Retail News Update » traditional stores

Target to Add Mini Markets to 100 Stores

retailnu — Sat, 16 May 2009 08:21:07 +0000

In a bid to increase business and customer count, Minneapolis-based Target Corp. will add new store-within-a-store grocery and fresh foods mini markets in about 100 new and remodeled stores during the course of this year, according to Progressivegrocer.com. If deemed a success, the company may eventually expand the section to all of its stores, said Target CEO Gregg Steinhafel in press reports. Although Target has long offered a full array of groceries at its SuperTarget stores, as well as a scaled-down presentation of food and beverages in most of its other stores, the latest iteration of its food-focused format aims to increase those offerings in its standard-size stores. The chain first tested the concept last year at two Twin Cities, Minn., stores and added eight additional test locations in other states earlier this year. The test stores now carry 50 percent to 200 percent more food products than its traditional stores, including a more prominent array of fresh produce, meats and bakery items in roughly 1,500 sq. ft. of space.

Target to Add Mini Markets to 100 Stores

admin — Sat, 16 May 2009 08:21:07 +0000

Watsons’ New Concept Store Opens In Beijing.

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:37:02 +0000

The health and beauty products retailer Watsons has opened a new concept store at U-town Lifestyle Center in Beijing.

Unlike its traditional stores, Watsons’ new store introduces the department store model. Divided into two sections, the new store has a traditional store layout on the second floor and a 400-square-meter area in which cosmetics products are sold in the same way as in department stores — with an independent sales area for each brand.

David Inglis, the general manager for Watsons North China, told local media that investments in the new concept store are 50% higher that those in a traditional store, but the prices of products will remain the same. The setting up of the concept store is based on the results of a customer survey and the company will continue to make changes in the future to meet the various market demands.

Inglis said the current financial crisis will not affect women’s pursuit of beauty. Over the past year, Watsons’ sales showed double-digit growth. The company will open nine new stores in Beijing and will open another concept store in Harbin, Heilongjiang province. Watsons opened a similar store in Tianjin earlier this year.

Source: ChinaRetailNews.com