Global retail update

Asian hotspots

Alibaba continues to invest heavily in the region, with the launch of its Tmall service in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The move comes as rival JD.com also looks to expand in the area, with plans to set up a hub in Thailand.

Tech plays

Alibaba Cloud will open two new data centres in India and Indonesia in March 2018 as the online juggernaut looks to strengthen its position in the region and around the world. Meanwhile, French grocer Auchan is debuting unmanned stores in China (paywall), a first for the network.

Store wars

Australian department store giant David Jones has struck again – snatching label Self Portrait from rival Myer. Meanwhile, Woolworths has axed its Select label while re-launching its Homebrand range, as it looks to cater to an increasingly health-conscious customer base and stay ahead of the pack.

E-grocery moves in Europe

British online grocer Ocado is looking to borrow GBP 200 million to increase its warehouse capacity and bolster technology. Swedish grocer Bergendahls has split its food subsidiary in four. This includes an e-commerce division, which has become an increasingly important channel for the company.

Russian roulette

Retailer Magnit is strengthening its production arm with the acquisition of a large-scale farming business in Lipetsk. The step will ensure cheaper sourcing and quality control. Fellow compatriot O’Key is trialling instore scanning at some Moscow supermarkets (paywall).

Romania pays off for Lidl

German supermarket giant Lidl continues to enjoy strong gains in Romania with latest figures showing sales were up 18% in 2016. Since entering the market in 2011 the retailer has doubled its network to over 200 units, with plans to reach 300.

Amazon’s newest robots

The online juggernaut is opening its third major shipping facility in Colorado and its first in the state to be powered by a fleet of robots. The e-commerce giant will also hire 1,500 employees for the Thornton-based site, making it the city’s biggest employer.

Tough times

Retailer J.Crew is asking to extend the due date on about USD 567 million of debt as it struggles with ongoing declining sales while children’s clothing retailer Gymboree has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it haemorrhages customers to online stores.

Movers and shakers

Discount chain Dollar Tree has promoted its COO Michael Witynski to President & COO. Online jeweller Blue Nile has tapped former Target heavyweight Jason Goldberger to head up the company. Retailer Mills Fleet Farm has ended its search for a CEO with the appointment of Derick Prelle, formerly of parent company KKR.

Heating up competition

German discounter Aldi is set to invest US$ 3.4 billion in expanding its US store base to 2,500 by 2022, raising the stakes for its rivals. The announcement comes as competitor Lidl prepares to open its first American outlets this week, with plans for as many as 100 by 2018.

Job cuts and closings

Home improvement chain Lowe’s is laying off some 125 information technology workers. Many of the jobs will go to India to “build a more diverse, global team” +++ After Ascena Retail Group reported a net loss of US$ 1.03 billion in Q3, the apparel giant is set to close hundreds of stores.

Mobile moves

Amazon has quietly launched a new feature offering shoppers personalised suggestions of products they might like to buy, called “My Mix.” Meanwhile, discount retailer Target has merged its Cartwheel savings app into its main app, which will make online purchases easier for shoppers.

Merger in jeopardy

Walgreens Boots Alliance’s acquisition of drugstore chain Rite Aid is having trouble winning US antitrust approval. Companies concerned about the deal have been asked by the Federal Trade Commission for depositions and affidavits that could be used in a lawsuit aimed at stopping it.

Billion-dollar cosmetics deal

Brazilian make-up company Natura Cosmeticos has become the unlikely winner of The Body Shop bidding war as L’Oréal announced it has entered into exclusive talks. The deal is said to be worth US$ 1.1 billion and has attracted a wide range of interested parties, including Chinese group Fosun.