US: Walmart, CVS, Walgreens earn high marks for disability efforts
Walmart, CVS and Walgreens led other food retailers when it comes crafting a culture of inclusion for people with disabilities, according to new research. The recognition comes from the 2020 Disability Equality Index (DEI), a joint initiative of Disability:IN and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). The listings reflect such metrics as employment, accessibility, community engagement and support services.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
US: Southeastern Grocers aims to lasso customer data for omnichannel push
Southeastern Grocers (SEG) has partnered with digital marketing specialists Eagle Eye Solutions and Ecrebo to better engage with customers across retail channels via more personalization. Jacksonville, Florida-based SEG - parent of Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo, Harveys and Fresco y Más supermarkets - in June launched Eagle Eye’s AIR Platform, which gives the regional grocer a central hub for continuously capturing customer data and consumer interactions, providing improved marketing efficiencies and return.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: ALDI expands curbside pickup to Florida stores
ALDI is expanding its curbside grocery pickup across more than 35 states, including Florida, and will be available across nearly 600 markets nationwide by the end of July. “We are always looking for ways to make the ALDI shopping experience even more convenient and accessible for everyone”, ALDI U.S. chief executive officer Jason Hart said in announcement. “Whether shopping in-store, or online for delivery or pickup, we’ll continue to be here to safely serve our customers”.
Source: mynews13.com
US: Costco Wholesale eyes September opening for warehouse in Surprise, Arizona, website says
Costco Wholesale will reportedly open its much-anticipated warehouse in Surprise - a city whose residents have wanted one for years - in September, according to its website. A corporate spokesperson for Costco said in an email that it is company policy not to comment on future warehouses "until we are ready to share details about the new location", which is typically 2 or 3 months in advance of the opening. However, Costco does have a web page dedicated to its upcoming locations and opening time frames.
Source: abc15.com
US: Publix expands Instacart Meals service
Following the launch of a pilot Instacart Meals programme in January, Publix and Instacart are rolling out the initiative across the chain of over 1,200 stores. The Instacart Meals service enables Publix customers to order products from the major US retailer’s deli, including meal solutions, for store pickup or delivery in as little as one hour. The expansion marks Instacart's continued move into grocery meal delivery, helping retailers like Publix to bring more in-store aisles and experiences online for customers.
Source: retailanalysis.igd.com
US: JC Penney to close another 152 stores, cuts 1,000 jobs
JC Penney says it will close an additional 152 stores and cut 1,000 jobs as it tries to fight its way out from under bankruptcy protection. The company last month said it had identified 154 stores for closure in the first phase of a restructuring in which it will become a smaller operator. The retailer said that the jobs to be eliminated will include corporate, field management and international positions.
Source: foxbusiness.com
Carrefour appoints new head of Italian unit
Christophe Rabatel is set to take charge of Carrefour’s operations in Italy under the title of Executive Director. He is currently head of the French group’s business in Poland. Rabatel, who has worked for Carrefour since 2004 in various roles, will take up the position on 1 September. He will replace Gérard Lavinay who is retiring after more than 40 years with the company. Tareck Ouaïbi, who is currently Director of Operations for Carrefour Poland, has been appointed interim Executive Director for the market.
Source: kamcity.com
UK: Scotmid expands home delivery to Edinburgh
Scotmid is extending its home delivery service to Edinburgh with the help of Snappy Shopper. The expansion follows highly successful pilots in West Lothian, North Lanarkshire, and South Lanarkshire. Scotmid will offer more than 1,000 product lines via the Snappy Shopper app or at www.snappyshopper.co.uk, which are picked, packed, and delivered by Scotmid staff to the customer within an hour. Customers can order for delivery within an hour between 10am to 9pm. Slots are made available every 24 hours and booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
Source: talkingretail.com
Russia: X5 Retail Group reports 13.2% net retail sales growth in Q2 2020, expects EBITDA margin above Q2 2019 level
X5 Retail Group N.V. (“X5” or the “Company”), a leading Russian food retailer that operates the Pyaterochka, Perekrestok and Karusel retail chains, announced its preliminary consolidated net retail sales and operational results for the second quarter (Q2) and 6 months (H1) ended 30 June 2020. Total net retail sales increased by 13.2% y-o-y in roubles (RUB) driven by: 4.3% increase in like-for-like (LFL) sales; and 8.9% sales growth contribution from a 10.7% rise in selling space. Net retail sales for Pyaterochka and Perekrestok increased by 15.6% y-o-y, with LFL sales growth of 4.7%. Sales growth rates and LFL sales have accelerated in July, with month-todate LFL sales at Pyaterochka exceeding 10%.
Source: x5.ru
Don't leave Britain's food strategy to the market, says Tesco boss
The boss of Tesco, Britain's biggest supermarket group, called for a comprehensive UK food strategy that does not rely on market forces but instead brings together health, environment and the economy. Dave Lewis worked for consumer goods group Unilever for 27 years before joining Tesco as chief executive in 2014. He is stepping down on 1 October and will be succeeded by Ken Murphy, a former executive of Walgreens Boots Alliance. Tesco has a 27% share of Britain's grocery market. "What’s clear to me is that we do not take a whole-society approach to food", Lewis wrote in an opinion piece published on the FT Online website.
Source: esmmagazine.com
UK: Morrisons launches family recipe box for just £30 including delivery
Morrisons has launched a food box that offers families the ingredients for 5 meals together with simple recipe cards describing how to cook them… and all for just £30, including delivery. The family recipe box - called Five Meals to Feed a Family of Four - is designed to provide quick, easy and affordable homemade meals that families can cook from scratch at home. Each is designed to be served in the evenings and make mealtimes a social, family experience.
Source: morrisons-corporate.com