3. Amazon announces launch of same-day grocery delivery service from FoodMaxx stores in California
Amazon is offering same-day grocery delivery from select FoodMaxx locations serving customers in Central and Northern California.
Customers in Bakersfield, Hayward, Sacramento, San Jose, and Turlock can now place grocery orders online.
Amazon is also expanding its existing grocery delivery service with Save Mart to three additional stores in Auburn, Bakersfield, and Chico, and with Lucky Supermarkets to four additional locations in Foster City, Hollister, Napa, and Oakley.
“FoodMaxx shares in our goal to offer tremendous price, selection, and convenience to grocery shoppers, so we’re thrilled to be able to provide fast delivery from Amazon to FoodMaxx customers throughout California,” says Christian Seitel, Head of US Grocery Partnerships at Amazon.
“We work with more than 20 grocery and specialty retailers globally to meet the needs of a broad range of customers and shoppers, and it’s through retailers like FoodMaxx that we’re able expand our grocery offering and deliver items from beloved neighbourhood brands like FoodMaxx to price conscious shoppers looking for the utmost value. We look forward to further building our relationship with them and the rest of The Save Mart Companies stores.”
4. Registration opens for Retail Technology Show 2025 as two-day event jumps from London Olympia to ExCel
Retail Technology Show (RTS) debuts at its new home, ExCeL London, on 2nd and 3rd April 2025.
And registration for the event is now open.
Expanding its show floor to meet exponential demand, the organisers of RTS 2025 promise to feature even more disruptive innovations, offering solutions that power every part of retail operations across the full spectrum of technology.
From retail media to augmented reality (AR), AI and data solutions, through to store and online analytics, logistics and supply chain optimisation, the event aims to offer something for every retailer looking for transformative tech.
5. Asda tests out self-service returns solution as concept lands in Ashton-under-Lyne store in Greater Manchester
Asda is piloting a self-service returns system where shoppers can deposit unwanted or faulty products and be automatically refunded.
A trial is underway at the retailer’s Ashton-under-Lyne store in Greater Manchester. Asda is also testing out a service allowing shoppers to buy tobacco and vape products without having to queue at the traditional kiosk.
In a LinkedIn post, Alexander Lacy, Senior Manager – Retail Front End Service and Back Office at Asda, said:“Self-service returns is live. Massive well done to all the people involved in landing our brand new self- service returns concept in our Ashton store in Greater Manchester.”
6. JYSK reports major milestone in construction of automated distribution centre in the Netherlands
Home furnishing retailer JYSK says that it has reached a milestone in the construction of its new distribution centre in Lelystad, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands with the first column now erected.
Building work on the 147,000 square metre, automated facility, located close to a temporary centre at Lelystad, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands, began last summer.
On Tuesday, 5th November, the construction team held a ceremony with the placement of the first column to symbolise the start of the vertical construction. JYSK representatives placed the column together with local officials such as the mayor of Lelystad, Mieke Baltus. Over 100 guests, including all employees from the temporary distribution centre, were in attendance.
“This is truly a milestone we have all been looking forward to. We are now seeing the first outlines of what will become our high tech distribution centre. This is not only an important moment in construction but a great achievement for everyone involved,” says Rob Deinum, Project & Technical Manager at JYSK.
7. European food retailer Studenac preps IPO and listing of shares on Warsaw and Zagreb Stock Exchanges
Studenac, a food retailer in CEE that is based in Croatia, is working on an initial public offering with plans to list on the Warsaw and Zagreb Stock Exchange.
The offer will consist of new shares and the sale of existing shares by current shareholders.
Final terms will be released following approval of the Luxembourg Financial Supervision Authority. The aim is to raise $85.94 million from the issuance of new shares in connection with the offering.
Michał Seńczuk, CEO at Studenac, says: “I am confident that our proven business model, confirmed by strong financial performance with significant revenue growth and its achievements in recent years, should attract interest among potential investors. I believe that continuing its longstanding track record will make the brand one of the leading players in the proximity format in the region.”