in 2015 by five women who shared a common passion for soccer, Sweat Cosmetics initially aimed at creating beauty products for athletes. Bigger-than-expected demand, however, prompted the company to expand its focus to include active women for its target market. Rachel Brown, "Sweat Cosmetics Offers Beauty Products for Fitness Buffs at Sephora.com", Women’s Wear Daily, July 30, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

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White Castle Launches Pretzelized Version Of Its Chicken Rings July 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST White Castle has been selling white meat chicken rings for a long time, but has now added a twist to the popular menu item. The fast-food chain is selling Pretzel Chicken Rings, basically the chicken rings with a “crunchy pretzel coating.” The company is selling a sack of 20 Original Chicken Rings or Pretzel Chicken Rings for $4.99. A social media-based promotional contest rewards participants using Twitter or Instagram with prizes for sharing pictures of their “Unofficial Games” and using specific hashtags to tell White Castle why they play. "The Ring Is The Thing! White Castle® Introduces Pretzel Chicken Rings", News release, White Castle, July 29, 2016, © White Castle

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British Grocery Chain Packs Nutritious Pasta Into Eco-Friendly Packages July 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST U.K.-based supermarket chain Waitrose has begun using packaging that is made from 15 percent food waste. The company recently introduced two dry fusilli pastas made from green peas and red lentils, both of which are packaged in the new eco-friendly boxes, which cut the use of virgin tree pulp by 15 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent. The pasta boxes are also 100 percent recyclable. The new pastas are high in protein, a good source of fiber, and gluten-free. "Waitrose Launches New Pasta in Boxes Made from Food Waste", FoodBev, July 29, 2016, © FoodBev Media Ltd

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Diminishing Shelf Space Drives CPG Companies To Try Online Innovation July 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Manufacturers of food, drink, beauty, and personal care products are losing store shelf space thanks to the rise of own-brand discount supermarket chains like Aldi and Lidl, and smaller stores that sell independent brands. To meet the challenge, manufacturers – Reckitt Benckiser, Nestlé, Diageo, Unilever, etc. – are increasingly focusing on e-commerce, selling through e-tail websites. But they are also experimenting with delivery-on-demand and subscription-based models. It’s a rising trend: online shoppers globally spent $87 billion on CPG items last year, nine percent of the total online spend. Twenty-five percent of people in 60 countries in 2015 ordered grocery products online for home delivery. Fifty-five percent said they would do so in the future. Martinne Geller, "Consumer Goods Firms Plot New Paths Amid E-Commerce Boom", Reuters, July 29, 2016, © Reuters

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Wal-Mart Works More Closely With China's WeChat Mobile Social Network July 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is expanding its partnership with mobile social network WeChat in China as part of its efforts to attract more consumers into its stores. In July 2016, Wal-Mart started allowing shoppers to check out in more than 100 stores across the country using WeChat Pay mobile payment. Also, the retailer runs a loyalty program aimed at the followers of its WeChat account. Using its WeChat account, Wal-Mart launched a digital gift card feature, enabling local consumers to send virtual gift cards. Frank Tong , "Wal-Mart offers new mobile cross-channel features for Chinese shoppers", Internet Retailer, July 28, 2016, © Vertical Web Media

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Grocery Chain Turns Food Waste Into Electricity July 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A New England grocery chain has begun collecting inedible food waste from its stores and processing it into biogas that fuels an electricity generator. The Stop & Shop chain collects and processes 95 tons of waste a day at the plant that opened in April, turning the waste into energy using an anaerobic digestion technology, while keeping it out of landfills. The facility generates 1.14 megawatts of electricity a day, roughly 40 percent of the energy required by the next-door distribution center. The company plans to open more processing facilities in Connecticut. "Stop & Shop Converts Inedible Food Into Energy", The Huffington Post, July 27, 2016, © TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc.

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Smart System Helps Singapore Hotel Reduce Restaurant Food Waste July 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A Singapore hotel has installed a system in its kitchen that helps it forecast more accurately how much to cook, ensuring that it is not overproducing and wasting food. The Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa’s system, developed by U.K.-based Winnow Solutions, uses a smart meter integrated with a kitchen's waste bin. A scale, an LCD panel and wireless connectivity automatically weighs discarded food and displays the dollar value. The hotel’s general manager says Sofitel SIngapore has reduced its food waste by two to four percent since the smart system was installed. The country’s National Environment Agency estimates that 790,000 tons of food were thrown away in 2014. Lisabel Ting, "Smart Kitchen System Checks Food Wastage", The Straits Times, July 27, 2016, © Singapore Press Holdings Ltd

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Whole Foods Market Posts Record Sales For July Quarter 2016 July 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market, Inc. reported total sales increased to a record $3.7 billion for the 12-week third quarter ending July 3, 2016. Comparable store sales declined 2.6 percent, with net income at $120 million, or 3.2 percent of sales, during the quarter. According to the retailer, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization were $326 million, or 8.8 percent of sales. Adjusted return on invested capital was 13 percent, the company said. Whole Foods Market produced $189 million in cash flow from operations during the quarter, returned $44 million in quarterly dividends to shareholders, and bought back $195 million or 6.5 million shares of common stock. "Whole Foods Market Reports Third Quarter Results", Whole Foods, July 27, 2016, © Whole Foods Market

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Advertisers Ignoring 50 And Older Consumers In Australia, International Advertising Association Event Speakers Say July 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Consumers 50 years and older are being ignored by advertisers, according to the Forgotten After Fifty event hosted by the International Advertising Association in Sydney. Ipsos research director Laura Demasi marketers, who have adopted to the multicultural characteristics of the Australian population, need to address ageism in advertising. According to Demasi, 94 percent of agency staff are younger than 50 years, creating a significant gap between advertisers and the growing seniors market. Macquarie Media Network executive chairman Russell Tate said, the average Australian marketer is 27 years old and is male, according to a PwC report released in early 2016. Lindsay Bennett, "Age is the new diversity problem in advertising", AdNews, July 27, 2016, © AdNews

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Aldi Grabs 10 Percent Share Of Australia's Retail Market July 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Aldi has grown its share of Australia's retail market to 10 percent, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. Aldi's growth has been driven by its non-stop expansion on the country's east coast and its entry into the South and Western Australia states in 2016. According to the company, it plans to continue expanding its network even faster in the coming years. "Aldi Australia reaches new heights", Retail Analysis, July 26, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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UK Supermarket Sales Grow Slightly In July 2016 Quarter July 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Supermarket sales in the UK grew 0.1 percent during the 12-week period ending July 17, 2016, compared with the same period in the previous year, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Tesco saw its sales fall 0.7 percent during the period; however, the rate it is losing market share has slowed down, with its share dropping slightly by 0.2 percentage points to 28.3 percent. Sainsbury's lost 0.2 percentage points of its market share to 16.3 percent, with sales falling 1.1 percent during the period. Asda and its recently appointed CEO Sean Clarke saw sales drop 5.6 percent, with market share falling to 15.5 percent. Although Morrisons also suffered slower sales, seeing turnover drop 1.8 percent, this was the best results for the retailer since January 2016. "Grocery market fails to feel impact of Brexit on prices or volume sales", Kantar Worldpanel, July 26, 2016, © Kantar Worldpanel

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Wal-Mart De Mexico Reports Revenue Gains, Profit Declines In 2Q 2016 July 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart de Mexico reported net profit declined 9.2 percent to 6.186 billion pesos, or $339 million, in the second quarter of 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. Analysts expected the company’s profit for the period to reach 6.290 billion pesos. Revenue for the quarter rose 11.5 percent to 127.5 billion pesos, compared with the same quarter in the previous year. Gabriela Lopez and Joanna Zuckerman Bernstein, "Wal-Mart de Mexico posts 9 percent drop in second-quarter profit", Reuters, July 26, 2016, © Reuters

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Sephora Relocates, Reopens Singapore Flagship Store July 25, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora reopened its Singapore flagship store in ION Orchard’s Basement 2 after relocating from the ground floor. Among the company’s top 10 stores worldwide in terms of revenue, the flagship store highlights Sephora’s commitment to the retail market in Singapore and across Southeast Asia. Sephora operates both brick-and-mortar and online stores in the Asia-Pacific region, including in Thailand, Malaysia, and India. Its online store, Luxola, which the company rebranded Sephora, allows the company to operate in markets where it does not have a physical store, such as Hong Kong, the Philippines, and New Zealand. Nisha Ramchandani, "Sephora remains upbeat about Singapore retail sector", Asiaone, July 25, 2016, © Singapore Press Holdings Ltd .

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Royal Ahold's Merger With Delhaize Creates Fourth-Largest Grocery Chain In US July 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Royal Ahold's merger with Delhaize Group created Ahold Delhaize, the fourth-largest grocery retailer in the US. Also, the deal will combine Ahold's U.S. East Coast-based chains Stop & Shop and Giant with Delhaize's Food Lion and Hannaford. Ahold owns Albert Heijn, the largest retailer in the Netherlands. Although it will be based in the Netherlands, Ahold Delhaize will be more American than European, with the U.S. chains accounting for 63 percent of sales in 2016. Stephen Wilmot, "A New U.S.-European Grocery Giant Is Born", Wall Street Journal, July 24, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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China's Beauty Retail Market Forecast To Grow To $50 Billion By 2020, Mintel Says July 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST China's beauty retail market is forecast to grow to 338 billion yuan, or $50 billion, in value by 2020, according to Mintel. Data from the market research firm revealed demand for skincare products is driving growth in the market. Mintel said 65 percent of consumers spent more on facial skincare in 2015 than in 2014. Growth continued despite the slowdown in consumer purchases during the three-month period ending October 2015, Mintel said. "Chinese beauty retail market predicted to reach $50bn", Inside Retail Asia, July 22, 2016, © Inside Retail Asia

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International Retailers Eye Vietnam's Fast-Growing Retail Market July 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Vietnam’s retail market is growing fast, with international retailers seeking to expand into the country. According to a report by Inside Retail Asia, the country is about to see a boom in the convenience store segment, with local retailer Vinmart operating almost 700 locations and opening new stores at the rate of two each day. South Korean supermarket chain Lott Mart plans to open 60 stores by 2020, while rival Emart has opened its first hypermarket, with more planned. Faced with growing foreign competition, the Association of Vietnam Retailers is calling for government support for its members to be better able to compete. "Vietnam Set For Retail Expansion", Warc, July 22, 2016, © Warc

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Sephora Supports Relaunch Of Sephora Collection Private-Label Brand With Mobile Campaign July 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora is supporting the relaunch of its Sephora Collection private-label brand with a campaign on dating app Tinder and other mobile social media platforms. Sephora created 1,000 photographs of products and swatches and is running ads on the media-rich mobile sites and apps. Online store Sephora.com includes the “swipe it, shop it” feature, which is based on Tinder’s website design. Sephora said it will later be able to add photographs of consumers’ own looks. Lauren Johnson, "Sephora Is Driving Mobile Sales With Tinder-Like Features and Digital Mad Libs Plus actual ads on the dating app ", Adweek, July 21, 2016, © Adweek

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Asda Hires Lidl's COO As VP Of Supermarkets July 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Asda hired rival Lidl's chief operating officer Chris Walker to become its vice-president of supermarkets. Walker's appointment comes a month after Asda's announcement that its chief executive Andy Clarke is leaving the company after six years of leading the Walmart-owned business. Walmart China chief executive Sean Clarke was named as Andy Clarke's replacement. Luke Tugby and George MacDonald, "Asda poaches Lidl chief operating officer to lead supermarket operations", Retail Week, July 20, 2016, © EMAP Publishing Limited

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Target Names Ben Cook SVP Of Global Logistics July 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Target Corporation said it has hired Ben Cook as senior vice president in charge of the retailer's global logistics, inventory allocation and replenishment. Cook is an industry veteran, with extensive experience in managing supply chain functions. Prior to his hiring by Target, he was Apple's director in charge of logistics and supply chain strategy. He will manage Target's inbound and outbound supply chain processes, including carrier transportation and last-mile delivery. "Target Names Ben Cook Senior Vice President, Global Logistics, Inventory Allocation and Replenishment", Target, July 20, 2016, © Target Brands, Inc.

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Wal-Mart Urges Suppliers To Remove Toxic Chemicals From Products July 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has called on its suppliers to remove eight harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde and triclosan, from their products. Developed in partnership with the Environmental Defense Fund, the list is part of the retailer's efforts to remove toxic chemicals from household goods. Also, the release of the list of chemicals follows the retailer's announcement in 2013 of its plan to ask suppliers to cut the levels of some substances in personal-care, cleaning, and beauty products, as well as encourage them to find alternatives. Lauren Coleman-Lochner and Andrew Martin, "Wal-Mart Asks Its Suppliers to Stop Using Eight Chemicals", Bloomberg, July 20, 2016, © Bloomberg LP

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Unwash Signs Retail Deal With Ulta Beauty July 20, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Unwash said it has partnered with beauty retailer Ulta Beauty to sell its professional co-wash haircare products in stores across the US and online at Ulta.com. Seeking to strengthen its retail and salon presence, Unwash said it plans to support its business partners with education and innovations. According to the company, this will ensure the products and service it sells perform more than customer expectation. As part of the agreement, Ulta Beauty will carry all Unwash products, including the Bio-Cleansing Conditioner and Anti-Residue Cleanse. "Unwash® Announces New Retail Partnership With Ulta Beauty", PR Newswire, July 20, 2016, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Carrefour Rolls Out Apple Pay In Stores Across France July 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour said that starting on July 19, 2016, customers will be able use Apple Pay mobile payment system to pay for their purchases at Carrefour hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores across France. Also offered by Carrefour Banque to its 2.5 million customers in the country, Apple Pay highlights the retailer's efforts to provide shoppers with a fast and convenient means of paying for goods, and participate in the Carrefour loyalty program at the same time. "Apple Pay is now available in Carrefour stores in France and to Carrefour Banque customers", Carrefour, July 19, 2016, © Carrefour

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Tesco Picks Coca-Cola Exec To Run Group Communications July 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST U.K. grocery retail chain Tesco has named Jane Lawrie to the post of group communications director, effective in October. Lawrie comes most recently from Coca-Cola, where she was head of European public affairs and communications. She has spent 25 years in corporate, financial and digital communications, with stints at Diageo and Boots the Chemist. "Tesco appoints Group Communications Director", News release, Tesco, July 19, 2016, © Tescoplc.com

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Kroger Announces Several Senior Executive Changes July 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Kroger Co. announced the retirement of Bill Breetz as president of the retailer's Houston division. He will be succeeded by Marlene Stewart, currently president of the company's Dillons division. Stewart, in turn, will be replaced by Colleen Juergensen, vice president of merchandising at the Smith's division. Also, Kroger announced the promotion of Pam Matthews, vice president of operations for the retailer's Delta division, to president of Kroger's QFC division. "Kroger Announces Retirement of Bill Breetz, Names Three New Division Presidents", Kroger , July 19, 2016, © The Kroger Company

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Flipkart Readies For A Price War With Amazon July 19, 2016: 12:00 AM EST India-based online retailer Flipkart Ltd. is preparing for a market war with bigger rival Amazon. Established in 2007 by Binny and Sachin Bansal, Flipkart managed to grow into the country’s biggest e-commerce company. Proving naysayers wrong, the company also proved its founders’ assertion that India was ready for online retail. Flipkart reached $100 million in sales in 2011; however, its infrastructure, including warehouses and servers, could not keep up with its rapid growth. Then, sales stagnated, an attempt to focus on mobile failed, important executives left the company, and in early 2016, a Morgan Stanley fund downgraded Flipkart’s value from $15 billion to $11 billion. With the local e-commerce company losing ground to its foreign-based rival, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ promise to invest another $3 billion in his company’s Indian operations signals more challenging times for Flipkart. Saritha Rai, "India's Flipkart Has an Amazon Problem", Bloomberg, July 19, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Boots Signs Franchise Deal With South Korea's Emart July 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Boots signed a franchise deal with South Korea's biggest retailer, Emart. Part of the company's expansion plans in Asia, the deal will involve the opening of new retail stores in shopping centers, on high streets, and near Shinsegae department stores, as well as Emart hypermarkets. Boots said it plans to sell its No7 and Soap & Glory brands of beauty products in the planned store locations. Marion Dakers , "Boots makes a push into South Korea with Emart expansion deal", Telegraph , July 18, 2016, © Telegraph Media Group Limited

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Tesco Extends Sustainability Support To Cocoa Certified By Rainforest Alliance July 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST All cocoa used by Tesco in its in-house chocolate products in the U.K., as well as all cocoa used in other Tesco foods, will be certified by 2018 by the Rainforest Alliance as responsibly and sustainably sourced, the company announced. Certification by the Alliance supports cocoa-growing communities, helps increase farmer income, safeguards soils and conserves wildlife. Other Tesco food products that will contain only certified cocoa include biscuits, cakes, desserts and cereals. Tesco cooperates with several sustainability programs: the Rainforest Alliance, UTZ, Cocoa Horizons and Fairtrade. "Tesco to Source Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Cocoa For All of Its Own Label Chocolate in the UK", News release, Tesco, July 15, 2016, © Tescoplc.com

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Online Health Food Retailer Profits From Program To Reduce Waste July 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A British online health food, beverage and supplement retailer hopes to raise $130,000 through crowdfunding to expand its program of selling out-of-date products at steep discounts. Vitalife’s “Love Health Hate Waste” initiative, launched a year ago, has kept nearly a million dollars’ worth of foods, drinks and supplements from ending up in landfills. The company said it was throwing away products that had reached their best-used-before date but were still “perfectly fit for consumption and legal to sell.” The company sells the products at discounts as high as 90 percent off retail. Under the program, which is expected to turn an $800,000 profit this year, “we are making healthy food and drink accessible to everyone,” a spokesman said. Edward Devlin, "Vitalife in Crowdfunding Bid for Love Health Hate Waste", The Grocer, July 15, 2016, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Sephora Brings Interactive Beauty Exhibit To NYC's Panorama Music Festival July 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Sephora is bringing its Sephora Collection beauty exhibit to the 2016 Panorama music festival in New York City's Randall's Island Park. As the event's official beauty sponsor, the company will offer an interactive display of technology and products. During the three-day event, consumers can experience beauty as imagined by the Sephora Collection's team of artists. Also, the display will provide free WiFi access to allow guests to interact with the latest technology from the company's Innovation Lab. "SEPHORA COLLECTION Joins Panorama As Official Beauty Sponsor For 2016", PR Newswire, July 15, 2016, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Metro Cash & Carry Romania Names New CEO July 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Metro Cash & Carry Romania has appointed Roland Ruffing as its new chief executive officer. Effective on July 11, 2016, Ruffing succeeds Gilles Roudy whose term ended in June 2016. With 12 years of experience working with the Metro Group, Ruffing started as financial director at Makro Cash & Carry Poland in July 2004. Irina Popescu, "Metro Cash & Carry Romania appoints new CEO", Romania-Insider.com, July 14, 2016, © Business Insider

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Trent Hypermarket Reports First Sales Growth In Year Ending March 2016 July 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Trent Hypermarket, UK-based retailer Tesco's joint venture with India-based Tata Group, reported sales grew 8 percent to Rs 849 crore in the year ending March 2016. Marking the first time the retailer saw its sales grow, Trent Hypermarket's business was boosted by an increase in number of stores and strong same-store sales. In 2015, Tesco saw its sales drop marginally. Sagar Malviya, "Tesco JV sees 8 per cent growth in Q1", Economic Times, July 14, 2016, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Starbucks Partners With Italian Bakery/Café Princi July 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Starbucks Corporation has become a licensee of, and investor in, the Italian bakery and café Princi, whose food will be served in Starbucks Roastery locations. Famous for its artisan breads created from family recipes, Princi, founded in 1986 by Rocco Princi, has five locations in Milan and London. Starbucks Roasteries will open soon in London and Shanghai. The company is also partnering with Princi to provide a “premium food experience” in its new Reserve only stores starting in 2017. "Starbucks Brings Leading Italian Artisan Bakery Princi to Customers Worldwide", News release, Starbucks, July 13, 2016, © Starbucks Corporation

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Sephora Opens 4 New Stores In Middle East July 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora opened four new store locations in the Middle East, raising to 56 its total store count in the region. Claiming its business in the region has grown significantly, the company opened stores at the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, Gulf Mall in Qatar, and Jouri Mall and Mall of Dhahran in Saudi Arabia. Despite the latest additions, the company’s store count for the region remains only half of former Sephora CEO Jacques 100-store target in theregion for 2010. Eleanor Dickinson, "Sephora expands in Middle East with new stores across GCC", Gulf Business, July 13, 2016, © Motivate Publishing

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Carrefour Tests Digital Promotion Deal With Artefact July 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour has tested its digital marketing deal with technology start-up Artefact. After signing the digital promotion deal, the partners chose Spain as pilot country for the program. As part of the deal, Artefact will help Carrefour with its digital marketing efforts. "Carrefour Tests Digital Promotion Deal With Artefact", European Supermarket Magazine, July 13, 2016, © European Supermarket Magazine

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