Swedish retailer ICA Gruppen has seen its consolidated net sales rise 0.9% to SEK 24.98bn (€2.59bn) for the first quarter of the year. Profit for the period was up considerably to SEK 1.13bn (Q1 2016: SEK 735m), however this was boosted by capital gains on sales of non-current assets and impairment losses totalling SEK 399m. (esmmagazine.com) Chinese JD.com surprises with first profitable quarter
JD.com, China's second largest ecommerce platform has achieved its first profitable quarter since going public two years ago, helped by Chinese consumers using mobiles to shop. JD.com’s net profits made an unexpected turn, rising to CNY239m (US$35m) compared with a loss of CNY910m (US$132m) in the first quarter of last year. (igd.com)Greece might change Sunday trading
Greece may look to increase the number of Sundays that stores can open from 12 to 30 per annum, following demands from creditors, the EU and the IMF. Such a decision would need to be approved by mid-May. (igd.com)Lidl to partner with local suppliers in Greece
Lidl will also invest €100m in the country, following similar levels of investment in 2016. Partnering with Greek suppliers is also a priority for. This is evidenced by a current marketing campaign, highlighting the value and local sourcing of private label products versus brands. (igd.com)
Greece: AB Vassilopoulos invests €100mAhold Delhaize owned AB Vassilopoulos will invest €100m in Greece, which will focus on a new warehouse and around 30 stores. The retailer may also pursue acquisitions in Crete and Thessaloniki to increase its presence. (igd.com)
Irish grocery sales increase, but deflation continues: Kantar Worldpanel
Irish grocery sales increased by 2.3% in the past 12 weeks, according to the latest figures from consumer research group Kantar Worldpanel Ireland. However, the figures for the 12 weeks ending 23 April 2017 indicate that deflation is limiting this growth in the grocery market, as supermarket prices in Ireland continue to fall. Irish retailer SuperValu retained its position as the largest supermarket in the country for the second period in a row, capturing 22.8% of grocery sales. Dunnes Stores experienced the strongest growth, with sales increasing by 5.1% compared to the same period last year. (esmmagazine.com) Greece: Metro AEBE to invest in stores
Retailer Metro AEBE is planning to invest €80m in 2017-2018 in the refurbishment of old stores and creation of new ones. Thessaloniki is a geographic area of focus as the retailer looks to develop stores, while also planning to invest €20m in a new distribution centre. (igd.com)US: Groceries to be delivered to hotel rooms
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham now offers its guests easy access to the ingredients they need to feel at home on the road with its newly-launched grocery delivery service. Through new partnerships with Peapod and Instacart, Wyndham Hotel Group now brings groceries straight to guests’ doors. (groceryheadquarters.com) 
Report: Albertsons’ division eyes home deliveryBy the end of the summer, Jewel-Osco, a division of Albertsons, will offer online ordering. The chain will begin rolling out its e-commerce offering early this summer, according to The Chicago Sun Times. (chainstoreage.com)
US: New Star Market store offering more fresh produce
Star Market has held grand-reopening ceremonies for four of its stores to mark its commitment to the greater Boston area. The refreshed stores are in Allston, Brighton, Mt. Auburn-Cambridge and Belmont. The stores now offer more varieties of fresh produce as well as an extensive selection organic and local items across all departments. (progressivegrocer.com) US: Sprouts keeps sprouting sales growth
For the first quarter ended April 2, Sprouts Farmers Market again saw sales rise to $1.1bn, or 14% growth, driven by comp sales growth of 1.1%. Two-year comparable store sales growth was 5.9% Net income was $46m, or flat from the same period in 2016. (retailleader.com)Coming soon: Grocery delivery 2.0
Two San Francisco companies have partnered to deliver groceries customized to the health needs of their Sacramento-area grocery customers. According to the Sacramento Bee, Instacart has teamed up with personalized nutrition service provider, PlateJoy, to offer same-day delivery of groceries tailored to individual nutrition requests. (retailleader.com) US: Southeastern confirms 20 store closures
Southeastern Grocers is planning to close 20 stores across its footprint and may lay off an unspecified number of store-level department heads, a spokesman confirmed to SN Monday. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based retailer said the store closures were part of a customary portfolio review and in some cases accompany lease expirations or the effects of renovations of neighboring stores. (supermarketnews.com)