Food
The lockdown in France also affects farmers and growers: French distributors have now vowed to stimulate local fresh food products, through advertising or even by adjusting their offer.
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Electronics
A French judge has imposed a record fine of 1.1 billion euros on Apple, which would have disadvantaged independent distributors with price-fixing and exclusion.
Discounter Lidl is banning Danone products from its French shelves after a discussion about price transparency. The ban on eight references of the Danette and Activia brands enters into effect on 15 May.
Fnac Darty's turnover rose slightly in 2019, as new activities were successfully integrated. The French electronics group remains cautious for 2020.
General
French luxury group Kering, owner of brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, has once again experienced a year of strong growth. However, the precarious situation in China is causing the French group significant headaches.
Fashion
(update) Dutch chain De Bijenkorf has confirmed it will create a French language version of its web shop to cater to France and the southern part of Belgium. Moreover, the company's German web shop will start delivering to Austria as well.
Zalando has expanded its loyalty program Zalando Plus to French consumers. Initially, however, the service is only available in Paris.
French distributor of office and school supplies Bureau Vallée has acquired its Belgian counterpart Buro Market, as a new step in the company’s international expansion.
In France, dozens of companies (including giants like Carrefour and Danone) have signed a pact to change their approach to expiry dates. The initiative came from the Danish app Too Good To Go, which aims to combat food waste.
The chains belonging to French retail group Les Mousquetaires, including Intermarché and Netto, have had a strong year in which they saw turnover increase by 2.2 %.
French luxury group LVMH saw its turnover grow by 15 % in 2019, achieving a sales record once again. Yet protests in Hong Kong weighed on the luxury group’s last quarter, and analysts are holding their breath for the consequences of the coronavirus.
Cora, a subsidiary of the Belgian Louis Delhaize group, is to terminate almost 1,100 jobs in its 61 hypermarkets. The jobs would be held by employees who refuse to approve the company's new social plan.
Fashion chain C&A is closing thirteen stores in Germany. Last week, the company also announced the closure of some thirty French stores.
Fashion chain C&A has announced the closure of 30 French stores. As a result, 200 jobs are jeopardized. This is the second wave of closures in less than a year.
The Paris Commercial Court ruled in interim measures that Coca-Cola must immediately resume deliveries to Intermarché. The beverage giant had stopped it after a conflict with the supermarket chain about the range.
Vesa Equity Investment, Daniel Kretinsky's investment fund, has increased its stake in French retailer Casino to above the 5 % threshold. Analysts now wonder of the Metro owner might be aiming for further consolidation.
