Dear Reader,

Somber forecasts about the current worldwide economic slump and soaring numbers of job losses around the globe make for grim reading. But food retailing, while not totally recession proof, is proving to be more resilient than other sectors. Convenience, in particular, is gaining ground and as this latest issue shows, there are no shortage of new store developments and opportunities.

In France, Carrefour is leading the way with two new convenience formats. It seems the French are expressing a real appetite for “proximité,” fresh foods and everyday essentials.

In Russia, oil giant Gazprom is back in the headlines, but this time for its new petrol station and convenience store design; and Scott Annan completes his East-West tour in Moscow and is introduced to the leading Russian retail formats.

Central and Eastern Europe are rich pickings for convenience development, says Verdict, which tips the Czech-Slovak retailer Zabka as one to watch.

Value remains crucial, however, especially in the UK, and the idea has travelled to Spain with the revival of the Kwik Save brand.

But there is still space for quality, as the opening of a top celebrity chef’s new food emporium shows.

Getting a confidence boost has never been so convenient.

Fiona Briggs, Editor

Retail News

Carrefour trials two new convenience formats
Leading European retailer Carrefour is trialing two new convenience formats in France: Carrefour City and Carrefour Contact.

Gazprom launches new forecourt and convenience store design
Gazprom, the Russian oil giant, is rolling out a new petrol station and convenience store design.

Kwik Save is reborn in Spain
Peter O’Toole, former store development director at Musgrave, has opened a Kwik Save discount store on the Costa del Sol in Spain.

Jamie Oliver, UK celebrity chef, to open local one-stop shop for cooking and food
UK celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, is opening a chain of high street shops designed to inspire people to cook.

Convenience opportunity in Central and Eastern Europe
Convenience retailing is poised to grow in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), according to Verdict Research.

French convenience stores buck market trend
Convenience stores in France are outperforming the total grocery market and are spearheading format development, according to a new report from Verdict Research.

Sainsbury’s to expand Local convenience business
Sainsbury’s is poised to expand its Local convenience store chain and create up to 4,000 new jobs across its whole business in 2009.

European grocers record surge in private label sales
Retailers across Europe are reporting strong growth in sales of private label products, according to Verdict.

UK grocery outperforms retail sectors
The UK grocery market continues to outshine other retail sectors, according to the latest TNS market share data for the 12 weeks ending 28 December 2008.

One Off: Fentons targets foodies
Global C-Store Focus has teamed up with Clare Dowdy, author of independent retail design book, One Off, to showcase individual and cutting edge food stores from around the world.

Visit Canadian Neighbours on Insight/NACS store tour
Insight/NACS’ pre-NACS Show International Store Tour to Toronto, Canada, will visit Petro-Canada’s new Neighbours forecourt format and drive thru.

Product News

Natural tops convenience as top trend for new products
Natural was the most frequently featured food and drink claim made on new product launches in 2008, according to the latest review from the Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD).

Smoothie brand Innocent vies convenience opportunity for new Veg Pots
Leading UK smoothie brand Innocent is expanding the distribution of its new Veg Pots to convenience stores and smaller outlets and has added a new seasonal winter warmer variant to the initial four-strong range.

The sweet smell of success
When you run it correctly, a floral department can bring in additional revenue, writes Amanda Baltazar.

Co-operative to improve welfare standards on own brand meat
The Co-operative Group, the UK’s largest convenience store retailer, has improved the welfare standards on its premium, own brand of pork and plans to extend the standard to all of its own brand fresh pork by the autumn.

Research

Healthy lifestyle is top resolution, says Mintel
Adopting a healthier lifestyle is still the top resolution for British consumers in 2009, according to market research firm Mintel.

Opinion & Comment

Scott’s convenience expedition: Moscow calling
In the final part of his East-West convenience store tour, srcg director Scott Annan travels to Moscow.

Exploit health opportunities, says energy bar boss
Recession or no recession, Gary Erickson, founder and owner of Clif Bar, talks about sustainability and health food opportunities for retailers.

Recession requires strong leadership, says leading UK business guru
Richard Lambert, director-general of the CBI, the UK's leading business organisation, predicts a year for strong business leadership.

Sharon’s c-store diary: New Year resolutions
Sharon Kane, award-winning c-store manager at Spar Cullybackey, part of the Henderson Retail group in Northern Ireland, on healthy eating (or not).

NACS/Insight Products & Events

Exclusive: don't miss international diary dates
United States. NACS Global Forum and Store Tour in Hershey, Pennsylvania. 11-17 June 2009.

2008 “Ideas 2 go” DVD now available
“What I love about our industry is how open retailers are in sharing ideas.

The year ahead
This year when you come up with your New Year’s resolutions, be sure to add “get more involved with NACS” to your list.