US: Consumer Price Index - January 2025
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.5% on a seasonally adjusted basis in January, after rising 0.4% in December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The index for fruits and vegetables fell 0.5% in January, as the index for tomatoes declined 2.0% and the index for other fresh vegetables fell 2.6%.
Source: bls.gov
US: Amazon North Carolina workers reject union, handing retailer win in labor fight
Amazon workers in North Carolina voted against joining a union, a big win for the retail giant which has vigorously opposed organized labor at its facilities across the United States.
Source: reuters.com
US: BJ's expands in Florida
BJ's Wholesale Club is readying a new location in Brooksville, Florida, which will welcome its first customers on February 21. The club at 13085 Cortez Boulevard is the 41st BJ's in the state of Florida. The new club in Brooksville, Florida, about a hour north of Tampa, will include an array of fresh produce.
Source: progressivegrocer.com
Three more US universities get frictionless shopping as they go live with Amazon Just Walk Out technology
Amazon has announced the three newest schools to join the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Just Walk Out technology family: State University of New York Maritime College (with a Market NXT store); Lehigh University (Clutch & Go store); University of Memphis (Ron Hart Foundation Market Nxt store).
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
Romania: Anca-Maria Popescu becomes Head of Buying Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Bakery at Freshful by eMAG
With over 20 years of experience in the retail industry, Anca-Maria Popescu took over the role of Head of Buying Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Fish, Bakery at Freshful by eMAG.
Source: business-review.eu
Metro Italia sets new turnover record in FY 2023/2024
Wholesaler Metro Italia reported a €2bln turnover for its 2023/2024 fiscal year, representing a 2.1% increase and a new record for the company. While cash-and-carry remained the primary business driver, accounting for 76% of total sales (€1.5bln, a 0.2% increase), the food service distribution (FSD) service generated €466mln in revenue (up 7.3%).
Source: esmmagazine.com
Ireland: Tesco opens new store in Navan
Tesco Ireland has opened a new store in Clonmagadden, Navan, Co. Meath, creating 23 new retail jobs for the area. Located at Cluain Adáin, Clonmagadden, the new Tesco store offers an extensive range of groceries, fresh produce, household items and more at competitive prices.
Source: checkout.ie
UK: Ella Mills-owned Plants buys Allplants assets from administration
Plants, a UK-based health-food brand and business set up by Deliciously Ella founder Ella Mills, has acquired the Allplants assets from administration. According to a statement signed off by Mills and her husband Matthew, Plants has bought Allplants "name and associated brand assets".
Source: just-food.com
SPAR Latvia opens SPAR Express store in Riga
SPAR Latvia, in cooperation with its license partner Nelle, opened a new SPAR Express store in Riga. In addition to groceries, fresh food, food-to-go and food-to-stay, the store offers a broad selection of over 200 SPAR Own Brand products.
Source: spar-international.com
Ireland: Lidl €600mln investment plans for 35 new stores and RDC
Lidl Ireland is planning a €600mln investment in 35 new stores and a new Regional Distribution Centre over the next five years. The strategy includes €200mln investment for a new regional distribution centre in Cork as it plans to improve its logistical infrastructure in the south and southeast region as it continues its expansion. The Lidl Supplier and Business Partner Impact Report for 2024 showed the retailer invested €1.67bln in Irish goods and services in 2024, including €1.2bln worth of goods procured from Irish agri-food industry a year on year increase of 7%.
Source: rte.ie
Carrefour wants to expand Belgian Sunday openings
As the new Belgian government has agreed to pave the way for extended retail opening hours, Carrefour has announced its intentions to open its 84 company-operated stores on Sundays. The trade unions are less keen on the move, but "The positive aspect is that Carrefour is prepared to address this through social dialogue", they told Belgian newspaper De Standaard.
Source: retaildetail.eu
Belgium: Renewed Spar Koningshooikt reopens on 20 February
On Thursday, 20 February, the Spar Colruyt Group store in Koningshooikt will reopen its doors. The cosy neighbourhood supermarket underwent a complete transformation over the past three weeks and now belongs to the latest generation of Spar stores. Freshness and sustainability are key here.
Source: press.colruytgroup.com
Luxembourg: Wereldhave acquires Knauf shopping centres
Real estate group Wereldhave has purchased the Knauf shopping centres in Pommerloch and Schmiede from Nextensa for 167mln euros. Together, these two shopping centres in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg encompass 74,000 sqm and 125 stores. Tenants include Delhaize.
Source: retaildetail.eu