Discount Retail Chain Ara Colombia (owned by Portugues Jeronimo Martins) sales rose from 21 million euros in 2013 to 1.8 billion in 2022 and the number of employees from 466 to 12,460, but the forecast is to reach 14,500 this year. Jerónimo Martins expects to reach 1,300 Ara stores in Colombia, with 2,500 million euros in sales this year, according to information advanced to the market on Tuesday. The supermarkets built from scratch in this Latin American country are expected to represent, in 2023, about 8% of the sales of the owner of Pingo Doce. According to the presentation published on the CMVM website, Ara is among the 20 largest companies in Colombia in terms of sales and number of employees. Sales rose from 21 million euros in 2013 to 1,768 million in 2022 and the number of employees from 466 to 12,460, but the forecast is to reach 1,4,500this year. The forecasts of Dona do Pingo Doce, point to an increase of 41% of sales this year, compared to 2022. But Jerónimo Martins' ambition for Ara supermarkets does not stop there. The goal is for the Colombia operation to represent 20% of the group's total sales within ten years. To achieve this goal the idea is to have between three and four thousand stores, including franchising. For now, the approximately 1,300 stores that it intends to have in operation this year are supported by 17 distribution centers and small warehouses, a number that is unchanged from 2022. Jerónimo Martins argues that the "Ara format is very well received in all regions and neighborhoods" and that "traditional retailers continue to lead the market." Read more: Jerónimo Martins expects to increase sales by 41% in Colombia and reach 1,300 Ara – ECO stores (sapo.pt)

Discount Variety Retail Chain Action France's managing director Wouter de Backer discusses the logistical challenges, corporate culture and sustainability issues Action is facing. With more than 750 stores and 17,000 employees in France alone, how does Action manage to maintain a strong and united corporate culture? We currently have 5 distribution centers in France, which allows us to ensure the delivery of our stores. Our employees are the backbone of Action. We make sure they feel good working at Action. We offer employment opportunities to a large number of people in 11 European countries; We offer them training and development opportunities to enable them to progress. We invest in the continuous development of our employees. We create new jobs and offer career opportunities, as well as opportunities for growth and development for our employees. We believe that internal promotions are a key factor for engagement, retention and recruitment. They are also essential to preserve our DNA, as we grow. Our rapid expansion allows us to offer opportunities for internal mobility and promotion. We are implementing specific measures to strengthen employee engagement and increase our net promoter score, while preserving and valuing diversity among our workforce. Finally, we deploy a strategy focused on health and safety, with a focus on the overall well-being and retention of our teams. Action experienced significant growth with a 30% increase in total group sales. In your opinion, what factors have contributed to this success? Action offers a unique concept that customers love no matter where they are: Action's formula is based on a wide range of products in 14 different categories at very low prices, of which 2/3 of the assortment is constantly changing. A visit to an Action store is therefore always unexpected and surprising, which is exactly what our customers love. They know they can shop at very low prices with a clear conscience, as more and more of the products on our shelves are sustainably sourced. A visit to an Action store is always unexpected and surprising, which is exactly what our customers love. Currently, Action offers 73 private labels on its shelves. How do you choose them? We have private label in all categories, both permanent and seasonal. Currently, the choice is on a good mix. However, apart from that, Action consistently offers the lowest prices. Whether they are well-known brands, private labels or supplier brands, we have the ambition to offer them at a lower price than other competing stores. The Zenova sunscreen product recently received an award. What makes it unique? How do you guarantee its respect for reefs and its microplastic-free composition? Zenova is one of our private labels, and we are very proud of it. With sustainability in mind, the packaging of Zenova's products is made from at least 50% recycled plastic. According to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), microplastics are solid plastic particles that do not degrade once in the environment. Zenova's formulations were developed without microplastics, according to ECHA's report, which identifies more than 520 compounds as microplastics. Zenova products do not contain ingredients of animal origin, such as honey, milk, eggs, etc. The "Reef Friendly" label guarantees compliance with coral reef protection laws in Hawaii, Aruba and Bonaire, established in 2022. You distribute the vegan cosmetics brand Alvira. How do you perceive the evolution of demand for vegan products today? We have effectively integrated sustainability into our business strategy. We believe that it is possible to continuously offer our always surprising assortment at very low prices, while continuously improving the quality and durability of our products, as well as our operation. We source and sell safe, good quality products at low prices, manufactured in accordance with our ethical and environmental principles, thus minimizing the direct impact on the environment. We are progressing and continuing to progress every day. It's in our DNA. Our cost sensitivity makes us very conscious of conserving materials and resources, as well as reducing waste. FSC certification for sustainable products target FSC certification is an international standard for responsible forest management. It aims to ensure that forest products come from sustainable sources. Action, through Mini Matters, ensures that its wooden toys comply with these standards. To date, 92% of Action's wood products are sustainably sourced. In addition, the company has advanced its goals, planning to supply 100% certified sustainable cotton by the end of 2023. At the same time, Action is working to improve the circularity of its products, with a focus on reducing packaging and extending the shelf life of products. Read more: "We are progressing and continue to progress every day, it's in our DNA" - Paris Retail Week

The trial of the technology was revealed by Aldi UK & Ireland as Aldi announced the discounter’s annual results. Shoplifting is a ­growing problem at stores around the country in the UK. Staff have been offered ­body-worn cameras at some of the budget shops as part of a trial due to the rise in crime. CEO, Hurley said of tackling ­shoplifting: “It is a top priority for us. There has been an uptick across the industry and we are not immune to that.” Asked whether Aldi would back England following Scotland in making it an offence to assault or threaten a shopworker, he added: “We support any ­measures that will ensure our colleagues enjoy a safe working environment.” The Mirror has launched its Clamp Down on Shoplifting campaign in the face of a surge in incidents of verbal and physical attacks on store staff. Co-op, John Lewis and ­shopworkers’ union Usdaw are among those backing the drive, which includes demands for police to take the issue seriously. Hurley told how the cost of living crisis has changed shopping habits as Aldi revealed a jump in annual sales from £13.6billion to £15.5 bn. in 2022. Source: the Mirror

Employer of the year, Aldi UK, has opened applications for its latest Area Manager scheme intake. The supermarket is looking to fill up to 100 roles on its Area Manager Program. Those enrolled on the scheme will participate in a year-long training program, helping to provide candidates with all the skills they need to run a collection of stores successfully. Salaries start from £44,000 for successful applicants in the first year, with permanent contracts offered after this point and pay rising to £90,000 by the fifth year. Kelly Stokes, Recruitment Director at Aldi UK, said: “We’re on the lookout for some of the most hardworking and ambitious individuals to join our team as part of the Area Manager program. “The scheme gives individuals the chance to learn the ins and outs of the sector at one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, while also receiving in-depth training along the way. “At Aldi, our colleagues are central to everything we do and we’re constantly searching for amazing individuals of all ages, roles and backgrounds to join our team.” Source: Aldi press centre

Discount chain says it has attracted an extra 1 million customers to its 1,000 UK stores in the past year Aldi has reported record sales in the UK last year, which the chain attributed to shoppers hunting for discounted groceries as food costs soared during the cost-of-living crisis. The retailer said it had attracted an extra 1 million customers to its 1,000 UK stores over the past year, in what it said was a sign that shoppers were turning their back on established supermarkets. It came as the UK arm of the company recorded annual sales of £15.5 bn. during 2022, an increase of almost £2bn on a year earlier, and a new record during the 33 years it has been trading in Britain. Profits tripled to nearly £179m from £60m a year earlier, when its margin and profits were hit by investment in measures related to trading during Covid. Giles Hurley, the chief executive of Aldi UK and Ireland, said consumers had changed their behaviour because of the increased cost of living. “Although inflation is easing, households are still under real pressure from higher living costs. As a result, Britain is shopping very differently to how it did 18 months ago – fewer trips, more own label products, and switching supermarkets in search of better value,” he said. Aldi has been trying to shake its image as a “top up” destination, where shoppers would go to buy extra items, because its stores tend to sell a fraction of the range of products or big brands found at its mainstream rivals including Tesco or Sainsbury’s. An Aldi store sells about 2,000 products, compared with the 40,000 typically found in a large supermarket, where shoppers have traditionally bought the bulk of their groceries. Aldi and its fellow German discount chain Lidl appear to have been the main beneficiaries of changing consumer behaviour during the recent period of food price inflation. Market share data from July showed that Aldi was the UK’s fastest-growing grocer, according to analysts at Kantar, having grown to hold 10.1% share of the market, up from 9% a year earlier. The chain overtook Morrisons last year to become the UK’s fourth-largest grocer. The company said it would invest more than £1.4bn in the UK in the next two years, as it plans to open new stores and distribution centres, while also improving existing branches. It said it planned to open a further 18 stores across the country this year, and has recently committed to opening a further 500 stores. It said its expansion plans would create 6,000 new jobs this year, on top of the 6,000 permanent roles it added last year. Aldi said it had invested more than £350m so far this year to bring down the prices of 650 products and said it had more price cuts planned before Christmas as food price inflation continues to fall. Source: The Guardian

Discount Retail Chain Todis, a brand born in Rome, owned by Iges Srl, controlled by the PAC2000A. It is a Conad cooperative that includes over 300 stores distributed over 10 regions of central and southern Italy (including those controlled by Addis srl, a joint venture with Conad Adriatico). It has just opened a new store in Rome in the Prati district, an elegant district of Rome, with its shops, refined restaurants, taverns that offer traditional cuisine or where to shop, for example in via Cola di Rienzo, one of the main shopping streets of the city, former headquarters of a historic Standa store today of Coin with inside laEsse di Esselunga. The new store opened has a particular configuration. To put it simply, it is, in my opinion, halfway between the flagship store "Terre d'Italia" that Carrefour is experimenting in Milan, in Piazza De Angelis and laEsse di Esselunga with a specific vocation with respect to the reference district. Therein lies the real difference. Since we are in Rome I would say a sort of "pizzicarolo" 2.0 living part of the district and the context. It reminds a bit of the old neighborhood shop, obviously in a modern key, which managed, putting its face, its loyal customers. It was he who decided the products to recommend. It conveyed confidence. It was him, the brand. The difference is that Carrefour and Esselunga transfer the strength and notoriety of their brand to the local context. Todis chooses to include the context, in the sensitivity of the store. In my opinion, this is no small difference. Todis Rione Prati "La Via Gustosa" on Lungotevere Michelangelo, follows Todis Rione Colonna and Todis Rione Trastevere. The format of the new store, totally innovative dedicated to the 22 districts that outline the heart of the capital and that take the name of the district that hosts it. A format aimed at central districts, full of services with an assortment particularly focused on the Premium segment and Food To Go. Bilingual communication given the strong presence of tourists, technology that accompanies and facilitates the purchase thanks to the presence of numerous tools to be able to view, for example, all the characteristics of the wine offer. In 2022, Todis reached over 1 billion euros in sales, +12% compared to 2021, opening 23 new stores. The market share remained constant: 4.1% at national level in the reference channel, positioning itself among the top three brands in some of the regions where it is present. General Manager Massimo Lucentini is a prepared and innovative manager. Less tied than others to the organizational schemes and principles that have characterized the standard evolution of the formats of the sector in the twentieth century. The basic idea is that a store should reflect the social context and the needs of customers who interact with it more than the strength of the sign or brand. In this way it shifts the center of gravity and reverses priorities. And it is also in the philosophy of Conad to increase and enhance the presence in communities and be in the heart of urban centers. Definitely for PAC2000A. The very spread of franchising leads to a "personalization" of the business model that inevitably tends to bring out the point of sale on the sign itself. As well as the same increasingly accentuated nomadism of customers. For better or for worse. Apart from the commercial aspect and the different schools of thought, the presence of a plurality of generally small entrepreneurs does not prevent, through the different forms of associationism, investments and important business development. We saw this with Operation Auchan by Conad and I expect other operations in the near future. The handbrake pulled is likely to concern the technological development linked to omnichannel. Obviously the debate on the topic is open. Fashion or necessity, the competitive context will decide its fate. However, I believe that the time taken away from pure technological development by the associated groups and the closure within the more traditional perimeter of home delivery, "click and collect" and so on inevitably favors the large chains, especially international ones, which focus on the customer both when he is sitting on the sofa or when he enters a store. And how the purchasing experience will be lived in the future. If the customer is truly at the centre, it will be the ability to reach him and stimulate him everywhere that will be successful. Not the barriers to entry. Innovation does not stop with fears but only by accepting their challenges. Then there is a big bet on the table. The chains of the north, multinational or not, in the south, have run around or had to pass the hand. However, it does not seem that the rule applies to discounters. I expect, based on the strength of the "law of the pendulum", a convinced advance in the opposite direction from south to north. There is quality and desire to emerge among the entrepreneurs of the center and the south. There are those who are gearing up. Todis, with Conad behind him, is to keep an eye on in his probable expansion projects. Also because, driver, car and team are top notch. Read more: E continuano a chiamarli Discount. L’exploit di Todis – Il Blog-Notes sul Lavoro, la Grande Distribuzione e i corpi intermedi (mariosassi.it)

Discount Variety Retail Chain Action (owned by UK PE investor 3i Group) has opened its 500th store in Germany, a market where it has been present since 2009. Located in Aachener Straße in Düsseldorf, the 780 square-metre store will offer more than 6,000 items across 14 product categories at affordable prices, the company said in a statement. The assortment comprises a range of everyday items, such as cleaning products and personal care items, to home improvement products. Heiko Großner, managing director of Action Germany said, "500 stores are a significant milestone for us, but by no means the end. We believe that the German market has tremendous potential for many more locations, and we want to offer the Action shopping experience to even more people." "The Düsseldorf store is already the third store in the state capital and the 160th in North Rhine-Westphalia. However, the company is also active in all other federal states. We want to continue to expand strongly in the future, especially in cities and regions where we have been less present so far," Großner added. Action Germany In 2009, the discount variety retailer opened its first store in Schüttorf, Germany. Currently, Action employs over 11,000 people in Germany and more than 70,000 employees in Europe. Großner stated, "Action has established itself as an important employer and provides many people with professional prospects. The fact that the opening of our 500th store falls in Düsseldorf is particularly pleasing to me, as the city is the location of the German headquarters. We employ more than 170 people there alone." With the launch of each new store, Action creates around 20 new jobs. He added, "Regardless of education and background, everyone has the opportunity to work at Action. We create new jobs and promote the continuous development and career opportunities of our employees. They are the backbone of Action and the key to our success." Action has more than 2,400 stores in 11 countries in Europe, with most of its stores in France. In July, the discount chain posted a 33.5% year-on-year increase in revenue, to €5.2 billion, in the first half of its financial year. Read more: Discounter Action Opens 500th Store In Germany | ESM Magazine

Discount Retail Chain Aldi UK (German family owned) will invest £1.4bn over the next two years to support its expansion spree across the UK. It comes as the UK market leading discounter reported its operating profit had skyrocketed 196% to £178.7m in the 12 months to December 2022, up from £60.2m the year before. Sales over the period hit a 33-year high, surging 14% to £15.5bn, thanks to “a new generation of savvy shoppers turning their back on traditional, full price supermarkets”. The grocer, which operates more than 1,000 UK stores, said it plans to open 18 new locations before the end of the year and create 6,000 new jobs. To support its expansion, Aldi was increasing its rate of investment to more than £1.4bn over the next two years to expand its store and distribution network, as well as improving existing stores and technology infrastructure to support growth. Aldi UK and Ireland chief executive Giles Hurley said: “Britain is shopping very differently to how it did 18 months ago, fewer trips, more own private label products, and switching supermarkets in search of better value. “What we’re seeing is a new generation of savvy shoppers who’ve turned their back on traditional, full-price supermarkets in favour of transparent, low prices, which is what we’re famous for. “There are still communities across the UK that don’t have easy access to quality, low price groceries and that’s something we want to address through our expansion, with plans to increase our investment even further over the next two years to £1.4bn in new and improved stores and distribution centres, creating thousands of jobs for our colleagues and more opportunities for our 5,000 British suppliers.” Aldi’s positive uptick in profits comes as rival discounter Lidl reported last week that it had swung to a £75.9m loss in the last year despite sales soaring. Read more: Aldi to invest £1.4bn in expansion spree as profits triple - Retail Gazette

Discount Retail Chain Lidl Germany (owned by the German Schwarz Group) usually has is Fruit and vegetables category directly at the entrance if its store. From now on certain F&V will soon be available, but not always at discounter. Customers in Germany have to adapt to changes on the fruit and vegetable shelf at Lidl. The discounter has decided to no longer offer 'flying' fruit and vegetables in the future. This is part of the current climate effort, in which other retailers are also participating. Lidl has more than 3,200 stores in Germany According to a report in the German sector newspaper "Lebensmittelzeitung", Lidl will stop selling airborne F&V items in its more than 3,200 German stores. The decision was preceded by a gradual reduction in aviation goods in recent years. In other European countries, Lidl has already made this change. A spokesman for Lidl emphasized to the "Lebensmittelzeitung" that the complete renunciation of airborne goods in Germany is seen as a "final step". The impact of this move does not mean that all fruit and vegetable inventory will disappear from the shelves. Instead, consumers must be prepared for the fact that certain products will only be available seasonally. Green asparagus at Lidl now exclusively seasonal An example of this is green asparagus, which has so far been imported to Germany by plane out of season. These vegetables will now be available "exclusively seasonally from Germany and Europe". However, it is important to note that more durable products (such as bananas) will still be available, as they are usually transported by ship or truck. Only food with a short shelf life, which was previously imported by plane, will be affected. Lidl is not the only retailer to join this initiative. Other discounters and supermarket chains are also making adjustments. Aldi Nord, for example, emphasizes that they import exclusively by sea and land, while Aldi Süd and Rewe are trying to avoid air transport "wherever possible", according to the "Lebensmittelzeitung". The decision to abandon aviation is in line with the efforts of many companies to reduce their environmental footprints, especially in the context of the climate crisis. Awareness of sustainable practices in retail is increasing. Customers can expect these trends to continue in the coming years. Read more: Lidl removes fruit and vegetables from its range - the reason | Express

Aldi has revealed that it is trialing four new loose fruit and vegetable lines in a bid to further reduce plastic waste. Starting in September, items including garlic, limes, lemons and oranges will be rolled out as loose produce in a limited number of the German discounter’s stores. Select stores in the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire, South East and London will begin offering loose garlic and limes, while shoppers in the East of England, East Midlands and London will be able to purchase loose garlic, limes, oranges and lemons. If launched in all stores, the move will help Aldi remove a further 94 tonnes of plastic packaging per year. The discounter already offers loose produce options on a number of ranges, including potatoes, peppers and avocados. Last week, Aldi lowered its prices on a selection of fruit and vegetable products in its Everyday Essentials range – and expanded its Super 6 range to Super 7. Plastics and packaging director at Aldi Luke Emery said: “At Aldi we are committed to removing plastic packaging wherever possible and we are constantly reviewing ways to make a real difference. “By trialling these packaging-free produce lines, we hope to help customers cut back on unnecessary plastic when shopping at Aldi.” The news comes as the grocery giant has been revealed as cheapest supermarket in the UK for the fifteenth month in a row, according to consumer group Which?. Source: Grocery Gazette

Together, Aldi (Sud and Nord) and Lidl are active in 34 countries, active on 4 continents, running a network with more than 23,800 stores and employing about 580,000 employees Trader Joe's is a part of Aldi and only active in the USA.

Discount Retail Chain Lidl Germany (owned by the German Schwarz Group) has been chosen the number 1 fresh food discounter: 'Lidl wins the "Fruchthandel Magazin Retail Award" in the "Discounter" category for the seventh time. Whether it's crunchy salads, fresh herbs or regional fruit, the food retailer impresses with its approximately 160 fruit and vegetable items with quality, freshness and, of course, its Lidl price. Last year, FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN also wanted to know: Which retail group has the best and most popular fruit and vegetable department in the German retail sector? In the "Discount" category, Lidl impressed consumers with its fruit and vegetable department and thus secured 7st place in the fruit trade magazine Retail Award for the 1th time. On behalf of FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN, GfK Nuremberg surveyed a total of 6,397 households in April 2023 for their opinion on the fruit and vegetable offerings of the various retail groups, including the discount category, and in various categories. In contrast to many other awards, it is not the individual store or department that is evaluated here, but the performance of the entire retail group. The participants evaluated the fruit and vegetable departments of the trading companies on the basis of the following criteria: Regional products ✓ Convenience offer Quality ✓ Fair price Seal of quality Advice ✓ Selection ✓ Design ✓ Organic assortment ✓ Sustainable packaging ✓ Fun shopping ✓ In terms of 8 out of 10 detailed questions about the fruit and vegetable department, Lidl was ahead of the competitors from the Discount ranks and received the Retail Award 2023 in the Discount category. In 2022, the survey focused on these criteria (FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN): Regional products, convenience offer, quality, fair price, quality seal, advice, selection, design, organic range, sustainable packaging. In terms of 8 out of 10 detailed questions about the fruit and vegetable department, Lidl was ahead of the competitors from the ranks of the discount and received the Retail Award 2022 in the discount category. In 2021, a representative consumer survey conducted by the Society for Consumer Research (GfK) on behalf of FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN surveyed a total of 9,000 households on the topic of fruit and vegetables in the German retail trade. In contrast to many other awards, it is not the individual store or department that is evaluated here, but the performance of the entire retail group. In the study, customers evaluated numerous criteria in which Lidl prevailed in the discount sector. In 2020, the survey focused on these criteria (FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN): Design, selection, advice, fun shopping, fair price, regional products, convenience products, quality, organic products and sustainable packaging. In terms of 8 out of 10 detailed questions about the fruit and vegetable department, Lidl was ahead of its competitors from the ranks of the discount sector and received the Retail Award 2020 in the discount category. In 2019, the survey focused on these criteria (FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN): design, selection, advice, fun shopping, fair price, regional products, convenience products, quality and the organic range. In terms of 6 out of 9 detailed questions about the fruit and vegetable department, Lidl was ahead of the competitors from the ranks of the discount and received the Retail Award 2019 in the discount category. In 2017, these criteria were the focus of the survey (FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN): quality and freshness, attractiveness, product presentation, clarity, cleanliness and a good price-performance ratio. In addition, consumers rated service satisfaction and confidence in food safety. In terms of all detailed questions about the fruit and vegetable department, Lidl was ahead of its competitors from the Discount category and received the Retail Award 2017 in the Discount category. In 2016, these criteria were the focus of the survey (FRUCHTHANDEL MAGAZIN): freshest goods, most attractive department, clarity, cleanliness, general presentation and selection, not least for trend products such as organic items. In addition, they were asked about their satisfaction with the service and advice provided by the staff. In addition, consumers should evaluate the price/performance ratio and trust. Lidl has received the Retail Award 2016 in the Discount category. Read more: Retail Award (lidl.de)