KFC Test-Markets Smartphone-Based Home Delivery November 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST KFC has begun testing fried chicken delivery at 60 restaurants in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The company has partnered with food delivery app Door Dash. Customers may order food using their smartphones or the Door Dash Web site. It is expected that the test will expand to Houston, Texas, by the end of the year, bringing the total of stores involved to 100. A KFC delivery initiative failed several years ago, but this is the first time the company is working with a high-tech delivery service. Sarah Spigelman Richter, "KFC now delivers fried chicken to your doorstep", Mashable, November 12, 2015, © Mashable, Inc.

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Waitrose Unveils Two Customer-Focused Marketing Initiatives November 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Waitrose plans to launch two promotion campaigns. In partnership with sushi bars and counters company Sushi Daily, the retailer will open fresh sushi counters in as many as 50 of its stores across the country. Aimed at consumers looking for delicious and convenient food, Waitrose will offer delivery of on-the-go and food-for-later products. Also, to promote customer loyalty, the company is adding two batches of seasonal lines to its Pick Your Own Offers program for the holiday season. "Waitrose Announces Two New Customer-Focused Developments", Retail Analysis, November 12, 2015, © IGD Services Limited

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New Battle Of Britain Takes Place In Grocery AIsles November 12, 2015: 12:00 AM EST German discount grocery chain Lidl – already a huge success in the U.K. – plans aggressive expansion in the country in 2016, adding 40 to 50 stores. The $2.3 billion growth strategy is another blow to Big Grocery in the country, where national chains like Sainsbury are losing revenue and market share in what has turned into a damaging price war. Lidl has 629 stores in the U.K., and plans to more than double that number over the next couple of years. In addition, Lidl’s new stores will start to look a little more like the higher-priced competition, with wider aisles, self-check-out technology, and baby changing stations. Sainsbury’s profits dropped 18 percent in the six months ending in September. Lidl’s profit rose 21 percent in 2014. The Aldi discount chain has had similar success in Great Britain. Graham Hiscott, "Lidl set to open 50 shops next year in £1.5billion challenge to the high street supermarkets", Mirror, November 12, 2015, © MIRROR.CO.UK

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Black Friday Becomes Less Popular In The UK November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Consumer interest in Black Friday sales is declining in the UK, two years after the post-Thanksgiving retail event was introduced in the country. Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s local business unit Asda said it would not offer discounts on major products on November 27, 2015. Instead, the retailer said it plans to invest £26 million to offer lower prices during the holiday season. Asda’s move highlights Black Friday’s unsuitability for the local retail industry, according to some market analysts. Saabira Chaudhuri, "Enthusiasm For Black Friday Wanes in U.K.", The Wall Street Journal, November 11, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Aldi Wins Top Marketing Honors At 2015 Festival Of Marketing November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Aldi won the Brand of the Year honors at the Masters of Marketing awards during the Festival of Marketing 2015 event. Aldi reported sales grew 17.6 percent, acquiring a 5.6 percent share of the UK retail market in the process, according to Kantar Worldpanel data. In 2014, the company’s revenue rose 31 percent to £6.89 billion. Sarah Vizard , "Aldi wins ‘Brand of the Year’", Marketing Week, November 11, 2015, © Centaur Communications Ltd

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Cannoli Filling Finds Its Way Into Other Baked Treats November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Hybrid pastries and baked treats march on. Several new concoctions were discovered recently in Rochester, N.Y., where the Sicilian treat cannoli – or at least the creamy ricotta-based filling – have merged with other baked goods. It may not be a hybrid trend as much as a cannoli explosion. No clever names were noted, but that doesn't seem to matter to their popularity. The Donuts Delite bakery, for example, originated a doughnut filled with the cannoli custard. Another bakery serves up cannoli bread. Grocery retail chain Wegman’s offers cannoli cheesecake, topped with crushed cannoli shells. The store is also rolling out a cannoli chips and dip tray and a cannoli chip and dip to-go cup. Older Italian bakeries in the region shrug. For them, traditional cannoli have always been, and remain, hugely popular. Tracy Schuhmacher, "Leave the cupcakes. Take the cannoli.", Democrat & Chronicle, November 11, 2015, © www.democratandchronicle.com

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Walmart Plans To Expand Digital And Ecommerce Capabilities November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart said it plans to increase its capital expenditure on digital projects and ecommerce from $700 million in fiscal year 2015 to $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2017. Part of the retailer’s efforts to offer shoppers enhanced customer experience through “seamless shopping,” the initiatives will include online order and store pickup, a faster fulfillment network, and building new data capabilities to improve the customer experience. According to the company, while an average store-only customer spends about $1,400 a year and online customers, $200, customers who shop through multiple channels spend $2,500 each year. In the United States, online sales are forecast to expand at a CAGR of 9.5 percent from 2013 to 2018. "Omni-Channel Retailing Could Drive Future Growth For Walmart", Trefis, November 11, 2015, © Insight Guru Inc.

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Lidl Wins Retailer Of The Year Award In Italy For Three Consecutive Years November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl Italia won the Retailer of the Year in Italy award for the third consecutive year. No other retailer has won the award for three consecutive years. Also, the retailer won the 2015 Best Supermarket of the Year in Italy award. "Lidl Italia 'Retailer Of The Year' Third Year In A Row", European Supermarket Magazine, November 11, 2015, © European Supermarket Magazine

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Alibaba Sets New Sales Record On 2015 Singles' Day November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. reported sales jumped 54 percent to $14.3 billion during the 2015 Singles’ Day, compared with sales recorded in the previous year. This highlights the resilience of consumer spending in China despite the current economic slowdown, the company said. It took just half a day for sales generated to overtake the previous year’s 24-hour total sales of $9.3 billion, the company also said. Gillian Wong, "Alibaba Smashes Singles’ Day Record; Sales Hit $14.3 Billion", Wall Street Journal, November 11, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

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Disappointing 3Q 2015 Revenue Numbers Hammer Macy's Stock November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Shares of Macy’s stock fell 14 percent to $40.44, following the retailer’s revelation its profit and sales declined in the third quarter of 2015. According to the company, profit fell 46 percent to $118 million for the quarter ending October 31, compared with $217 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Sales dropped 5 percent to $5.9 billion, below Wall Street forecasts of $6.1 billion. Alexander Coolidge, "Macy's sales disappoint, explores real estate options", USA Today, November 11, 2015, © USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc.

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Ahold Reports Strong Sales Growth In 3Q 2015 November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Ahold reported group sales grew 13.0 percent in the third quarter of 2015, with sales, excluding gas, rising 3.3 percent at constant exchange rates. Underlying operating income rose to €319 million, with underlying operating margin at 3.8 percent. According to the company, free cash flow increased by €160 million to €230million during the period. Same-store sales in the Netherlands rose 4.0 percent, while underlying sales trends in the United States continued to improve, with identical sales rising by 1.8 percent. "Ahold Interim Report Third quarter 2015", Ahold, November 11, 2015, © Ahold

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Kroger Announces Deal To Acquire Roundy's November 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Kroger Co. and Roundy’s, Inc. said they have signed a definitive merger deal, which will have Kroger acquiring all outstanding shares of Roundy’s. Under the terms of the deal, Kroger will begin a tender offer for all outstanding shares of Roundy’s common stock. Kroger will pay $3.60 per share in cash, representing a 65-percent premium to the Roundy’s closing share price on November 10, 2015. As part of the merger deal, Kroger will add 151 Roundy’s stores to its lineup. "Kroger and Roundy's Announce Definitive Merger Agreement", Kroger, November 11, 2015, © The Kroger Company

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H&M Says Will Not Open U.S. Stores; Supports Push For Less Chaotic Holidays November 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Stockholm-based retailer Hennes & Mauritz AB said its stores in the United States will not open on Thanksgiving Day 2015. Marking a first time for the company’s American operations, the move reflects a move toward a “less-frenzied holiday season” in the country. H&M becomes the latest retail chain supporting the campaign for holiday restraint. Nick Turner, "H&M to Close on Thanksgiving in Sign of Mellowing Holiday Season", Bloomberg Business, November 10, 2015, © Bloomberg L.P.

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British C-Stores Are Prospering, But The Future Brings Challenges November 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The U.K. convenience store sector is booming along with discount and online, thanks to a significant increase in visit frequency and store format innovation. Growth will continue over the next five years (17 percent predicted), presenting both opportunities and challenges for C-store operators. A major challenge is the maturing of the sector. New C-stores will find it tougher to grow. Quality store site are becoming scarce. Innovations like fresh produce, chilled foods and in-store bakeries will eventually become routine, possibly putting a brake on growth. To counteract these negative trends stores will need to emphasize value – not just price – and product quality. Michael Freedman, "Convenient Quality Wins Big With Shoppers", News release, Institute of Grocery Distribution, November 10, 2015, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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Robot Comes Ready To Banish More Human Workers From Retail Stores November 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Silicon Valley startup Simbe Robotics introduced Tally, a robot designed to help retail companies monitor their store shelves. Designed to perform inventory tasks faster than humans can do, the robot can finish scanning a CVS, Walgreens, or a small grocery store in 30 to 40 minutes, according to CEO Brad Bogolea. Tally can record data on 15,000 to 20,000 products in an hour, Bogolea said. Simbe Robotics is selling Tally as a service and is considering selling the information it gathers from store shelves. Matt McFarland, "Why this robot may soon be cruising down your grocery store’s aisles", The Washington Post, November 10, 2015, © The Washington Post

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Safeway Ends Med-Tech Services Deal With Theranos November 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Safeway terminated its partnership deal with medical technology firm Theranos Inc. After spending about $350 million to build clinics in more than 800 of its supermarkets, the retailer discontinued the project, codenamed T-Rex. Safeway cited Theranos’ failure to meet deadlines for the blood-testing rollout and questions about the accuracy of results of tests done on Safeway employees as reasons for scrapping the deal. Safeway’s deal with Theranos was made in 2011, before the medical technology company announced in 2013 a partnership with Walgreens drugstores to offer blood tests to the public. John Carreyrou, "Safeway, Theranos Split After $350 Million Deal Fizzles", The Wall Street Journal, November 10, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Walmart Slotting Fees Will Hurt Smaller Brands With Little Room To Maneuver November 9, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Last June Walmart announced it would change payment terms and charge fees, including slotting (shelf space) fees and distribution center fees. It was a setback for smaller marketers and suppliers who, it is felt, may have to compensate for the increased costs by cutting back on innovation and marketing, a bad move because brands need to advertise to survive. Larger suppliers, like P&G and Clorox, have more flexibility. They can pressure their own suppliers and find other ways to trim costs. A former retail executive says the big question for younger, smaller brands is whether to “jump into the Walmart game at all” or figure out some way to build the business through other channels, like Amazon.com. "Hitting a Wall(mart)", Happi.com, November 09, 2015, © Rodman Media

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Kroger Creates Grocery Store Designed For The Future November 8, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Kroger expanded its Click List click-and-collect service to cover 184 stores. Based on the Express Lane online ordering platform developed by Harris Teeter, a grocery chain acquired by the company in 2014, Click List allows convenience-minded customers to buy groceries online, then pay and collect their goods at a pickup window at an appointed time. Kroger’s previous technology investments include QueVision, a technology platform that uses sensors and predictive analysis. Installed in 2012, QueVision keeps store managers updated about the number of customers currently in the store, in real time. Kate Taylor, "Kroger is building the grocery store of the future", Business Insider, November 08, 2015, © Business Insider Inc

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Sephora Works With Pantone To Offer Skin Tone-Concealer Color Matching Service November 8, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora partnered with Pantone to launch the Sephora + Pantone Color IQ concealer color matching service. Designed to determine the best color options based on the customer’s personalized Pantone SkinTone shade, the service also helps women choose the best lipstick shades for their skin tone. Using the service, customers will be able to access and choose from Pantone’s SkinTone library and find the skin color that will work best for them. Ashley Monaé , "Thanks To Sephora And Pantone, There’s Now A Concealer Color Matching Service", Madame Noire, November 08, 2015, © Moguldom Media Group

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India's Online Grocers Facing Gloomy Future, Analysts Believe November 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST All existing online grocers in India do not have a viable business model, according to Future Retail Ltd. chief executive officer Kishore Biyani. Referring to the hyperlocal grocery delivery companies, which source their goods from local supermarkets and neighborhood stores, Biyani said these online retailers have high operating costs and incur huge losses. More than a dozen online food and grocery retailers are operating in the country. Five of these — Big Basket, Grofers, PepperTap, Jugnoo and ZopNow — have raised around $110 million in funding; however, the others are finding it hard to raise money. Most are likely to disappear in the near future; however, some are expected to survive the expected market consolidation, analysts say. Sapna Agarwal, "None of the existing online grocers will survive: Kishore Biyani", Live Mint, November 07, 2015, © HT Media Ltd.

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Yucaipa Investor Claims Previous Owner's Bad Decisions Doomed Fresh & Easy November 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Fresh & Easy failed to overcome bad decisions made by its previous owner, forcing the retailer to file for bankruptcy protection in October 2015, according to Ronald W. Burkle of investment firm Yucaipa Cos. After Fresh & Easy’s first filing for bankruptcy in 2013, Yucaipa took over more than 150 of the retailer’s stores. UK-based Tesco extended a $120 million loan to Yucaipa as part of its failed efforts to gain a foothold in the U.S. retail market. Increasing competition in the supermarket industry was among the factors that doomed Fresh & Easy, according to market analysts. Shan Li, "Billionaire investor Ron Burkle says bankrupt Fresh & Easy 'was in a free fall'", Los Angeles Times, November 07, 2015, © Los Angeles Times

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African, Latin American, Middle East Seasonings To Become Commonplace On Menus November 6, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Among the international foods and cuisines trending in 2016 are those with African flavors, according to a National Restaurant Association survey of 1,600 U.S. chefs. Diners will be introduced to the flavors of Ethiopia and Morocco especially, represented by spice blends like berbere, harissa, dukkah, ras el hanout and tsire. The seasonings will be used on fish, beef, chicken, goat and lamb, couscous, flat breads and vegetables. The chefs also indicated that Latin American and Middle Eastern flavors will appear more often on American restaurant menus, with dishes spiced with chimichurri, peri peri sauce and harissa. "African spices predicted to trend on restaurant menus in 2016: report", Yahoo! News, November 06, 2015, © Yahoo!

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Jet.com Raises Funds To Help It Compete With Market Leader Amazon November 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Jet.com, considered one of Amazon.com’s biggest challengers ever, is about to raise $500 million to $550 million in a funding round led by Fidelity Investments. Such an investment would put the online shopping startup’s valuation at about $1.5 billion. Founded by a former Amazon executive, Jet.com is seeking to undercut Amazon’s prices. It also aims to attract customers by offering aggressive ways to save on purchases, such as discounts for paying with a debit card or waiving right to return products they buy. Eric Newcomer et al, "Jet.com to Raise Funds Valuing the Amazon Rival at $1.5 Billion", Bloomberg Business, November 05, 2015, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Organic Zero-Packaging Store Opens In Paris November 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retail consumer goods shops in Europe are testing the idea of zero packaging: selling products loose. Customers brings their own glass or plastic jars, recyclable cotton pouches, etc., and end up saving as much as 15 percent, London has Unpackaged, Berlin has Original Unverpackt, and now Paris has one hundred percent organic Biocoop 21. The shop is testing ways to sell 250 products without packaging, including yogurt, honey, olive oil, wine, body wash and health products. The idea not only saves shoppers money, it is good for the environment, helping to eliminate waste. Jeanne Pouget, "Paris’s First 100% Organic, Zero Packaging Shop Opens Its Doors", Konbini, November 05, 2015, © Konbini

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Kroger Receives Higher Sustainability Rating From CDP November 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Kroger Co. said its climate disclosure score rose 48 percent, or an increase of 29 points, to 89 points out of 100, as measured by the Carbon Disclosure Project, compared with the previous year. Also, Kroger revealed it was included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index-North America for the third consecutive year. "Kroger's Carbon Disclosure Project Score Improves 48%", Kroger, November 05, 2015, © The Kroger Company

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Security Of Digital Payments Not A Major Concern Of Consumers November 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Researcher Mintel reports that, despite huge security breaches involving the personal data of tens of thousands of American consumers, use of credit and debit cards has not slowed appreciably in the past couple of years. Only 29 percent of consumers have turned to cash payments so far in 2015, compared to 42 percent in all of 2014. The fact is, consumers like to use cards because they are convenient, they offer a way to track spending, and they offer rewards. Banks meanwhile are busy sending the more secure chip cards to customers, use of secure online and mobile banking is at an all-time high, and consumers are getting acclimated to using the new smartphone retail payment systems. Susan Wolfe, "Data Breaches Leave Mobile Payment Consumers Looking For Rewards Over Security", Blog, Mintel, November 05, 2015, © Mintel Group Ltd.

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Panera Says Four More Years Until 100% Cage-Free Eggs November 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Noting that it has been working for ten years to “reduce antibiotic use and confinement” of food animals in its supply chain, Panera Bread announced progress among pigs, poultry and beef cattle in 2015. However, it said its laying hens would not be cage-free for another four years. This year, pregnant pig sows would be 100 percent gestation-crate free; all chickens and turkeys used in sandwiches and salads would be raised without antibiotics; and 89 percent of beef cattle would be grass-fed and free range. CEO Ron Shaich said there was more work to do, but “we are within reach of a menu without antibiotics and unnecessary confinement.” "Panera Bread says it will move to cage-free eggs by 2020", News release, Panera Bread, November 05, 2015, © Panera Bread

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Foodservice Industry Needs To Get Cozy With Generation Z November 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Twenty-somethings – dubbed Generation Z – are the first post-Millennial generation and the first generation to be exposed to multi-channel and digital marketing almost from birth. As children of the Internet age, they make foodservice buying decisions based on outside sources of information, including peers, social media, and traditional media. According to Technomic,  Gen Z-ers skip meals and snack a lot while watching TV or listening to music; crave flavorful, high-quality, healthful food; value foodservice speed and digital engagement, but also social eating opportunities; and, as their earning power grows, view their lifestyle choices as independent. "Technomic's Consumer 4Sight Group Takes a Deep Dive into Gen Z Foodservice Usage Patterns", Report, Technomic, November 05, 2015, © Technomic

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Carrefour Launches Shopping Drive Online Ordering System November 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST France-based retailer Carrefour introduced the Shopping Drive online shopping service. Currently being tested at the Labege 2 shopping center, which is operated by Carrefour’s real estate unit Carmilla, the service allows consumers to order online from multiple retailers and pick up their goods from Carrefour’s Drive site. At present, Carrefour accounts for about half of the 20,000 products available through the online shopping service. "Carrefour's New Shopping Drive Concept", Retail Analysis, November 04, 2015, © IGD Services Limited

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Jet.com Is Running Out Of Money, Wall Street Journal Reports November 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Jet.com is running out of money, according to financial documents reviewed by The Wall Street Journal newspaper. According to the newspaper, the company is trying to close its latest round of funding, which aims to raise as much as $550 million. Marketing costs account for majority of the company’s spending. Maya Kosoff, "Hyped-up Amazon-killer Jet, which has raised $225 million, is reportedly close to running out of cash", Business Insider, November 04, 2015, © Business Insider Inc.

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Midwest Bakery’s Seven Grain Sprouted Bread To Be Sold At Costco November 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A Wisconsin-based bakery that specializes in bread that has great taste and texture, top quality ingredients, less processing, and great nutrition has inked a distribution deal with regional Costco stores. Angelic Bakehouse’s Sprouted Seven-Grain bread – which has also received Non-GMO Project Verified status – will be available at 13 Costco locations in Wisconsin, Illinois and Pennsylvania, with more locations coming soon. The bread will be sold in three-loaf bulk packages for about $7, or roughly $2.33 a loaf. Angelic says it uses a unique sprouted grain mash process to make its bread. Hilary Dickinson, "Angelic Bakehouse expands into Costco", BizTimes, November 04, 2015, © BizTimes Media LLC

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Carrefour, Aeroports De Paris Open First Airport-Based City Store In France November 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Carrefour Group and Aeroports de Paris opened the first City convenience store located in an airport in France. Located in the Departures lounge of the Paris-Orly’s sudden terminal, the City store comes with 200 square meters of sales area and features a broad selection of almost 3,000 products. Aeroports de Paris CEO Augustin de Romanet and Carrefour Group CEO Georges Plassat jointly opened the store. "Aéroports de Paris and Carrefour open the first City store in a French airport", Carrefour, November 04, 2015, © Carrefour

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Whole Foods Posts Disappointing Sales, Profits November 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market, which once had a lock on the fresh and organic grocery segment, posted fourth quarter financials that failed to meet Wall Street expectations, sending its stock price downward and prompting a $1 billion stock buyback. The company’s sales were $3.44 billion, up six percent from a year ago, but less than the $3.47 billion analysts expected. Earnings per share were $0.16, less than half of the expected $0.34 per share. The key reason for the sour financial report, the company said, is “increasing competition” in the fresh and organic foods sector from conventional grocery retailers. "Whole Foods Market Reports Fourth Quarter Results", News release, Whole Foods, November 04, 2015, © Whole Foods Market IP. L.P.

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Metro Group Earns Climate-Reporting Honors From CDP November 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Metro Group was recognized as Sector Leader Consumer Staples and as Index Leader MDAX in terms of climate reporting by the nonprofit group CDP. Metro Group’s ranking was based on how effectively it addresses the “risks and opportunities inherent in climate change” and how transparent is its reporting about this. By being transparent about its data related to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions and reduction measures, the company earned a spot in the Climate Disclosure Leadership Index DACH, which highlights the top 10 percent of 350 companies evaluated in the German-speaking region. "METRO GROUP convinces with transparent climate reporting", METRO GROUP, November 04, 2015, © METRO GROUP

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Morrisons Plans To Launch Own Line Of Fresh Sandwich November 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Supermarket company Morrisons said it plans to launch its own line of freshly made sandwiches. Part of the company’s efforts to grab a share of the expanding food-to-go market, the planned launch will involve training around 1,000 staff to make and sell 3 million sandwiches each year. Morrisons said this move would make it the first of the big 4 supermarkets to compete with high street “designer” sandwich chains. Martyn Leek, "Morrisons takes on fresh sandwich chains with own offer", BakeryInfo.co.uk, November 03, 2015, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Amazon Builds A Book Store On Earth November 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Researcher Mintel says Amazon’s decision to descend from cyberspace to establish an earthly bricks-and-mortar book store in Seattle is a solid sign that consumers want a “personal, in-person” book shopping experience. The irony is that Amazon’s pioneering quick-service, automated online retail innovations may have actually sparked a book customer desire for a more personal shopping experience. Other big online retailers – notably, AT&T, Verizon, and Apple – have had huge success with their bricks-and-mortar stores. Mintel says the consumer craving for experience isn’t going away. Other popular Internet-only brands will likely jump onto the bandwagon. Emily Groch, "Amazon’s Brick-And-Mortar Debut Speaks To Consumer Demand For Experience", Blog, Mintel, November 03, 2015, © Mintel Group Ltd.

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Sephora Prevents Australian Consumers From Accessing US Website November 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Sephora is facing backlash from customers in Australia after the beauty retailer blocked local consumers from accessing its US website. Days earlier, Sephora launched its Australian website. Local consumers expressed their displeasure by posting messages on the company’s Facebook page. A unit of luxury company LVMH, Sephora operates more than 2,000 stores worldwide, including two in Australia. Lauren Grounsell , "Access denied! Cosmetic giant Sephora slammed for blocking Australian customers from viewing US website to compare prices ", Daily Mail , November 03, 2015, © Associated Newspapers Ltd

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China’s FMCG Market Growth Slows, Though Online Shopping Is Booming November 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Spending in China’s fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) market slowed in the year that ended in September, growing by only 4.7 percent, according to Kantar Worldpanel. For the third quarter, growth dropped to 2.7 percent, the lowest rate in three years, from 6.6 percent in the second quarter. Growth in hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores grew only 2.4 percent in the third quarter. International retailers continued to struggle: market share slid from 14.5 percent to 13.5 percent. China’s local retailers fared much better. Sun-Art Group boosted market share to 7.5 percent, up from 6.9 percent in the third quarter of 2014. 2014Q3. Online shopping in China rose 37 percent during 2015, spurred by gains in penetration and purchasing frequency. Jason Yu, "China FMCG market hits a new low growth", Report, Kantar WorldPanel, November 02, 2015, © Kantar WorldPanel

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Whole Foods Market Names Clark Gloval VP Of Purchasing For Non-Perishables November 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Whole Foods Market appointed Don J. Clark as global vice president of purchasing for non-perishables. Clark’s responsibilities will cover all functions of the retailer’s non-perishable business, including promoting growth by building strong partnerships with suppliers and inventory and category management initiatives. Also, Clark will manage and expand the retailer’s exclusive brands program, which generated about $1.8 billion in sales in fiscal year 2014. "Whole Foods Market names Don J. Clark as global vice president of purchasing for non-perishables", Whole Foods, November 02, 2015, © Whole Foods Market

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Walmart Beefs Up Its Smartphone Shopping App In Time For the Holidays November 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST With the approach of the holiday shopping season, and an expected 210 million smartphone shopping visits, Walmart is enhancing its online e-commerce app. The new app will allow shoppers to scan items in the store to build a shopping list. It will also allow online buyers to check in quickly at a local store to speed free pick-up of items purchased on the Web site. Tested at Sam’s Club stores, the company found that it “created a faster, better experience.” It expects that nearly 75 percent of traffic to its Web site will come from a mobile device this holiday season. Chantal Tode, "Walmart refreshes omnichannel push in anticipation of 210M+ holiday app visits", Mobile Commerce Daily, November 02, 2015, © Napean LLC

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Sephora Launches Online Store In Australia November 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora launched its Sephora.com.au online store in Australia. According to Sephora Australia country manager Libby Amelia, the online store will offer a collection of brands and products designed for the Australian market. Like the brick-and-mortar Sephora store, the online store will provide free samples with every purchase, Amelia said. Part of the retailer’s original business plans for Australia, the e-commerce store will carry several online exclusive brands, such as Sleek Makeup, EMK, and Erno Laszlo. Alison Izzo, "Australians Can Now Shop Sephora Online", Harpers Bazaar, November 02, 2015, © Bauer Media Pty Limited

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Wal-Mart Receives High Score From Faith Driven Consumer's Index November 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart scored 51 points, which makes it one of the highest-ranked brands on the Faith Equality Index from the Faith Driven Consumer, a company representing 41 million Christian shoppers who as a group spend $2 trillion each year. Bolstering the retailer’s score in the index were perfect points in the categories involving the use of the word “Christmas” in its holiday advertising and corporate support for “biblically orthodox faith-driven” groups and events. Other retailers included in the index are Dillard’s Inc., which scored 42 points; Kohl’s Corp., 37 points; and J.C. Penny Co. Inc., 28 points. Arthur Zaczkiewicz , "Having Faith In Walmart", Women’s Wear Daily, November 02, 2015, © Fairchild Publishing, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media, LLC

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Tesco Names Dare MD As Digital Marketing Director November 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Tesco appointed Dare managing director Toby Horry as digital marketing director. Reporting to Tesco brand director Michelle McEttrick, Horry will lead a team of digital marketing professionals. While at Dare, Horry worked with different brands, including Barclays, Barclaycard, and Vodafone. Sara Spary, "Tesco appoints Dare MD Toby Horry to digital marketing director role", Marketing Magazine, November 02, 2015, © Haymarket

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Walmart Invests $2.7 Billion In Higher Pay, More Training For Employees November 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart said it is investing $2.7 billion in higher salaries, training, and education for its employees in 2015 and 2016. With its 1.3 million associates, Walmart is the largest private employer in the United States. Also, the company plans to implement the Scheduling Choice, a scheduling program that allows employees more options in terms of working hours. Walmart’s Pathways program provides employees training on the retail business model, the basic skills needed to do their jobs, and the soft skills considered critical to success. Emily Schmid, "Why Investing in People Makes Sense for Our Business", Walmart, November 02, 2015, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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CPG Companies Need To Fine Tune Their Digital Marketing Machine October 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online sales at CPG companies are growing three times faster than at other companies, mainly because they are finally taking advantage of the marketing opportunities presented by mobile devices. Researcher McKinsey says online sales will account for up to 30 percent ($50 billion) of total CPG growth in the next five years. The online research rate for some CPG products is astonishing: 45 percent for cereal, 55 percent for soap and 65 percent for cosmetics. For the future, successful CPG companies need to follow three winning practices: build strong account-management teams to serve strategic retail partners, develop next-generation e-category management, and build “digital quotient,” which McKinsey defines as an assessment of a company’s digital maturity and capabilities and how they drive financial performance. Kari Alldredge et al., "The digital future of consumer-packaged-goods companies", Report, McKinsey & Company, October 30, 2015, © McKinsey & Company

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Kleenex Launches SMS-Based Campaign To Increase Sales At Walmart October 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Kimberly-Clark’s Kleenex brand launched a marketing campaign aimed at boosting sales in Walmart stores. Created in partnership with Snipp Interactive, the SMS-based campaign encourages consumers to take a photograph of their receipt and text it to a designated phone number. Consumers participating in the promotion receives a $5 reward code for a digital movie platform. Walmart shoppers will see stickers on Kleenex products with information on how to join the promotion. Alex Samuely, "Kleenex unfurls SMS-based campaign to drive sales at Walmart", Mobile Commerce Daily, October 30, 2015, © Napean LLC

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Panera Pins Profit Future On Success Of Technology Initiatives October 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Panera Bread is determined to boost its sagging profit margins by using technology to streamline ordering, payment and other processes. The keystone of the cost-cutting plan is converting all of its bakeries to the Panera 2.0 initiative – only 100 of its 400 shops have yet to adapt – and so far customer response to rapid pick-up service, delivery to tables, fast-lane kiosks, customizable ordering and mobile payment options, has been positive. Though the company’s sales rose in the third quarter, profit dropped 17 percent because of escalating costs. Alex Samuely, "Panera stirs up mobile ordering focus as Q3 profits wobble", Mobile Commerce Daily, October 30, 2015, © Napean LLC

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Delhaize-Ahold Merger Talks Are On Track, Delhaize CEO Says October 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Merger talks between retailers Delhaize Group and Ahold are proceeding at “great advancement,” according to Delhaize president and CEO Frans H. Muller. Also, the executive said the merger is expected to be fulfilled by the middle of 2016. While merger negotiations are ongoing, Delhaize remains focused on daily operations, Muller said. Its “Easy, Fresh and Affordable” marketing campaign will include another Food Lion market in 2016, the executive added. "Merger talks with Ahold advancing: Delhaize CEO", International Supermarket News , October 30, 2015, © International Supermarket News

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Sephora Announces Plan To Open Stores In Iran In 2016 October 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST French beauty retailer Sephora plans to open several stores in Iran starting in 2016. Owned by luxury market leader LVMH, Sephora operates about 2,000 cosmetics stores worldwide. Iran has a population of almost 80 million, making it the second biggest cosmetics market in the region after Saudi Arabia, with annual sales of more than €3.5 billion in 2014, according to Euromonitor. With the country signing a nuclear deal with the United States and other world powers, Iran’s beauty and personal care market is forecast to treble to more than €10 billion in the next five years, the market research firm said. Astrid Wendlandt and Pascale Denis, "Exclusive: France's Sephora to open shops in Iran next year - sources", Reuters, October 30, 2015, © Thomson Reuters

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Six Major Shopper Behavior Trends Driving Growth In Latin America's Retail Markets, Study Reveals October 29, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Developments in Latin America’s retail markets are driven by six key trends in consumer behavior, according to market research firm Kantar Worldpanel. Data from the report Shopper & Retail Dynamics LatAm revealed market growth varied in the 10 countries covered by the study. Although Latin America posted the greatest growth in retail value at 12.2 percent in the world, growth rates were not uniform, with differences between regions, categories, and channels. In 60 percent of Latin American countries, shoppers reduced their frequency of purchase, with reductions most notable in Venezuela, Brazil, and Bolivia. Latin American consumers are searching for proximity and tradition, with 68 percent of consumers looking to shop near their home and have a good relationship with the seller. In 70 percent of the countries, products with promotions have had a higher growth rate compared with products without promotions. "Six key trends in LatAm retail and shopper behaviour", Kantar WorldPanel, October 29, 2015, © Kantar WorldPanel

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