Discount Variety Retail Chain Action opens its 3,000th store in Europe in Italy on Thursday 5 April. The discount non-food brand debuted in the Peninsula in April 2021 and with this latest inauguration, in San Rocco al Porto in the province of Lodi, it reaches 157 Italian stores. However, looking to the near future, the intention is "to double in a couple of years", Hajir Hajji, CEO of the Dutch group present in 13 European countries, anticipates to ItaliaOggi . "France is our main market, where we landed in 2012, but Italy is among the companies at the top in terms of growth and store openings. We have strong potential ahead of us along the Peninsula." The new Lombard store covers over 867 square meters, in line with the average square footage of Action stores, and relies on a team of 22 employees. The strategy of the CEO who started as a sales assistant "This is how our international expansion strategy continues. Two months ago we opened our first store in Switzerland and, in parallel, we are preparing to open the first store in Romania, expected in the autumn of this year," adds Hajji who started working at Action in 1997, starting as a sales assistant and then becoming head of in-store operations, commercial director and, Since 2022, global CEO of the company with net sales of 13.8 billion euros (+21.7%) at the end of 2024. Action relies on a single format and does not want to change Hajji confirms on the one hand the three golden rules: low prices, good quality of the offer and attention to sustainability, concepts concretely declined in 6 thousand products available in store, in turn divided into 14 product categories (from toys and creative items to household products, from gardening to DIY and food). All, moreover, within a single sales format. On the other hand, however, the manager relaunches, "this single format will remain our only reference format because it is very distinctive and allows us to be recognized as a discounter. We are not interested in proximity positioning nor, generally, in landing in the main city streets. Smaller sales areas, after all, are not for us. Not to mention that, where we open, a greater flow of people is often generated by up to +30%". The importance of a dynamic shelf Hence the importance of adequate space to display the assortment and to follow its rotation, thinking of 150 new products placed on the shelf every week. «In some respects we behave like food brands and in Action's historical roots there is exactly an experience in the food field with the past management of a supermarket. As a result, operational speed and management of the entire supply chain, speed in purchasing items, but also speed in bringing items into the store stand out in their current importance for us. Applying these criteria to non-food makes a difference," Hajji points out, who is keen to reiterate: "we are not a traditional brand, we are not a drug store, but a discount store that competes with different competitors depending on the different product categories offered. We always monitor the trend of the average prices applied on the market, to stay below this threshold". To confirm, in the past, Philippe Levisse , general manager of Action Italy, had recalled how "30% of our products cost less than one euro and another 30% are on sale at a price between 1 and 2 euros. Which means that 60% of our items cost less than 2 euros." US tariffs are not good, however... US tariffs, is Hajji worried about the repercussions? "Tariffs are not good for anyone. That said, European retailers will not be directly impacted; so no, I'm not worried. But with China we can reason to work and coordinate at the level of supplies, even regardless of the new trade policy of the United States," concludes the CEO of Action. Read more: Negozi, i discount Action pronti a raddoppiare in Italia - ItaliaOggi.it #smartdiscount #action #netherlands #italy #expansion #growth #stores #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Lidl`s mother company the Schwarz Group from Neckarsulm (Heilbronn district) opened 300 new Lidl and Kaufland stores worldwide in the past fiscal year. This was announced by the company. With the growth, new jobs are also being added. In the course of this, the Schwarz Group created around 20,000 new jobs, 4,000 of them in Germany. Even in a time of global uncertainty, it has been possible to grow and continue to invest in Germany as a business location and a digitally sovereign Europe, said Schwarz CEO Gerd Chrzanowski. High investments of the Schwarz Group Despite the tense economic situation, the Group invested around 3.3 billion euros in Germany. According to the company, the money was mainly invested in new stores, the expansion of warehouse locations and the capacity of data centers in Europe. In the current fiscal year, investments of 3.7 billion euros are planned in Germany. Sales at Lidl and Kaufland are no longer growing so fast Sales of the Group as a whole rose by 4.9 percent to 175.4 billion euros. In 2023, however, growth was still 8.5 percent. For example, the group's online sales are stagnating. At Kaufland and Lidl, too, sales growth did not increase as strongly as in previous years. In Germany, Lidl sees itself as the industry leader among discounters. According to a study by the market research company Nielsen IQ, however, the Schwarz Group was in third place in the German food trade last year behind the Edeka and Rewe groups. The Schwarz Group The Schwarz Group, headquartered in Neckarsulm (Heilbronn district), has 595,000 employees worldwide. It is a leading international retail group with around 14,200 stores. In the 2024 financial year, the Schwarz Group companies generated total sales of 175.4 billion euros. With their ecosystem, they cover the entire value chain: from production and trade to recycling and digitalization. Lidl and Kaufland form the pillars of the food retail sector and are represented in 32 countries. Read more: Lidl und Kaufland: Wachstum durch neue Filialen und Jobs - SWR Aktuell #smartdiscount #lidl #germany #kaufland #stores #investments #expansion #growth #marketdevelopment #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retaiconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Lidl's sister company the shipping company Tailwind Shipping Lines, it mother company the Schwarz Group is pushing ahead with the expansion of its logistics expertise by sea. In addition to ordering five new mega container ships for the Asia-Europe trade, the company is also significantly expanding its intra-Asia connections, including new port calls and additional ship capacity. Tailwind Shipping Lines, the shipping company behind the discounter Lidl, which belongs to the Schwarz Group, has ordered five new container ships, each with a capacity of 8,400 TEU, from the Chinese shipyard Guangzhou Shipyard International. The company confirmed this to the "Lebensmittel Zeitung". The new buildings are to be gradually integrated into the existing Panda Express Service (PAX) between Asia and Europe. The investment sum is estimated at over 520 million euros, around 120 million US dollars per unit. These are the first newbuildings in Tailwind's fleet, which has so far mainly relied on chartered and used medium-sized container ships. The new ships will be equipped with LNG dual-fuel propulsion and can be operated with both conventional marine diesel and more environmentally friendly liquefied petroleum gas. According to its own information, Tailwind currently operates a total of nine vessels, including two with the largest capacity of 6,864 TEU and 6,078 TEU respectively. PAX with new hub in Port Kelang A central component of the PAX service will be Port Kelang in Malaysia in the future. The country's largest seaport will replace the previous call in Colombo (Sri Lanka) as a transshipment hub. The route of PAX will run from Qingdao via Ningbo and Dachan Bay to Port Kelang from June 17, 2025, before continuing to Barcelona and Koper. The parent company Lidl is also expected to benefit from this. Tiger Express (TEX) expands to include Vietnam In addition to intercontinental traffic, Tailwind is also expanding its intra-Asian offering. The existing Tiger Express Service (TEX), which previously operated between Chattogram in Bangladesh, Colombo and Port Kelang, will be supplemented by an additional port call in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) from 17 June. In the future, the route will lead from Chattogram via Port Kelang to Vietnam, then back to Bangladesh via Port Kelang and Colombo. Tailwind uses two container ships for the TEX service: the "ASL in Peony" (1,900 TEU) and the "Nordtiger" (1,700 TEU). According to Nico Peters, Vice President Commercial Management at Tailwind, the offer is aimed in particular at industries such as the textile industry, which rely on predictable and flexible transport solutions for raw materials and semi-finished goods. Read more: Lidl-Reederei Tailwind investiert in neue Containerschiffe und baut Asiendienste weiter aus #smartdiscount #germany #tailwind #transport #logistics #marketdevelopment #scm #schwarz #lidl #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google #vietnam #tex #malaysia #

Discount Retail Chain Aldi continues to evolve beyond traditional operational boundaries, with its latest initiative demonstrating how forward-thinking retailers are addressing workforce development challenges through digital innovation. Breaking Down Barriers to Entry Aldi has launched a comprehensive virtual work experience program, removing age and geographic constraints that typically limit access to retail career exploration. The program, available to anyone over 13, represents a calculated investment in future talent pipeline development. The online course, developed in partnership with Springpod, offers participants exposure to multiple retail functions spanning warehouse operations, store management, and corporate office roles. This comprehensive approach reflects the reality of modern retail operations, where cross-functional understanding drives career advancement. Program Structure and Engagement Strategy The initiative leverages multimedia content featuring current Aldi employees, combined with interactive elements including quizzes and practical activities. Upon completion, participants receive certification that can enhance their professional profiles, a tangible value proposition that differentiates this program from basic corporate outreach efforts. According to Lisa Murphy, Aldi UK’s Training and Development Director, the program addresses a fundamental accessibility issue in retail career development. “At Aldi, we understand that not everyone has access to in-person work experience,” Murphy explained. “That’s why we’ve created a flexible virtual programme that allows participants to learn at their own pace, fitting around their schedules.” Market Response and Strategic Implications The program has generated significant initial traction, attracting over 2,000 sign-ups since launch. This response suggests genuine market demand for accessible retail career exploration tools, particularly among younger demographics who increasingly expect digital-first experiences. Murphy emphasized the program’s broader strategic value: “This initiative not only provides young people with a real insight into what it’s like to work at Aldi but also makes it possible for them to experience this, no matter where they are in the UK.” The Retail Talent Development Landscape Aldi’s virtual approach addresses several industry-wide challenges: geographic limitations of traditional work experience programs, scheduling conflicts that prevent participation, and the need for scalable talent development solutions. By digitizing this process, the retailer can reach broader audiences while maintaining cost efficiency. The program also aligns with broader retail trends toward virtual engagement and digital-first customer experiences. Just as retailers have had to reimagine customer touchpoints, talent acquisition strategies are similarly evolving to meet changing expectations and accessibility requirements. Read more: Aldi's Virtual Work Experience Program: A Strategic Move in Retail Talent Development - Omni Talk #smartdiscount #aldi #uk #recruitment #hr #training #development #employees #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Dollar General attracts a growing number of a new clientele of middle- and high-income households is shopping. The discount retailer hasn’t served such a high percentage of these higher-income customers in years, executives said on a quarterly earnings conference call Tuesday. The statements, from CEO Todd Vasos, echo statements made in recent months by other value-oriented retailers that have seen wealthier customers check out their offerings. “We saw the highest percent of trade-in customers we've had in the last four years,” in the first quarter, CEO Todd Vasos said, according to a transcript made available from AlphaSense. Those “trade-in customers” are drawn to the value and new delivery options available at Dollar General (DG), Vasos said. The company's core lower-income shoppers, meanwhile, are financially stressed, according to Vasos, reiterating a theme that came up on last quarter’s call. One-quarter of surveyed customers reported having less income than a year earlier, and 60% said they “felt the need to sacrifice some necessities in the coming year,” Vasos said Tuesday. Ollie's Also Notes Focus on 'Consumer Staples' Low prices are critical near the end of the month when some Dollar General shoppers’ money runs out, Vasos said. Shares of Dollar General were up 16% at close to nearly $113 and led S&P 500 gainers on Tuesday after the company released first-quarter results that beat Wall Street’s expectations and raised its forecast for the year ahead. Customers at Ollie's Bargain Outlet (OLLI) have been concentrating on “immediate needs” and buying “consumer staples,” CFO Robert Helm said on that company's earnings conference call Tuesday. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet also surpassed analysts’ expectations and lifted its outlook, but its shares were down 2% to almost $110 at close Tuesday. Dollar Tree (DLTR) is scheduled to release first-quarter results before the bell on Wednesday. Analysts expect the chain to report a 3.8% year-over-year bump in comparable store sales, but warned that tariffs and sluggish discretionary spending may weigh on its performance.  Read more: More Middle- and High-Income Earners Are Turning to Dollar General, CEO #smartdiscount #dollargeneral #dg #growth #higherincome #midclass #footfall #cost #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain stores are gaining ground with high-income households, companies have said this week. Dollar Tree (DLTR) saw 2.6 million new customers in the latest quarter, and people making at least six figures annually fuelled much of that growth, executives said on an earnings conference call Wednesday. Dollar General (DG) on Tuesday said it's seeing more middle- and high-income customers. That effect has been seen across retailers who say wealthier households are increasingly searching for value, Walmart (WMT) among them. Dollar Tree has been expanding its inventory and adding merchandise that costs as much as $7, which CEO Michael Creedon credited with bringing in wealthier customers. Still, 85% of items at Dollar Tree cost $2 or less, the company said.  “We believe they’re loving the expanded assortment that multi-price provides,” Creedon said, according to a transcript made available by AlphaSense.  Dollar Tree Gets More Monthly Repeat Shoppers Customers are buying items typically consumed right away, such as candy, snacks, and drinks, and returning more frequently, Creedon said. Dollar Tree posted a 9% bump in the number of shoppers who visit a store at least three times per month, he said. “In the current environment, our low prices and smaller pack sizes are perfect for families trying to manage a tight household budget, and our expanded assortment is attractive to all customers across every income level,” Creedon said, according to the transcript.  Dollar General’s first-quarter results exceeded expectations, but executives warned tariffs may squeeze profits this quarter, sending its stock lower in recent sessions. Read more: More High-Income Households Are Shopping at Discount Retailers Like Dollar Tree #smartdiscount #usa #dollartree #dollargeneral #fivebelow #growth #expansion #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Lidl`s mother company the Schwarz Group are tackling global challenges. From production and trading to recycling and digitalization, they further expanded their strong market position in the 2024 financial year. Across all business segments, they generated total sales of 175.4 billion euros. This corresponds to a sales increase of 4.9 percent compared to the previous year. Despite the tense global economic situation, around 20,000 new jobs were created in the Group along the entire value chain – around 4,000 of them in Germany. This means that the companies of the Schwarz Group employ around 595,000 people worldwide. Diversity as a strength: Sustainable growth As reliable local suppliers, Lidl and Kaufland attach great importance to proximity to their customers. They have therefore expanded their branch network by around 300 new branches to a total of around 14,200 branches. The strong retail core is holding its own in a dynamic market environment: Lidl increased store sales by 5.3 percent to 132.1 billion euros compared to the previous year. With sales of 35.2 billion euros, Kaufland achieved 2.9 percent growth. Total online sales amounted to 1.7 billion euros and are thus at the level of the previous year, in line with the market development. PreZero continues to pursue the goal of a reliable circular economy in order to reduce avoidable waste to zero, conserve natural resources and maximize recycling. With the "Road to Zero Waste" initiative, the environmental division is supporting more and more companies and sports clubs on this path to a clean future. And with success: PreZero increased sales by 5.4 percent to 3.9 billion euros, among other things due to the increased volume in the recycling trade and expanded market shares in the dual system in Germany. The manufacturing companies of the Schwarz Group ensure a reliable supply of goods even in times of global challenges. They delivered goods worth 4.6 billion euros, mainly to Lidl and Kaufland. This corresponds to an increase of 9.5 percent compared to the previous year. Production capacities were further expanded, among other things, through the operation of the new nut roasting plant in Rheine and the beverage plant in Derby (Great Britain), the first international production site of Schwarz Produktion. In the digital age, Schwarz Digits guarantees the greatest possible sovereignty for a sustainable economy and society. The solutions in the areas of cloud, cyber security, artificial intelligence, communication and workplace ensure the digital independence of the ecosystem of the Schwarz Group companies. In addition, external partners and customers benefit from the company's expertise and services, as evidenced by strong partnerships with Google, ServiceNow and SAP. Thanks in part to the offer of STACKIT and XM Cyber, the IT and digital division, which was newly founded in the previous financial year, kept its revenue stable at EUR 1.9 billion, in line with its still short business activity. As one of the world's largest retail groups, the companies of the Schwarz Group recognize their responsibility to improve the lives of current and future generations. Despite the volatile global economic situation, they increased their investments by 7.5 percent to €8.6 billion in the 2024 fiscal year of which €3.3 billion was in Germany. They invested primarily in branch expansion and the expansion of warehouse locations, as well as in the capacity of their data centers in Europe. For the current 2025 fiscal year, they are increasing their investments to €9.6 billion, of which €3.7 billion is in Germany. "The successful 2024 financial year of the Schwarz Group companies is primarily based on the tireless commitment and outstanding commitment of our employees. Together, we are shaping the future of our group of companies and working on innovative solutions for the challenges of tomorrow," says Gerd Chrzanowski, General Partner of the Schwarz Group. "As a result, we were able to grow sustainably together in all divisions even in a time of global uncertainty and continue to invest in Germany as a business location and a digitally sovereign Europe." Read more: The companies of the Schwarz Group record positive development in the 2024 financial year #smartdiscount #schwarz #group #germany #lidl #prezero #schwarzdigits #kaufland #expansion #growth #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Lidl`s mother company Neckarsulm-based Schwarz Group has continued its growth in Germany. However, not as strongly as recently. The Schwarz Group, based in Neckarsulm (Heilbronn district), opened 300 new Lidl and Kaufland stores worldwide last fiscal year. The group announced this. With this growth, new jobs are also being created. The Schwarz Group has created around 20,000 new positions, 4,000 of them in Germany. Even in a time of global uncertainty, the group has been able to grow and continue investing in Germany as a business location and in a digitally sovereign Europe, said Schwarz CEO Gerd Chrzanowski. Significant Investments by the Schwarz Group Despite the tense economic situation, the group invested around €3.3 billion in Germany. According to the company, the money was primarily invested in new stores, the expansion of warehouse locations, and the capacity of data centers in Europe. In the current fiscal year, investments of €3.7 billion are planned in Germany. Sales at Lidl and Kaufland are no longer growing as rapidly The group's total sales increased by 4.9 percent to €175.4 billion. However, in 2023, growth was still 8.5 percent. For example, the group's online sales are stagnating. Sales growth at Kaufland and Lidl also did not grow as strongly as in previous years. In Germany, Lidl sees itself as the industry leader among discounters. However, according to a study by the market research company Nielsen IQ, the Schwarz Group ranked third in the German food retail sector last year, behind the Edeka and Rewe groups. The Schwarz Group The Schwarz Group, headquartered in Neckarsulm (Heilbronn district), has 595,000 employees worldwide. It is a leading international retail group with around 14,200 stores. In the 2024 financial year, the Schwarz Group companies generated total sales of 175.4 billion euros. With their ecosystem, they cover the entire value chain: from production and trade to recycling and digitalization. Lidl and Kaufland form the pillars of the food retail sector and are represented in 32 countries. Read more: Lidl und Kaufland: Wachstum durch neue Filialen und Jobs - SWR Aktuell #smartdiscount #schwarz #results #lidl #kaufland #2024 #revenues #germany #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Penny changes its name and thus repositions itself. The name change mainly affects Austria and is part of a comprehensive brand relaunch. Penny changes the name: Goals and background of the change The name change and the new design apply to Austria. There, the discounter will no longer be called "Penny Markt" from May 8, 2025, but only "Penny". The renaming is accompanied by a new, modern logo, a yellow dot as a mascot and the new slogan "Da schau her." Penny wants to appear more modern, clearer and more uniform with the new brand identity. The new design and the shorter name are intended to present the brand in a more contemporary way and strengthen its recognizability, even in an international comparison, as the new logo has been standard in Germany and other countries for some time. The modernization includes not only the name and logo, but also the redesign of the stores, clearer shelves and an improved shopping experience. To mark the launch of the new brand identity, there are numerous promotions in Austria, including 1,000 free purchases, competitions in the app and vouchers. By the way: In Germany, "Penny" has been established as a brand and the new logo has been established since 2012. Meaning of the new claim "Da schau her" at Penny The new slogan "Look here." accompanies Penny's brand relaunch in Austria and has several meanings: In Austrian and southern German usage, the claim is a phrase that means something like "Look!" or "Look at that!". It is intended to arouse curiosity and draw attention to the innovations at Penny. As it is a local idiom, the slogan also underlines Penny's roots in Austria and appeals to customers with a familiar, sympathetic wording. As part of the repositioning, "Da schau her." stands for Penny's core values: freshness, quality, value for money and customer proximity. The claim is intended to get to the heart of the fact that Penny offers more with the new appearance than many might expect. Read more: Discounter Penny changes its name: This is what it's all about - FOCUS online #smartdiscount #penny #germany #expansion #branding #market #image #communication #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Biedronka celebrates its 30th anniversary in Poland, still remaining the leader of the retail market. But behind it, it is becoming increasingly clear that there is growing competition in the form of the Dino Polska chain, which is rapidly increasing the number of stores, employment and investments. Data for the first quarter of 2025 show that Dino's growth rate is more than three times higher than that of the market leader. Dino's sales with higher growth In the first quarter of 2025, Biedronka generated EUR 5.95 billion in revenue, which is about PLN 26.4 billion (at the exchange rate of PLN 4.43/EUR). The year-on-year increase was 3.4%. At the same time, Dino generated PLN 7.4 billion in revenue, up 10.2% year on year. The Dino chain is chasing Biedronka. Over 2740 stores and PLN 7.4 billion in revenues in the first quarter Although the difference in scale is still significant, Dino's growth rate is more than three times higher than that of the market leader. Dino records a large part of its revenue from the sale of fresh products, as much as 42%, thanks to its own processing plants, such as Agro-Rydzyna. Owing to Dino's highly refined logistics network, based on its own distribution centres, approximately 5,000 different kinds of products, mostly fresh food and articles from well-known brands (including a full range of food products, households chemicals and cosmetics), always make it on time to all of its stores. Number of stores: Dino is getting closer to Biedronka Biedronka currently has over 3800 mainly rural stores and in the first quarter it opened 56 new stores (net: 50), additionally modernizing 27 of them. Dino already has 2746 stores, 308 more than a year ago, and is still opening more, mainly in medium-sized cities and smaller towns. Over the past three years, Dino has opened as many as 866 new stores (+46%). The supermarket's proximity format (soft-discount) makes the chain fit in with the changing shopping habits of Poles, as competition is focussing on larger catchment areas. Employment and investments: Dino invests heavily Dino already employs more than 51,600 people, and payroll costs in the first quarter exceeded PLN 1 billion, an increase of 22% year-on-year. Dino's capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2025 reached PLN 516 million, and for the full year they may reach PLN 1.8 billion, they include the development of the network, logistics and production. Dino is also investing in green energy, 94% of its stores have photovoltaic installations, and the company generated 15.2 GWh of solar energy in Q1, 47% more than a year earlier. First quarter under scrutiny: Dino is accelerating, Eurocash is shrinking The Jeronimo Martins Group, the owner of the Biedronka chain, will allocate a total of about EUR 1.1 billion for investments this year. More than half of this amount will be allocated to the development of Biedronka in Poland, including the opening of up to 150 new stores and the modernization of 250 to 275 locations. Biedronka also started operations in Slovakia in March 2025, opening three stores and its first distribution center. By the end of 2026, it is planned to open at least 50 Biedronka stores in this country. In Sokołów Małopolski (Podkarpackie Voivodeship), the construction of the Distribution Center of Jerónimo Martins, the owner of Biedronka, began in March. About 500 people will find work here. Biedronka will also build a warehouse in Opoczno, in the Łódź Voivodeship, where about 400 people will ultimately be employed. The cost of the investment was estimated at PLN 350 million. At the end of the first quarter of 2025, the Biedronka chain employed exactly 84,823 employees. Challenges and strategies – costs are rising, consumers are cautious Biedronka had to face an unfavourable calendar effect and a high comparative base, comparable sales (LfL) fell by 3.5%. The chain defended margins, m.in . through a "better mix of products" and cost discipline. EBITDA increased by 3.9%.Dino also felt the effect of the postponement of holidays and fewer trading days, LfL sales increased by only 0.5%. Despite this, it maintained a clear growth and expansion dynamics. Both chains operate in a difficult environment, rising labour costs, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty force careful planning. Dino focuses on local development and its own production facilities, while Biedronka focuses on scale and experience. Read more: Dino wyprzedziło Biedronkę. Sprzedaż polskiej sieci z wyższą dynamiką wzrostu #smartdiscount #dino #biedronka #harddiscount #softdiscount #competition #growth #expansion #poland #listed #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Chain Wellcome is reconnecting with its roots by reviving the unique hand-drawn style once used in our price posters, as part of our ongoing 80th anniversary celebrations. This initiative not only honors its rich history but also serves to remind our customers of the personal touch that characterized the early days. Our district manager, Lo Kwok-hung, who has been with Wellcome for an impressive 40 years, played a pivotal role in creating numerous hand-drawn posters before the widespread adoption of printed materials. This distinctive style defined Wellcome’s early communication with customers, creating a sense of warmth and familiarity that resonated deeply within the community. In an exciting collaboration with the talented local illustrator No Paper Studio, Wellcome has embarked on a project to recreate nostalgic supermarket scenes and beloved city landmarks with intricate and detailed strokes. This artistic endeavor not only brings back the charm of yesteryears but also revives the legendary Low Low Price (平通街) campaign, a hallmark of our brand that represented exceptional value for a generation of shoppers. The revival of this campaign is particularly significant, as it evokes a sense of nostalgia and pride among long-time customers who remember the impact it had on their shopping experiences. The nostalgic designs crafted by No Paper Studio are now proudly displayed at three specially selected stores until 22 May. These locations include Cambridge Court, our oldest store that has been serving customers since 1965, where the essence of our history is palpable; Causeway Bay, notable for being our first 24-hour location, which symbolizes our commitment to convenience and accessibility; and Tai Wai, a rare two-storey store distinguished by its iconic wide façade. Each of these stores features retro storefront designs that draw inspiration from Wellcome’s storied past, creating an immersive experience for shoppers that blends the old with the new. This initiative is not just a visual feast but also a heartfelt tribute to the legacy we’ve built as a neighbourhood supermarket over the decades. It serves as a reminder that we are always here, dedicated to serving everyday moments for our customers. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite our community to join us in reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together, appreciating the evolution of our brand while honouring the traditions that have shaped our identity. Through this revival of hand-drawn artistry, we aim to strengthen the bond with our customers, ensuring that the values of warmth, community, and exceptional service remain at the forefront of everything we do. #smartdiscount #hongkong #china #wellcome #history #development #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google

Discount Retail Variety Chain Action’s net sales increased by 17.2% to €3.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter last year. Like-for-like sales growth was 6.2%. Action now welcomes an average of 19.7 million customers every week, 2.9 million more than in the same period last year. Action added 49 stores, bringing the total number of stores to 2,967. Action is on track to achieve its target to add at least one store per day on average in 2025 and circa 370 stores in total, with the number of openings accelerating as the year progresses. Action expects to reach the milestone of 3,000 stores in the second quarter of 2025, which will be celebrated with customers, colleagues and suppliers. Action CEO Hajir Hajji: “The world is experiencing a volatile and uncertain start to 2025. Amid these market conditions, we see consumers continuing to turn to Action for their daily necessities and household purchases. Our unique formula of good quality products at the lowest price combined with our progress in sustainability are the main drivers of our rapid growth and works everywhere. We saw this again when we opened our first three stores in Switzerland, which customers visited in record numbers.” First stores Switzerland On 5 April, Action opened its first store in Switzerland, the 13th country in which Action operates. The store in Bachenbülach, near Zurich, opened to overwhelming interest from customers. With record sales on the opening day, which continued in the days that followed, Switzerland looks just as promising as the existing Action countries. Since opening the first store in Bachenbülach, Action already opened two more stores, bringing the current number of Action stores in Switzerland to three. Additionally, Action plans to open a first store in Romania in the autumn this year. Action once again France’s Favourite Retail Brand On 3 April, EY Parthenon in France once again announced Action as the favourite brand of French consumers across all retail sectors (‘Enseigne Préférée des Français’) for the third consecutive year. Action, which was the first non-French company ever to receive this recognition, had a record fan rate of 48.8% this year – the highest ever for a retailer since the study was launched. Action opened its first store in France in 2012. France has become Action’s largest market with 862 stores at the end of the quarter, adding three stores in the last quarter. Action Sustainability Event As part of its strategy, Action wants to make sustainability accessible. Through the Action Sustainability Programme the company is making progress in four areas: people, planet, product and partnership. Action is organising a sustainability event for media on 12 June 2025 to present the progress of its sustainability programme. Read more: Robust first quarter growth Action and exciting start in Switzerland - Action #smartdiscount #action #expansion #growth #development #results #drc #discount #retail #consulting #discountretail #discountretailconsulting #retailconsulting #google