Asda confirms lay-offs in cost-cutting drive after worst Christmas in years
Asda chairman Allan Leighton has launched his first set of cost-cutting at the grocer, following its disastrous Christmas period. The beleaguered supermarket cut roles for 13 regional managers last week under a shake-up designed to reduce headcount and improve performance, The Telegraph reported.
The cost-cutting measures come after Asda delivered its worst Christmas since 2015, with sales falling 5.8% during the 12 weeks to 29 December, according to data from Kantar. In November, the supermarket announced a series of job cuts in head office and warned of further job cuts to come in 2025.
Source: Retail Gazette
SPAR Gran Canaria rolls out online sales platform
SPAR Gran Canaria has launched its online sales platform, as it seeks to offer customers an alternative way to purchase local fresh produce and packaged products. The service is available in 17 of the 21 municipalities across Gran Canaria, the company noted. The retailer has teamed up with Uber Eats and Glovo for delivery services.
SPAR Gran Canaria's online sales platform will focus on flexibility and convenience for customers. Shoppers will have the option to choose delivery slots from Monday to Friday, between 09.00 and 21.00. Some stores will also offer delivery services on Saturdays, the retailer stated. The platform features an option to select in-store collection, for a quick and convenient shopping experience.
Source: European Supermarket Magazine
Carrefour Italy deploys SymphonyAI Store Intelligence computer vision product across its estate
Carrefour Italy has selected SymphonyAI Store Intelligence to reduce labour, improve pricing and promotional accuracy, increase on-shelf availability, and reduce out-of-stocks. During a pilot involving the AI-based computer vision product, store associates used handheld devices with the SymphonyAI Store Intelligence software to instantly pinpoint and remediate any problems.
"We embrace digital innovation to improve operational efficiency, achieve high quality shopper engagement, and reduce waste," says Carrefour Italy Chief Information Officer Alessandra Iacovelli.
Source: Retail Tech Innovation Hub
SPAR Netherlands announces appointment of new CFO
SPAR Netherlands announces the appointment of Tom Bussink as CFO. He will join the company on 1 February 2025, where he will use his broad experience in retail and foodservice to further shape SPAR Netherlands growth ambitions. He succeeds the departing Finance & IT director Bas Luten, who has held this role for the past four years.
John van der Ent, CEO SPAR Netherlands said: "The arrival of Tom Bussink is a valuable addition to SPAR Netherlands. With his extensive experience in retail, finance and logistics, and his proven ability to achieve strategic growth, we are convinced that he will make a significant contribution to our ambitions. Together, we will build on the further strengthening of SPAR brand as the first choice for convenience in the Netherlands."
Source: Spar
Morrisons stands behind farmers over Budget inheritance tax raid
Morrisons has stood behind farmers as they protest against the government's proposed inheritance tax changes, which are set to affect agricultural estates valued over £1m. The supermarket's head of agriculture, Sophie Throup, took to social media to back the farming community's opposition to the controversial tax raid, describing the measures as a threat to small, family-run farms.
Speaking in a video posted on Saturday (11 January), Throup reinforced Morrisons' commitment to the farming community, acknowledging their frustration over the planned changes announced in the Labour government's Autumn Budget.
Source: Retail Gazette
Major supermarkets forced to make changes for healthy labels
The boom of healthy products has been good for business. But sometimes, it can be hard to tell when you're looking at healthy food, for example, or whether you're just looking at some misleading packaging. So the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is planning to change the rules on how a packaged food can market itself as healthy. Now, a food that dubs itself "healthy," must meet new nutrient criteria in order to use the term. Some foods that will automatically qualify to be sold as "healthy" include vegetables and fruits. Retailers and food companies will have three years to change their packaging to ensure it complies with the new FDA guidelines. If they fail to meet the requirements within that time, they may face sanctions.
Source: The Street
Kroger and The Kroger Family of Companies pledge $1M to support families impacted by Southern California wildfires
Kroger and The Kroger Family of Companies announced a commitment to raise $1 million for families impacted by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region.
"We strive to fulfill our purpose, to feed the human spirit, every day, and especially when disaster strikes," said Rodney McMullen, CEO of Kroger. "Our associates are always among the first to support our communities during natural disasters, and the situation in southern California is no different.
Source: Times Union
Trader Joe's opening 12 new locations in 2025
According to Fox Business, Trader Joe's will be opening at least 12 new stores this year, including one in Pennsylvania - Berwyn. In addition, three new stores will open in California, two in the state of Washington, and two in Washington D.C. Trader Joe's also is planning on opening stores in Tennessee, Alabama, and Maryland. All told there are about 600 locations of Trader Joe's.
Source: Cat Country