Holland: Former Albert Heijn manager becomes temporary marketing director at Jumbo
Marketing director Jorieke de Vries announced she was leaving Jumbo as of 1 August, less than two years after she made the move from Lidl. In response, Jumbo has now appointed René Repko as marketing director on an interim basis. He will start his temporary role on 15 July, reports Marketing Report. How long he will stay is not clear.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Indian supermarket chain DMart's Q1 profit falls as competition, higher costs bite
India's Avenue Supermarts, which operates the DMart chain of supermarkets, reported a small decline in first-quarter profit as higher operating costs and rising competition from quick commerce players ate into margins. Consolidated net profit dropped to 7.73bln rupees ($90.12mln) in the three months to June-end from 7.74bln a year earlier. Sales grew 16% in the quarter.
Source: reuters.com
Belgium: Organic Sequoia stores are converted to Färm
Sequoia has posted videos on its social media to announce a new chapter for the chain: the stores will adopt the signage of sibling chain Färm. "The same teams, the same values, but even more projects to consume locally, ethically, and responsibly", the retailer says. "We will mix the best of both worlds: seasonal fruits and vegetables, as local as possible".
Source: retaildetail.eu
Finland: S Group's sales in January-June grew slightly from the previous year
S Group reported: "In January-June, the retail sales (excluding taxes) of S Group's supermarket trade totalled EUR 5,326.1mln. Compared with the corresponding period in the previous year, sales grew by 2.1%. The demand for drinks and ice cream was lower than in the previous year, while the demand for cooking-related products and vegetables, for example, increased".
Source: s-ryhma.fi
German organic chain Alnatura to leave Switzerland
Alnatura will close all 25 stores in Switzerland by the end of the year. The German organic supermarket chain was unable to find a new franchisee after Migros terminated the agreement. Since 2012, Alnatura had a franchise agreement with Swiss market leader Migros, but the latter announced earlier this year that it would not renew the contract. As the search for a new franchise partner was unsuccessful, the 25 stores will close - they will remain open until 31 December 2025, Lebensmittel Zeitung reports.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Sweden: Axfood reports double-digit growth in retail sales in H1
Swedish retailer Axfood has reported net sales growth of 6.6%, to SEK 44bln (€3.96bln), in the first half of its financial year. Retail sales increased by 19.3%, to SEK 39.1bln (€3.52bln), from SEK 32.8bln (€2.95bln) in the first half of 2024. Net profit in the first half amounted to SEK 1.08bln (€97.2mln) - down from SEK 1.14bln (€102.6mln) in the same period last year.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Ireland: Plastic ketchup sachets and nets on fruit to be banned
Plastic nets on fruit and vegetables and single-use plastic packaging for condiments and preserves, such as ketchup sachets, will be banned by the end of the decade under new EU rules. Repak, the Irish industry-funded scheme for dealing with packaging waste, has issued advice to its member companies - which include supermarkets, hospitality businesses and manufacturers - encouraging them to start preparing now. Repak told The Journal plastic wrap on produce such as cucumbers are also likely to be banned, as well as any plastic punnets or trays that cannot be "clearly justified" to prevent food loss, or for hygiene reasons. It's likely there will be some exemptions from the new rules, which kick in on 1 January 2030, for fragile produce such as raspberries and other soft fruits, Repak said.
Source: thejournal.ie
Woolworths Scan&Go Trolley rolls out to more new stores across Australia
Woolworths Group reported: "Last August, Woolworths launched Australia's first digital supermarket trolley, allowing customers to scan and bag items and track their spend as they shop in 10 NSW stores. Following a successful trial, Scan&Go Trolleys will be launching in an additional 25 new stores in New South Wales and for the first time, VIC and QLD".
Source: woolworthsgroup.com.au
UK: Tesco announces a multi-million-pound investment to future-proof its growing store network
Tesco reported: "Tesco has announced a major investment in a new distribution centre at DP World London Gateway, which it expects to open in 2029. Tesco is collaborating with Witron, an experienced logistics partner with a strong legacy of retail partnerships, to bolster its network capacity at the site".
Source: tescoplc.com
Spain: How Dia plans to open 300 supermarkets by 2029
Dia's new strategic plan is already bearing fruit: the Spanish supermarket chain aims to open 300 additional stores by 2029, of which 45 have already opened their doors last semester. The supermarket chain has already made significant progress with its strategic plan for 2025-2029 in the first half of this year, Distribución Actualidad reports.
Source: retaildetail.eu
UK: Parkside partners with Riverford to enhance recyclable root vegetable packaging
Parkside reported: "Parkside's advanced packaging technology is supporting organic veg box company Riverford to achieve the next evolution of its recyclable packaging solutions for fresh produce. The new bags are made from vertical form fill seal, kerbside recyclable paper-based material and incorporates advanced water-based coatings that provide robust moisture and grease resistance. This ensures that Riverford's root vegetables remain fresh throughout the journey from farm to doorstep".
Source: parksideflex.com
US: Walmart once again ranks No. 1 on the NRF Top 100 Retailers list
Walmart once again topped Amazon and other retailers in the National Retail Federation's 2025 NRF Top 100 Retailers list. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer was No. 1 again, with U.S. sales totaling $568.7bln - up 7% from 2023. Kantar compiled the list based on 2024 U.S. sales. Amazon placed a distant second with $273.66bln in sales.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Food Lion deploys Flybuy pickup, completing brandwide Ahold Delhaize rollout
Food Lion, one of the largest omnichannel grocery retailers in the Southeast with over 1,100 locations, has deployed Flybuy, the leading AI-powered location engine, to power its growing curbside pickup program, Food Lion To Go. This milestone completes the full-scale integration of Flybuy across all 1,650 Ahold Delhaize stores.
Source: prweb.com
US: Dollar Tree completes $1bln sale of Family Dollar
Months after first announcing the deal, Dollar Tree has completed its sale of Family Dollar to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management for just over $1bln. "The completion of this transaction marks a defining moment for Dollar Tree", Dollar Tree CEO Mike Creedon said in a statement.
Source: retaildive.com
Canada: Loblaw opens four discount stores in B.C., Quebec and Ontario 
Loblaw Companies Ltd. opened four discount stores across three provinces. On the west coast, Edward's No Frills welcomed shoppers in Kelowna, B.C. (26-2484 Main St). Quebec, meanwhile, is now home to two new Maxi stores in Sainte-Adèle (400 boul. Sainte-Adèle) and Boucherville (10-100 boul. De Mortagne). And, finally, Correy & Rita's No Frills opened its doors in Tillsonburg, Ont. (671 Broadway Street). Melanie Singh, Loblaw's president of Hard Discount, shared the news on LinkedIn.
Source: canadiangrocer.com