Organic Food Goes Mainstream, But Whole Foods Is Undaunted December 15, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Sales of organic food and nonfood in the U.S. rose 11.5 percent in 2013 after slowing to 4.6 percent during the recession in 2009, according to the Organic trade Association. Organic food is catching on among mainstream retailers, which could be a bad sign for Whole Foods Market. Kroger’s Simple Truth organics and naturals line reached a billion dollars in sales two years after launch. Walmart is expanding its organic food line while keeping prices – usually a 20 percent premium – the same as conventional foods. Another sign of the times: McDonald’s may add organic items to its menu as it tries to boost same-store sales. Whole Foods says it’s not worried by the mainstream organic trend because it adheres to a higher quality standard – and is lowering prices. Tom Ryan, "This Time, Are Organics Really Going Mainstream? ", CPG Matters, December 15, 2014, © CPGmatters

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U.K. Supermarket Chains Squeezed By Off-Brand Retailers, Upscale Grocers December 13, 2014: 12:00 AM EST British supermarket chains are suffering, squeezed by off-brand grocery retailers and local food shops. The country’s 4,000 small food retailers – including farm shops selling locally sourced meat, vegetables and more – are flourishing, despite predictions that they would die out during the recent recession. Instead, they are reporting five to 10 percent increases in turnover. Analysts say the key reason is that the recession changed the way people shop for groceries. They now buy the basics at cheaper supermarkets, such as Aldi and Lidl, and buy bulk online. But, unlike during previous economic slowdowns, consumers are spending the money saved (by buying cheaper staples) on some preferred premium foods, and on locally sourced meats and produce. "Boutique food shops: Deli-licious", The Economist, December 13, 2014, © The Economist Newspaper Limited

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Walmart’s Problems In China Have Deep Roots December 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A Bloomberg analysis of internal Walmart documents related to its business in China, as well as information gathered from employees, tell a tale of long-developing problems in the country, including questionable accounting, unauthorized sales practice and severe inventory problems. Some stores, for example, were booking sales when no merchandise left the shelves. Some stores were routinely making unauthorized bulk sales to other retailers. After years of crowing about its success in the region, the company finally admitted in August its operations in China have been in serious trouble. The revelation led to a management shake-up and cuts in staff. Renee Dudley and Liza Lin , "How Wal-Mart Made Its Crumbling China Business Look So Good for So Long", Bloomberg, December 12, 2014, © Bloomberg L.P.

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German Retailer Buys Start-Up That Applies An Advanced Digital Grocery Buying Model December 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST German global retailer Metro Group has acquired a 15 percent stake in online food retailer Emmas Enkel, which also operates two conventional brick-and-mortar stores in Düsseldorf. Metro’s plan is to support expansion of Emmas Enkel stores in Germany and to continue supplying the company – through Metro’s sales line Real – with food, produce, household items and drugstore products, along with house brand items. Founded in 2011, Emmas Enkel sells its products at centrally located corner stores, or via smart phone and online. Purchases are then delivered to customer homes. "Metro Group acquires stake in Emmas Enkel", News release, Metro Group, December 12, 2014, © Metro Group

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Brasserie-Style Dining Is The Big Trend For 2015 – In London December 12, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Bloomberg’s chief food critic says he will not base his food trend predictions for 2015 on what is trending in 2014 – the pervasive "rearview mirror" forecasting method. Instead, going “where no man has gone before”, he predicts that “all-day brasserie-style dining” will be a big hit in 2015, in London at least. Generally speaking, a brasserie is a restaurant devoted to casual dining, a step up from a bistro, with one menu served all day. He notes that London’s new Ivy Market Grill joins several other flourishing brasseries in the city, but is nevertheless “the restaurant of the moment, a trend-setter, the future of London dining” – for 2015 anyway Richard Vines, "Ivy Market Grill Does Brasserie Dining Trend Better Than Its Rivals", Bloomberg, December 12, 2014, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Carrefour Launches Price-Matching Campaign Against Ahold In Belgium December 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour is introducing an initiative aimed at matching prices with rival retailer Ahold in Belgium. Developed for its local operations, the price-matching scheme will involve two Carrefour stores paying customers “five times the price difference” if they find the same product being sold at a cheaper price at the Albert Heijn store located nearby. Carrefour came up with the program to inform customers about the retailer's prices and help the company compete better in the local retail market. Albert Heijn's launch of its business in Belgium, with its lower prices, raised the level of competition in the market. "Carrefour to price match Ahold", Retail Analysis, December 11, 2014, © The Institute of Grocery Distribution

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Consumers In Control: Major Changes In Digital Grocery Shopping Expected December 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Western European consumers, like others around the globe, are adapting quickly to advances in digital technology and driving the spread of e-commerce. According to Nielsen, information is becoming integrated and easy to obtain, a trend that will become increasingly critical in sectors like online grocery retailing where e-commerce is still in its infancy. Two behaviors are emerging: consumers will demand an integrated off line-online-mobile grocery shopping experience that is convenient for them; and grocery shoppers will become even more price sensitive, using group purchasing power to drive down prices. "The Digital Consumer’s Journey In The Western Europe Grocery Market", Report, The Nielsen Company, December 11, 2014, © The Nielsen Company

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Whole Foods Market Highlights Honors Received In 2014 December 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Natural products retailer Whole Foods Market released a list of awards, honors, and recognition it received in 2014. For the retailer's workplace policies, it earned several accolades, including its inclusion on the “100 Best Companies to Work For” list of the Fortune magazine and the “Top 10 Coolest Companies to Work for in Austin” of “a” magazine. Its innovation efforts also received recognition, such as the Coltellino d' oro award for global cheese buyer Cathy Strange from the Consortium of Parmigiano Reggiano and global vice president of quality standards Margaret Wittenberg as one of the “Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink” by the Fortune and Food & Wine magazines. "Whole Foods Market celebrates another great year of mission-driven achievements", Whole Foods Market, December 11, 2014, © Whole Foods Market

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David Dillon Retires As Kroger Chairman December 11, 2014: 12:00 AM EST The Kroger Co. said David B. Dillon will retire as chairman of the board on December 31, 2014. Having served the company for 38 years, Dillon will be replaced by CEO Rodney McMullen effective January 1, 2015. McMullen was appointed as member of the board of directors in 2003. Dillon served as Kroger's chairman from 2004 to 2014 and as CEO from 2003 to 2013. Before that, he occupied various executive positions at Kroger and Dillons Companies, which merged in 1983. "David Dillon to Retire as Kroger Chairman", Kroger, December 11, 2014, © The Kroger Co.

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Walgreens CEO Wasson To Step Down After Merger With Alliance Boots Is Completed December 10, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Greg Wasson, CEO of Walgreens drugstores and a 35-year veteran of the company, announced he will retire after shareholders vote on the merger with Alliance Boots. The decision to retire reverses an earlier announcement that he would stay on to lead the new company. Following the vote, set for December 29, Alliance Boots executive chairman Stefano Pessina, will serve as interim CEO of the new company, Walgreens Boots Alliance. Wasson joined Walgreens in 1980 as a pharmacy intern while still at Purdue University’s School of Pharmacy. "Walgreens President and CEO Greg Wasson Announces He Will Retire Following Completion of Merger with Alliance Boots", News release, Walgreens, December 10, 2014, © Walgreens

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Walmart Promotes McKenna To COO December 10, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Walmart promoted chief development officer Judith McKenna to chief operating officer for the U.S., succeeding Gisel Ruiz. She will continue to report directly to CEO Greg Foran. Ruiz is the new executive vice president of the International people division. McKenna joined Walmart in the U.K. 20 years ago as CFO and COO.  As COO, Ruiz oversaw the opening of 400 new U.S. stores, and increased representation of women and people of color across operations leadership roles at the company. "Walmart Announces Senior Management Changes", News release,Walmart, December 10, 2014, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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KFC Launches PR Campaign In China To Prove Its Operations Are Hygienic December 10, 2014: 12:00 AM EST After a food safety scare at one of its Chinese suppliers, KFC has invited fried chicken lovers in the country – the biggest market for parent company Yum Brands -- to come and see for themselves that the restaurant chain maintains high standards of hygiene. The problem arose when a TV report alleged that workers at a KFC chicken supplier were adding expired meat to products. Customers can book a tour showing employee hand-washing, clean cooking oil, safe chicken raising practices, and use of purified water. Alexandra Harney, "KFC calls on Chinese diners to inspect its kitchen", Reuters, December 10, 2014, © Thomson Reuters

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Walmart Acquires Former Carrefour Site In Agra December 9, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Walmart acquired a store location in Agra that used to be a Carrefour wholesale outlet. According to reports, Walmart is in the process of opening a wholesale store in early 2015. Walmart said it plans to open 50 new Best Price wholesale stores in India over the next 4‒5 years. Rasul Bailay, "Walmart takes over Carrefour store in Agra", Economic Times, December 09, 2014, © Times Internet Limited

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American Consumers Remain Worried About Economy December 8, 2014: 12:00 AM EST In the United States, 39 percent of consumers said they are “still worried about losing their jobs” as of December 2014, according to market research firm McKinsey. Results of the survey conducted by the company showed 40 percent of consumers are living paycheck to paycheck, compared with 31 percent in 2012. Families earning less than $75,000 per year are adjusting how they spend money to make ends meet, with about 40 percent of these households “cutting back and delaying purchases,” compared with 22 percent for households with annual earnings of at least $150,000. Consumers from all income levels have yet to regain their pre-recession optimism about the American economy, with only 23 percent saying they are optimistic, compared with 27 percent when the recession began in 2009. "America the frugal: US Consumer Sentiment Survey", McKinsey & Company, December 08, 2014, © McKinsey & Company

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Tesco Enhances Its Clubcard With Touch n’ Go Services December 5, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Tesco Stores has contracted with Touch ‘n Go, a Malaysian electronic payments system, to provide an enhanced Clubcard for customers. The improved payment card includes discounts and points-based gift vouchers. A new membership comes with a welcome pack that features discounts and gift vouchers worth up to RM300 ($86.00).Tesco said the payment card service with no reload fees will be expanded gradually to all 51 Tesco branches in the country. Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi, "Tesco teams up with Touch ‘n Go", New Straits Times, December 05, 2014, © New Straits Times Press

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Kroger Reports Strong Same-Store Sales In 3Q Of FY 2014 December 4, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Kroger Co. reported same-store sales grew 5.6 percent, without fuel sales, in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014, compared with the same period of the previous year. Net earnings per diluted share, with a $0.04 benefit for the quarter from certain tax items, reached $0.73. Without those tax items, the company said its adjusted net earnings were $0.69 per diluted share. Kroger also said that it has achieved its 44th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth, without fuel sales. "Kroger Reports Record Third Quarter Results", Kroger, December 04, 2014, © The Kroger Company

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Amazon Announces Private-Label Diapers And Baby Wipes December 4, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Amazon.com said it will start selling its Amazon Elements brand of diapers and baby wipes. To be available only to members of the company's Prime subscription service, the products will be affordable and designed to address the products' impact on the environment. Amazon spokeswoman Pia Arthur said the diapers are being manufactured by Canada-based Irving Personal Care, while the baby wipes are being produced by Nice-Pak Products. Amazon's previous private-label moves include bedsheets and outdoor furniture in 2004 and Amazon Basics brand of TV cables in 2009. Brad Stone , "The Newest Amazon Gizmos: Diapers and Baby Wipes", Bloomberg, December 04, 2014, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Supermarkets' Price War Gifts UK Consumers With Lower Food Prices December 3, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Food prices are falling in the UK, due to an ongoing supermarket price war, providing British consumers a reason to smile as the 2014 holiday season starts. For the first time in eight years, food prices are declining as supermarkets compete for shoppers' money. Data from the British Retail Consortium revealed overall food costs dropped 0.2 percent in November 2014 compared with the same month in the previous year. Szu Ping Chan, "Supermarket price war triggers first food price fall in eight years", The Telegraph, December 03, 2014, © Telegraph Media Group Limited

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Asda Tries Location-Based Mobile Ads, In-Store Beacons To Help Drive Store Traffic December 3, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Asda ran a pilot test of location-based mobile advertising to help drive shopper traffic into the retailer's stores. Data from technology provider xAd showed store visits increased more than 60 percent, driven by exposure to the mobile advertising campaign. Asda is also testing in-store beacons, which detect nearby smartphones and other mobile devices and sends push notifications to device owners. Matthew Chapman , "Asda trials location-based mobile ads to drive customers in-store", Retail Week, December 03, 2014, © EMAP Publishing Limited

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Tesco Trims Executive Committee December 3, 2014: 12:00 AM EST U.K. supermarket chain Tesco has made some changes to the executive committee that will result on January 1 in the elimination of two positions and the departure of two executives. Top managers were appointed to lead the business transformation program, group strategy, corporate communications, commercial for U.K., and customer relations units. The new appointments mean that Matt Atkinson (creative director) and David Hobbs (group planning and strategy) will leave the company after “a number of months” of transition. "Changes to the Executive Committee", News release, Tesco, December 03, 2014, © Tesco

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Online Retailers Post Record Cyber Monday Sales December 2, 2014: 12:00 AM EST E-commerce sales on Cyber Monday 2014, the Monday after Thanksgiving, jumped 17 percent to $2.04 billion, compared with sales in the previous year, according to market research firm comScore. Data revealed sales increased 24 percent for the five-day period, way ahead of analysts' sales forecasts. Wal-Mart Stores, for example, reported its biggest e-commerce day ever on Cyber Monday. Phil Wahba, "Cyber Monday sales pass $2 billion in biggest e-commerce day ever", Fortune, December 02, 2014, © Time Inc.

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Wal-Mart Announces 250 Job Cuts In China December 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it will reduce its workforce in China by 250 jobs as part of the retailer's efforts to reorganize its business operations in the country. Also aimed at reducing costs and improving its revenue performance, the layoffs will affect 250 middle and lower-level employees, less than 1 percent of the country's workforce in China, and worked at the firm's corporate affairs and asset protection units. Wal-Mart currently operates 400 stores in the country and will open nine new stores and a new distribution center in China by end of 2015. Also, the company plans to build a $97.5 million shopping mall in the city of Zhuhai. Laurie Burkitt, "Wal-Mart to Cut 250 Jobs in China", Wall Street Journal, December 01, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

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Carrefour Names Lavinay Chairman Of Erteco France Unit December 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour appointed Gerard Lavinay as chairman of its recently acquired Dia France, now named Erteco France. Lavinay began his retail career in 1980 at Euromarche, a hypermarket chain acquired by Carrefour in 1991. He occupied various management posts in Carrefour's operations in Greece and Chile, as well as in France. "Gérard Lavinay is appointed Chairman of Erteco France (ex-Dia France)", Carrefour, December 01, 2014, © Carrefour

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Walmart India Expands B2B Online Store To Andhra Pradesh's Rajahmundry Area December 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Walmart India expanded its business-to-business ecommerce service to include members of its store in the city of Rajahmundry in India's Andhra Pradesh state. According to Walmart, members of its Best Price Modern Wholesale store can shop online by accessing the bestprice.com website. The shopping portal offers all products, including fruits and vegetables on display at the local store. "Walmart extends B2B e-commerce operation to Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh", Economic Times, December 01, 2014, © Economic Times

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2014 Britain's Most Admired Companies List Highlights UK Supermarkets' Woes December 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST UK's largest supermarket chains performed poorly in the business journal Management Today's 2014 Britain's Most Admired Companies awards. For example, Tesco, which has been chosen as the most admired company in the country a record six times, fell to number 181. Tesco's fall came following a year filled with numerous problems, including slowing sales and an accounting scandal. In contrast, discount retailers are grabbing market shares and attention. Aldi is the number 1 retailer in the food and personal segments, while Lidl is also in the sector's top 5. Fashion retailers, such as Next, are doing better in adapting to changes in UK consumers' shopping habits. Rising 30 notches from its 2013 ranking, Next is currently the number 2 on the overall list. Elizabeth Anderson, "Supermarkets, once the envy of business leaders, are in danger of being left on the scrap heap", The Telegraph, December 01, 2014, © Telegraph Media Group Limited

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Campaign Against Amazon Gathering Strength In UK, Amazon Anonymous Claims December 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Amazon Anonymous is predicting that online retailer Amazon.com will lose more than ₤2.5 million in sales during the coming holiday season. Campaigning for fair pay for Amazon workers, the group claimed at least 11,463 UK consumers had pledged to boycott the online retailer and instead spend the pledged amount by shopping at other retailers from December 1 to 25, 2014. Acknowledging that it would be hard for some consumers to abruptly stop buying from Amazon, the group partnered with Ethical Consumer magazine to help shoppers find alternative retailers, including independent booksellers. Alison Flood, "Amazon Christmas boycott campaign gathers weight", The Guardian, December 01, 2014, © Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies

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Thanksgiving And Black Friday Retail Sales Decline Slightly; Online Sales Soar November 30, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Retail sales on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday 2014 fell 0.5 percent to $12.29 billion from the $12.35 billion in the previous year, according to estimates by market research firm ShopperTrak. In contrast, online sales during Thanksgiving and Black Friday reached $1.33 billion and $2.4 billion, rising 25 percent and 24 percent from the previous year, respectively, according to data from Adobe Systems Inc. Online spending by consumers for November 1 to November 28 rose 14 percent to $32 billion, compared with 2013, Adobe said. Nathan Layne, "Bricks-and-mortar sales edge lower at start of holiday season; online surges: data", Reuters, November 30, 2014, © Thomson Reuters

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Carrefour Resumes Retail Operations In Algeria December 1, 2014: 12:00 AM EST French retailer Carrefour plans to open its first hypermarket in Algeria in March 2015. Valued at €10 million, the planned Alger hypermarket will be the first of many and marks the company's return to the country. Carrefour first opened for business in the middle of 2000s when it partnered with local firm Arcofina. When its partner opened its own retail store, Ardis, in 2009, Carrefour ended its local operations. "Carrefour returns to Algeria", Fresh Plaza, December 01, 2014, © Fresh Plaza

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Asian Consumers Find South Korean Online Retailers Attractive November 30, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A growing number of Asian consumers are buying Korean-made products from South Korean-based online retailers. According to data from the South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, combined export sales of the country's top 9 online retailers reached about 370 billion won in 2013. Seeking to address this growing demand, local online retailers, such as Gmarket, Interpark, and OKDGG, introduced English and Chinese-language websites. These sites offer products exclusively for foreign customers. Market leader Gmarket, which has been operating its online store Global Shop since 2006, accounts for 35 percent of Korea's ecommerce sales. Ock Hyun-ju, "Asian shoppers flock to Korean online shops", The Korea Herald/Asia News Network, November 30, 2014, © Singapore Press Holdings Ltd . Co.

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Tesco Could Have Done Better In Managing Black Friday Sales, UK Shoppers And Police Chiefs Say November 28, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Tesco PLC was criticized by shoppers and police chiefs for its handling of its Black Friday sales events. Police officers had to intervene at seven Tesco stores in the Greater Manchester area in northwest England due to Tesco's failure to control the crowd of bargain hunters. Chief constable Peter Fahy expressed his disappointment over the insufficient security staff on duty during the sales event. There were reports of several arrests and injuries from incidents described by police as “mini riot.” Paul Jarvis et al, "Tesco Criticized as Black Friday Leads to Disorder, Delays", Bloomberg, November 28, 2014, © Bloomberg L.P.

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Tesco Dismisses UK Executives Involved In Accounting Misstatement November 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Tesco terminated the employment of three executives who were involved in the retailer's accounting scandal first reported in October 2014. The retailer declined to comment on the departures of group commercial director Kevin Grace, UK finance director Carl Rogberg, and UK food commercial director John Scouler. According to the company, these developments will allow Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis to implement significant reorganization of its UK management. Andrea Felsted and Caroline Binham, "Tesco parts company with three executives", Financial Times, November 27, 2014, © The Financial Times Limited

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Alliance Boots Acquires Soap & Glory Cosmetics Brand November 27, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Pharmaceuticals and retail company Alliance Boots said it has acquired the cosmetics brand Soap & Glory from brand founder Marcia Kilgore. Established eight years ago, the brand became famous for its humorous product brands and descriptions and 1920s style packaging. A strong customer base and a loyal fanbase on social media enhance the brand's strength. Michelle Yeomans, "Boots adds quirky Soap & Glory brand to its' portfolio", Cosmetics Design , November 27, 2014, © William Reed Business Media SAS

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New Colorado Rules Will Mandate Only Single-Serving Marijuana-Laced Foods November 26, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Colorado, one of only three states that have legalized recreational marijuana use, has developed rules designed to prevent “dowding”. The term has come into informal use to describe the freaky experience of a New York Times columnist who ate way too much marijuana-laced chocolate. Under the new rules, taking effect in February, edibles containing marijuana can be sold only in single-serving packages. Some marijuana bakeries in the state have already started selling personal-sized portions. One such baker says all of her single-serving baked goods contain 10 mg of THC, about one joint’s worth. Chris Frates, "In Colorado, Pot pies that get you baked, not burned", Cable News Network , November 26, 2014, © Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

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Wal-Mart Slims Down Management Ranks Of China Unit November 26, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said it is eliminating almost 30 director and midlevel management jobs in China as part of the retailer's efforts to reduce costs and improve declining sales in the country. Retail sales in China grew 12 percent in the first 10 months of 2014, compared with 13 percent in the previous year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Wal-Mart, which has about 400 stores in the country, reported sales dropped 0.8 percent in the third quarter of 2014. Laurie Burkitt, "Wal-Mart Stores Cuts Nearly 30 Directors and Midlevel Managers in China", Wall Street Journal, November 26, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

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Wal-Mart's Chief Merchandising Officer Mac Naughton Resigns November 25, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores Inc. chief merchandising officer Duncan Mac Naughton resigned before Black Friday, the Thanksgiving shopping event. Mac Naughton's departure enabled Wal-Mart U.S. CEO Greg Foran to reorganize the retailer's operations in the United States, as Wal-Mart aims to attract more shoppers into its stores. Its U.S. business accounts for almost 60 percent of Wal-Mart's $476 billion revenue; however, for the past two years, it has been trying to overcome declining shopper visits. Shelly Banjo, "Wal-Mart’s Chief Merchant Leaves", Wall Street Journal, November 25, 2014, © Dow Jones & Company, Inc

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Argos Adopts Digital Receipt Technology For UK Stores November 25, 2014: 12:00 AM EST UK retailer Argos plans to offer eReceipts digital receipt technology across its 750 stores. Earlier in 2014, the company replaced its in-store catalogues with iPad tablets. Part of the retailer's five-year Transformation Plan to become a leader in digital retail, the technology will also allow the company to improve its communication with customers. Sam Healey, "Argos launch eReceipts for over the counter purchases", Retail Gazette, November 25, 2014, © Retail Gazette

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Metro Sells Wholesale Business In Greece November 25, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Metro Group said it has agreed to sell its Greece-based wholesale subsidiary MAKRO Cash & Carry to local retail company Sklavenitis. Covering Metro's wholesale business in the country, the purchase deal will include nine wholesale stores and related real estate holdings valued at €65 million. Metro Group said it expects the divestment to have a neutral EBIT impact on its revenue performance for fiscal year 2014‒2015. "METRO GROUP divests wholesale activities in Greece", METRO GROUP, November 25, 2014, © METRO AG

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Wal-Mart Appoints American Airlines Ex-CEO Horton As Director November 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., added former American Airlines chairman and CEO Tom Horton to its board of directors effective November 21, 2014. Horton, who became the board's 16th member, will also become a member of the company's Audit Committee. With more than 30 years of business and finance experience, Horton joined American Airlines in 1985 from international accounting firm Peat Marwick & Company. "Walmart Board of Directors Adds Former American Airlines Chairman and CEO Tom Horton", Walmart, November 24, 2014, © Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

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U.K. Food Producers Suffer As Big Four Grocery Chains Pursue Price War November 24, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Big supermarket chains in the U.K. are locked in a price war that is driving food producers out of business. Accounting firm Moore Stephens reports that 146 food producers have filed for bankruptcy so far this year, compared to 114 in all of 2013. Supermarkets are reacting to the growing interest of British consumers in the low prices offered by German discount grocers Aldi and Lidl. The Big Four grocery chains have reacted by cutting their prices, pushing many food producers into insolvency. Dean Best, "Food companies "cannon fodder" in UK supermarket price war", Just-Food, November 24, 2014, © just-food.com

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Carrefour Receives Government Nod For Dia France Deal November 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour's proposed acquisition of supermarket chain Dia France was approved by the country's Competition Authority. Coming after a constructive dialogue with the government agency, the approval will enable the French retailer to push its multi-format expansion plans in the local retail market. As part of the deal, Carrefour will buy more than 800 Dia France stores. "Carrefour's acquisition of Dia France approved by the Competition Authority", Carrefour, November 21, 2014, © Carrefour

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Carrefour Buys 17 Il Centro Stores In Italy November 21, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Carrefour acquired 16 stores of the Il Centro retail chain in Italy's Florence and Arezzo provinces. The French retailer also bought an Il Centro store in the province of La Spezia. Part of Carrefour's multi-format business strategy, the acquisition of the stores will let the company expand its operations in Italy. "Carrefour acquires 17 “Il Centro” stores in Italia", Carrefour, November 21, 2014, © Carrefour

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Online Retail Driving UK Retail Market's Growth, Royal Mail Says November 19, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Online retail, which currently accounts for 10 percent of total retail sales and is forecast to rise to 13 percent by 2017, is driving growth in the parcel delivery market in the UK, according to the Royal Mail. For its part, the delivery company reported revenue rose 2 percent to ₤4.5 billion in the six-month period ending September 28, 2014, compared with the same period in the previous year. Pre-tax profits fell from ₤233 million to ₤218 million before one-time costs, with after-cost profits dropping from ₤1.58 billion to ₤167 million. Royal Mail, however, warned that leading online retailer Amazon's plan to develop its own delivery service would likely limit its ability to grow further. Chloe Rigby, "Ecommerce driving parcel growth, says Royal Mail, as it warns Amazon’s move towards self-delivery set to brake that growth", Internet Retailing, November 19, 2014, © SJP Business Media

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Target Posts Lower Adjusted EPS, Slightly Higher U.S. Sales In 3Q 2014 November 19, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Target Corporation reported adjusted earnings per share declined 2.9 percent to $0.54 in the third quarter of 2014, compared with the same period in 2013. Comparable sales at its United States business grew 1.2 percent, better than the flat to 1 percent range forecast. US segment transactions fell 0.4 percent, 1 percent better compared with the first half of the year. Sales in Canada grew 43.8 percent, compared with the third quarter of the previous year. Also, for the third quarter 2014, the company paid dividends of $330 million, higher by 21.4 percent from the previous year. "Target Reports Third Quarter 2014 Earnings", Target, November 19, 2014, © Target.com

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Sephora Faces Class Action From Asian-American Customers Who Claimed Discrimination November 19, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Beauty retailer Sephora USA Inc. is facing a possible class action in New York after the company blocked the online accounts of customers with Asian names. Filed by four American women of Chinese descent, the case arose from the retailer's November 6, 2014, promo sale that caused its website to crash. Sephora said the crash was due to many bulk shoppers who were planning to resell the on-sale items for a profit. Daniel Wiessner, "Sephora discriminated against Asian customers, lawsuit claims", Reuters, November 19, 2014, © Thomson Reuters

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Maine Grist Mill Breathes New Life Into Organic Flour Production Locally, Nationwide November 19, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Growing demand for locally grown organic flours led to the creation of Maine’s Somerset Grist Mill, one of whose goals is to “reinvigorate the grain production market” in the state. The Skowhegan stone grist mill itself – acquired in Austria -- stands eight by five feet in a pinewood frame, housed in a 112-year-old former jail. Two round four-foot stones turn slowly atop one another at low temperatures that preserve the nutritional value and taste of the grain grown by local farmers. The product – mostly certified organic flour and rolled oats – is sold wholesale to bakers, grocery stores, and smaller markets in five- and 50-pound bags. The venture faces challenges, like finding skilled manpower and further funding for growth. But it has reinvigorated interest in local milling both in Maine and nationwide. Kathy O Brozek, "An artisan grain industry takes root in Maine", The Guardian (Maine), November 19, 2014, © Guardian News and Media Limited

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Pastry Shops -- And Shoppers -- Are Paying Closer Attention To Ingredients November 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST A key trend in pastry retailing is consumer curiosity about what goes into products and a growing demand for more natural, even locally-sourced, ingredients. Pastry buyers are also willing to try more unusual flavors and formulations. Some bakeries say they have experienced an uptick in sales this year, mainly because of their greater attention to the quality of the ingredients. An Ohio bakery, for example, says it uses only locally-sourced eggs, real butter instead of shortening, and premium chocolate. “The flavor really comes through when you use ingredients like that." Mark Hamstra, "Try some, buy some: Sampling new tasty pastries", Supermarket News, November 18, 2014, © Penton

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Charoen Pokphand Plans To Buy Back Tesco's Thailand Business November 18, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Thailand's second-richest man, Dhanin Chearavanont, is reportedly planning to buy back UK retailer Tesco's business unit, Tesco Lotus. With its 1,737 shops, Tesco Lotus accounts for almost 75 percent of the company's retail outlets in Asia. Dhanin's company, Charoen Pokphand Group, is expected to make the bid for Tesco Lotus, with the tycoon reportedly talking with investment banks regarding the possible buyout bid. Manunphattr, Dhanananphorn, and Denny Thomas, "Tycoon Dhanin weighs buying back Tesco's $10 billion Thai unit", Reuters, November 18, 2014, © Thomson Reuters

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Ahold Reveals Strong Online Sales In 2014, Plans For Growing Online Business By 2017 November 17, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Ahold is expected to reveal that its online sales are forecast to reach €1.4 billion by end of 2014. Also, the company plans to announce its goal of achieving €2.5 billion in online sales by the end of 2017. Claiming that in the past 25 years it has created various strengths allowing it to serve customers however, whenever, and wherever they need to, Ahold said it can expand its online business. According to the company, it intends to remain a leader in the omni-channel retail market by investing in “technology, marketing, and online capabilities.” "Ahold’s online strategy and ambition", Ahold, November 17, 2014, © Ahold

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Online Retailer Snapdeal Plans To Open 5,000 E-commerce Kiosks Across India November 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST Online retailer Snapdeal said it plans to open as many as 5,000 e-commerce kiosks in 65 cities and 70,000 rural locations in India by the end of 2015. To be launched in partnership with financial inclusion solutions company FINO PayTech, the kiosks will feature personal computers and tablets and will be manned by village-based entrepreneurs. Snapdeal will sell household items, such as home appliances, and consumer electronics, including solar lanterns and mobile phones. John Sarkar, "Snapdeal plans to launch 5,000 e-commerce kiosks across 65 cities and 70,000 rural areas", The Economic Times, November 14, 2014, © Times Internet Limited

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McDonald’s Admits Candy-Flavored Broccoli Was A Flop With Kids November 14, 2014: 12:00 AM EST McDonald’s has acknowledged that it tested – unsuccessfully -- bubble gum-flavored broccoli for kids. Flavor is apparently not the only problem kids have with the vegetable, according to the company, which is under pressure to make its kids menu more healthful as it also seeks to revive sales. A company spokesman would not disclose how the gum flavor was added to the broccoli, nor would it say if it was trying other ways to make vegetables more attractive to children. "We're always looking at new food innovations and recipes that will appeal to our customers." Aimee Picchi, "Why McDonald's created bubble gum-flavored broccoli", CBS News, November 14, 2014, © CBS Interactive Inc.

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