Costco Wholesale Corp reported higher-than-expected quarterly comp sales on Thursday. Sales at established stores open at least a year rose 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter, excluding the impact of changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange, the company said. Food and sundries comps were up around 4%, led by spirits, deli and frozen. Fresh food comps were in the mid-single digits. Analysts on average were expecting same-store sales to rise 5.1 percent, according to research firm Consensus Metrix. Net income attributable to Costco rose to $919mln, or $2.08 per share, in the 17-week quarter ended Sept. 3, from $779mln, or $1.77 per share, a year earlier. (Reuters – IGD.com)Real Canadian Superstore gets fresh in new ad campaign
After a seven-year long break from mass advertising in Western Canada, Loblaw put the Real Canadian Superstore brand back on TV last month in a new advertising campaign that emphasizes fresh produce and low prices. (canadiangrocer.com) US: Cardenas Markets acquires Los Altos Ranch Market
Cardenas Markets, the leading Hispanic supermarket chain in the country, announced today the acquisition of Los Altos Ranch Market, integrating seven operating Phoenix locations of Los Altos Ranch Market into the Cardenas operating system. Earlier this year, Cardenas Markets in Southern California, as well as Mi Pueblo in Northern California, joined forces in pursuit of their vision of becoming the #1 Hispanic grocer in the United States. (businesswire.com) US: Costco expands delivery of online orders, includes fresh groceries
Costco Wholesale said it has introduced two new online-order delivery services — a two-day delivery offering for nearly 500 non-perishable food and other items, and an expanded same-day offering through Instacart that includes fresh groceries. (seattletimes.com) US grocery ecommerce offers $20bn growth opportunity
New figures released by IGD reveal that online grocery will be the fastest growing channel in the US over the next five years. The online grocery channel is forecast to increase from $15.1bn in 2017 to $34.7bn in 2022, an increase of $19.6bn, with a CAGR of 18.1%. The online channel is developing at pace in the US and although many leading retailers have operated online for over 20 years, it is only in the last three years where we have seen an acceleration of investment and activity. Growth will also be driven by meal kit delivery services. (igd.com)Lidl US undercuts competition by as much as 39%, finds The Hartman Group
Lidl is successfully undercutting competitors in premium and organic and would benefit hugely from a restructure towards this strength, says The Hartman Group. Please, click here to read more at foodnavigator-usa.comUS: Italian grocer Esselunga selects Manhattan Associates to maximize product availability
Italian supermarket chain Esselunga announced it is turning to Cumberland-based Manhattan Associates Inc. as it embarks on a strategic supply chain transformation designed to maximize service levels across its 150-plus supermarket stores. It expects the new system will take its retail distribution operation to the next level, in terms of speed-to-market, service flexibility and business profitability. It will also allow Esselunga to optimize its fulfillment operation and improve product availability — driving loyalty, revenue and margins. (mdjonline.com) 
A new grocery startup is taking on Amazon and pursuing a $100bln opportunityPlease, click here to read the article.
German grocer Kaufland buys site in Australia
Australia's fiercely competitive grocery sector is set for another shakeup after German giant Kaufland purchased a landmark South Australian site for its first major supermarket in this market. Kaufland, part of the world's fourth-largest grocery conglomerate, has paid $25mln for the sprawling Le Cornu site in the Adelaide suburb of Forestville, where it will open its inaugural and flagship store. (smh.com.au) Mexico: Walmex same store sales rise
Mexico’s biggest retailer, Wal-Mart de Mexico, said on Thursday that sales at its Mexican stores that have been open at least a year rose by 10.2% in September compared to the same month a year earlier. Total sales increased by 12.0% on the year. (Reuters)Tesco CEO on Amazon: 'We see them as a formidable competitor'
The CEO of Tesco says the supermarket chain sees Amazon as a "formidable competitor" but emphasised that Tesco is in a "good place" to compete with the online retail giant. (businessinsider.com)
India: Future Retail to buy HyperCity: Sources
Shoppers Stop is buzzing in trade today. CNBC-TV18 learns that Future Retail set to acquire supermarket chain, HyperCity today. The deal likely to be valued around Rs 600-700 crore. (moneycontrol.com)
Coop Sweden appoints new head of logistics
Coop Sweden has appointed Örjan Grandin as the new CEO of its subsidiary Coop Logistik AB. In addition, he will become vice president of Coop Sweden AB. (esmmagazine.com)
UK: Waitrose appoints new head of fresh buying
UK retailer Waitrose has appointed Paul Walker as its new head of all fresh buying, starting 9 October. He will combine his current role, as director of fresh buying, with the duties of Heather Jenkins, who is leaving the company after 37 years. Walker will now be responsible for the buying of meat, poultry, fish, frozen food and dairy, in addition to his existing duties as head of fruit, vegetables, horticultural produce, bakery and food-to-go solutions. (esmmagazine.com) Japan's Aeon planning further price cuts
Aeon Co Ltd, Japan’s largest retailer by sales, plans further price cuts as restructuring at its struggling general merchandising stores helped drive first half profits to an 11-year high. After the company cut prices on more than 100 everyday items in August, the number of products sold jumped 180%, it said. (Reuters)