News

Edeka creating 8000 new jobs this year. the German discount chain intends to boost its market share to 30 percent by opening 1,000 new stores by 2010. At present, Edeka has 253,000 employees and it revenues total EUR 43 billion.

Bijou Brigitte stabilising its German revenues. Revenues of this distributor of clothing accessories rose by 2.2 percent last year, reaching EUR 375 million, but this could only be achieved by opening new stores. 80 new units were opened last year, bringing the total number to 1085.

Fresh & Easy sponsoring schools in the US. A program has been launched by the US Tesco subsidiary to support school foundations, under the name Shop for Schools. One out of every 20 dollars spent in stores are to be given to the participating educational institutions during the 1. February-31. March program.

Carrefour Market opening in Milan. The new type of Carrefour store made its successful debut in December, in Milan. Carrefour has 1,599 units in Italy, but this is the first one to focus primarily on private label products.

Saxoo looking for new markets. The Swiss owned company which had originally belonged to Hungarian investors generated revenues of HUF 4-500 million in 2008. Following the conversion of their retail chain, they expect revenues of HUF 800 million in the Hungarian market and another HUF 300-350 million from foreign stores this year.

Health lab opening in an Asda store in the UK. In the West Bromwich store of the Wal-Mart owned chain, customers will be able to have medical tests carried out, in addition to shopping.

Aldi opened over 100 units in the US in 2008, twice as many as a year earlier. They plan to open another 75 new units this year.