Data Insights
The Home Depot targets $120bn sales with investment programme
US-based home improvement retailer The Home Depot is planning to accelerate business investment over the next three years in an effort to achieve a total sales target between $114.7bn and $119.8bn.
Williams-Sonoma launches new e-commerce sites for Canadian customers
US-based consumer retail company Williams-Sonoma has launched four online company-owned websites in Canada for the first time.
How far can data-hungry retailers push customer privacy?
The internet has brought an interconnected world where communication and trade can now be conducted within seconds anywhere via a simple click. Most consumers have welcomed this as the convenience has improved lifestyles, but this connectivity comes at the cost of privacy.
Point Inside unveils StoreMode-enabled chatbot technology
Digital in-store product location solution provider Point Inside has unveiled its chatbot technology through the StoreMode platform to help shoppers find products in-store.
Walgreens to invest $416m in Chinese pharmacy retailer GuoDa
US-based Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has signed an investment agreement with China National Accord Medicines to acquire a minority stake in its subsidiary Sinopharm Holding Guoda Drugstores (GuoDa), which operates and franchises retail pharmacies across China.
Walmart changes name to reflect growing e-commerce business
American retail company Walmart is changing its legal name from Wal-Mart Stores to Walmart, in an attempt to reflect its increasing focus on its digital business.
M&As this week: Trade Power Group, McKesson
Trade Power Group has reached an agreement with Grand Investment International to acquire a 3.95% stake in Tianjin Yishang Friendship Holdings Company, a company based in China.
Deals this week: Digital Hollywood Interactive, ZETT Corporation, INS Ecosystem
Digital Hollywood Interactive has reached an agreement for the initial public offering (IPO) of 500 million shares, including 50 million in Hong Kong and 450 million internationally.
Hammerson and Intu combined group set to dominate supermalls market
The deal announced this morning between Hammerson and Intu will give the combined group a stake in 12 of the...
Steinhoff crisis raises questions about future of Poundland, Harveys and Bensons
In the biggest retail accounting scandal since Tesco, Steinhoff’s share price has more than halved and group CEO Markus Jooste has resigned as a probe into accounting irregularities has begun.
EPP plans to acquire shopping centres and retail parks in Poland
Real estate firm Echo Polska Properties (EPP) has unveiled its plans to acquire 12 major shopping centres and retail parks (M1 portfolio) in three tranches over the next three years in Poland.
Toys 'R' Us to transform business structure in UK
US-based Toys 'R' Us has revealed its plans to transform its business structure from next year in order to meet its consumer’s needs in the UK retail market.
Indochino to open 18 new showrooms in US
Canadian online retailer of custom suits Indochino is planning to expand its footprint in the US market by opening 18 new showrooms next year.
‘Do it for me’ trend inhibits growth in the small domestic appliances market
‘Do it for me’, where time-short consumers use home services for their cleaning needs, is dampening overall demand for small domestic appliances (SDA), with sales forecast to decline 0.7% this year. Although this trend has historically impacted the DIY market, consumers’ increasing reliance on services across categories will pose a threat to retailers.
Has pet luxury gone too far?
Petcare products purely based on luxury are trending in the UK.
Toys R Us must address lacklustre stores if it is to survive in the UK
While Toys R Us hopes that shutting 26 stores as part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) can stop it falling into administration, the only way it can save itself is by rejuvenating the rest of its tired portfolio.
HEMA to open two stores in Vienna, Austria
Dutch discount retail chain HEMA is planning to open two new stores in Vienna, Austria, by next year in order to expand its international presence.
ROS Retail Outlet Shopping opens Designer Outlet Algarve
Austria-based outlet operator ROS Retail Outlet Shopping (ROS) has opened the first phase of the Designer Outlet Algarve in Loulé, Portugal.