Mia Supermarket has changed its name and is now iFresh. New York-based iFresh is the first publicly-listed Chinese/Asian supermarket chain in the country, and has a fast-growing presence in the northeast. This year they’ve made a habit of purchasing and retrofitting supermarkets, including one in Miami in early October. (http://bungalower.com) US: Jewel-Osco launching new online delivery service next week
Jewel-Osco will launch its own online delivery service next week, joining a host of other major companies vying for ground in the e-commerce market for groceries. Starting Nov. 7, the Chicago area’s largest supermarket chain will offer same-day shipping on orders of $49 or more. Customers won’t have to pay a fee for their first online order. (chicago.suntimes.com) German Aldi continues growth in Ireland and UK
Discount supermarket giant Aldi last year enjoyed exponential revenue growth in Ireland and the UK as its pre-tax profits increased marginally to £214mln (€244mln). The German store continued its expansion in Ireland and the UK in 2016. The new accounts from Aldi Stores Ltd show that combined revenues for the two countries increased from £7.7bln to £8.7bln. (independent.ie) France: Casino boosting data, focus on fresh
France-based Casino, looking to build on recent positive performance with its grocery ranges at its hypermarkets, has introduced a new, fresh-focused Géant concept in its home market. Separately, to benefit from its growing online presence the retailer is to partner with a start up to better mine its own sales data. In conjunction with fresh specialist Alphaprim it has launched its first ‘Marché Frais Géant’. (igd)UK: Morrisons posts 2 years of sales growth
Morrisons, Britain’s fourth largest supermarket group reported another rise in quarterly sales, its eighth straight quarter of underlying growth, though its rate of growth slowed a little. The grocer said like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, rose 2.5% in the 13 weeks to Oct. 29, its fiscal third quarter. Morrisons is turning around the performance of its more than 500 UK stores while also pursuing online and wholesale markets. (Reuters)Walmart opens its first India ‘dark store’ in Bhiwandi
Walmart Stores has opened a fulfilment centre, or ‘dark store’, in India, one of its first globally, in an effort to speed up operations in the country, which is fast adopting online retail services. The Indian unit of the world’s largest retailer launched its online platform for members of Best Price Modern Wholesale stores three years ago. But that was restricted to cities with the stores. The company will now start an online platform without a physical store. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) UK: Co-op to invest in Scotland
The Co-op is ramping up its investment in Scotland during October and November, as it prepares to open five brand new stores across the country. The £3.4mln investment forms part of the retailer’s £11mln 2017 store expansion plan. The new stores will all have a focus on fresh, healthy foods, meal ideas and essentials. (co-operative.coop)