Germany news 

We recently visited Germany’s capital on a research trip; with almost 50 stores seen, here are our six main takeaways, as well as a shout-out to our favourite stores  The shopper journey needs improvement One of the main things that stood out to us is the fact that, in most stores, the shopper journey wasn’t great. Navigation is almost non-existent, and we often found ourselves walking arou...

Huel, the ‘nutritionally complete’ food brand was established in 2015 and today its range includes powders, bars and ready-to-drink options. In 2021/22, its revenue surged by 40% to £144m and it is now available in over 100 countries globally. Last week, I attended the IRX 2023 conference in Birmingham, where I heard from Mario Tarantino, Head of Ecommerce. He shared how Huel makes its custome...

The German retail group posted sales of €154.1 bn for FY 2022, with Lidl and Kaufland seeing double digit growth Price management and innovative assortment leads to sales growth Schwarz Group saw its sales increase by +15.4% for FY 2022, calling out its ability to win new shoppers through its value and product offer. Lidl sales increased by +13.8%, to reach €114.8 bn and Kaufland also ex...

Our global analysts share some of the latest headlines across the globe. Here's what you need to know. Europe: Salling Group have ended its Basalt format, after trailing the hard discount concept the retailer has decided to not continue  In the Netherlands, Albert Heijn’s home delivery and store supply services in the centre of Rotterdam are powered by 100% electric energy. W...

With Aldi launching an online grocery service in Germany, and Lidl a non-food offering in France this week, we once again ask the question: How much are the discounters willing to invest in their online proposition? This week’s developments… Aldi Sud is launching an online delivery service for groceries for the first time in Germany . The discounter is testing the new offer under the nam...

The German based wholesaler saw sales increase by over +10% YoY in Q2 2023. All segments performing well Metro Group continued its sales success in Q2, as its sales grew YoY by +10.4% to €6.9 billion. This concludes a very positive H1 for the wholesaler, with an overall sales increase of +8.3% to just over €15 billion. Except for Russia, it saw strong performance across its markets in Q2: ...

We look at some of the latest developments from Aldi around the world.  New private label range for Aldi Süd in Germany  In Germany, Aldi Süd has started to test a new private label brand, “Einfach Gut” (Simply Good), which will be even cheaper compared to traditional entry level products. The retailer has also announced it will be adding more organic products to its range, as well as addin...

Our global analysts share some of the latest headlines across the globe. Here's what you need to know. Lidl Denmark has opened its first tobacco free store. The retailer has plans to be tobacco free in the country by 2028 Aldi Sud is testing a new ‘Einfach Gut’ (simply good) private label range, with prices even lower than traditional entry level products There is a price war in pasta...

The retailer has launched a 3-month trial of autonomous delivery robots in Hamburg alongside startup Cartken. Doorstep delivery in under two hours  In the borough of Eimsbüttel, shoppers can order via the Last Mile app – products will be packed at the Hoheluftchaussee 23-25 store and sent on their way within two hours. The robots have a range of 3 kilometres and can travel at speeds of 6 km...

Our global analysts share some of the latest headlines across the globe. Here's what you need to know. The European Commission is investigating retailers’ purchase alliances. Agecore, Coopernic and Epic are the specific targets for now, but stricter rules for all may be on their way. An independent Edeka retailer wants to open several autonomous stores in Northern Germany collaboration w...