World Retail Congress 2009

This week, the retail spotlight shines once again on the Catalan city of Barcelona, as the sector's top executives flock to the annual World Retail Congress.

World Retail Congress 2009 - Live From Barcelona

6 May 2009

This week, the retail spotlight shines once again on the Catalan city of Barcelona, as the sector's top executives flock to the annual World Retail Congress.

UK: Tesco upbeat on emerging markets

11 May 2009

Tesco has delivered an upbeat message on the enduring potential of the world's emerging retail markets, despite the impact of the global recession.

BRAZIL: CBD will defend itself from foreign competition

8 May 2009

Brazilian retailer Companhia Brasileira de Distribuicao (CBD) will use "the best brand image" in the country to fight off competition from Carrefour and Wal-Mart, the World Retail Congress was told today (8 May).

RUSSIA: Dixy sees foreign invasion ahead

8 May 2009

The Russian food retail sector will see a "dramatic" increase in foreign investment within three years, the World Retail Congress was told today (8 May).

CHINA: Spar boss outlines China assault

7 May 2009

Spar International, the Netherlands-based retailer, plans to treble the number of its stores in China “in the next few years”, the company's managing director said today.

Non-food execs give food for thought on D&E markets

7 May 2009

The recession can all too easily lead to prolonged bouts of navel-gazing among the business community.

However, here in Barcelona, yesterday (5 May) afternoon, a line-up of leading non-foo...

INDIA: "Mom-and-pop" stores are fierce retail foes

6 May 2009

Domestic and multinational food retailers doing business in India need to be aware of competition from the country's traditional, “mom-and-pop” traders, a leading homegrown retailer said today (6 May).

FRANCE: Carrefour stays coy over Seventh Continent

6 May 2009

French retail giant Carrefour has declined to comment on reports it intends to buy a 75% stake in Russia’s Seventh Continent.

In The Spotlight - Tesco

22 April 2009

UK retail giant Tesco booked a healthy set of results this week, despite facing fierce competition from rivals in recent months and experiencing a slowdown in international expansion. With such a strong set of figures under its belt, its clear Tesco is coping well with the downturn. Dean Best reports.

The just-food interview – Wu Jianzhong, Wumart Stores

16 February 2009

The global downturn is not just hitting developed, Western markets. The fast-growing, emerging markets of the East are also suffering – and China is no exception. One of the world's most buoyant retail markets in recent years, China is set to see competition in the sector grow even more intense, as retailers battle for ever-more cautious consumers. In this month's just-food interview, Wu Jianzhong, chairman of Wumart Stores, one of China's leading home-grown retailers, insists his company can stand up to the might of Wal-Mart and Carrefour.