Events and promotions news  

For the 16 th year, the 18-day Mid-Year Shopping Festival which culminates on 6.18 has begun. This year, the online giant JD.com is focusing on social commerce and has launched WeChat group-buying in Hong Kong. Engaging shoppers beyond discounts in mainland China Last year, JD.com sold around CNY159.2bn (US$23bn) worth of products during the shopping festival. There are more than 50m produ...

We identify common themes shaping Easter’s retail execution this year. Driving trade up IGD ShopperVista Research unveiled that 26% shoppers that have bought, or intend to buy Easter eggs, plan to buy luxury Easter eggs. This year, retailers invested heavily in premium private label ranges, driving trade up amongst these shoppers. M&S stood out for its private label luxury Easter eggs...

We identify common trends shaping Valentine’s retail execution this year. Dine-in inspiration Meal deal for two mechanics continue to be a popular option at Valentine’s, with a wide range of choice across the market. Among those celebrating Valentine’s Day this year, the majority of UK shoppers (68%) are planning to eat at home, according to new Shopper Vista research. This enables retai...

Reflecting on Veganuary, we round up our favourite initiatives this year. M&S: private label investment M&S invested in its first line of vegan food, ‘Plant Kitchen’. The 60-product range includes meals, snacks and ingredients. Investment in plant-based private label ranges is a great way to create a point of differentiation. M&S encouraged its loyal shoppers to try the range, offerin...

The Italian government has proposed a bill to introduce mandatory origin-labelling for all food products. The bill, which is yet to be passed, would require manufactures to list on the product label the geographical origin of ingredients. 'Victory for farmers and consumers'… Ettore Prandini, president of the farmers’ association, Coldiretti, said that the initiative represents “a great vic...

France-based, Casino-owned Cnova has released its financial results for FY2018. It has reported net sales of €2.2bn, driven by organic growth of 5.1%. The increase in organic sales was supported, it said, by the development of showroom revenues. GMV: 9.3% increase to €3.6bn Cnova reported an increase in gross merchandise volume (GMV) organic growth of 9.3% to €3.6bn. The retailer noted ‘org...

Carrefour has become a partner for Showroomprivé’s Look Forward incubator programme, which has been running for three years. The initiative is aimed at supporting start-ups by providing them with resources and guidance. Carrefour will offer financial support and guidance Look Forward is operated exclusively for the fashion, beauty and design industries. Each start-up will receive €100,000 f...

We look at how Ahold Delhaize-owned Albert Heijn is making its private label chocolate traceable, while Carrefour Poland forms a coalition to promote organic farming. Albert Heijn invests in traceability Albert Heijn has partnered with Switzerland-based chocolate maker Barry Callebaut to make its private label chocolate traceable. The partnership reflects the growing interest in ethical sou...

We look at how retailers in the Middle East are digitising their shopper experiences. Souq.com announces dates for ‘White Friday’ Online retailer Souq.com, owned by Amazon, has revealed its ‘White Friday’ sale (a regional version of ‘Black Friday’) will take place from 20 to 24 November 2018. The sale will feature "more deals than ever" with discounts of up to 70% on products including ca...

Alibaba has wrapped up its 11.11 Global Shopping Festival with a record breaking US$30.8bn of GMV (gross merchandise volume), a 27% growth compared to last year. 11.11 by numbers According to Alibaba Group, more than 180,000 brands participated it the festival this year. Over 40% of consumers bought from international brands. 237 brands topped US$14m (CNY100m) in GMV, including leading inte...