Tesco Needs To Regain Brand Focus And Reconnect With Customers May 28, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Tesco CEO Matt Davies can help revive the retailer's brand value by regaining its focus on the brand promise and deliver on that promise. With its brand value dropping 37 percent, according to the BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Retail Brands ranking, Tesco has to “reclaim the middle ground and stand for something.” It also has to act like the retail market's leader and improve its ability to predict future developments affecting the market. Most of all, Tesco has to reconnect with customers. Sara Spary, "Four ways new Tesco CEO Matt Davies can wake the sleeping retail giant", Marketing Magazine, May 28, 2015, © Haymarket

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Alibaba Is World's Most Valuable Retail Brand, May 27, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Alibaba is the world's most valuable retail brand, according to the 2015 BrandZ ranking of the 100 most valuable brands. After its $25-billion IPO in New York in September 2014, Alibaba became eligible for the ranking, and its landing on the 13th spot helped push the retail category's value by 24 percent. Its strategy of providing market links between buyers and sellers also helped the company overtake rivals Amazon and Walmart, data from the market research firm revealed. Andrea Felsted, "Big US retailers overtaken in brands ranking shift", Financial Times, May 27, 2015, © The Financial Times Limited

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Wal-Mart Says To Bring Some Product Sourcing In-house May 22, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. announced its plan to do some of its product sourcing operations previously handled by Direct Sourcing Group, a unit of Hong Kong-based Li & Fung Ltd. DSG will continue sourcing products for Wal-Mart's wholesale division, Sam's Club. According to the company, its move to buy more products directly from manufacturers is part of efforts to improve revenue. Nathan Layne, "UPDATE 3-Wal-Mart to bring in-house some sourcing handled by Li & Fung", Reuters, May 22, 2015, © Thomson Reuters

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Walmart Executive Says Retailers Should Go Carefully When Expanding Overseas May 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailers should not rush into international expansion, according to Walmart senior director of international Kristen Wilkinson. Speaking at Retail Week magazine's Supply Chain Summit, Wilkinson said her company's expansion overseas showed her that retailers must focus on the basics. Also, they must be prepared for some serious investment, she added. Walmart, which operates in 27 countries, has continued growing its market share in China for the eight consecutive quarters until the end of 2014. It has created a “common framework” for global expansion; however, this platform is always localized, the company said. Matthew Chapman, "Walmart international boss warns against going 'too fast' with global expansion", Retail Week, May 21, 2015, © EMAP Publishing Limited Company

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Tesco Reports Weaker Sales, Falling Profits In 2015 May 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Tesco reported sales declined 1.3 percent to £70 billion in fiscal year 2014‒2015, compared with the previous year on a 52-week basis at constant currency. Also, trading profit dropped 58.1 percent to £1.4 billion, due mainly to a fall in the company's like-for-like sales, costs of inefficiencies in operations, and actions taken in the second half of the year to stabilize its business. After charging one-off items of £7.0 billion, the company reported a statutory loss before tax of £6.4 billion. "Annual Report and Financial Statements 2015", Tesco, May 21, 2015, © Tesco

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Tesco Reports Slightly Less Food Wastes For 2014‒2015 May 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Tesco said it reduced the amount of food waste generated at its stores and distribution facilities by 1,180 tonnes to 55,400 tonnes in the year 2014‒2015. Tesco, which announced it would stop publishing a printed corporate responsibility report, said bakery products accounted for 36 percent of total waste; fresh produce, 25 percent; and convenience, 9 percent. Also, the company said more than 3,000 tonnes of food was wasted in the impulse category, over 2,500 tonnes of meat, fish, and poultry, and more than 1,500 tonnes of beers, wines, and spirits. Ian Quinn, "Tesco food waste figures reveal slight drop, 55,400 tonnes wasted", The Grocer, May 21, 2015, © William Reed Business Media Ltd

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Leading Brands Still More Popular Than Stores' Own Brands Among Australian Shoppers, Study Shows May 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST In Australia, 70 percent of main grocery buyers say they choose their favorite brands when shopping for most things they buy, according to market research firm Roy Morgan Research. Data revealed only 38 percent of respondents buy more stores' own-label products than leading brands, although 47 percent of Australian consumers admit they actively search for a bargain. Aldi customers, however, buck this trend, with 63 percent of them saying they buy more private-label products than well-known brands. Also, 60 percent of Aldi shoppers actively search for bargains, compared with 46 percent of Coles customers, 47 percent of Woolworths/Safeway, and 40 percent of Foodland. "Home-brand products have a way to go with grocery buyers", Roy Morgan Research, May 21, 2015, © Roy Morgan Research

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Benefit Cosmetics Partners With Ulta To Launch Instagram Campaign May 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty brand Benefit Cosmetics partnered with beauty retailer Ulta to launch a social media campaign on photo-sharing site Instagram. As part of the campaign, the brand is calling on users to share a selfie photograph after a visit with an eyebrow expert at a local Ulta store. Benefit Cosmetics and Ulta recognize the value of selfies and brows as marketing tools and topics, which can encourage consumers to engage with the brand. Consumers who want to joint the contest must avail themselves of the in-store service. Brielle Jaekel, "Ulta reaps the benefits of brows and selfies", Mobile Marketer, May 21, 2015, © Napean LLC

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Carrefour Belgium Adopts nJAMS Supply Chain Technology From Integration Matters May 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour Belgium said it has signed a deal with technology company Integration Matters to integrate its nJAMS, or not Just Another Monitoring Solution, system into the retailer's supply chain. Features of the nJAMS system include the ability to monitor automated business processes. Carrefour Belgium said the inplementation aims to improve customer service at its stores. Stephen Wynne-Jones, "Carrefour Belgium Signs Agreement With Integration Matters", European Supermarket Magazine, May 20, 2015, © European Supermarket Magazine

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Sephora's Adoption Of Apple Pay Helps It Keep Up With Busy Customers May 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora adopted the Apple Pay mobile payment system, because a significant majority of the company's consumers are using the iPhone, according to director of digital business development Johnna Marcus. Sephora's omnichannel platform has enabled the company to keep up with its shoppers, most of whom are busy women. Marcus said her company has benefited from Apple's ability to promote awareness about its mobile payment system. "Sephora at the Forefront of Mobile Payments with Apple Pay", eMarketer, May 20, 2015, © eMarketer Inc

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Target's 1Q 2015 Results Show Recovery Efforts Paying Off May 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Target reported comparable sales grew 2.3 percent in the first quarter of 2015. Adjusted EPS was $1.10, which was higher than the company's forecast of $0.95 to $1.05 for the quarter. Sales through the company's digital channel rose 37.8 percent, accounting for 0.8 percentage points of comparable sales. During the quarter, the company bought back $562 million worth in shares of common stock. Combined with dividends, the company returned $895 million to shareholders during the quarter, which was more than 140 percent of its net income. "Target Reports First Quarter 2015 Earnings", Target, May 20, 2015, © Target Brands, Inc.

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Asda Reports Lower Like-for-like Sales In 1Q 2015 May 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Asda said like-for-like sales fell 3.9 percent in the first quarter of 2015. Speaking at a London event, CEO and president Andy Clarke said his company remains committed to its five-year strategy. Despite describing 2015 as the most challenging year for UK retailers yet, Clarke said Asda's business “remains balanced, healthy and sustainable.” "Asda unveils its first quarter financial results and strategy update", Asda, May 19, 2015, © Asda Stores Limited

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Retailers To Account For Biggest Share Of Digital Ad Spend In 2015, Study Says May 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Digital ad spending in the United States is forecast to reach $58.61 billion in 2015, according to market research firm eMarketer. Data from the study “Digital Ad Spending Benchmarks by Industry: The Complete eMarketer Series for 2015” revealed retailers will account for 22 percent, or $12.91 billion, of the total digital ad spending. Companies in the automobile industry and related markets will account for another 12.5 percent, or $7.30 billion. Financial services firms will spend $7.19 billion, accounting for 12.3 percent of the total figure. "US Digital Ad Spending Will Approach $60 Billion This Year, with Retailers Leading the Way", eMarketer, May 19, 2015, © eMarketer Inc.

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Walmart Financials “Solid” But Not Quite What Investors Expected May 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart reported “solid first quarter” financial results, according to CEO Doug McMillon, including earnings per share of $1.03 on $115 billion in revenue. Consolidated operating income slid 8.3 percent because of currency fluctuations, and spending on employee wages and training, and on e-commerce. However, e-commerce sales increased globally by about 17 percent. The earnings and revenue figures were slightly lower than what Wall Street was expecting, and were lower than results posted a year ago in the same quarter. The company expects to increase its EPS to $1.06 to $1.18 in the second quarter, and to increase revenues by one percent. "Walmart reports Q1 FY 16 EPS of $1.03", Earnings release, Walmart, May 19, 2015, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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Wal-Mart Readies Online Expansion; Gears Up Against Amazon May 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it plans to expand its online retail business and compete more directly with Amazon.com Inc. As part of the retail giant's online move, it plans to leverage its massive network of stores as distribution point. Wal-Mart's online revenue grew 17 percent worldwide in the first quarter ending April 30, 2015, providing a measure of good news against the slight drop in overall sales during the period. Nathan Layne, "Wal-Mart eyes Amazon in potentially costly e-commerce battle", Reuters, May 19, 2015, © Thomson Reuters

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Asda Marketing Chief Says Retailer's Ad Strategy Needs To Focus On Consumers May 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Faced with declining sales, retailer Asda needs to change its marketing strategy and focus on talking to customers instead of its competitors, according to the company's chief marketing officer Barry Williams. His statements reflect Morrisons chairman Andrew Higginson's assertion that the price wars have shown that the big 4 supermarkets have stopped talking to their customers. Asda, which have seen its quality score falling 22.6 percentage points, based on data from YouGov BrandIndex, is hoping its new advertising strategy will help revive sales after reporting like-for-like sales fell 3.9 percent in the quarter ending April 19, 2015. Thomas Hobbs, "‘Our ads must talk to the consumer rather than our rivals’ says Asda’s head of marketing", Marketing Week, May 19, 2015, © Centaur Communications Ltd (a member of the Centaur Media plc group)

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Aldi Weighs Foray Into Italian Market May 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST German discount retailer Aldi is looking to expand into Italy, according to the company's Austrian unit Hofer. Hungary was Aldi's latest foray into a new market, launching its business in the country in 2008. Aldi operates about 5,090 stores in nine countries, including Germany and the United States. Shadia Nasralla, Dominique Vidalon and Emma Thomasson, "German retailer Aldi wants to follow rivals into Italy", Reuters, May 18, 2015, © Thomson Reuters

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Great Majority Of Consumers Still Prefer Shopping Offline, Study Shows May 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Brick-and-mortar stores are the preferred retail outlets of more than 70 percent of consumers, according to a survey by TimeTrade. Results of the study, which included interviewing more than 1,000 consumers, revealed 90 percent of respondents are “more likely to buy” in-store when aided by a “knowledgeable associate.” Also, 92 percent of millennial respondents said they plan to buy in-store in 2015, as often or even more frequently than they did in 2014.   "Study: 85% of Consumers Prefer to Shop at Physical Stores vs. Online", TimeTrade, May 18, 2015, © TimeTrade Systems, Inc.

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Asda Appoints Triad Retail Media Manager Of Digital Media Sales May 15, 2015: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Asda awarded its digital media sales business to Triad Retail Media. Established in the country for the last 18 months, Triad Retail Media replaced Publicis Blueprint, Asda's media sales partner for more than 10 years. Triad Retail Media's appointment follows several steps taken by Asda toward launching its own ad exchange. Jennifer Faull, "Asda ramps up programmatic drive with appointment of Triad to digital media account", The Drum, May 15, 2015, © Carnyx Group Ltd

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Lidl Replaces Top Executives In U.S. Division May 15, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Lidl replaced Kenneth McGrath and Kevin Proctor, the retailer's top executives in the United States, with Lidl Ireland CEO Brendan Proctor and real estate strategy head Gareth Reed. Lidl is planning to open up to 100 stores in the country by 2018. Jon Springer, "Lidl swaps out U.S. leaders: Report", Supermarket News, May 15, 2015, © Penton

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Carrefour Buys 85 Percent Of Turkey's Kiler Supermarket Chain May 15, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour's Turkey unit, CarrefourSA, said it has agreed to acquire 85 percent of local supermarket chain Kiler. Valued at TRY 429.57 million, the acquisition deal will be completed following approval by concerned government regulators. Earlier in 2015, CarrefourSA acquired 26 supermarkets from Ismar and 29 others from a supermarket chain based in Antalya. "Carrefour’s Turkish wing acquires 85 pct of local supermarket chain", BgnNews, May 15, 2015, © BgnNews

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Walmart Is America's Most Popular Store, Study Reveals May 14, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart is the most popular store in the United States, with 51.91 percent of Americans visiting in March 2015, according to data service company Placed. Walmart, which has 4,516 stores across the country, is followed by McDonald's, 48.40 percent; Subway, 37.41 percent; and Starbucks, 31.81 percent. Fastfood chains accounted for half of the top 10 stores, Placed's data revealed. Drug stores Walgreen, 28.53 percent, and CVS, 21.85 percent, grabbed the numbers 5 and 7 positions, with retailer Target, 28.83 percent, occupying the number 6 spot. Burger King, 19.90 percent; Taco Bell, 19.52 percent; and Dollar Tree, 18.90 percent were ranked numbers 8, 9, and 10, respectively. Thomas C. Frohlich , "10 Most Popular Stores in America", 24/7 Wall St, May 14, 2015, © 24/7 Wall St.

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Sehpora Launches First China Online Store On JD.com's Platform May 13, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora launched its Chinese online flagship store on local online direct sales company JD.com's e-commerce platform. Highlighting an important e-commerce step for the beauty retailer, Sephora's online store will be the largest cosmetics store on JD.com's platform. It will feature more than 1,200 products from over 70 major international cosmetics brands, such as Dior, Guerlain, and Givenchy. "SEPHORA Opens Flagship Store on JD.com Marketplace Platform to Serve Growing Chinese Market for Authentic Cosmetics", GlobeNewswire , May 13, 2015, © GlobeNewswire, Inc.

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Metro Plans To Spend Rs 400 Crore In India Expansion May 13, 2015: 12:00 AM EST German retailer Metro AG said it plans to invest Rs 400 crore to expand its network of wholesale stores in India. Part of the company's strategy to transform India into one of its key markets, the planned expansion will be financed by its parent company through equity infusion. Despite being the first global retailer to enter the local market, Metro has so far failed to leverage its “first-mover advantage.” At present, it has 16 wholesale stores in the country, compared with Walmart's 20 stores; however, the company plans to increase its total to 50 stores by 2020. Sagar Malviya, "German retailer Metro AG plans to invest Rs 400 crore to expand in India market", Economic Times, May 13, 2015, © Times Internet Limited

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Unilever Partners With Emirates Wildlife Society To Help UAE Retailers Improve Sustainability Efforts May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Unilever partnered with Emirates Wildlife Society and WWF to host a workshop for six leading retailers in the United Arab Emirates. Aimed at helping retailers improve their sustainability programs, the workshop sought to enable the participants to create and implement energy and water efficiency measures. With retailers Spinneys, Carrefour, Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society, and Emirates Co-operative Society in attendance, the event also aimed at reducing the UAE's environmental footprint, which is five times more than the world average. "Unilever and EWS-WWF deliver a workshop to help reduce the environmental impact of major retailers in the UAE", Zawya, May 11, 2015, © Zawya

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Arvind Brands & Retail Plans To Acquire Sephora's Operations In India May 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Arvind Brands & Retail is negotiating with LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton for the rights to manage the French luxury company's beauty retailer Sephora in India. Currently managed by retail estate company DLF, Sephora's India operations include four stores in the country's National Capital Region and Pune and generated Rs 100-crore in revenue in the latest fiscal year. Arvind plans to expand Sephora's operations by opening up to 50 stores in the near future, according to reports. Boby Kurian & Samidha Sharma, "Arvind to take over cosmetic brand Sephora’s India biz; prepares new plan for future", ETretail.com, May 11, 2015, © ETRetail.com

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Amazon Files Patent Application For Drone Delivery System May 9, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon has filed a patent application for a drone delivery system for bringing packages to customers, according to a report by the BBC. According to Amazon's application papers, the company envisions its delivery drones coming to where the consumer's smartphone is located. Once it is within range, the drone will then hover and drop the package off. Some issues need to be resolved before the online retailer can launch such a service, including the lack of guarantee that authorities in the United States would approve the patent or allow it to operate drones beyond line of sight. Mike Murphy, "Amazon wants an army of drones to chase you down to get you your package", Quartz, May 09, 2015, © Quartz

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Walmart Agrees To Acquire Stores, Distribution Center From Target Canada May 8, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart Canada said it has agreed to buy a distribution center, 12 store leases, and an owned property from Target Canada. Valued at C$165 million, the acquisition deal will add about 1.6 million square feet of retail floor and 1.4 million square feet of distribution space and is part of Walmart's expansion plans in Canada. Also, the new stores and distribution facility will create about 2,400 store jobs, 1,000 distribution jobs, and 1,500 construction jobs. "Walmart Canada announces further investment in Canadian Market", Wal-Mart, May 08, 2015, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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Brick-and-mortar Retailers Need Not Fear Growing Online Shopping Wave In India May 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retail accounted for $2.3 billion, less than 1 percent, of the total retail sales in India in 2013. This figure disproves some industry observers' worry that e-commerce will bring doom to the brick-and-mortar retail market in the country. Unlike their counterparts in China and the United States, e-commerce retailers in India do not enjoy an important competitive advantage over their brick-and-mortar rivals. While online retailers do not have to deal with high rental costs, they have to pay for high IT, logistics, and storage costs. By adopting a multi-channel strategy, traditional retailers can take advantage of the growing popularity of online shopping among consumers. Pinaki Ranjan Mishra, "Ecommerce is not the death knell for conventional retail", Forbes India, May 07, 2015, © Forbesindia.com

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Wal-Mart Says Building New Distribution Centers For Growing Online Retail Business May 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. plans to open four giant distribution centers in the second quarter of 2015 to support the expansion of its online shopping business. By 2018, the retailer aims to triple its online sales to $35 billion from $12 billion in 2014. Unlike traditional warehouses, which are built for storage of pallets of products that are handled by forklifts, fulfillment centers for e-commerce operations are designed for processing of individual items. Wal-Mart said each of the new facilities will have more than 1 million square feet of floor area and can store at least 500,000 items. Kim Nash, "Wal-Mart Builds Supply Chain to Meet E-Commerce Demands", Wall Street Journal, May 07, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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New Whole Foods Stores Will Target Millennials May 7, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods is trying a new store format that it hopes will broaden its appeal and expand its brand by targeting Millennial shoppers intrigued by the company’s social and ethical standards but unable to afford the high prices. The new format will take the form of a separate chain of stores that will offer lower prices. Thanks to the rise of natural and organic foods competition from mainstream grocery chains, Whole Foods has lost some of its cachet. That loss is reflected in recent financial performance: the company’s 2nd quarter profit missed analyst expectations, and its stock dipped 10 percent. The new format stores will begin opening in 2016. Hadley Malcolm, "Whole Foods to open chain for Millennials", USA TODAY , May 07, 2015, © USA Today

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Good Times For U.K. Grocery Shoppers Continue May 6, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The persistent grocery store price war in the U.K., coupled with dropping commodity prices, has meant smaller grocery bills for shoppers. The typical shopping cart of everyday items is now 2.1 percent cheaper than it was last year. The downside of that trend is stagnant growth for the country’s largest grocery chains. U.K. supermarket sales have dropped to a revenue growth of 0.2 percent. Kantar Worldpanel says the lower prices have cut £532 million from grocery store revenue. Meanwhile, sales at fast-growing discount grocery retailers Aldi and Lidl were up 15.1 percent and 10.1 percent respectively for the 12 weeks ending April 26. "British consumers win with lower Grocery prices", News release, Kantar World Panel, May 06, 2015, © Kantar World Panel

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Ahold USA Appoints 3 New SVPs May 6, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Ahold USA announced the appointment of three new senior vice presidents, as part of a previously announced restructuring of the company's central support group. Current SVP of store strategy and execution Nick Bertram was appointed as SVP of merchandising strategy and support, replacing Marissa Nelson who was named as SVP of responsible retailing and healthy living. Also, Steve Rowell, presently SVP and deputy general counsel, was named as SVP, deputy general and communications. Ahold's restructuring plans will include the elimination of about 120 jobs. Jon Springer , "Ahold USA names 3 new SVPs", Supermarket News, May 06, 2015, © Penton

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Walmart Tweaks Distribution System To Serve Customers Who Have Already Paid May 6, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Borrowing a leaf from the Amazon.com book of digital retail success, Walmart is forging ahead with plans to take greater advantage of online and smartphone technologies – and its 4,200 U.S. stores – to make it easier for shoppers to buy products, pick them up or receive them quickly at home. The company hopes to provide “choice and convenience” by boosting the number of pickup points, either at stores or at other locations, and by adjusting supplier dynamics to include faster home delivery. A Walmart representative said the process “requires a whole different level in terms of precision, pickup performance, and distribution” because “the customer has already given you the money.” Robbie Whelan, "Wal-Mart’s Mission: Connecting Customers With Online Orders", The Wall Street Journal, May 06, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Whole Foods Market Says 2Q 2015 Sales Grew 10 Percent May 6, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Whole Foods Market, Inc., said total sales rose 10 percent to $3.6 billion in the 12-week second quarter ending April 12, 2015. Comparable store sales expanded 3.6 percent on a constant currency basis, taking into consideration an estimated positive impact of 50 basis points from Easter shifting from the third quarter to the second quarter. According to the company, EBITDA were at $355 million, or 9.7 percent of total sales. Diluted earnings per share were $0.44, 14 percent higher compared with the previous year. During the quarter, the company produced $322 million in cash flow from operations, and invested $206 million in capital expenditures, which resulted in free cash flow of $116 million, Whole Foods Market said. "Whole Foods Market Delivers Record Q2 Sales and EPS", Whole Foods , May 06, 2015, © Whole Foods Market, Inc.

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Lidl Announces Expansion Plans In Italy May 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl plans to open 15 new stores in Italy by the end of 2015. Company owner Schwarz Group said it plans to invest €1 billion in the country over the next five years. Lidl, which has been operating in the country for 24 years, said its expansion plans will mean hiring about 2,000 additional workers in the next two years. Lidl operates 10 distribution centers and employs about 11,000 people across the country. James Wilmore, "Lidl to embark on expansion push in Italy with wave of store openings", Retail Week, May 05, 2015, © EMAP Publishing Limited Company

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Future Group Buys Bharti Retail To Create Largest Retailer In India May 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Future Group agreed to acquire Bharti Retail in an all-stock deal. Valued at Rs 500 crore, the equity deal will give entrepreneur Rajan Bharti Mittal a 9 percent stake and a board seat in the BSE-listed Future Retail and the same stake in the future Biyani firm. Bharti Enterprises will receive Rs 250 crore in milestone-determined convertible debentures. Considered the largest consolidation deal in India's retail market, the merger will create a company likely to be larger than Reliance Retail. "Kishore Biyani's Future group acquires Bharti Retail in an all-stock deal valued at Rs 500 crore", Economic Times, May 05, 2015, © Times Internet Limited

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Metro Group Announces Stronger Like-for-like Sales In 2Q And 2H Of 2014‒2015 May 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retail company Metro Group reported like-for-like sales grew 2.5 percent in the second quarter and 2.2 percent in the first half of fiscal year 2014‒2015. EBIT before special items reached €984 million in the first half. According to the company, negative impact on EBIT in the second quarter from goodwill impairment reached about €450 million. Its net debt was reduced by about €800 million as of March 31, 2015, compared with the previous year. "METRO GROUP continues positive trend in operating business", METRO GROUP, May 05, 2015, © METRO GROUP

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METRO Cash & Carry Appoints Pieter Boone As CEO May 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST METRO Cash & Carry appointed Pieter Boone, managing director of the retailer's Russia unit, as its new CEO. Current CEO of METRO Cash & Carry and chairman of the management board of METRO AG Olaf Koch will remain as chairman of the group. Boone will also join the management board of METRO AG effective July 1, 2015, with Koch remaining as co-CEO until the end of the company's fiscal year. "Pieter Boone becomes new CEO of METRO Cash & Carry", METRO GROUP, May 05, 2015, © METRO GROUP

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Panera’s “No No” Ingredients List Includes Artificial Colors, Flavors, Etc. May 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Panera bread has published a list of ingredients it either has removed or will remove from its bakery-café foods menus by the end of 2016 and replace with simpler ingredients. Included on the list are artificial colors and flavors, sweeteners and preservatives. The first menu items affected are salad dressings and salads, including the Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad and the Kale Caesar. The company said it consulted “third-party scientists and experts” to develop the so-called “No No List” of ingredients it plans to do without. "Panera Bread Becomes First National Restaurant Company to Share List of Unacceptable Ingredients", News release, Panera Bread, May 05, 2015, © Panera Bread

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Panera Bread Hops On Food Simplicity Bandwagon May 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Panera Bread is responding along with other food companies and restaurants to consumer demands for simple, transparent foods. The restaurant chain announced it will eliminate three chemicals – an artificial sweetener, a preservative and a flavor enhancer -- from its products by 2017. Panera CEO Ron Shaich said the move is a way of “drawing a line in the sand” that will result in consumers knowing “what’s in the food they buy.” Since last year, a dozen food companies and restaurant chains have said they will reformulate products to eliminate certain ingredients. A food industry consultant said the “powerful trend” is becoming too entrenched to call it a fad. Stephanie Strom, "Panera Bread Plans to Drop a Long List of Ingredients", The New York Times, May 04, 2015, © The New York Times Company

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Carrefour's Turnaround Efforts Bear Fruits May 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour's share price climbed to €33 in early April 2015, much lower than the €50 high recorded in 2007, but double the value posted about two years ago. Although sales remained flat at €75 billion in 2014, its net profit rose to €1.4 billion. This trend reflects some successes made by the retailer following CEO Georges Plassat's announcement of a three-year recovery plan in 2012. Dubbed as a “back to basics” initiative, the includes the retailer refocusing its attention on its core business activities and spend its resources on segments it currently has a “strong position.” Also, Carrefour now focuses on fewer European markets, including France, Spain, and Italy. Carrefour withdrew from several emerging markets, leaving all of Asia except China. "Check out the turnaround at retail giant Carrefour", Independent ie, May 04, 2015, © Independent.ie

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Tesco Says No To Carlyle's £4 Bid For South Korean Business May 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Tesco rejected private equity firm Carlyle's £4 billion unsolicited takeover bid for the UK retailer's business in South Korea. At present, Tesco operates 400 directly owned stores in the country, with another 200 stores owned by franchisees. Tesco stores are serving more than 6 million customers a week across the country, making South Korea the company's largest market outside the UK. According to industry sources, Carlyle has made two takeover offers – the first one when Richard Broadbent was Tesco chairman and another when John Allan replaced Broadbent in March 2015. "Tesco spurns £4bn offer for Korean stores", Oliver Shah and Daniel Dunkley , May 03, 2015, © Times Newspapers Ltd

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Wal-Mart India Appoints Perfect Relations As Its PR Agency May 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart India, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s wholly owned subsidiary, awarded its PR account in the country to Perfect Relations. CMGRP group's PR agency Creation is the incumbent agency and will be replaced by Perfect Relations as Wal-Mart India's strategic communications partner. "Wal-Mart India appoints Perfect Relations as its PR agency", exchange4media.com, May 02, 2015, © exchange4media.com

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Amazon UK Plans To Double Minimum Purchase Qualifying For Free Delivery Service April 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon is reportedly planning to double the current £10 minimum purchase value for free delivery service in the UK. According to unconfirmed reports, online buyers may also choose to join the company's £79-per-year Amazon Prime subscription service. For orders below £20, Amazon customers have to shoulder the £2 to £5 first-class postage. Andrew Griffin, "Amazon free delivery minimum spend could be doubled", The Independent, April 30, 2015, © independent.co.uk

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Starbucks Creates Tiny “Fast-Coffee” Shops For The Rushed Commuter April 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The new Starbucks “espresso shot store” has a small footprint, and is a big departure from the tried-and-true store model, eliminating the customer trip past the menu, the refrigerator, and the pastry case. The company is creating the tiny shops for busy commuters looking to grab a quick coffee and speed to work without lengthy lines and delays. An employee with a mobile ordering terminal greets the customer at the door, enters the selection, and sends him to the main counter for pick-up and payment. Starbucks expects to roll out mobile ordering nationwide in September. Mark Wilson, "Starbucks Builds A Store With No Line", Fast Company, April 30, 2015, © Mansueto Ventures, LLC

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Tesco Awards Media Buying Account To MediaCom April 30, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Tesco awarded its media buying account to WPP's MediaCom unit. Tesco's decision to end its 20-year relationship with media agency Initiatve followed its move to change advertising agencies from Wieden + Kennedy to Publicis unit BBH. Tesco chief customer officer Robin Terrell said the retailer chose MediaCom after it was “impressed with its depth and breadth of insight and perspective.” Jennifer Faull, "Tesco’s £90m media brief lands with MediaCom", The Drum, April 30, 2015, © Carnyx Group Ltd

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Kroger Announces $465 Million Expansion Plans In Indianapolis Area April 29, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Kroger said it plans to build 11 new stores and expand or remodel 22 others in the Indianapolis area. Expected to cost $465 million, the expansion will create 3,440 permanent jobs in the region. Details of the expansion plans include spending $75 million on construction of four new superstores, with an average retail floor size of 75,000 square feet, and spending $58 million on expansion of five stores. According to Kroger, the expansion will also help local construction companies and provide increased business to its suppliers. Jeff Swiatek and John Russell, "Kroger plans $465M expansion in Indy", Cincinnati.com, April 29, 2015, © www.cincinnati.com

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Foreign Retailers Finding China A Hard Market To Crack, Report Shows April 29, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Foreign supermarket and hypermarket chains are struggling to cope with rapid changes in China's retail market, according to industry analysts. Still dealing with the effects of food safety scandals, Walmart said it plans to stop sales declines by increasing the number of its stores by more than 25 percent, upgrading existing stores, and launching a new online shopping app. Tesco's real estate venture failed, prompting the UK retailer to enter into a joint venture with local retail giant China Resources Enterprise. Local retailers also experienced negative growth since 2010, according to consulting firm OC&C, with competition from online retailers often cited as one of the biggest threats to brick-and-mortar operators. Patti Waldmeir and Jamil Anderlini , "Foreign grocers struggle in fast-moving China retail market", Financial Times, April 29, 2015, © The Financial Times Limited

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Wal-Mart Says To Open 115 New Stores In China By 2017 April 28, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it plans to open 115 new stores in China by 2017. Speaking at a news conference in Beijing, Wal-Mart CEO Doug McMillon said the proposed expansion is part of the company's efforts to speed up growth in the country. Also, the company is closing some stores that are not performing as profitably as expected and is expanding its focus on the faster-growing online grocery market through its Yihaodian.com e-commerce site. Wal-Mart's expansion will include creating more than 30,000 jobs, as well as investing more than 370 million yuan to remodel more than 50 stores in 2015. Matthew Miller and Adam Jourdan, "Wal-Mart to build 115 new China stores by 2017 in push to offset slowing growth", Reuters, April 28, 2015, © Thomson Reuters

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