Delhaize Group, Ahold Expect Merger Completed Before End Of July 2016 July 12, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retail companies Delhaize Group and Ahold said they expect their planned merger to be completed before the end of July 2016, subject to approval by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Announced on June 24, 2015, the merger plan was approved by the companies’ shareholders in March 2016. Belgium’s Competition Authority gave the deal its conditional approval in the same month. "Delhaize Group and Ahold expect merger to complete before the end of July, subject to FTC merger clearance", Delhaize, July 12, 2016, © Delhaize Group SA

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Tesco To Sell Only Cage-Free Eggs By 2025 July 13, 2016: 12:00 AM EST U.K. grocery retailer Tesco said it will stop selling eggs from caged hens by 2025. It made the decision following a focused review of its egg-sourcing strategy, which included meetings with suppliers, industry experts, and other interested parties. The decision follows other sustainability initiatives, including a Fair For Farmers Guarantee for dairy farmers, guaranteed high-value contracts for U.K. potato farmers, and sustainable farming programs for lamb farmers and cheese producers. "Tesco to stop selling caged eggs by 2025", Tesco, July 13, 2016, © Tescoplc.com

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Wal-Mart Awards Advertising And In-Store Marketing Accounts To Publicis Groupe July 12, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has assigned its consolidated advertising and creative accounts in the US to Publicis Groupe. In this connection, Publicis is forming a new business unit to handle advertising and in-store promotions for the retailer's operations in the US. Wal-Mart's current advertising agency, Interpublic's The Martin Agency, confirmed its relationship with the retailer will end in September 2016. Tony Rogers' appointment as chief marketing officer preceded the change in the retailer's agency lineup. Nathalie Tadena, "Wal-Mart, Publicis Unveil Strategic Relationship", Wall Street Journal, July 12, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Wal-Mart Grabs Bigger Share Of West China's Retail Market July 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart saw its share of the retail market in China's West region grow from 5.7 percent in 2015 to 6.4 percent in the 52-week period ending May 20, 2016, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Data from the market research firm revealed consumer spending on FMCG rose 2.4 percent during the period, significantly lower than the 5.1 percent recorded in the country during the previous year. Local retailer Yonghui's share of the market rose from the previous year's 3.6 percent to 4.9 percent, overtaking Vanguard to become the second largest retailer in the West region. "Wal-Mart’s share growth accelerates in China", Kantar Worldpanel, July 11, 2016, © Kantar Worldpanel

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Naterra Opens South Korea Flagship Store July 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Naterra International marked the soft opening of its Naterra Korea store in South Korea’s Cheongdam high-end retail district. Serving as the company’s Korean flagship store, the location will house the company’s TIGI brand of professional cosmetics and haircare products. Featuring displays of products from TIGI’s Bedhead and S Factor lines of haircare products and TIGI Cosmetics, the store will also carry Naterra’s in-house personal care brands, such as Wildflowers and Tree Hut skincare products, and Baby Magic baby care products. According to the company, the store will have its grand opening on August 30, 2016. "U.S. Beauty & Personal Care Company Announces Opening of Naterra Korea Store", PRNewswire, July 11, 2016, © PR Newswire Association LLC.

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EBay Upgrades Mobile Websites With Google's Accelerated Mobile Pages Technology July 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online marketplace eBay Inc. updated some of its mobile webpages with Google Inc.’s Accelerated Mobile Pages technology. Developed to help businesses build mobile pages that load as fast as possible on smartphones, AMP is based on open-source standards. AMP-using mobile pages can load quickly because its HTML code includes restrictions, such as preventing customized Javascript coding. AMP also uses Google’s AMP Cache, a content delivery network that confirms each page works and does not depend on outside resources. With AMP, eBay helps consumers who access its mobile website from links, including Google search and Twitter. April Berthene, "eBay dives into Google’s Accelerated Mobile Pages", Internet Retailer, July 11, 2016, © Vertical Web Media

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Tesco, Metro Group Revamp Retail Operations In Poland July 11, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Tesco and Metro Group are evaluating their retail operations in Poland, as the local market becomes more competitive and risky, with the government announcing a new tax law in autumn 2016. After closing six stores in March 2015, Tesco is reportedly planning to close seven small stores by September 2016. Tesco is working to improve the efficiency and profitability of its operations in Central and Eastern Europe, including the closure of 20 percent of its convenience stores in the Czech Republic in its 2015-2016 fiscal year. For its part, Metro Group plans to close its small cash & carry format in the country. "Tesco and Metro Group streamlining operations in Poland", Retail Analysis, July 11, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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Barnes & Noble Launches The Glossary Beauty Retail Concept July 8, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Bookstore chain Barnes & Noble is adding The Glossary concept store to selected college bookstores across the US. Stocked with premium beauty brands, such as Smashbox, Burt’s Bees, CoverGirl, and L’Oreal, the retail concept is aimed at meeting college students’ demand for campus-based cosmetics outlet, the company said. Barnes & Noble has been selling beauty products from drugstore brands, including CoverGirl and Burt’s Bees, at its campus bookstores. Adele Chapin, "Why Barnes & Noble Is Getting Into Beauty", Racked, July 08, 2016, © Vox Media, Inc.

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Lano Rolls Out Lanolin-Based Skincare Products Through Ulta Beauty Stores July 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Australia-based Lano is launching its lanolin-based skincare products, 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, Rose Hand Cream Intense, and 101 Ointment Strawberry Multipurpose Superbalm, via Ulta Beauty’s store locations across the US. Lano’s August 1, 2016, rollout follows previous introduction of the product range at Shen Beauty and Net-a-Porter retail stores. Founded in 2009, Lano has expanded its operations to cover the UK, Hong Kong, and now the US. Rachel Brown, "Lano Spreads the Message of Lanolin at Ulta Beauty", Women’s Wear Daily, July 07, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

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Lidl Is UK's Supermarket Of The Year, Good Housekeeping Institute Says July 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl has been selected as the UK’s supermarket of the year by the Good Housekeeping Institute. According to the organization, Aldi and Waitrose were the awards’ runners up, with the country’s big 4 retailers, Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons, out of the picture. Lidl’s sales rose 16.7 percent in 2015, according to market analysts. Tesco was the country’s leading online grocery store, Good Housekeeping Institute said. Sean Poulter , "Budget chain Lidl beats upmarket high street rivals to be named supermarket of the year ", The Daily Mail, July 07, 2016, © Associated Newspapers Ltd

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Kroger Outlines Expanded “Eco-Stewardship” Goals For Next Four Years July 7, 2016: 12:00 AM EST The Kroger Co.’s expanded sustainability goals include a commitment to 100 percent sustainable seafood and a transition to a cage-free egg supply chain by 2020. CEO Rodney McMullen said the company wants to be a “positive force for change” while driving sustainability and innovation across the supply chain. The company said it is also committed to optimizing all corporate brand packaging, and implementing zero waste in at least 90 percent of its facilities over the next four years. "Kroger Announces Sustainability Goals for 2020", News release, Kroger , July 07, 2016, © The Kroger Co.

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Asda Is UK's Cheapest Supermarket In June 2016, Which? Magazine Says July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Asda was the most affordable supermarket in the UK for June 2016, according to a study by the “Which?” magazine. According to the magazine, it compared the prices of 78 branded products sold by Asda, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose during the month. In order to compare prices, the magazine uses a list of more than 100 popular branded products each month. Based on data from independent shopping website MySupermarket, the average price of each product for the whole month was calculated. "June 2016's cheapest supermarket revealed", Which?, July 06, 2016, © Which?

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Foodservice Industry Is Trying Hard To Deliver “Clean,” Boldly Flavored, Foods July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A consensus is emerging among restaurateurs and other foodservice operators over the term “clean” eating. The menu strategist for a Wyoming-based taco restaurant chain says clean simply means ingredients that can be found “in your pantry or in a grocery store.” The fewer the better. With that in mind, a restaurant in San Ramon, Calif., not only lists all ingredients for each dish on its menu, it makes sure all employees can explain the ingredients to diners. To keep things simple and clean – and zestier, another consumer trend – chefs are using herbs, spices, chilies, oils and condiments such as Tabasco Sauce, which itself contains only distilled vinegar, tabasco peppers and salt. That ensures the foods are not just cleaner and more natural, they are also spicier, a quality much desired by Millennials. "Consumers Crave Bold Flavors, 'Clean' Labels", Restaurant Hospitality, July 06, 2016, © Penton

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Low Shipping Rates Drive Growth For China's Alibaba Group July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Very affordable overnight shipping rates in China have been a biggest factor driving growth for online retailer Alibaba Group Holding. Some of the growth should be credited to the company's Taobao online marketplace and the low prices of goods offered by its 10 million merchants. Alibaba has no direct hand in arranging shipping for Taobao merchants; each seller has to deal with one of the country's largest private courier companies. China's four largest shipping service providers are Shunfeng, or SF Express, and YTO Express, STO Express, and ZTO Express. On Taobao, a 3kg box of Tide washing detergent costs $3.13, or 20.90 yuan, including shipping. In contrast, the same product would cost at least $53 in the US, with at least $35 going to shipping. Peter Fuhrman, "Cheap shipping hidden key in Alibaba's success", Nikkei , July 06, 2016, © Nikkei Inc.

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Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Increased Net Sales And Net Earnings In FY 3Q 2016 July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walgreens Boots Alliance reported GAAP net earnings per diluted share decreased 14.4 percent to $1.01 in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with the same quarter in the previous year. Adjusted net earnings per diluted share increased 15.7 percent to $1.18. Net earnings decreased 15.3 percent to $1.1 billion, compared with the same quarter in 2015, while adjusted net earnings rose 14.7 percent to $1.3 billion. GAAP third quarter operating cash flow reached $2.1 billion, with free cash flow at $1.9 billion. "Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Fiscal 2016 Third Quarter Results", Walgreens Boots Alliance, July 06, 2016, © Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

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Can Dunkin’ Donuts Succeed In San Francisco, Home Of Beloved Mom-And-Pop Shops? July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Massachusetts-based Dunkin’ Donuts tried expanding to California 30 years ago but failed – the last stores closed more than 10 years ago, trounced by a “reversed Walmart effect.” In the San Francisco Bay area especially, there’s an abundance of cherished mom-and-pop doughnut shops that have given fits to national chains like Dunkin’ and Krispy Kreme. But, with much ballyhoo, and some instant success, Dunkin’ is back in the Golden State, and once again faces competition from those entrenched family-run businesses like Stan's Donut Shop. San Franciscans – who love to eat out and discover unique eateries – are loyal to the mom-and-pop shops because their products are high quality and affordable, and they offer a good “old school” business culture. Annie Sciacca, "For Dunkin' Donuts, Small Shops Could Be Big Competition", The Mercury News, July 06, 2016, © Digital First Media

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SoCozy Launches Haircare Products Via Retailers Old Navy And Walgreens July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retailers Old Navy and Walgreens have agreed to sell SoCozy child-friendly haircare products. To expand its lineup of beauty care products aimed at leveraging store traffic, Old Navy will sell 6-oz. packs of SoCozy shamposs, conditioners, and detanglers, as well as 3-oz. styling products. Retailing for $8.99 each, these products are to be sold near retail stores’ checkout sections. SoCozy also plans to sell its products, including Cinch 3 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Wash, Cinch Detangler + Leave-In Conditioner, and Boo! Lice Scaring Spray, in the baby care department of Walgreens’ top 700 stores. Faye Brookman , "Old Navy and Walgreens Latest to Add SoCozy Hair Care", Women's Wear Daily , July 06, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

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Food Delivery Robots Take To The Streets In European Cities July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A robot food delivery start-up announced it is testing its business strategy and technology with the help of several European food and parcel delivery companies, including Pronto, Hermes, and Just Eat, as well as grocery retailer Metro Group. Starship Technologies, created by two Skype co-founders, will launch dozens of delivery robots in London, Düsseldorf, Bern and another German city to start. It will then move to several other European and American cities. It already operates delivery robots in Tallinn, Estonia, its headquarters location. "Starship Technologies launches testing program for self-driving delivery robots with major industry partners", News release, Starship Technologies, July 06, 2016, © Starship Technologies

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Ulta Beauty Attracts Consumers Who Prefer To Buy From Brick-And-Mortar Stores July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty is growing its business by focusing on consumers who prefer to shop in-store instead of buying online. What makes the company different from other retailers in the beauty segment is its focus on offering a wide collection of mass brands and prestige brands. Also, the retailer has convinced prestige beauty brands to sell their products in Ulta stores by showing them the concept of “mass migration.” With the beauty segment not affected by issues hampering the apparel market, such as sizes, weather, and price sensitivity, the market is expected to keep growing. Adriene Hill, "How Ulta Beauty keeps people shopping at its brick and mortar stores", Marketplace, July 06, 2016, © Minnesota Public Radio

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Sephora Updates Mobile App With Virtual Lash Try-On Feature And Augmented Reality Tutorials July 6, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora said it has added new features to its Sephora Virtual Artist application. Available for download on the Sephora App, the features are a new false lash virtual try on, which is added to the lip function, and step-by-step cosmetics tutorials using augmented reality technology. According to the company, Sephora Virtual Artist uses a smartphone's camera to map the location and shape of a user's facial features. Sephora's partner, ModiFace, developed the facial visualization and skin analysis technology. "Sephora Virtual Artist Expands With New Features For Virtual Lash Try On And Live Tutorials", MultiVu, July 06, 2016, © MultiVu

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Purchase Data Help CPG Marketers Find Their Quarry July 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST An increasing number of consumer packaged goods (CPG) marketers are relying on purchase-based advertising, as well as location tracking and other technologies, to more sharply target potential buyers. Purchase-based advertising is based on data derived from retail websites as well as from retail stores. As evidence of the pervasiveness of the technology, mobile ad firm 4Info reports that 99 percent of the campaigns it has managed for CPG clients use purchase information. 4Info gets the data – stripped of identifiable personal information – from Nielsen Catalina Solutions, which collects UPC-level information streams directly from participating grocery and drug stores every day. The data reflect purchase information from 90 million households. The information is sophisticated enough to allow advertisers to hone their message as well. Kate Kaye, "Grocery Brands Flock to Ads Informed by Your Real-World Shopping", Advertising Age, July 05, 2016, © Crain Communications

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Wal-Mart De Mexico Posts Slightly Weaker Sales Growth In 2Q 2016 July 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart de Mexico SAB reported total sales in Mexico and Central America grew 11 percent in the April‒June 2016 quarter to 126.6 billion Mexican pesos, compared with the same period in the previous year. Sales for June alone also grew 11 percent to 41.24 billion Mexican pesos, or $2.1 billion, compared with the same month in 2015. Same-store sales rose 6.8 percent in June in Mexico, slower than the previous two months, and 4.3 percent in Central America. Wal-Mart operates 2,362 stores in Mexico and 709 in Central America. Anthony Harrup, "Wal-Mart de Mexico Sales Growth Slows in June", Wall Street Journal, July 05, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Star Bazaar's March Quarter 2016 LFL Growth Brings Joy To Tesco July 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Tesco India's joint venture with Trent, Star Bazaar, reported like-for-like sales grew about 5 percent in the March quarter of its fiscal year 2016. While this gives the UK retailer a piece of good news from its international operations, Star Bazaar's LFL growth was not much better than those of many local hypermarket chains. In the UK, Tesco reported an LFL growth of 0.9 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2016, 4.1 percent in Europe, and 3.5 percent in Asia. Raghavendra Kamath , "India a bright spot for Tesco", Business Standard, July 05, 2016, © Business Standard Private Ltd.

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Myer Chief Executive Richard Umbers Promises A Stronger, Faster-Growing Retail Chain July 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Myer's chief executive Richard Umbers is working to revive Australia's largest retail chain. Appointed to the company's top post in March 2016, Umbers promised shareholders that he would end Myer's two decades of declining sales. Also, he said sales would grow 3 percent per year by 2020, with earnings growth ahead of sales growth by 2017. Referred to by Umbers as “New Myer,” the turnaround plan would cost about A$600 million, or US$450 million, during the next five years. Factors adversely affecting the company's operations include its inability to compete with online retailers, as well as foreign-based brands, including Zara and Topshop. Umbers also said Myer has lagged its rivals in terms of technology use and has been out of touch with customers. Katie Hope, "The man trying to reinvent a 116-year-old retailer", BBC News, July 05, 2016, © BBC

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Metro Group Announces Plan To Build Germany's Biggest Retail Logistics Center July 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Metro Group said it plans to build its largest logistics center in Marl to support the wholesale stores of Metro Cash & Carry and the Real hypermarkets in Germany. Expected to have a total area of more than 220,000 square meters, the proposed facility will create more than 1,000 new jobs. Part of the company’s new logistics strategy first announced in September 2015, the proposed logistics hub will be the biggest retail logistics center in Germany. "METRO GROUP plans largest retail logistics park in Germany", METRO GROUP, July 05, 2016, © METRO GROUP

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L’Oréal Acquires Fast-Growing Fragrance Firm Atelier Cologne July 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST L’Oréal Group’s Luxury Division has acquired the seven-year-old fragrance company Atelier Cologne. Founders Sylvie Ganter and Christophe Cervasel will remain to manage brand development and marketing. The strategy focuses on wholly-owned stores, shop-in-shops, Sephora, and e-commerce. The company has locations in 40 countries, and expects to open more stores in large cities, including in Brazil by the end of the year. According to the founders, the company’s sales have doubled each year since it was founded. Kristel Milet, "“L’Oréal knows how to welcome a brand with a strong DNA”, Christophe Cervasel, Atelier Cologne", Premium Beauty News, July 04, 2016, © Premium Beauty News

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Julep Adopts Omnichannel Marketing; Partners With Ulta Beauty To Sell Products July 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Seattle-based online cosmetics company Julep said it will start selling its bestselling products at 250 stores of beauty retailer Ulta Beauty in August 2016. By the end of the year, the number of stores will rise to 300 of the retailer’s 886 stores, with more stores to be added in 2017. Although some of its products have also been sold at Nordstrom, Sephora, and Beauty Brands, and TV shopping network QVC, the Ulta Beauty deal means a significantly expanded channel for the brand. Julep has been using social media and other digital platforms to solicit customer feedback, which the company applies to product development. Janet I. Tu, "Online cosmetics company Julep puts on fresh brick-and-mortar face", The Seattle, July 02, 2016, © The Seattle Times Company

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Fast-Food Chicken Encroaching On Burger Turf July 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Fast food industry analysts are reporting a shift in consumer preferences away from “better burgers” to chicken. Nation’s Restaurant News reported, for example, that burger joints were not among the top five fastest-growing restaurant chains last year, all of which were chicken slingers like Chick-Fil-A and Wingstop. One analyst said “same-store [burger] sales have decelerated meaningfully." Not that burger sales in the U.S. are hurting – sales grew more than 14 percent between 2010 and 2015 to nearly $103 billion – and investors still see profit potential in burger restaurants. But others are betting on chicken eateries, maybe because chicken has a reputation among consumers for healthfulness, or because it’s cheaper than beef. Meantime, McDonald’s, Shake Shack and KFC are all enhancing the chicken side of their menus. Ashley Lutz, "America's 'better burger' obsession is fading — and a new kind of fast food is taking over", Business Insider, July 02, 2016, © Business Insider Inc.

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Amway Is 6th-Largest Household And Personal Products Company, Happi Says July 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Amway is ranked number 6 in the 2016 edition of Happi magazine's list of The Top 50 Household and Personal Products Companies. In 2015, the company reported sales dropped 12 percent to $9.5 billion, the second straight year of falling revenues. Beauty products accounted for 25 percent, or $4.5 billion, of total sales, while home care contributed another 23 percent. Factors that hurt the company's revenue performance included soft sales in China and negative effects of currency exchange rates. "Amway ranked 6th at The Top 50 Household and Personal Products Companies List", Happi, July 01, 2016, © Rodman Media

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L Brands Is Ranked 8th By Happi Magazine's List Of Top 50 Household And Personal Products Companies July 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST L Brands grabbed the 8th spot on Happi magazine's 2016 list The Top 50 Household and Personal Products Companies. With sales of $4.4 billion from its personal care and cosmetics business, as well as $12.1 billion in corporate sales for the year ending January 30, 2016, the company plans to expand its Victoria's Secret Beauty business. In 2015, the company reported corporate sales grew 6 percent, while sales at its Bath & Body Works unit jumped 7 percent, with comparable store sales rising 5 percent. "L Brands ranked 8th at The Top 50 Household and Personal Products Companies List", Happi, July 01, 2016, © Rodman Media

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Mary Kay Grabs 11th Spot On Happy Magazine's Top 50 Household And Personal Products Companies List July 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty brand Mary Kay was ranked number 11 in the 2016 edition of “Happi” magazine's The Top 50 Household and Personal Products Companies list. Although the company reported flat sales in 2015, the company received more than 130 patents. This enabled the company to reach more than 1,200 patents for products, technologies, and packaging designs. Among the more significant patents the company received during the year were those for Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Volu-Firm Lifting Serum, Mary Kay TimeWise Body Targeted-Action Toning Lotion, and Repair Volu-Firm Eye Renewal Cream. "Mary Kay ranked 11th at The Top 50 Household and Personal Products Companies List", Happi, July 01, 2016, © Rodman Media

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Procter & Gamble Biggest Advertiser In US In 2015, Advertising Age Says June 30, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Procter & Gamble Co. remains the biggest advertiser in the US in 2015 although the consumer goods giant cut its ad spending. According to analysis by Advertising Age, the company spent almost $4.3 billion in advertising in the country in 2015, almost 4 percent lower than $4.4 billion it spent in 2014. Worldwide, the company spent $8.2 billion on advertising, lower by 7.7 percent compared with $8.9 billion in 2014. Another Cincinnati-based company, retailer Macy’s Inc., is also on the list’s top 25 advertisers despite cutting its ad spending. Barrett J. Brunsman , "Three Cincinnati companies among largest advertisers in U.S.", Cincinnati Business Courier, June 30, 2016, © American City Business Journals

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Poll Finds Online Food Shopping Has Become Fairly Routine For Certain Americans June 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Though Americans still make frequent trips to grocery stores, they’re also increasingly likely to buy food online, according to a Harris Poll of nearly 2,000 U.S. adults 18 or over. Thirty-one percent – 45 percent of all online shoppers – said they buy food online for convenience, to save money, or to find items they can’t find anywhere else. Most likely to buy online are Millennials (36 percent vs. 31 percent generally), college grads (35 percent vs. 26 percent with high school or less), parents and city dwellers. Most popular items purchased are snacks (20 percent) and non-alcoholic beverages (17 percent), while baking products and frozen foods are least popular (12 percent each). The best foods for online purchasing are non-perishable or have a long shelf life (49 percent), or are difficult to find in stores (48 percent). Allyssa Birth, "Purchasing Food Online: The New Normal?", News release, The Harris Poll, June 29, 2016, © The Nielsen Company

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Former Ogilvy Ad Exec To Manage McDonald’s Global Brand June 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST McDonald's has named Colin Mitchell, former worldwide head of strategic planning at ad firm Ogilvy & Mather, to the new position of global vice president of the McDonald’s brand. His new boss will be Silvia Lagnado, global chief marketing officer. Mitchell joined Ogilvy in 1999 and has worked on brands such as IBM, Coca-Cola, Cisco and BlackRock. As brand manager at McDonald’s, Mitchell will be responsible for “articulating the McDonald's brand vision and positioning,” and for coordinating advertising, visual identity and packaging. Jessica Wohl, "McDonald's Names Ogilvy's Colin Mitchell as Global Brand VP", Advertising Age, June 29, 2016, © Crain Communications

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Glow Recipe Sells Korean Beauty Products Online; Aims To Educate American Consumers About Them June 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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. Yim Seung-Hye, "Glow Recipe aims to educate U.S. in K-beauty", Korea JoongAng Daily, June 29, 2016, © JoongAng Ilbo

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Tesco Lotus Seeks To Double Online Business In Thailand Every Year June 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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. Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn, "Tesco Lotus aims to double online shopping every year", THE NATION , June 28, 2016, © www.nationmultimedia.com

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Walmart Promises That All Suppliers Of U.S.-Made Goods Will Get A Shot On Its Website June 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart execs recently met with 800 suppliers to hear pitches on potential Walmart.com products that are made exclusively in the U.S. The company said a third of the companies at the U.S. Manufacturing Summit were minority- or women-owned. A Walmart merchandising executive promised that all of the products – except those that can’t be shipped because they contain hazardous materials – would be automatically approved for sale on Walmart.com. The Summit is part of the company’s initiative, launched in 2013, to spend $250 billion on American-made goods for its stores, Sam’s Club, and website. Marty Cook, "At Latest Summit, Walmart Seeks More American-Made Goods", Arkansas Business, June 28, 2016, © Arkansas Business Limited Partnership

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Whole Foods Appoints Nielsen As Analytics Provider In US June 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Troubled U.K. Online Grocer Ocado May Benefit From Brexit Fallout June 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST O woe is online grocer Ocado. British supermarket chain Morrison is complaining that its deal with Ocado has been profitable for Ocado only, and signals it may back out. The company faces competition on its own turf from Amazon Fresh, which has made a supply deal with Morrison. And Waitrose, whose products Ocado sells, may pull out of its arrangement. These and other problems – it has failed to attract any European or U.S. partners – have depressed Ocado’s stock values by 25 percent since April. However, Ocado may benefit in several ways from the fallout of the recent Brexit referendum. The British pound is taking a beating versus the dollar, so an overseas supermarket will pay less to have Ocado manage its online grocery business. It also means that a potential buyer would pay less to buy Ocado outright. Andrea Felsted, "Ocado's Found a Silver Lining in Brexit", Bloomberg Gadfly, June 28, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Walgreens Says More Than 135 Million Electronic Coupons Clipped By Consumers June 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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, © Business Wire

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India’s Flipkart Experiments Again With In-House Brand Marketing June 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST India’s online retail marketplace Flipkart will be licensing its house brands in jewelry, mobile, and fashion accessories to approved sellers, according to reports. Suppliers must be capable of fulfilling the company’s quality manufacturing benchmarks and product specifications. This is the company’s second try at boosting its high-margin private-label business. Three years ago it launched in-house brands Digiflip in consumer electronics, Citron in home appliances and Flippd in apparels. The brands failed to gain a toehold in their markets; the company has stopped selling Digiflip tablets. Aditi Shrivastava, "Flipkart looks to fill up cart with own brands", The Economic Times, June 28, 2016, © Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd.

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Wal-Mart Names Lee Tappenden Head Of Canada Operations June 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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. Judy McKinnon, "Wal-Mart Names Lee Tappenden as New Canada Head", Nasdaq, June 27, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Lidl Launches Cien Line Of Cosmetics And Haircare Products In Ireland June 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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. Ailbhe Jordan, "Lidl's new makeup and haircare range is INCREDIBLY cheap - and there's more good news", Dublin Live, June 27, 2016, © MGN Limited

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Japanese Baker Creates Bread With Whimsical Designs, Including Cartoon Characters June 27, 2016: 12:00 AM EST A Tokyo-based baker is producing bread with patterns of flowers, cartoon characters and exotic prints. The loaves baked by Konel Bread use natural colors and flavors, including spinach, cocoa and beetroot. The bakery uses ropes of dough layered together to make the quirky designs, some with animal, insect and fruit patterns. Andrea Smith , "The Japanese bakery cooking up a storm with its colourful bread", Lonely Planet, June 27, 2016, © Lonely Planet

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Walmart Hopes Its New Date Labeling Scheme Will Help Reduce Wasted Food June 26, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart is changing the date labeling scheme on its food products to avoid consumer confusion over safe-to-eat dates. That confusion has led Americans to toss $29 billion worth of edible food into the trash every year. Walmart’s fix is to require suppliers of its own label Great Value products to use the same standardized date – “best if used by” – for non-perishable foods. The change began last year, and the company says 70 percent of its private label suppliers have already complied. The rest have until next month to comply. The Food Marketing Institute says most date labels aren’t meant to indicate safety, only when manufacturers believe products will go beyond peak quality. Twilight Greenaway, "Can Walmart's food labels make a dent in America's $29bn food waste problem?", The Guardian, June 26, 2016, © Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies

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Schwarz Group Plans To Invest €6.5 To Upgrade Lidl Stores June 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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. Luke Tugby, "Lidl owner Schwarz Group to plough £5bn into revamping stores", Retail Week, June 24, 2016, © EMAP Publishing Limited

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Tesco Posts Second Straight Quarter Of Sales Growth In 1Q 2016 June 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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, © Tescoplc.com

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Carrefour Plans To Test One-Hour Delivery Service For Parisians June 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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Private Label's Share Of FMCG Market In Western Economies Falls June 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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, © IRI Worldwide

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Bobbi Brown Opens First West Coast Store In Beverly Hills June 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST 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. Rachel Brown, "Bobbi Brown Opens Beverly Hills Flagship", Women’s Wear Daily, June 21, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

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