Retailing

2023 commenced with significant challenges for retail in Nigeria, including a cash crunch in the first quarter triggered by the central bank's redesign of the local currency. This adjustment impacted many consumers in Nigeria's cash-based economy.…

In 2023, the retail landscape in South Africa remained challenged by the operating environment, translating into slow economic growth, which left unemployment at a relatively high level. As inflation remained above the South African Reserve Bank…

Retail in the Czech Republic was heavily affected by the war in Ukraine, as energy costs soared and inflation climbed to double digits, a trend that has continued into 2023. The Czech economy has weakened substantially with consumers struggling to…

Despite persisting inflationary pressures, retail in the Philippines recorded healthy growth in in current value terms in 2023, continuing the trend of the previous year. Sales were boosted an increase in mobility, including the return of Filipinos…

Small local grocers in Argentina continued to cede some ground to or lose competitiveness with regard to modern grocery retailers like supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores and discounters during 2023. In a context of very high inflation,…

Small local grocers was also characterised by a reluctance to spend among consumers in 2023, as inflation and the cost of living have risen sharply since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis in spring 2022. Sales rose sharply again in 2023, although…

Inflation was still an issue in 2023 for small local grocers in Bulgaria, though growth eased. As such, though current value sales rose, constant value sales fell, as continuing rising costs cut profit margins. There was also minimal openings of new…

Small local grocers were becoming more popular in Canada in 2023, as they offered convenience, variety, and fresh products to urban consumers leading ever more hectic lifestyles. Small format stores allow retailers to adapt to changing consumer…

One of the most important pandemic-related impacts on small local grocers was the huge shift towards working from home. This deprived many operators of an extremely important consumer base of busy, urban professionals looking for a quick and easy…

In 2023, government intervention played a pivotal role in bolstering the resilience of small local grocers against mounting competition from modern retail formats. Recognising the economic importance of these traditional outlets, the government…

Small local grocers in Nigeria experienced rapid growth in 2023 due to their strategic advantages over larger retailers. Their proximity to consumers allowed for convenient access to essential goods, particularly for those living in densely populated…

With relatively low bargaining power, small local grocers in South Africa have become more exposed to the persisting inflationary pressure since they often source their products from wholesalers. The latter tend to have higher markups in comparison…

Small local grocers in the Czech Republic have struggled to adapt in an environment of high inflation, which has weakened the Czech economy since 2022 and created a cost of living crisis for Czech households. Indeed, some outlets were forced to cease…

While modern grocery outlets such as supermarkets and convenience stores, recorded stronger current value growth than small local grocers in the Philippines in 2023, the accessibility and traditional appeal of sari-sari stores meant that they…

In supermarkets in Argentina, Asian concepts, the main competitors to chains, continued to experience a deep crisis at the end of the review period. As a result, some Asian supermarkets closed their businesses in Argentina and moved to Bolivia,…

Just like grocery retailers as a whole, hypermarkets saw strong growth in value sales in 2023, although this was entirely price driven as inflation remained at unusually high levels for a second consecutive year. Demand was down as consumers…

Supermarkets in Bulgaria registered current value growth, though constant value sales fell. Inflation was still an issue and impacted profitability. That being said, supermarkets are the largest modern grocery retailer in terms of value sales, with…

Supermarkets players in Canada faced some notable challenges in 2023, such as rising prices, a potential recession, high levels of uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions. These factors continue to test the loyalty of Canadian consumers, many of…

Like hypermarkets, the supermarkets channel struggled for growth during the pandemic as consumers adjusted their shopping behaviour. Due to the restrictions in place and the fear of contagion, alongside a shift to home working arrangements, many…

Moroccan consumers exhibit a pronounced sensitivity to prices and often rely on traditional supply methods, prioritising trust and availability when selecting vendors. A positive store image is thus crucial in their purchasing decisions. While rural…