News

Lidl embarking on logistic projects in France. This member of the Schwarz-group has invested EUR 23 million into the construction of a 30,000 square meter logistic base near Grenoble. The new unit will supply 51 Lidl stores located near the Swiss border.

First Carrefour store opening in Bulgaria. Over 50,000 items are stocked by the 8,300 square meter store, including 3,500 private labels of its own. The first hyper market of the French store opened in Burgas on the coast of the Black Sea, on 25. Marc.

Over 50 million touch-free cards. According to a press release by the company, the number of MasterCard® PayPass™ bank cards has doubled within a year and reached 50 million by the end of 2008. Regarding the non-banking use of the technology, the majority of PayPass users interviewed by MasterCard see a potential in key holders and stickers on cell phones.

Strategic partnership established between STI and Russian Vitrina . The strategic partnership established with the Russian market leader in POS solutions will expand the international presence of STI. The Moscow based Vitrina A Group is a specialist in integrated solutions in the field of visual marketing communication.

Auchan producing 7,5 percent growth in 2008 . Net revenues of the French retail chain totalled EUR 39,5 billion, with its EBITDA result up by 9.2 percent, exceeding EUR 2,25 billion. Good performance of the Eastern European markets has contributed to this excellent result.

Marks&Spencer launching online TV service. Short movies accessible from the web site of the company include interviews with fashion designers, fashion shows, and even wine sampling. The „Your M&S TV” online service offers substantial potential for growth by the retail chain, with online sales rising by 29 percent last Christmas.