Walgreens Boots Alliance Posts Strong Revenue Growth In 2Q FY2016 April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walgreens Boots Alliance reported net earnings grew 14.4 percent to $1.4 billion in the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, compared with the same period of the previous year. Net sales jumped 13.6 percent to $30.2 billion, compared with the same quarter a year ago, with foreign currency translation adversely affecting sales by about 2.4 percent or $750 million. Operating cash flow reached $2.4 billion in the quarter, the company said. "Walgreens Boots Alliance Reports Fiscal 2016 Second Quarter Results", Walgreens Boots Alliance, April 05, 2016, © Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.

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Walmart In Talks With Haworth Regarding Media Account April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart is negotiating with WPP Group’s Haworth Media & Marketing for a possible takeover of the retailer’s media account. Currently being handled by media agency MediaVest, Walmart’s media account was worth more than $900 million in 2014, according to Ad Age Datacenter. Walmart’s move to change agency came following former Target chief marketing officer Michael Francis’ appointment as a marketing consultant for the retail giant. Francis has worked with Haworth for many years at Target and at Dreamworks Animation. Alexandra Bruell and Jack Neff, "Walmart 'In Conversations' With Haworth for Massive Media Account", Advertising Age, April 05, 2016, © Crain Communications

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Walmart, Sam’s Club Pledge 100% Cage-Free Eggs Within Ten Years April 5, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart and Sam’s Club announced a commitment to sourcing only cage-free eggs by 2025, though they hedged a little, saying the accomplishment of the goal depended on “available supply, affordability and customer demand by 2025.” In a statement the companies said the cage-free pledge supports their “aspiration” of achieving the “five freedoms” of animal welfare for farm animals in its supply chain,” announced a year ago. Besides freedom to express normal animal behavior, the others are freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury or disease; and fear and distress. The company is requiring all of its egg suppliers to be certified and fully compliant with United Egg Producers (UEP) Animal Husbandry Guidelines. "Walmart U.S. Announces Transition to Cage-Free Egg Supply Chain by 2025", News release, Walmart, April 05, 2016, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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Target Adds Coupon-Clipping Feature To Cartwheel Savings App April 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Target said it has added a new feature to its Cartwheel shopping app to help shoppers save money at checkout. Previously focused on providing customers with discounts on items, the app has been expanded to support digital coupons from manufacturers, the company said. With the new feature, shoppers can clip digital coupons, which are the same as those on the local Sunday newspapers. Target said it is currently testing the new service, developed in partnership with third-party provider of digital coupons, Quotient. Sarah Perez, "Target’s savings app Cartwheel now lets you clip real coupons", Tech Crunch, April 04, 2016, © AOL Inc.

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Procter & Gamble, Lidl Increased Ad Spending To Become Largest Advertisers In Respective Segments In UK April 4, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Procter & Gamble and discount retailer Lidl increased their advertising spend in 2015, compared with 2014, according to The Grocer’s Ebiquity report. Lidl raised its advertising budget 89 percent to £78.3 million, covering TV, radio, cinema, print, and outdoor advertising. Marking the third year in a row that Lidl has increased its ad spending, the strategy helped the retailer become the fastest-growing supermarket chain in the UK. Procter & Gamble increased its ad spending 14.8 percent to £127.5 million, overtaking Unilever, down 3.2 percent to £118.9 million, to become the FMCG sector’s biggest ad spender. Simon Gwynn, "Lidl and P&G ramp up adspend as big four supermarkets rein it in", Marketing Magazine, April 04, 2016, © Haymarket

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Advertising Market News Marketing Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Walmart India Plans To Open 15 New Stores In Telangana State April 2, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart plans to expand its operations in India’s Telangana state in 2016. As part of the retailer’s expansion plans, Walmart will open up to 15 new stores in the capital Hyderabad and the rest of the state. With all of the planned stores 100-percent owned by Walmart, each retail location will have about 50,000sq. ft. space with food products accounting for 50 percent of the more than 5,000 goods to be offered. Walmart will partner with local kirana store owners and encourage women entrepreneurs to set up mom-and-pop stores, according to Walmart India VP and corporate affairs head Rajneesh Kumar. "Walmart all set for take off", The Hindu, April 02, 2016, © The Hindu

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Walmart Plans To Expand Online Business Amid Falling Sales April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart reported revenue dropped 0.7 percent to $478.6 billion in fiscal year 2016, compared with the previous year, the first time sales declined since the retailer went public in 1970. Although the company has outperformed most of its brick-and-mortar rivals, its growth rate pales in comparison with those of leading online retailers, such as Amazon. Walmart spent over $11 billion to improve its online operations and remodel current stores, with company officials saying the retailer plans to take advantage of its vast network of stores in the long term. Chase Purdy, "Walmart shows signs of growing pains as it vies to attract online shoppers", Quartz, April 01, 2016, © Quartz

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Online Operations Hurting Profits At Department Stores, Study Reveals April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Department stores’ efforts to expand their e-commerce operations are hurting their profit margins, according to Credit Suisse. Results of an analysis by the financial services company revealed around 14 percent of revenue at leading department stores that anchor shopping malls in the US came from e-commerce in 2015. Retailers Nordstrom and Macy’s derived 19 percent and 21 percent of their sales from e-commerce, respectively. Data from Kohl’s annual report, however, showed the retailer’s e-commerce operating margin was 9 percent, while its stores recorded 14 percent in 2015. E-commerce-related costs adversely affecting retailers’ bottom line include those related to free shipping, free returns, and the investments needed to build infrastructure, such as distribution facilities. Phil Wahba, "Online Sales at Department Stores Soared in 2015, at a Huge Cost", Fortune, April 01, 2016, © Time Inc.

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Ulta Beauty Plans To Open Satellite Office In Chicago April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Ulta Beauty plans to open a new satellite office in Chicago’s downtown area, according to company CEO Mary Dillon and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Aimed at providing employees workplace flexibility and supporting the beauty retailer’s growth, the satellite office will have 100 work stations and give employees access to the city’s public transportation and business community. To be located at 120 South Riverside Plaza, the office will have about 23,000 square feet of floor space. "Ulta Beauty Opening Satellite Office In Chicago", Ulta Beauty , April 01, 2016, © ULTA Salon, Cosmetics &Fragrance, Inc.

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Peapod Builds Up Muscle To Better Compete With Online Grocery Rivals April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Peapod Inc. is expanding its online grocery business using a combination of warehouse management software, scanners, robotics, and conveyor belts. Currently operating in 12 states and Washington, D.C., Peapod plans to expand into New York. Ahold, Peapod’s parent company, plans to merge with Delhaize Group, and the proposed union may help Peapod to expand to new markets in southern US. To enhance its ability to compete with Amazon.com Inc., Fresh Direct, and other online grocery companies in New York, Peapod constructed a 400,000sq. ft. fulfillment center. Kim S. Nash, "Online Groceries Becomes Next E-Commerce Battleground", The Wall Street Journal, April 01, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Average Household Discretionary Income In UK Rises In February 2016, Asda Income Tracker Reveals April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the UK, the average household had a discretionary income of £197 per week in February 2016, £12 higher than in the same period of the previous year, according to retailer Asda. Data from the company’s Income Tracker report revealed family spending power grew, compared with the previous month, for the first time since September 2015. Growth in household discretionary income was driven mainly by higher wage growth. For the year ending February 2016, consumer prices increased 0.3 percent, the same rate as in the previous month. "ASDA income tracker March 2016", ASDA, April 01, 2016, © ASDA

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Consumers Market News Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe United Kingdom

Michigan Retail Chain To Transition To Cage-Free Eggs Over Coming Decade April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Midwestern retail chain Meijer announced a commitment to all cage-free eggs in its stores by 2025. The company's current volume sales of cage-free eggs are “relatively low,” but the trend is in that direction. Meijer sells cage-free, free-range and traditional eggs, most of them sourced from farms in Michigan that have been working with the Meijer family for more than 50 years. Meijer (Grand Rapids, Mich.) operates 223 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. "Meijer Announces Goal to Source Only Cage-Free Eggs by 2025", News release, Meijer, April 01, 2016, © Meijer

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Sainsbury Buys Home Retail Group For £1.4 Billion April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Sainsbury agreed to acquire Home Retail Group for £1.4 billion. In February 2016, South Africa-based Steinhoff International said it was considering a rival bid for Home Retail, parent company of catalog store Argos, but later withdrew. Home Retail’s weak revenue performance prevented it from demanding Sainsbury to pay more for the retailer. Andrea Felsted et al, "Sainsbury Skips The Sweetener", Bloomberg Gadfly, April 01, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Kroger Signs Strategic Partnership Deal With Lucky's Market April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Kroger Co. said it has entered into a strategic partnership with specialty grocery store chain Lucky’s Market. As part of the deal, Kroger has made a significant investment in Lucky’s Market, which focuses on selling natural, organic, and locally grown products. Established in 2003, Lucky’s Market operates 17 stores in 13 states. Its store format, “Organic for the 99%,” highlights its selection of natural and organic food products. "Kroger & Lucky's Market Announce Strategic Partnership", Kroger, April 01, 2016, © SNL Financial LC/The Kroger Company

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The Body Shop Grows Business Without Turning Back To Sustainability Principles April 1, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty and personal care company The Body Shop, guided by the leadership of its CEO Jeremy Schwartz, continues to grow its business and revenue, while remaining true to its environment-friendly principles. Since Schwartz’s appointment in 2013, the company has reported growing sales worldwide. Schwartz revised the company’s sustainability initiative by launching the Enrich Not Exploit Commitment, which comes with 14 goals aimed at “enriching” the planet by 2020. These goals include regenerating 75 million square meters of habitat to help communities live more sustainably and powering 100 percent of its stores with environment-friendly energy. Also, The Body Shop has influenced its parent company L’Oreal to adopt more environment-friendly business practices. Lubna Hamdan, "Natural beauty: Body Shop's Jeremy Schwartz", Arabian Business, April 01, 2016, © Arabian Business Publishing Ltd.

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It Will Be A Slow Journey, But Antibiotics-Free Bandwagon Is Gaining Riders March 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Chickens fed antibiotics can live in cramped, unsanitary conditions without getting sick. They also tend to gain more weight. However, a highly vocal movement against antibiotic use in meat and poultry in the United States is inducing more producers to end the use of antibiotics. The goal is to protect consumers from a growing threat of antibiotic resistance as well as early puberty in children. Restaurant chains like Subway and McDonalds are demanding antibiotics-free meats. And poultry producers, including Tyson, Pilgrim’s Pride, Perdue Farms, and Foster Farms have all promised to mostly stop using antibiotics over varying time frames. It’s an uphill climb, however: 92 to 95 percent of food produced in the U.S. contains antibiotics. Emily Balsamo, "Movement Against Antibiotic-Treated Meat Gaining Momentum in the United States", Blog, Euromonitor International, March 31, 2016, © Euromonitor

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Tesco Launches PayQuiq Mobile Payment System In Stores Across London Region March 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Tesco plans to launch its PayQuiq mobile payment system for stores across the London region. To be available at about 500 Tesco stores within the M25 area, the PayQuiq app will let shoppers pay for purchases worth up to £400 using their mobile phones. Tesco has sent invitations to 600,000 members of its loyalty program Clubcard to download and test the mobile app. Tesco’s PayQuiq is designed to compete with Apple Pay and Android Pay mobile payment systems. "Tesco takes on Apple with own mobile payment system", Retail Analysis, March 31, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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Amazon Triples Dash Button Count To More Than 100 March 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon revealed there are now more than 100 Dash Buttons representing brands from personal and beauty care, household care, and food markets. First launched in 2015, the service allows members of Amazon’s Prime loyalty program to have prompt access to products considered as daily essentials. According to Amazon, Dash Buttons are available for Prime members for $4.99 each and with a $4.99 credit to their Amazon account for the first order, the service is virtually free. "More Than 100 Amazon Dash Buttons Now Available, Giving Prime Members the Easiest Way to Order Thousands of Products", Amazon, March 31, 2016, © Amazon.com, Inc.

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Carrefour Plans To Keep Expanding In Poland In 2016 March 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour plans to open about 150 stores in Poland in 2016. With the retailer planning to invest PLN 260 million, or €61 million, in the 2016 expansion, Carrefour allocated PLN 160 million, or €37 million, in the renovation and upgrading of existing stores. In 2015, Carrefour had 84 hypermarkets, 139 supermarkets, and 573 convenience stores across the country. "Carrefour's strategy in Poland", Retail Analysis, March 31, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Operations Strategy Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Poland

Lidl Plans Expansion In United States; Threatens Walmart, Other Leading Retailers March 31, 2016: 12:00 AM EST German discount retailer Lidl’s expansion plans in the United States threaten to disrupt the retail and grocery markets in the country, according to analysts. Lidl and rival Aldi doubled their market share in one year in the UK, accounting for 10 percent of that market, according to Spieckerman Retail CEO Carol Spieckerman. In October 2015, Lidl began construction of a planned regional headquarters and distribution center in Virginia; a month later, the company announced expansion plans in North Carolina. Lidl and Aldi operate stores that are more self-serve, have lower operating costs, and have business models that pose serious threat to Walmart and other leading retailers in the country. Kim Souza, "German discounter Lidl adds double threat to Walmart’s model", Talk Business & Politics, March 31, 2016, © Talk Business & Politics

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Lidl's Ad Spending Outpaces Those Of Rivals, Study Reveals March 30, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Discount retail chain Lidl accounted for 23.2 percent of supermarket advertising spend in the fourth quarter of 2015, according to the most recent Ad Tracker report from Checkout magazine by Nielsen. Data from the market research firm revealed Lidl’s ad spending jumped 45.4 percent compared with the same quarter of the previous year. Tesco accounted for 20 percent of supermarket ad spending, expanding its spend by 30.2 percent. Rival discounter Aldi accounted for 18.1 percent, making it the third-largest spender on advertising during the period. Dunnes Stores cut its ad spending 14.7 percent from the fourth quarter of 2014. "Lidl Outspends Rivals on Advertising", Adworld, March 30, 2016, © Adworld Ventures Ltd

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Upmarket Beauty Market Saw Strong Sales Growth In 2015, NPD Says March 30, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In 2015, the prestige beauty market saw sales increased 7 percent, according to NPD Group. Data from the market research firm revealed the makeup segment posted the strongest growth at 13 percent. According to the company, contouring and highlighting products helped drive growth in makeup sales during the period. Although other markets, including clothing and electronics, saw slower sales, beauty retailers Sephora and Ulta posted strong sales results. Beauty brand Estee Lauder revised its sales forecast upward, seeing stronger demand for its products. Sarah Halzack , "Women are scrimping on clothes, but splurging on this", The Washington Post, March 30, 2016, © The Washington Post

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Consumers Market News Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Metro Plans To Split Into Two Independent Companies March 30, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Metro AG’s Management Board prepares to implement a demerger of the retail group into two independent and market-sector-focused companies. According to proposed demerger plans, Metro will become a Wholesale and Food Specialist group and a Consumer Electronics group. Part of the company’s reasons for planning a demerger include achieving an improved focus, faster decision-making processes, and improved flexibility and operational efficiency. According to the company, the proposed demerger is expected to be completed by the middle of 2017. "METRO GROUP prepares demerger into two independent, strong wholesale and retail groups", METRO GROUP, March 30, 2016, © METRO GROUP

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Younger Consumers Like Shopping At Physical Stores, Study Reveals March 29, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Younger consumers see having a physical store as important for brands, according to iModerate. Data from the market research firm revealed 74 percent of all respondents said a physical location is important; however, 80 percent of Generation Z consumers and Millennials said it is important, compared with 69 percent for Generation X and 65 percent of Baby Boomers. Respondents cited the assurance that comes from seeing, feeling, and trying on merchandise as one of the biggest advantages of having a physical store. Marianne Wilson, "Study: Younger shoppers want stores", Chain Store Age, March 29, 2016, © Chain Store Age

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Consumers Market News Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

Walmart Launches Campaign Against Hunger March 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Walmart launched its “Fight Hunger. Spark Change.” Omnichannel fundraising campaign to help finance the fight against hunger. Working with five suppliers representing some of the leading food companies in the United States, Walmart will offer three ways for shoppers to help fight hunger and support families in need of assistance. Running until April 25, 2016, the campaign will let shoppers help by purchasing, with suppliers donating $0.09 to Feeding America for every participating product purchased; online acts of support; and donating at the register. Gina Acosta, "Walmart goes omnichannel against hunger", Chain Store Age, March 28, 2016, © Chain Store Age

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Wal-Mart Wins Tax Case Against Puerto Rico March 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST U.S. District Court Judge Jose Fuste ruled as illegal a tax levied by Puerto Rico on retailer Wal-Mart Stores. Implemented by the U.S. territory’s government in 2015, the tax rule raised the tax for on-island companies with more than $2.75 billion in revenue that sources products from off-island suppliers from 2 percent to 6.5 percent. Wal-Mart claimed the tax violated the commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution by unfairly taxing interstate commerce. Nathan Layne and Nick Brown, "U.S. court strikes down Puerto Rico tax on Wal-Mart", Reuters, March 28, 2016, © Thomson Reuters

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Private Labels Are Growing Part Of CPG Market, Study Reveals March 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, 32.2 percent of shoppers said they are currently buying more private-label brands, with only 6.6 percent of them saying they plan to return to name brands, according to a 2016 edition of “The Checkout” study. Results of the survey revealed 11.9 percent of respondents said they are buying fewer store brands, while 17.4 percent are buying more private labels and will keep on buying them. Also, 8.2 percent of respondents said they are buying more store labels and plan to buy even more. Data also revealed a decline in consumer perception of name brands as offering more new products, varieties, and innovations, from 56 percent of respondents in 2010 to 45 percent in 2015. Among African-American consumers, more are likely to prefer name brands, with respondents saying they are more likely to perceive name brands as of higher quality than their private-label counterparts. Results of the study offers some insights for marketers and retailers, including the fact that private labels are here to stay, consumers see private labels as inexpensive options with good-enough or comparable quality, and that African-American shoppers offer a potential area for growth. "New Checkout Study: Private Label", Shopper Culture, March 28, 2016, © The Integer Group®

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Market News Private Label Products & Pricing Trends Geographies Worldwide North America United States of America

India's E-Commerce Market Entices World's Leading Online Operators March 28, 2016: 12:00 AM EST India’s e-commerce segment is attracting the world’s leading online companies, including China’s Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and US-based Amazon.com Inc., as well as local players Flipkart and Snapdeal. Currently valued at $25 billion, the local e-commerce market, which is considered as a virgin territory, is forecast to grow up to 40 percent each year. While India’s market is more open than China’s, there are factors that limit foreign operators’ ability to do business, including the limit on foreign ownership of retailers selling multiple brands and the variation in taxes on goods and services among the country’s regions. Saritha Rai, "Amazon to Flipkart Clash in India's Nascent E-Commerce Market", Bloomberg Technology, March 28, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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As Fresh Produce Prices Climb, Canadian Shoppers Flock To Frozen Food Aisles March 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Canadian grocery shoppers are spending more time, and money, in the frozen food section of their supermarkets, thanks to a falling Canadian dollar and rising fresh produce prices. The result is an impressive 3.5 percent increase ($188 million) in sales over last year. Frozen produce is selling especially well, with fruit sales up 11 percent and vegetables up eight percent. Frozen produce, according to Nielsen, is a way to eat more healthful foods without having to worry about waste. Also selling well in this era of limited free time and more convenience are frozen (family size) dinners and premade meat patties. Sales of these items have increased two percent and 18 percent, respectively. "What's Heating Up In The Frozen Food Section?", News release, Nielsen, March 24, 2016, © The Nielsen Company

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Consumers Products & Pricing Research Trends Geographies Worldwide North America Canada

Sephora Employs Worldline Electronic Payments System For Sephora Flash Smart Stores March 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Sephora partnered with electronic payments and transactions company Worldline to launch its Sephora Flash smart beauty store. On October 21, 2015, Sephora opened its first Sephora Flash store in Paris, a retail concept that combines seamlessly brick-and-mortar stores and online shopping. Using an off-the-shelf near field communication, or NFC, card and a physical basket, customers can shop among 3,500 products on display at Sephora Flash stores. Also, customers using their handsets or tablets can browse Sephora’s online catalogue featuring 14,000 products. "Sephora selects Worldline to launch “Sephora Flash”, a new connected store concept", Worldline , March 24, 2016, © Worldline

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Consumers Worldwide Are Dealing With Economic Slowdown And Its Consequences, Global Study Reveals March 24, 2016: 12:00 AM EST More than 50 percent of consumers worldwide fear they or someone in their household will lose a job in the coming year, according to McKinsey & Company. Data from the study, “Saving, Scrimping, and… Splurging? New Insights Into Consumer Behavior,” which interviewed more than 22,000 respondents from 26 countries, revealed 28 percent of respondents said they are finding it harder to make ends meet than the previous year, while 26 percent said they live paycheck to paycheck. About one-third of respondents said their current economic conditions are making them delay purchases and reduce spending. Also, the study revealed five truths about today’s consumers: they proactively search for savings; they are loyal to brands, as long as the price is right; consumers who opt for cheaper brands might not be likely to go back; consumers are selective splurgers; and they shop across channels. Max Magni, Anne Martinez, and Rukhshana Motiwala, "Saving, scrimping, and . . . splurging? New insights into consumer behavior", McKinsey Insights, March 24, 2016, © McKinsey & Company

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Consumers Market News Trends Geographies Worldwide

Metro Tests InFarm's Modular Farming Technology March 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST InFarm partnered with retailer Metro to evaluate its modular self-contained farm in a supermarket in Berlin. According to InFarm, the indoor farming technology is efficient enough to make the cost of operating a vertical farm affordable on a micro scale. Designed to make the most of available space, the technology enables the growing of produce in a single area. Some of the advantages offered by the system include elimination of transportation, storage, and refrigeration costs, as well as reduction in water and fertilizer use. Adele Peters, "At This Supermarket, The Produce Section Grows Its Own Produce", Fast Company, March 23, 2016, © Mansueto Ventures, LLC

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Innovation Operations Strategy Geographies Worldwide EMEA Europe Germany

More Retail Grocery Chains Transitioning To Cage-Free Eggs March 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Several retail food chains announced they are switching to cage-free eggs. The latest group includes Bashas’, The Fresh Market, and Aldi. Bashas’ will be completely cage-free by 2017 because it is “the right thing to do,” says CEO Edward Basha. The Fresh Market’s store brand of eggs are already cage-free, but it will switch to cage-free for all of its eggs within four years. Aldi says it will offer a cage-free egg choice by the end of the year, but has set 2025 as the target date for 100 percent cage-free eggs in stores. "Bashas', Fresh Market, Aldi commit to cage-free eggs", Supermarket News, March 23, 2016, © Penton

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Shoney’s Commits To All Cage-Free Eggs By 2025 March 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Nashville, Tenn.-based restaurant chain Shoney's has committed to serving only cage-free eggs in its 150 restaurants by 2025. The company said it is working with its suppliers “to back the brand's dedication to the humane treatment of animals” and figure out a smooth implementation. "This is about a movement, not a trend," said CEO David Davoudpour, who acquired Shoney's in 2007. Shoney’s serves 50 million eggs a year. Other companies that recently announced a transition to cage-free eggs include restaurateur HMSHost, egg producer Pasco's Oakdell, grocery retailer SuperValu, PepsiCo, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, snack maker Snyder's-Lance, Walmart, Otis Spunkmeyer, and grocery chain Giant Eagle (Pa.). "Shoney's Makes Commitment to Serve Only Cage-Free Eggs", News release, Shoney's, March 23, 2016, © Shoney's

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Mobile Commerce Accounts For Bigger Part Of Ecommerce In China, Analysts Report March 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Mobile sales accounted for almost 50 percent of ecommerce sales in China in 2015, according to eMarketer. Data from Analysys International Enfodesk revealed mcommerce accounted for almost two-thirds of retail and consumer-to-consumer ecommerce sales in China in the fourth quarter of 2015, an increase of 55.5 percent from the previous quarter. In 2016, eMarketer predicts retail mcommerce sales in the country will grow 51.4 percent, accounting for 55.5 percent of retail ecommerce sales in China for the year. "Ecommerce Turns into Mcommerce in China", eMarketer, March 23, 2016, © eMarketer Inc.

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Market News Online Geographies Worldwide Asia-Pacific China

Carrefour Transforms Buenos Aires Hypermarket Into A Connected Store March 23, 2016: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour completed a full renovation of its Monroe hypermarket in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Similar to the retailer’s first connected hypermarket in Villeneuve-la-Garenne in Paris, the store in the Belgrano suburban area is equipped with screens that offer information on waiting ties, display terminals that shoppers can use to browse online catalogues, and WiFi. Also, the store comes with a new Gourmet area, providing consumers with a premium lineup of regional and imported products. "Carrefour: new connected store in Argentina", Retail Analysis, March 23, 2016, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

Domains RETAIL BUSINESS Operations Strategy Geographies Worldwide Latin America Argentina

Kroger Names Presidents Of Roundy's Supermarkets And Mariano's Businesses March 22, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Kroger Co. said it has promoted vice president of people operations Michael Marx to president of Roundy’s Supermarkets effective April 1, 2016. Also, Kroger promoted Roundy’s executive vice president of operations Don Rosanova to president of Mariano’s. Both executives will report to Roundy’s CEO Bob Mariano. Marx joined Kroger in 1975 as a stocker. After finishing the firm’s management development program, Marx served in many leadership positions. Rosanova has been EVP of operations for Roundy’s since May 2006. "Roundy's Names Two New Presidents", Kroger , March 22, 2016, © The Kroger Company

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The Body Shop Sees Stronger Sales In Middle East In 2016 March 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer The Body Shop expects sales to grow in the Middle East in 2016, according to chairman and CEO Jeremy Schwartz. Interviewed in Dubai, Schwartz said he believes sales growth will be driven by new product launches in cosmetics and skincare. In January 2016, the company launched a new foundation and will introduce a range of natural face masks in the region by the end of the year. Sarah Algethami, "New product launches to help The Body Shop grow in the region in 2016", Gulf News, March 21, 2016, © Al Nisr Publishing LLC

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Wal-Mart Names Disney SVP As Chief Communications Officer March 21, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart appointed Brian Besanceney as senior vice president and chief communications officer. Effective April 1, 2016, Besanceney’s appointment means he will report to Dan Bartlett, EVP of corporate affairs. Besanceney was SVP of Walt Disney World public affairs and worldwide government and industry relations. Frank Washkuch , "Wal-Mart names Disney's Brian Besanceney as chief communications officer", PRWeek, March 21, 2016, © Haymarket Media Group Ltd.

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Carrefour Nominates Brazilian Billionaire To Board Of Directors March 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour SA nominated Brazilian billionaire Abilio Diniz to the company’s board of directors, according to his investment company Peninsula Participacoes. Diniz, who is also the French retailer’s fourth-biggest shareholder, owning 5.07 percent of Carrefour through Peninsula, said he plans to review his decision to maintain his stake level. Sealed in December 2014, the Carrefour deal marks Diniz’s return to the retail market. Guillermo Parra-Bernal, "France's Carrefour nominates Brazil's Diniz to board", Reuters, March 18, 2016, © Thomson Reuters

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Wal-Mart Bribery Probe Is Nearing Completion, U.S. Prosecutors Say March 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST U.S. prosecutors are nearing completion of their international probe into bribery allegations against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. During the four-year investigation, which covered Mexico, Brazil, India, and China, U.S. Justice Department officials have faced various challenges, including in Mexico where results of investigation were too old to be used as evidence. In China, prosecutors saw their work hampered by the country’s disclosure rules and lack of evidence. Wal-Mart has promised to cooperate with U.S. authorities and spent almost $750 million on its own probe and on reorganizing its compliance operations. Tom Schoenberg & Shannon Pettypiece, "Wal-Mart Probe in Final Lap With Scant China Findings", Bloomberg, March 18, 2016, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Waitrose Continues Grow And Sell Gardening Program For School Kids March 18, 2016: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Waitrose relaunched its “Grow and Sell” program, which encourages school children to grow vegetables and other crops. On its fourth year now, the program gives away “Grow and Sell” kits, with each kit containing seeds for species, such as basil, beetroot, lettuces, and snap peas. In addition to encouraging children to learn about where food comes from, the program also helps them develop entrepreneurial skills. As part of the program, participating children are encouraged to sell their produce outside their local Waitrose stores. Carolyn Robertson, "Waitrose relaunches 'Grow and Sell' gardening kit scheme", The Grocer, March 18, 2016, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Whole Foods Announces Plans To Stop Selling Fast-Growing Chickens March 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market Inc. said it will stop selling industry-standard chickens bred to grow fast. Expected to be completed by 2024, the move will include replacing flocks at chicken farms that supply the natural and organic retailer’s stores with breeds, such as Red Ranger and Naked Neck. These breeds grow to marketable size about 23 percent slower than industry-standard chickens. Jacob Bunge, "Whole Foods Shifts to Slower-Growing Chickens", The Wall Street Journal, March 17, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Target Announces Senior Executive Appointments For IT Department March 17, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Target Corporation said it has appointed Tom Kadlec as senior vice president of infrastructure and operations. He will lead the retailer’s effots to modernize and improve its technology capabilities. Also, Target announced the appointment of Joel Crabb as VP of architecture, responsible for enterprise architecture, agile practices, and Application Program Interfaces. Coming from Tesco PLC, Kadlec has almost 25 eyars of global technology experience in retail and finance. Crabb, who has more than 20 years of IT experience, joined Target from Best Buy Co. "Target Names Tom Kadlec Senior Vice President of Infrastructure and Operations", Target Corporation, March 17, 2016, © Target Brands, Inc.

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Chipotle May Relax Some Emergency Measures, As Food Safety Crisis Eases March 16, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Chipotle Mexican Grill, beset by food safety breakdowns since last summer, may scale back or get rid of some of the emergency measures it implemented to stem the crisis. It has been precooking beef to ensure destruction of E. coli bacteria, for example, and using high-resolution DNA-based testing to detect pathogens. It has also shifted preparation of some produce items to a central kitchen. But now, as sales and share price begin to climb, the company may reduce pathogen testing while keeping other safety procedures in place, The Wall Street Journal reports, citing “people familiar with the matter.” Jesse Newman, "Chipotle Weighs Stepping Back From Some Food-Safety Changes", The Wall Street Journal, March 16, 2016, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Kroger Appoints Mary Ellen Adcock Group VP Of Retail Operations March 16, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Kroger Co. said it has promoted Mary Ellen Adcock to group vice president of retail operations. Effective on May 16, 2016, Adcock’s appointment will see her moving from her current post as vice president of operations for the company’s Columbus division and succeeding Marnette Perry who is set to retire. Adcock joined Kroger’s Country Oven Bakery in Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1999. She held several management positions of increasing responsibility in Kroger Manufacturing. "Kroger Names Group Vice President of Retail Operations", Kroger , March 16, 2016, © The Kroger Company

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Ulta Plans To Open 100 New Stores After Posting Strong Sales Growth In 4Q 2015 March 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Ulta said it plans to open 100 new stores in the United States, adding to its current store count of 874 across the country. Ulta reported sales jumped 21.1 percent to $1.27 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, while comparable-store sales rose 12.5 percent and net income grew 23.6 percent to $107.8 million in the quarter, compared with the same period in the previous year. Ulta’s expansion plans mean it is poised to stay much larger than nearest rival Sephora, which at present operates about 360 stores in North America. Sarah Mahoney, "On Soaring Sales, Ulta's On An Expansion Binge", MediaPost, March 15, 2016, © MediaPost Communications

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Wal-Mart To Focus On Updating Current Stores In Japan, Will Not Leave Market, Local Top Executive Says March 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores has no plans of leaving the Japan market, according to Takeshi Kamigouchi, head of the retailer’s local business. Japan’s retail market has been hit by consumer reluctance to spend made worse by the 2014 increase in national sales tax. Kamigouchi said Wal-Mart plans to focus on remodeling existing stores instead of opening new ones in 2016; however, the company may open new stores if good locations can be found. Wal-Mart, which operates Seiyu-brand stores in the country, has seen its same-store sales growing year-on-year in the past two years, the executive said. Ritsuko Shimizu, "Wal-Mart Japan to focus on remodeling stores, no plans to exit market", Reuters, March 15, 2016, © Thomson Reuters

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Target Announces Exclusive Bath And Body Care Brands Created In Collaboration With Project Underground March 15, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Target partnered with beauty brand creator Project Underground to develop its in-house bath and body care brands Mayfair Soap Foundry, Marlowe, and You Are Amazing. Combined with Target’s acquisition of Sonia Kashuk and the introduction of Defy & Inspire line of nail polish products, the move highlights the mass retailer’s growing focus on its beauty business. Target’s partnership with Project Underground began in 2015, with the latter mandated to create high-quality products for the retailer, with emphasis on design and affordability. Rachel Brown , "Target Taps Beauty Incubator to Develop Three Exclusive Lines", Women’s Wear Daily, March 15, 2016, © Fairchild Fashion Media

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Ahold Shareholders Give Nod To Proposed Merger With Delhaize March 14, 2016: 12:00 AM EST Ahold shareholders approved the retailer’s proposed merger with Delhaize Group. During an Extraordinary General Meeting in Amsterdam, 129 shareholders, representing about 869 million shares of the company’s stock, voted in favor of the deal announced on June 24, 2015. During the meeting, Ahold shareholders approved the appointments of members of the future Ahold Delhaize Management Board and the Supervisory Board. Also, shareholders approved a proposal to return around €1 billion to shareholders through a capital repayment and reverse stock split. "Ahold shareholders approve proposed merger with Delhaize", Ahold, March 14, 2016, © Ahold

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