Finland: Kesko reiterates profit guidance after encouraging Q1 performance
Finnish retail conglomerate Kesko Group has reported net sales of €2.8bln in the first quarter of its financial year, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 2.5% on a reported basis. Kesko's comparable operating profit amounted to €95.6mln, while reported operating profit was €89.4mln during the quarter to 31 March.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Holland: Retail turnover up by over 3% in March
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that retail turnover was 3.4% higher in March 2025 than in March 2024. Turnover in shops selling food, beverages and tobacco was up by 1.5% in March, year on year. Sales volume was 3.3% lower. Turnover in supermarkets was up by 1.4%, and turnover in specialty shops was up by 1.8%.
Source: cbs.nl
UK: Sainsbury's completes first supermarket conversion of 2025 following strategic store acquisition
Sainsbury's reported: "Sainsbury's has successfully launched the first of 14 retail sites that it recently acquired for conversion into Sainsbury's supermarkets with the opening of its new supermarket in Felixstowe. The new Felixstowe supermarket is Sainsbury's first-ever store in the East Suffolk town and represents a multimillion-pound investment by the retailer".
Source: about.sainsburys.co.uk
SPAR Gran Canaria continues growth and strategic responsible retailing initiatives
SPAR Gran Canaria reached the milestone of 200 stores on the island, on the opening of a new store, located in the Guanarteme neighbourhood. Further expansion was seen by SPAR Gran Canaria opening stores in the areas of El Agujero and Isleta. SPAR Gran Canaria is developing a new forecourt store format, with the SPAR Express store opening inside the Santana Domínguez gas station. With the recent renewal of the partnership with the San Nicolás Agricultural Cooperative Society (Coagrisan), the quality production of La Aldea tomatoes is once again being promoted, guaranteeing fair prices for farmers and sustainable farming practices.
Source: spar-international.com
UK: A.F. Blakemore announce Steven Nuttall as Chief Financial Officer
A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd reported: "A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UK's largest privately owned family businesses, is pleased to announce that Steven Nuttall will join as Chief Financial Officer from 6th May 2025 as Ian Kellett retires at the end of May".
Source: afblakemore.com
Morrisons becomes first UK retailer to deploy Simbe Tally robot as select stores trial the technology
Retail Technology Innovation Hub reported: "In a UK first, Morrisons is testing out Simbe's Tally in-store shelf scanning robot. Thanks to Toby Pickard, Retail Futures Senior Partner at IGD, and a member of the judging panels for the RTIH AI in Retail Awards and 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, for bringing this to our attention. In a LinkedIn post, he said: "Today, I saw a Tally robot from Simbe in a Morrisons. This is the first time Tally has been deployed in the UK"."
Source: retailtechinnovationhub.com
US: Upshop names Mike Sanders CEO
Grocery tech company Upshop has named Mike Sanders chief executive officer, the company announced. Sanders succeeds Shamus Hines, who will transition to a strategic board role and continue to guide Upshop's global expansion, the company said in a press release.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Whole Foods Market debuts "Beyond the Board" podcast
Whole Foods Market launched Beyond the Board, a new podcast storytelling series that spotlights different guests - from founders of major brands to up-and-coming suppliers as well as community leaders and policy makers - all working to nourish people and the planet.
Source: media.wholefoodsmarket.com
US: Instacart acquires Wynshop to accelerate the expansion of its enterprise technology solutions
Instacart announced its acquisition of Wynshop, a provider of e-commerce solutions for leading grocers and retailers, including Wakefern, Pattison, and more than a dozen more across North America and abroad.
Source: prnewswire.com
US: Amazon.com announces first quarter results
Amazon.com, Inc. announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Net sales increased 9% to $155.7bln in the first quarter, compared with $143.3bln in first quarter 2024. Operating income increased to $18.4bln in the first quarter, compared with $15.3bln in first quarter 2024. Net income increased to $17.1bln in the first quarter, or $1.59 per diluted share, compared with $10.4bln, or $0.98 per diluted share, in first quarter 2024.
Source: businesswire.com
US: Walmart to open second 3D-printed store addition
Walmart Inc. is following up on an historic construction milestone it achieved in fall 2024. The discount giant has partnered with 3D concrete printing company Alquist 3D and general contractor FMGI to complete construction of its second freestanding, 3D-printed store addition. Working with the two firms, Walmart printed the 16-foot concrete walls of the structure, which will serve as an extension of the grocery pickup area in Walmart's supercenter in Huntsville, Alabama.
Source: chainstoreage.com
US: Instacart forecasts upbeat quarterly core profit on online grocery delivery demand
Instacart forecast second-quarter core profit above Wall Street estimates, betting on resilient demand for grocery and food on its delivery platform as more people shop online. The company, also known as Maplebear, has been attracting customers amid a highly competitive environment with its wide retailer and shopper partner network and options for customers to save on delivery fees through its Instacart+ membership. Instacart expects core profit for its second quarter to be between $240mln and $250mln, above analysts' estimate of $237.2mln, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Source: reuters.com
US: Meijer opens Independence Market to Clarkston Community
Meijer opened Independence Market, bringing value and fresh, convenient groceries to customers in Clarkston, Mich, and Independence Township. Independence Market is the retailer's sixth neighborhood market and the fifth neighborhood market store by Meijer in Michigan.
Source: prnewswire.com
McDonald's reports largest U.S. same-store sales decline since 2020
McDonald's U.S. same-store sales shrank 3.6% during the first quarter as the chain faced bad weather and a more cautious consumer. That drop is the worst in McDonald's home market since the 8.7% plunge during the second quarter of 2020.
Source: cnbc.com
Flashfood appoints Jordan Schenck as Chief Executive Officer
Flashfood announced the appointment of Jordan Schenck as its new Chief Executive Officer. Schenck has served as Flashfood's President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2024. She assumes the role immediately and succeeds Nicholas Bertram, who will remain on the board.
Source: businesswire.com
US: Subway® makes mealtime easy with the return of $6.99 Any Footlong
Subway reported: "From May 1-31, Subway fans can once again get any and every footlong for just $6.99, simply by using code 699FL on the Subway app or Subway.com (Redeemable at participating U.S. restaurants. Subway® app/online orders only. Add-ons addt'l. Plus tax. Addt'l fees apply on delivery. 1 use per order. Cannot combine with other offers. Excludes Footlong Snacks. Limited time). That means access to Subway's entire menu of footlong subs, piled high with freshly sliced deli meats, crisp veggies, mouthwatering toppings and 12 flavor-packed signature sauces - all coming together to build a great sandwich for just $6.99".
Source: prnewswire.com