Tesco, Asda Most Popular UK Retailers On Pinterest, Study Reveals March 26, 2015: 12:00 AM EST In the UK, Tesco.com and Asda.com are the most popular websites on image-sharing website Pinterest.com, according to market research firm Searchmetrics. Data from Kantar Worldpanel revealed Tesco.com has 43,834 pins or images shared on the site, while Asda.com garnered 34,304 pins and Waitrose with 19,474 shares. According to the report, recipe pages were the most popular content among Pinterest users. For example, a Penguin-themed cake recipe from Asda was shared 11,997 times, while a One-Pot Cider Chicken recipe from Waitrose earned 1,677 shares. "Tesco And Asda Are Most Visible UK Supermarkets On Pinterest, New Searchmetrics Study Reveals", Searchmetrics, March 26, 2015, © Searchmetrics

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Retailers Need To Upgrade Loyalty Programs For Digital Age, Study Reveals March 26, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Consumers are dissatisfied with retailers' existing loyalty programs, according to a study by Capgemini Consulting focusing on customer sentiment on social media. Results of the study revealed the average household in the United States has more than 21 loyalty program memberships; however, it only actively uses 44 percent of these programs. Data revealed almost 90 percent of social media sentiment was negative, with the negativity pervading across all industries. Among Millennial consumers, who are forecast to spend more than $200 billion annually by 2017, negative perception of loyalty programs was at 85 percent. Cosmetics retailer Sephora aimed to improve consumer participation in its loyalty program by launching its Beauty Insider scheme. "Fixing the Cracks: Reinventing Loyalty Programs for the Digital Age", Capgemini, March 26, 2015, © Capgemini

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Macy's Buys Spa And Beauty Chain Blue Mercury March 25, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Macy's agreed to acquire high-end spa and beauty chain Blue Mercury. Some market analysts are wondering whether the deal, which could bring Blue Mercury's Diptyque candles, Phyto hair products, and La Mer face creams to Macy's stores, would affect search results on the retailer's website. Department stores account for significant portions of beauty brands' sales. At present, Estee Lauder's beauty brands are among the top results in Macy's search visibility. Homa Zaryouni, "Will Macy’s Acquisition of Blue Mercury Change Beauty Search?", L2 The Daily, March 25, 2015, © L2 Think Tank

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Biscuit Taco: Another Weapon Added To Taco Bell’s Breakfast Arsenal March 24, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Taco Bell is determined to make breakfast sales at least 20 percent of its annual revenues, and to do that it must make America aware that it’s “open for breakfast” in a big way. The latest flare it has sent up in that strategy is the Biscuit Taco, a biscuit shaped like a taco and stuffed with eggs, cheese and sausage or bacon. Analysts expect the company to replace the recently unveiled waffle taco with the new biscuit. Its revamped breakfast menu – launched a year ago with TV ads featuring real people named Ronald McDonald – helped Taco Bell post a six percent hike in same-restaurant sales for its fourth quarter ended in February. Benjamin Snyder, "This is Taco Bell's latest breakfast food invention", Fortune, March 24, 2015, © Time Inc.

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Tesco's Director Cescau Announces Retirement Plans March 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Patrick Cescau announced his plan to resign as non-executive director of retailer Tesco in 2014. The fifth non-executive director to depart the company, Cescau has overseen the reorganization of the retailer's senior management as its senior independent director and chairman of the nominations committee. Former CEO of Unilever, Cescau was involved in the ouster of Philip Clarke as chief executive and appointment of Dave Lewis as Clarke's replacement. According to Tesco, Cescau will retire from the board of directors effective April 7, 2015, after six years as a non-executive director. Graham Ruddick, "Tesco exodus continues as Patrick Cescau departs as director", Telegraph, March 23, 2015, © Telegraph Media Group Limited

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Birchbox Launches Beauty Box Subscription Business In Canada March 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Birchbox launched its online beauty box subscription service in Canada, after achieving market success in the United States and launching limited distribution in European markets. Shipping consumers a beauty box that contains sample-sized premium cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products monthly, Birchbox also allows customers to buy full-size products from its online store. Birchbox aims to differentiate itself from other beauty box subscription service providers in Canada by allowing local consumers to pay in Canadian dollars and offering a Canadian-market-dedicated website that highlights products from local beauty and personal care companies. Emmanuelle Bouvier, "Birchbox Brings Its Winning Beauty Box Formula To Canada", Mintel, March 23, 2015, © Mintel Group Ltd.

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Flipkart Holds Biggest Slice Of India's Online Retail Market, Study Shows March 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Flipkart accounts for 44 percent of India's online retail market, according a report by Morgan Stanley. Data from the market research firm revealed Snapdeal holds 32 percent of the market, while US-based Amazon, which first came to India in 2013, is third at 15 percent. According to Morgan Stanley, other e-commerce firms account for the remaining 9 percent of the market. Also, data revealed that the fashion segment makes up 30 percent of the e-commerce market. Flipkart expanded its fashion business by acquiring Myntra in a $300 million deal in May 2014. Seeking to close the gap with Flipkart, Snapdeal plans to spend about $1 billion to acquire at least six fashion companies. Digbijay Mishra, "Flipkart has biggest piece of Indian e-tail pie", Business Standard, March 21, 2015, © Business Standard Ltd.

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Éclairs May Soon Grab Bakery Shelf Space From Cupcakes March 21, 2015: 12:00 AM EST The classic French pastry known as the éclair is suddenly in the limelight, possibly making a bid to replace cupcakes as the decadent snack treat of choice. Chefs all over the world are offering modern variations on the traditional custard-filled design. In homeland France, éclairs are filled with hazelnut praline, chocolate cherry and caramel apple. An American restaurateur, who will soon open a shop devoted to éclairs, will be featuring uzu raspberry and matcha white chocolate versions. South Korea and Japan are also hotbeds of éclair innovation. A pastry chef in Seoul recently unveiled a hybrid between the éclair and the macaron: two elongated macaron shells filled with whipped cream, fresh fruit or chocolate. "Chocolate or fruit-filled, éclair emerges as global food trend", The Malaysian Insider, March 21, 2015, via AFP/Relaxnews, © AFP/Relaxnews

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Aldi Says It Has No Ecommerce Plans In UK March 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST German discount retailer Aldi denied newspaper reports that it is planning to launch an online grocery business in the UK. According to reports, Aldi was readying its first online retail venture in Europe. Other markets the company is reportedly eyeing include Spain, Portugal, and Germany, the reports also said. Luke Tugby, "Aldi denies reports it is poised for an online launch in the UK", Retail Week, March 20, 2015, © EMAP Publishing Limited

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Tesco Buys Out Joint Venture Partner British Land March 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Tesco bought out British Land's stake in their joint venture covering 21 superstores. Part of Tesco's efforts to built up its core UK business, the deal will see the retailer giving up its stake in three shopping centers, three retail parks, and three standalone stores. Also, as part of the agreement, Tesco will receive £96 million from British Land. "Tesco refocuses on its core business with 21 store transaction", Tesco, March 20, 2015, © Tesco

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Russian And Chinese Online Payment Systems Join Forces To Offer Cross-Border Payment Service March 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Russia-based online payment system Yandex.Money partnered with China's online platform TradeEase to launch a cross-border e-commerce platform for consumers in the two countries. Expected to achieve a turnover of $830,000 in the first three months after its launch in summer 2015, the online service will be introduced by China's PayEase payment system, Bank of China, the Chinese province of Heilongjiang, and the border city of Suifenhe. Chinese stores near the Russian border will be able to sell their goods online using the planned platform. Trade between Heilongjiang and Russia grew to over $23 billion in 2014, accounting for about one-fourth of total Russia-China trade. "Russia and China to open joint e-commerce platform in summer", RT, March 20, 2015, © Autonomous Nonprofit Organization “TV-Novosti”

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Lidl Invests €200 Million To Open New Stores, Renovate Older Supermarkets In Spain March 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Lidl Supermarkets said it has invested more than €200 million in Spain as part of the retailer's efforts to strengthen its expansion in the country. Representing its biggest annual budget in the 20 years of operations in Spain, the investment will finance the opening of 40 new stores, two times the number of stores opened in 2014. As of March 2015, Lidl has already opened 8 new supermarkets, bringing its store count to 530. Part of the investment will be used to fund the expansion and renovation of Lidl's oldest stores in the country. "Lidl to invest a record 200 million Euro in Spain", Fresh Plaza, March 16, 2015, © Fresh Plaza

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Walmart India Expands Online Wholesale Operations March 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart India expanded the coverage of its online wholesale business to include members in Zirakpur and Bhatinda in Punjab. Operating 20 wholesale stores in nine states in India, Walmart runs an e-commerce platform at seven of its stores, including those located in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Guntur. This enables the company to offer business-to-business e-commerce in four of its five wholesale stores in Punjab. "Walmart extends reach of online wholesale platform", Business Standard, March 16, 2015, © Business Standard Ltd.

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Ireland's Grocery Market Heats Up As Market Leaders Compete For Bigger Market Shares March 16, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Dunnes reported sales grew 6.5 percent in the 12 weeks ending March 1, 2015, expanding its share of the grocery market in Ireland to 23.4 percent, according to Kantar Worldpanel. Data revealed the “Shop & Save” marketing campaign enabled Dunnes to increase by 25 percent the number of shopper trips with €100 or more on spending during the period covered by the study. Tesco's sales declined 3.7 percent; however, it has retained its position as Ireland's largest retailer. SuperValu's sales grew 0.4 percent, expanding its share of the market to reach 24.9 percent. Alyona Levitinn, "Grocery market competition intensifies", Kantar Worldpanel, March 16, 2015, © Kantar is a WPP Plc company

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Wal-Mart Agrees To Sell Persil Laundry Brand In U.S. Market March 15, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. agreed to become the exclusive carrier of Henkel AG's Persil brand of laundry detergent products in the United States. By selling the German brand, which Wal-Mart stores have been selling in markets outside the U.S., the retailer aims to strengthen its position against Procter & Gamble, maker of Tide detegents. Boosted by Tide, P&G holds 60 percent of retail sales in the U.S. laundry-detergent market and 85 percent of the profits. This dominance has enabled P&G to keep prices of its laundry products relatively higher than those of rival brands. Serena Ng, "Wal-Mart to Sell Premium-Priced German Laundry Soap Persil", Wall Street Journal, March 15, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Brazil's Retail Tissue And Hygiene Market Weakens As Economy Falls March 15, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Brazil's economic slowdown is forecast to adversely affect the retail tissue and hygiene market in the country. Inflation rose to more than 7 percent, much higher than the government's target of 4.5 percent, with the country's Central Bank expecting GDP to contract 1 percent in 2015. To curb inflation, the government raised interest rates to 12.75 percent; however, this could push the country into recession. Brazil is the world's fourth biggest retail tissue and hygiene market, providing emerging-market growth for makers, such as Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble. With the economy weakening, however, Brazilian consumers are opting to buy products in bulk packaging from hypermarkets and cash-and-carry stores. Consumers, especially those from the middle class, are the biggest losers in Brazil's spiral down the economic drain. Rob Walker, "Prospects for Down Market Shift in Retail Tissue and Hygiene as Brazil’s Economy Implodes", Euromonitor International, March 15, 2015, © Euromonitor International

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Sephora Implements CashStar's Prepaid Commerce Solutions March 11, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Sephora adopted CashStar's prepaid commerce solutions as part of the beauty retailer's online retail and omni-channel marketing efforts. According to CashStar, its technology has enabled Sephora to grow its digital gifting revenue eight times faster. Also, it has helped the retailer leverage mobile technology to consolidate its gifting program across all its retail channels and provide consumers with the “omini-channel experience” they expect, CashStar said. Sephora reported redemption rate reached 51 percent during the first month of implementing the prepaid commerce solutions, as well as initial purchase value 30 percent higher than what it has achieved with plastic gift cards. "Sephora Drives Faster Growth with Prepaid Commerce Solutions from CashStar", Business Wire, March 11, 2015, © Business Wire

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Entrepreneur Hopes To Ignite American Appetites For Exceptional Meat Pies March 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A native South African is almost single-handedly trying to create an individual-size meat pie trend in the U.S. Meat pies are commonplace in his homeland, and in England, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, according to Tyrel Naidoo, owner of Pie Boss in Aurora, Ill. The restaurant specializes in meat and vegetarian pies, serving them six days a week, for lunch or dinner, for one person or a family. The favorite on the menu is the pepper steak pie, containing sirloin and gravy in a flaky crust. Naidoo says his pies are nothing like the frozen concoctions Americans are used to, thanks to his carefully made crusts. Prices run $4 to $7, with dessert pies starting at $2.50. Jane Donahue , "Pie Boss is all pie all the time", Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2015, via Aurora Beacon-News, © Aurora Beacon-News

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British Grocery Shoppers Benefit As Supermarket Price War Drags On March 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A Kantar Worldpanel study finds that, thanks to a grocery price war in the U.K., British shoppers are now paying less for a representative basket of groceries than they did in 2014. The lower overall grocery outlays – the lowest in nine years – are a result of several market forces, including the impact of discount retailers Aldi and Lidl on other retail grocery chains that have responded by cutting prices. There has also been deflation in major food categories such as vegetables, milk and bread. Deflation has reached a record low of -1.6 percent. Of all the big U.K. chains, Tesco has managed to turn in the best sales performance, posting a 1.1 percent increase over the past 18 months. Fraser McKevitt, "Price war drives grocery deflation to record low", Report, Kantar Worldpanel, March 10, 2015, © Kantar Worldpanel

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Sephora Launches Flash Delivery Service In US Market March 10, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora launched its Flash membership-based two-day delivery service in the United States. By paying a $10 annual membership fee, Sephora customers in the continental US and Puerto Rico can avail of unlimited two-day delivery, with no minimum purchase. Also, consumers can opt for overnight delivery by paying $5.95, a bargain compared with the usual $16.95 overnight charge. Sephora also opened its Innovation Lab in San Francisco for developing and testing technologies. Christine Kern, "Sephora's Flash Delivery, Innovation Lab Exceed Customer Expectations", retailsolutionsonline, March 10, 2015, © Vert Markets, Inc.

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With Grocery Prices Lower Overall, British Shoppers Consider Other Store Benefits March 9, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Despite the turbulence of a price war among supermarket chains and discount grocers, Tesco not only managed to boost sales, it also maintained a solid reputation among British grocery shoppers. A poll by VoucherCodesPro.com put Tesco at the top of the list of “go-to” supermarkets, and showed that Britons choose grocery stores for a variety of reasons, not just price. Respondents who switched to Tesco from Aldi and Lidl pointed to a lack of parking, large checkout lines and “too many non-branded goods” at the discounters’ stores. Twenty-nine percent of respondents voted Tesco the best grocery retailer, and 37 percent of those said their second choice would have been a discount retailer. Tesco was followed by Aldi, Lidl, Asda and Sainsbury’s in popularity. "Tesco voted Britain’s favourite supermarket", Fresh Plaza , March 09, 2015, © Fresh Plaza

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Sephora Opens Retail Innovation Center In San Francisco March 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora unveiled its Sephora Innovation Lab in San Francisco, California. In addition to its physical facilities, the innovation center will include programs that promote a culture of innovation development and deployment, as well as developing the company's next generation of digital technology leaders. According to the company, the Lab team will take care of “sourcing, developing, evaluating, testing and eventually launching new offerings and technologies.” After teaming up with Google and Apple in the past, Sephora said it is evaluating strategic partnerships with other technology firms in the future. Some of Sephora's recent technology initiatives include Beacons personalization alerts, Pocket Contour digital makeup application, and augmented reality. "Sephora Announces Innovation Lab to Usher in the Future of Retail ", PRNewswire, March 05, 2015, © PR Newswire Association LLC

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Oregon Bakery Introduced “White Bread Done Right” March 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Dave's Killer Bread says it is bucking the declining popularity of white bread by launching “White Bread Done Right” at the Natural Products Expo West. The artisan-quality bread features “organic alternatives and clean ingredients”, and contains quinoa, spelt, rye, millet and barley. Each slice provides 10g of whole grains and 120mg of omega-3 fatty acids, and no starch, artificial coloring, high fructose corn syrup or bleached flour. The company also said it is expanding distribution to Midwestern and Eastern states. Co-founder of the company, Dave Dahl, has a long history of legal problems, culminating in a conviction – “except for insanity” -- last November on two counts of third-degree assault and one count of unlawful use of a weapon (an SUV). "White Bread, Sprouted Loaves and Burger Buns Get a Dave’s Killer Bread Make-Over", News release, Dave's Killer Bread, March 05, 2015, © Dave's Killer Bread

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Kroger Reports Impressive Sales Gains For 4Q And FY 2014 March 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Kroger Co. reported identical supermarket sales, without fuel, grew 5.2 percent in fiscal 2014. According to the company, net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 reached $518 million or $1.04 per diluted share. Total sales increased 8.5 percent to $25.2 billion in the fourth quarter, which ended January 31, 2015. Excluding fuel, total sales increased 14.2 percent during the period. For the fiscal year, total sales increased 10.3 percent to $108.5 billion, while total sales excluding fuel rose 12.9 percent, compared with the previous year. "Kroger Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2014 Results", Kroger, March 05, 2015, © The Kroger Company

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Selfie-Based Digital Contouring Advice Service Helps Sephora Customers March 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Sephora has launched a service on its mobile Web site that allows smartphone users to upload a selfie for automatic analysis and subsequent personalized makeup application tips. The service was created for use with Sephora’s Pocket Contour Class app with help from startup company Map My Beauty. Sephora recently identified contouring as a trend taking hold, but the technique is difficult to master. The new service resulted from Sephora’s recognition of a need to "educate and empower" customers to create the contoured look themselves. Chantal Tode, "Sephora shapes mobile personalization with tailored, step-by-step experience", Mobile Commerce Daily, March 05, 2015, © Napean LLC

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Whole Foods Market Makes It To Fortune Magazine's 2015 List Of Best Companies To Work For March 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Whole Foods Market was included on “Fortune” magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For, making the list for 18 consecutive years. Ranked number 55 on the 2015 list, the retailer is one of only 12 companies to make the list every year since the magazine's launch of the ranking in 1998. Among the 12 companies, Whole Foods Market is recognized as the leader in creating jobs, posting a 784 percent increase in its workforce since the list began. The magazine recognized Whole Foods Market's “mission-driven culture and dedication to a higher purpose” as factors helping it stand out from its rivals and peers. "Whole Foods Market celebrates 18 consecutive years on FORTUNE’s ‘100 Best Companies to Work For’ list", Whole Foods, March 05, 2015, © Whole Foods Market

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Carrefour Posts Strong Earnings Growth In Full-Year 2014 March 5, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Carrefour reported group earnings at constant exchange rate grew 3.9 percent on organic basis to €74.7 billion in 2014. Recurring operating income rose 10.6 percent, while net income from continuing operations expanded by 24.6 percent. This prompted the company to increase its proposed dividend to €0.68 per share. For its operations in other European countries, the company saw increased profitability for the third consecutive half. Recurring operating income grew 9.6 percent in the region. In emerging markets, recurring operating income rose 14.9 percent. Argentina and Brazil markets combined to deliver a 23.2 percent increase in recurring operating income. "2014 FULL‐YEAR RESULTS: GROWTH MOMENTUM CONFIRMED", Carrefour, March 05, 2015, © Carrefour

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Beacon Technology Test Is Encouraging For Unilever March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A Unilever beta test involving beacon and smartphone technology and Knorr soup brand and food vans proved successful enough for the company to investigate expanding the availability of the app to other media outlets. For the test, Unilever deployed branded food vans in Sweden where people could sample Knorr soups. When shoppers were within ten meters of the vans, the beacon devices picked up their smartphone IDs. The next day they were sent a personal message referring to the taste test and providing a discount coupon redeemable in-store. The results were encouraging enough for the company to ponder a mass rollout across all brands. Jessica Davies, "Unilever eyes iBeacons trials extension across brand portfolio", The Drum, March 04, 2015, © Carnyx Group Ltd

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Sephora Opens New, Larger Distribution Center In Maryland March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora opened a new logistics center in Maryland in order to meet growing demand in the Eastern United States. Double the size of the online retailer's previous facility located a few kilometers away, the distribution center measures 60,000 square meters and will handle logistics operations, including merchandise reception, identification, warehousing, and shipping. Also, the new facility will help increase the company's impact on Maryland's economy, guaranteeing jobs for the 400 employees from the previous location and creating as many as 200 new jobs. "Sephora opens new logistics center in U.S.", LVMH, March 04, 2015, © LVMH

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McDonald’s To Eliminate Antibiotics From Its Chicken Supply Chain March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST McDonald’s USA has announced a commitment to sourcing only chicken not raised with antibiotics, and milk from cows never treated with the artificial growth hormone rbST. The new antibiotics policy, developed with the cooperation of sourcing farmers, supports the company's “Global Vision for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Food Animals,” introduced in 2003. The company said it hopes to implement the new antibiotics policy to its supply chain over the next two years. Instead of antibiotics, farmers who supply chicken to McDonald’s will use ionophores, an antibiotic not used for humans that helps keep chickens healthy. "McDonald's USA Announces New Antibiotics Policy and Menu Sourcing Initiatives", News release, McDonald's, March 04, 2015, © McDonald's

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To Paraphrase Sherlock Holmes: “Come Watson. The (Cruffin) Game Is Afoot! March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST How did New York City chef Dominique Ansel – inventor of the “cronut” -- miss this opportunity? A British bakery says it has invented a hybrid pastry that mixes a croissant with a muffin. But has it? Dubbed, of course, the “cruffin”, the delicacy from London’s Foxroft & Ginger is made from a “secret sourdough mix” hand folded using French butter. It is then baked into a muffin shape and packed with chocolate ganache, custard and jam. But there’s more to this story: a San Francisco bakery, Mr. Holmes Bakehouse, reported last month that the recipe for its version of the cruffin was stolen from the shop along with a couple hundred other recipes. So far, no accusations of foul play have been lodged -- by either shop. Joshua Barrie, "A London bakery is introducing a new hybrid dessert that looks like the most delicious thing on earth", Business Insider, March 04, 2015, © Business Insider Inc

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Wal-Mart Sees Shoppers Adopting Mobile Payments March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said it expects its shoppers to adopt mobile payment systems in the future. At present, the retailer is working with the CurrentC mobile payment system developed by the Merchant Customer Exchange, a consortium of several large retailers, including Target Corp. and Best Buy Co. Although MCX members are not accepting mobile payments from other platforms for the meantime, Wal-Mart said it is open to different mobile payment options, including Apple Pay. Paul Ziobro, "Wal-Mart Expects Customers to Adopt Mobile Payments", Wall Street Journal, March 04, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Wal-Mart Stores Ends Partnership With Google On Local Shopping Ads March 4, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., ended its participation in Google Inc.'s Local Inventory Ads local advertising platform. An early test partner for the program, Wal-Mart cited concerns about sharing inventory and pricing data with the Internet giant as among its reasons for ending its partnership with Google. Launched in 2013, the Local Inventory Ads program requires retailers to provide Google with store inventory information so it can inform users when products are available in nearby stores. Wal-Mart also told Google that it plans to offer a similar local-inventory service, instead of outsourcing it to Google. Wal-Mart, which has 5,000 stores and is more capable than other retailers to offer local-inventory search services for smartphone users, said Local Inventory Ads forced it to compete with smaller retailers to attract shoppers. Alistair Barr and Rolfe Winkler, "Google, Wal-Mart Part Ways Over Local Shopping Ads", Wall Street Journal, March 04, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Sainsbury's Launches Click-And-Collect Service In UK March 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Sainsbury's launched its grocery click-and-collect service in the UK. Expected to be available at 100 stores by the end of 2015, the service will let customers collect their online purchases from a refrigerated van parked at the store's parking lot. Available for free, the service, however, requires a minimum spend of ₤20 per transaction. Sainsbury's said its Farnham in Surrey store will be the first to offer the service, with total stores reaching 20 by the end of March. "Sainsbury's Launches Grocery Click & Collect", Retail Analysis, March 03, 2015, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution and IGD Services Limited

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Barneys New York Launches Revamped Online Stores March 3, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Luxury retailer Barneys New York launched its revamped e-commerce websites, as part of its efforts to improve its online retail business. Designed to provide mobile shoppers with optimized online and mobile shopping experience, the sites will also enable the retailer to personalize its offerings based on customers' interests and preferences. Although it came late to the e-commerce party, Barneys New York derives between 15 percent and 20 percent of its total sales from digital channels. This puts the retailer, which operates nine department stores and 21 other stores, on the same e-commerce level as rivals Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Phil Wahba, "Barneys New York raises e-commerce ante with site relaunches", Fortune, March 03, 2015, © Time Inc.

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Lancome Picks RichRelevance's Omnichannel Personalization Platform For Its Online Store March 2, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Lancome partnered with omnichannel personalization company RichRelevance to launch a personalized look-recommendation service on its online store. Using RichRelevance's Relevance Cloud personalization platform for online retailers, combined with Sight Commerce's visual commerce and style intelligence solutions, the brand provides online shoppers with accessible personal and professional advice. Also, product suggestions are adjusted in real-time, based on changes in users' shopping behavior, inventory, and pricing. "Lancome Gets Personal With Curated, Complete Looks Powered by RichRelevance", Business Wire, March 02, 2015, © Business Wire

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Walmart Predicts Increased Domestic Consumption, Bigger Retail Market In India March 1, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Walmart India expects an increase in domestic consumption and an expansion in the local retail market, according to company president and CEO Krish Iyer. According to Iyer, the Modi government's efforts to make it easier to do business in the country will have a positive impact on India's overall retail market. Among the government's proposed reforms for the Budget 2015-16 are the creation of universal social security system for all Indians, the establishment of senior citizen welfare fund, and a higher limit in deduction of health insurance premium. "Budget 2015: Walmart sees increase in domestic consumption, retail growth in India", Economic Times, March 01, 2015, © Times Internet Limited

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Loss Of Focus Cause Of Target's Downfall, Analysts Say February 28, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Target's troubles emerged after the discount retailer lost its focus as a seller of designer-label clothing at consumer-friendly prices. Costs of terminating its failed expansion attempt in Canada and closing underperforming stores in the United States reached $5.1 billion, the company said. Target's problems began in 2011 when growth began to slow down and its margins started shrinking. Target took direct control of its online sales operations, which had been handled by Amazon since 2001; however, it failed to catch up with its rivals in the e-commerce segment. Its share price recovered significantly in the past months, with some analysts and investors becoming confident that CEO Brian Cornell's turnaround efforts might work. "American retailing: Why Target lost its aim", The Economist, February 28, 2015, © The Economist Newspaper Limited

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Tesco Hypermarket In Czech Republic Highlights Retailer's Innovations And Recovery Efforts February 27, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Tesco's hypermarket in Letnany, near Prague, showcases the retailer's latest innovations, which form part of the company's turnaround efforts. Renovated in November 2014, the hypermarket features a standalone F&F clothing store. Products offered by the F&F store include women's formal wear, menswear, and a home area. Also, the hypermarket features a toy store and a space for L'Oreal beauty products. John Ryan, "Store gallery: Tesco’s Czech hypermarket as a store development lab", Retail Week, February 27, 2015, © EMAP Publishing Limited Company

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Morrison Appoints Ex-Tesco Executive David Potts As CEO February 25, 2015: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Wm. Morrison Supermarkets PLC named former Tesco executive David Potts as its new chief executive officer. Succeeding Dalton Philips who resigned earlier in February 2015 after five years as CEO, Potts is an industry veteran with 40 years in grocery retailing. His appointment means that at present all three of the retailer's top executives used to work for rival Tesco, with management board chairman Trevor Strain and chairman Andrew Higginson completing the trio. Saabira Chaudhuri, "Morrisons Appoints Former Tesco Executive David Potts as New CEO", The Wall Street Journal, February 25, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Target Lowers Minimum Purchase Required For Free Shipping February 23, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Retailer Target lowered the minimum purchase that shoppers need to make online to qualify for free shipping from $50 to $25. Target's move puts it lower than rival Walmart, which still requires a minimum purchase of $50, and significantly below department store chains, such as Macy's and JCPenney, which offers free shipping for purchases higher than $99. In contrast, leading online retailer requires a minimum purchase of $35. Target also began shipping some orders directly from its stores, improving delivery time and inventory management. Natalie Gagliordi, "Target tweaks free shipping policy to lure online shoppers", ZD Net, February 23, 2015, © CBS Interactive

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Lidl Opens Five New Stores In Spain February 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Discount retailer Lidl plans to open five new stores in Spain as part of its expansion moves in the country. According to the company, the stores are located in Madrid, Vizcaya, Girona, Seville, and Malaga. Designed based on the company's new brand image, the stores will feature floor spaces ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 square meters. Lidl opened its first store in Spain in 1994. It currently operates more than 530 stores across the country. "Spain: Lidl invests over 11 million Euro in 5 new stores", Fresh Plaza, February 20, 2015, © Fresh Plaza

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Mini-Bagel Inventors Succeed With TV Investor Help February 20, 2015: 12:00 AM EST One of the entrepreneurs who has succeeded on ABC’s show “Shark Tank” is a Needham, Mass., bagel baker with a unique idea. Elyse Oleksak and her husband founded Bantam Bagels two years ago. Their product is a mini-bagel that can contain sweet or savory fillings, including cheese, meat, “cookies and milk”, and cream cheese. With the help of Shark Tank investor Lori Greiner, Bantam Bagels has grown quickly since 2013, winning publicity (and praise) from the New York Daily News and a listing in Oprah’s “Favorite Things” of 2014. Jonathan Dame, "Needham native Elyse Oleksak pitches unique bagel business on "Shark Tank"", Needham Times (Massachusetts), February 20, 2015, © Gatehouse Media, Inc

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Wal-Mart Stores Reports Slightly Better Sales, Revenue For 4Q and FY 2015 February 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. said comparable same-store sales in the United States increased 1.5 percent for the fourth quarter ending January 30, 2015. Comp sales for the Neighborhood Market division rose about 7.7 percent, while Sam's Club reported sales rose 2.0 percent during the period, the company said. Consolidated revenue rose 1.4 percent, or $1.9 billion, to reach $131.6 billion, with negative foreign exchange impact of about $2.6 billion. For the whole year, consolidated revenue rose 2.0 percent, or $9.4 billion, to $485.7 billion, with negative currency impact of about $5.3 billion. During the same period, the company expanded its retail space by almost 33 million square feet, with 511 new stores opening worldwide. "Walmart announces Q4 underlying EPS of $1.61 and additional strategic investments in people & e-commerce; Walmart U.S. comp sales increased 1.5 percent", Walmart, February 19, 2015, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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Asda Says Same-Store Sales Fell In 2014 February 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Asda said same-store sales fell 1 percent for 2014 and declined 2.6 percent for the quarter ending January 4, 2015. Asda president and CEO Andy Clarke said his company remains focused on its long-term business plan, which includes £600 million in investments to expand and improve its store network. Clarke and CFO Alex Russo presented the company's achievements in 2014, including its £300 million investment to lower prices, opening of 17 new stores, and opening of 200 new Click and Collect sites. "Asda unveils its fourth quarter and full year strategy update and announces £600m investment in stores", Asda , February 19, 2015, © Asda Stores Limited

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Washington, D.C., Bakers Revive The Classic Bakery Model February 19, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Bakeries in the Washington, D.C., area that offered a little bit of everything – bread, cookies, brownies, muffins, etc. – lost their cachet in recent years, replaced by shops that catered to dessert trends (like cupcakes), fad diets and evolving shopping habits. But the pendulum is swinging back. Many of the newest entries in the D.C. bakery scene are once again following the classic model, and so far customers are pleased. The glass display cases in the new neighborhood shops are filled with traditional treats loaded with fat, sugar and carbs. An example is the latest venture of longtime Washington baker Mark Furstenburg. Bread Furst emphasizes crusty loaves of bread, and a large menu of sweet and savory delicacies that changes throughout the day. Becky Krystal , "New Washington-area bakeries are making us feel like kids again", The Washington Post , February 19, 2015, © The Washington Post Company

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Online Grocery Shopping Is Booming Globally, Except In U.S. February 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST A report on global trends in online grocery shopping shows that emerging markets, including the U.S., are growing 97 percent year-on-year while established markets are growing by more than 30 percent. The report by Dunnhumby shows that even the most established online grocery categories are seeing significant growth, while online sales of frozen meat, baby food and baby care, and canned food are growing at an annual rate of 21 percent. However, online grocery shopping in the U.S. has been slow to catch on and still trails France, South Korea and the U.K. And American shoppers seem to need the physical presence of a retail store before they are confident enough to buy new grocery products on the Internet. "The Multichannel Movement Report", Report, Dunnhumby, February 18, 2015, © dunnhumby

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Retail Market Suffers Decline In Customer Satisfaction In 2014, ACSI Report Says February 18, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Customer satisfaction with the retail market declined 1.4 percent to an ACSI score of 76.8, with all retail categories, except Internet retail, showing weaker or flat customer satisfaction levels. Factors driving the downturn included rising prices, with retailers selling non-discretionary products being affected the most. Online retailers received higher customer satisfaction, compared with 2013, a year characterized with winter storms and and an increase in online shopping which caused delivery delays. Customer satisfaction with gasoline service stations dropped 2.7 percent to an ACSI score of 73; however, prospects looked better for 2015, driven in part by falling oil price. "ACSI Retail Report 2014", American Customer Satisfaction Index, February 18, 2015, © American Customer Satisfaction Index

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Restaurant Brands International Posts Higher Total Sales For Burger King And Tim Hortons In 4Q 2014 February 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Restaurant chain operator Restaurant Brands International Inc. reported total sales for its Burger King and Tim Hortons brands grew 7.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014. Company executives, however, said total costs related to its acquisition of Canadian coffee-and-doughnut chain Tim Hortons brought overall net loss of $514.2 million for the quarter. Total revenue for the period reached $416.3 million. Burger King's total sales in the United States and Canada rose 4.2 percent during the period, compared with the same quarter in the previous year. Ilan Brat, "Burger King, Tim Hortons Parent Posts Sales Gain", The Wall Street Journal, February 17, 2015, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Whole Foods Strategies Pay Off In Healthy Financials February 17, 2015: 12:00 AM EST Five lessons can be drawn from Whole Foods Market’s excellent first quarter financials. Key metrics showed strong growth, including sales, which rose 10 percent to $4.7 billion. At the top of the strategic “lessons” list: addressing consumer perception of the company as “Whole Paycheck” – an expensive grocery shopping choice. To combat that impression, the company launched its 365 Everyday Value program and the Values Matter national ad campaign. Awareness among Whole Foods Market’s target audience doubled, and key attributes like value perception rose considerably. Other key lessons focused on the value of partnering, de-emphasizing loyalty programs, ensuring a great in-store experience, and constantly testing innovation. Kathleen Kusek, "Five Lessons Retailers Can Learn From Whole Foods Market's Q1 Performance", Forbes, February 17, 2015, © Forbes.com LLC™

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