To follow is a brief review of retail news from around the world:
February 19 – Co-op UK Expands Through Franchise Program
Co-op UK will offer independent retailers the opportunity to become a part of the brand as it aims to expand beyond the plan to launch around 100 new stores in 2019. From European Supermarket Magazine
February 16 – MediaMarkt to Take Over Tesco’s Electronics Business in Nine Stores in Hungary
MediaMarkt has received approval to take over the electronic products business in some Tesco stores in Hungary. The shop-in-shop concept will initially roll out in nine of the more than 100 operated by UK’s Tesco. Article written in Spanish. From inforetail
February 15 – Mexico’s Liverpool Reports Growth in Q4
Liverpool reported an 8.6% growth in its total revenues for Q4 of 2018, while total revenue in 2018 grew 10.9%. In 2018, Liverpool opened five stores to reach a total of 136 stores and seven Suburbia stores, adding to its count of 131 stores through Mexico. Article written in Spanish. From Centro Urbano
February 15 – Amazon Offers New Payment Options in 10 Countries
Amazon rolled out a new payment option that allows customers to pay in local currency for their Amazon.com purchases in Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. From Retail Dive
February 14 – Canadian Tire Reports Strong Retail Sales for 2018
Sales growth was reported by the Canadian retailer at 5.7% and consolidated revenue increased 5.5% in the fourth quarter. From Cision Canada
February 14 – Amazon to Open First ‘Go’ Store in Central London
Amazon has secured a central London retail space for its checkout-free Amazon Go food stores concept. This will make the United Kingdom, Amazon’s first expansion of its automated convenience shops outside the U.S. From Silicon
February 13 – China’s Suning Buys Wanda Stores
China’s Suning, an appliance retailer and e-commerce platform, has purchased 37 Wanda department stores in China, bringing Suning’s registered customer count to 4 million. From Channel NewsAsia
February 12 – SPAR South Africa Announces Sales Growth
SPAR has announced sales growth of 8.2% to USD2.7 billion for the 17-weeks to January 27. In Southern Africa, its largest market, turnover increased 7.7 percent. From Reuters
February 12 – France’s E.Leclerc Reports Sales Growth
French retailer, E.Leclerc, has reported a 1.5% increased is turnover for 2018 to €37.75 billion, excluding fuel. The retailer reported that its online channels contributed 59.2% of its growth for the year. From European Supermarket Magazine
February 11 – Korea’s Shinsegae Opens a Premium Market
Under the SSG Food Market banner, has opened 4000 square meter premium fusion supermarket and food hall concept, SSG Food Market, allowing customers locals can do a daily or weekly shopping and dine in with friends at one of the many in-store restaurants and cafes. From Inside Retail
February 11 – Reliance India to Invest in Ecommerce in India
With more than 500 stores in India, Reliance has announced plans to invest USD 1.4 billion in India. A portion of this investment will fund the retailer’s new ecommerce ventures. The aim will be to connect small merchants with its retail network and warehouses. From The Paypers
February 11 – Sweden’s ICA and Finland’s Kesko Report Solid Growth
Sweden’s ICA saw its full-year sales grow by 5.4% and Finland’s Kesko saw its full-year sales rise by 3.5%. From Kam City
February 10 – JD.com Reports Robust Lunar New Year Sales
Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com reported robust sales during the Chinese New Year holiday. Sales rose 42.7% from February 3-8, year on year. Smartphone, computers and home appliances were the top three items in terms of sales value with cooking utensils posting the strongest growth of 399% year on year. From Shine
February 11 – Korea’s Shinsegae Opens a Premium Market
Under the SSG Food Market banner, has opened 4000 square meter premium fusion supermarket and food hall concept, SSG Food Market, allowing customers locals can do a daily or weekly shopping and dine in with friends at one of the many in-store restaurants and cafes. From Inside Retail
February 8 – Belgium’s Colruyt Tests Voice Shopping Lists
Colruyt Lowest Prices is the first Belgian supermarket to test voice-recorded shopping lists. During the test, customers can record lists on their smartphone, after which they receive customized product suggestions. From Colruyt Group
February 8 – Spain’s Dia Restructures After Difficult 2018
After seeing net sales drop 11.3% in 2018, Spain’s Dia supermarket plans to lay off approximately 2,100 employees in Spain. From Financial Times
February 8 – Auchan to Open Cashier-less Store in France
The first “Auchan Minute” stores will open in Northern France, allowing customers to enter the store via smartphones. This initial store will test the concept with 500 items and will be open only to the company’s employees. From The Paypers
February 7 – Belarusian Supermarket Chain, Eurotorg, Announces Positive Results
Belarus’ largest retailer, Eurotorg, has reported a 14.2% like-for-like sales increase in 2018. From European Supermarket Magazine
February 6 – Lithuania’s Maxima Grupė, Announces New Operating Strategy
Operating retail chains in the Baltic countries, Poland and Bulgaria, Maxima Grupė has approved an operating strategy with transformation focused on improving customer experience and creating better work environment for employees. Investments of 600 million euros over 7 years are planned. From Globe New Wire
February 6 – Chile’s Falabella Forms Partnership for Customer Loyalty
Falabella has formed an alliance with Spanish delivery intermediary Glovo to enhance customer loyalty and delivery programs. Article written in Spanish. From Perú Retail
The International Business Council is a special interest group of IHA members, dedicated to helping its membership market and sell their products internationally by sharing information, providing networking opportunities and offering programs to assist, support, and educate. Membership is free to all regular, IHA members – visit the IBC website to learn more.
