It is tradition: between Christmas and New Year we look back on the retail year. Which articles on RetailDetail.eu were most read in the past 12 months? This overview gives a nice idea of the trends and events in 2022…
1. America
Consolidation is on the agenda in the American food retail industry. “Ahold Delhaize to buy US competitor Albertsons?” By now, we know the answer to that question…
2. Hackers
After an earlier cyber attack at the end of October, digital services at food wholesaler Metro were again severely disrupted: “Metro hit by IT problems again”.
3. Chocolate
Everyone loves chocolate. When supplies are at risk, attention is assured: “Barry Callebaut halts chocolate production due to salmonella – other factories affected too“.
4. China
Employees get only one day off a month, work until the early hours and barely earn, an undercover report reveals: “Exploitation and underpayment at Shein factories”.
5. Milestone
One nice milestone attracted much attention: “Lidl reaches 100 billion euros in sales“. Thanks to 300 store openings, among other things.
6. Second-hand
The two biggest fast-fashion players are responding to the demand for a more sustainable fashion sector, but are also picking up on a market that may become bigger than their own industry: “Fast-fashion giants Zara and Shein move into second-hand”.
7. Retreat
2022 was not the best year for quick commerce startups: “Gorillas even retreats on German domestic market”. And that was just the beginning…
8. Rumours
The chairmen and management of dairy cooperatives FrieslandCampina and Arla were reportedly holding exploratory talks on a possible merger: “Dutch-Danish merger to form world’s largest dairy producer?” The rumours have not been confirmed (yet).
9. Launch
Using the somewhat cumbersome url Amazon.com.be, Belgians can now order and become Prime members: “Amazon now launched in Belgium”. At last…
10. Lid
The company’s continuity was at risk if an agreement with creditors was not reached soon: “Bankruptcy to put a lid on Tupperware?” Not yet, though…
11. Large
Inditex has opened the largest, and most modern store in the world for its main brand, on a prime location in Madrid: “This is the largest Zara in the world”.
12. Sale
The French retailer is in the process of critically reviewing its international operations: “Carrefour considers selling off Poland and Taiwan” we wrote, and we turned out to be half right.
13. Online
Supermarkets are seeing their share of sales shrink due to the strong emergence of e-commerce in FMCG: “Online now accounts for 7.2 % of grocery market share”. Worldwide, that is: in Europe, growth is slower.
14. Investor
Belgian pet chain Tom & Co has found an investor to support its ambition to become a leader in the European market through acquisitions: “Tom & Co finds new investor, eyes European leadership”. Verlinvest, an investment fund related to AB InBev, climbs on board.
15. Merger
Two reputable market research companies will become one: “NielsenIQ and GfK to merge”. Both companies are complementary, says main shareholder Advent International.
16. Empty
The company really wanted to stay in Russia, despite the Western sanctions and boycotts. Now the sports retailer is having to change its mind: “Empty shelves force Decathlon to close in Russia”…
17. Bubble
A Taiwanese bubble tea chain that runs more than 1650 shops in twenty countries, is coming to Belgium: “Bubble tea chain Gong Cha to open ten Belgian stores”.
18. War
A fierce war is raging in German supermarkets due to disagreements over prices: “Mars at war with Rewe and Edeka”. The multinational completely stopped deliveries. The retailers’ response on social media was not too diplomatic either.
19. Worries
In January, rumours surfaced that German food group Metro wanted to get rid of its loss-making Belgian branch. Five months later, two buyers were found. But that was not the end of the story: “New buyers Metro/Makro Belgium worry staff”.
20. Purchasing
After Carrefour blew up all partnerships with competitors, the French retailer is setting up its own European buying centre: “Carrefour bundles purchasing for six countries”.
