Did you know?... Online retail sales in France could reach €109.6 billion in 2020, a rise of 6% on the year as the COVID-19 pandemic boosted remote shopping, the country's e-commerce federation, Fevad, said. This would however be a slowdown from 11% growth achieved in 2019, as curbs on travel worldwide hit online demand for travel, leisure and hospitality services, notably during France's first lockdown in the spring. Online retail sales in France rose 5% year-on-year to €77.9 billion in the first nine months of the year, Fevad said, predicting a year-on-year increase of 8.5% in the last quarter of 2020, which includes the crucial Christmas season, reports Reuters.
Did you know?... Portuguese retailer Pingo Doce and wholesaler Recheio Cash & Carry have eliminated microplastics from around 520 private-label products across the cosmetics, detergents and personal care categories, reports esmmagazine.com. Pingo Doce removed microplastics from all 321 SKUs in its Be Beauty, Cuida Bebé, SKINO and UltraPro ranges. Meanwhile, Recheio eliminated the component from its Masterchef and Amanhecer private-label brands. The initiative follows a careful analysis of existing products by the parent company of both brands, Grupo Jerónimo Martins, in partnership with suppliers.
Did you know?... Packaging firm DS Smith has announced that all its production sites in Croatia switched to green electricity as of 1 October 2020. Apart from emission reduction, the move will help the company improve its energy efficiency and increase the share of renewable energy sources. General manager of DS Smith's packaging division in Croatia, Ana Soldo, said, "One of our main goals at DS Smith is to be a leader in sustainability. "Sustainable energy sources play an important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which is why choosing ZelEn products is logical, socially responsible and good for the environment."
Did you know?... For shareholders waiting for South African wine and spirits company Distell to deliver higher returns on their investments, 2020 was a year to forget. A months-long alcohol ban in its home market, designed to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, slammed sales and earnings, while its shares have dropped by more than a quarter, reports Reuters. The world's second-largest cider maker had already frustrated some shareholders with years of big-ticket spending they say has delivered an inadequate payoff.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
