Global retail update

Unilever fights for food unit

The Anglo-Dutch food group is reportedly involved in a GBP 2 billion bidding war with US meat processor Hormel to buy the food division of Reckitt Benckiser. But Unilever will need some secret sauce to make this acquisition taste good, according to an insider.

Lidl up in arms

The discount giant is firing back at Kroger, denying any wrongdoing after the US supermarket operator accused Lidl of trademark infringement, claiming it an attempt to tarnish the German chain’s reputation. Meanwhile, Kroger tackles its own underfunded pension problems with a US$ 1 billion contribution.

A bride’s nightmare

In yet another retail failure, Alfred Angelo Bridal Signature Stores has unexpectedly closed its 60 US stores and filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, leaving untold numbers of shocked customers in a panic. Many frustrated brides vent their annoyance on social media.

Hypermarket strategies

French retailer Casino believes it has found the right balance for its Géant hypermarkets with permanent prices, loyalty and promotions, while Kaufland is reversing its strategy in Germany. Instead of reducing the product variety, as planned a year ago, it is now re-listing a lot of articles.

Blending online and offline

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has opened another three Hema stores, expanding its network to 13 across the country. The physical sites also serve as fulfilment hubs for online orders. Shoppers can scan items for more information.

Payment partnership

South Korean tech company Samsung has teamed up with payment service Paypal. Users will be able to choose the latter as their preferred method of payment on Samsung’s payment app. The offer will initially be available in the United States

Warehouse megadeal

A Chinese consortium has bought warehouse operator Global Logistic Properties for US$ 11.6 billion, the largest deal of its kind in Asia. The premium paid reflects the booming demand for warehouse space thanks to e-commerce giants like Alibaba and JD.com.

Fashion fallout

Apparel giant Topshop’s floundering Australian operation has seen half its stores close as administrators restructure the retailer. Department store chain David Jones’ sales have fallen for the year, with the company blaming the decline on Australia’s weak consumer confidence.

Walmart on a roll

The big-box retailer has been upgraded to ‘buy’ by Goldman Sachs, with the investment bank saying it is well-positioned to sidestep the Amazon effect. The company has poured a lot of money into its online capabilities over the past couple of years, recently unveiling new tools as it gears up for the second-busiest time of the year, back-to-school season.

Amazon speculation

Industry commentators think the tech giant might be upping the stakes once again with a messaging app called ‘Anytime’. While the e-commerce heavyweight has not confirmed anything, insiders say the idea is not that far-fetched.

Big spenders

Employees of struggling retailer Sears are up in arms over its Canadian business doling out millions in bonuses to keep execs and key staff on board. US fashion house Michael Kors has joined the bidding fray for British luxury footwear retailer Jimmy Choo – thought to be worth around GBP 800 million.

Expansion deal

Britain’s largest mobile operator, EE, is expanding its retail presence under a deal with Argos and Sainsbury’s. The agreement will see the phone giant in another 100 new locations bringing its total footprint to 700 stores.

Change of pace for Netherlands

The Dutch Spar division has launched a new online platform and a same-day delivery service for its customers. As LZ Retailytics notes, the move is significant in that same-day delivery is a new concept in the Dutch retail landscape.

Origin matters

Tesco is joining the ranks of major international brands to commit to Greenpeace’s Detox campaign, removing potentially hazardous chemicals from the supply chain of its clothing range. A study has found that one in three products sold under a private label in France is of French origin, with Intermarché leading the way.