Planet Retail in the press

Our team of global analysts are always available to provide quotes and are media trained for television and radio appearances.

To get in touch with any of our analysts, please contact
Renaye Edwards on: +44 (0)207 728 4985.
Alternatively, e-mail: renaye.edwards@planetretail.net

Press releases

In the media

  • N-tv
    3 February 2012
    N-tv Terebörse
    Denise Klug, Retail Analyst appears on N-tv to discuss Scheckler and its situation in the German drugstore market. Denise compares Scheckler with competitors Rossmann and DM.
    Note: This video is in German.
  • Reuters
    2 February 2012
    Single-cup coffee sales seen growing
    Retail Analyst Aisling Balfe discusses cultural differences in coffee consumption, following the news that Sara Lee Corp Executive Chairman Jan Bennink thinks it is time for his company to reinvest in the single-serve coffee market.
  • The Street
    31 January 2012
    Apple grabs UK retail guru
    Robert Gregory, Global Research Director outlines why international growth is a key component of Apple's strategy, and looks at which markets Browett will be focussing on in the year ahead.
  • BBC News
    31 January 2012
    Saving the high street's shops from online threat
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director, speaks to the BBC on plans to save the high street following the closure of some stores of big names such as Mothercare, HMV and Habitat.
  • BBC Radio 4
    30 January 2012
    You & Yours
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director discusses online grocery shopping on BBC Radio 4's You & Yours.
  • Reuters
    30 January 2012
    "The Cleaner" takes on Carrefour challenge
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg considers the expectations facing Georges Plassat, as he is named CEO of Carrefour and how he can turnaround Carrefour's "inherently flawed" business model.
  • New York Times
    27 January 2012
    Carrefour rethinks its "bigger is better" strategy
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg considers Carrefour's "inherently flawed" business model and says that while both Tesco and Walmart have suffered from reliance on the XXL-size format in their home markets, they have done a better job at adapting a changing retailing environment.
  • Challenges
    25 January 2012
    Carrefour grimace, Casino sourit
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director comments on Carrefour's decision to invest in an old hypermarket format rather than in a multi-channel strategy.
    Note: This article is in French.
  • Reuters
    23 January 2012
    Africa "black diamond" spenders show their luster
    Isabel Cavill, Senior Retail Analyst at Planet Retail comments on Africa's infatuation with expensive luxury brands and explains why she expects affluent shoppers to continue to multiply on the continent.
  • The Independent
    23 January 2012
    Bright Sparks: Urban Outfitters
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail says that Urban Outfitters "sense of novelty" and proven formula explains why the US brand are entering the UK market at a time when consumers aren't spending.
  • Capital Daily
    22 January 2012
    Number of grocery stores to increase by 6-7% annually
    Miloš Ryba, Senior Retail Analyst speaks to Bulgarian publication Capital Daily about the Bulgarian grocery market, and how it is set to grow significantly over the next year.
    Note: This article is in Bulgarian.
  • Bloomberg Businessweek
    22 January 2012
    Wal-Mart says brewer to lead Sam's Club as Cornell leaves
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail considers the challenges Walmart will face following the news that Brian Cornell will step down as President and CEO of its Sam's Club membership warehouse unit.
  • Mannheimer Morgen
    21 January 2012
    Deklassiert im Dreikampf
    Denise Klug, Retail Analyst, discusses the German drugstore market and the future of Scheckler, Rossman and DM.
    Note: This article is in German.
  • BBC Business News
    20 January 2012
    UK retail sales rose in December due to heavy discounting
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail says early discounting means the shops may have sacrificed their profits after it was revealed that although spend on household goods was down 2.4% on last year, UK retail sales rose by 0.6% in December.
  • Bloomberg
    20 January 2012
    Stych says online retailers 'winners' in December
    Matthew Stych, Research Director at Planet Retail, discusses the rise in U.K. retail sales for December. He speaks with Mark Barton on Bloomberg Television's "The Pulse."
  • BBC Radio Cumbria
    20 January 2012
    Ian Timms
    David Gray, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discusses Christmas trading with Ian Timms.
  • Hipersuper
    17 January 2012
    Retalho - Edicao Especial APED
    Boris Planer, Research Director, and Tatjana Wolff, Associate Analyst, warn that Portugal is unlikely to see the level of consumption it experienced pre-economic crisis, before 2015.
    Note: This article begins on page 24. This article is in Portugese.
  • The Economist
    14 January 2012
    Bread, cheese, new boss?
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail explains how a multi-million Euro revamp of an outdated format could have cost Carrefour's Lars Olofsson his job.
  • Der Handel, Der Stern, Kölner Rundschau
    13 January 2012
    Björn Weber, Research Director of Retail Technology at Planet Retail explains how retailers are replacing employees with self-checkout systems, packing stations and online platforms under the heading of "customer focus".
    Note: These articles are in German.
  • BBC Radio Scotland
    12 January 2012
    Newsdrive
    David Gray, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discusses Tesco christmas trading on BBC Radio Scotland's Newsdrive show.
    Note: Segment begins 48 minutes into programme.
  • London Evening Standard
    12 January 2012
    Tesco shares nosedive in Big Price Deop fiasco
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail explains why offering the lowest price no longer guarantee sales due to today's consumers becoming increasingly savvy in terms of quality and value.
  • BBC Business News
    10 January 2012
    Christmas gave retailers a boost, say BRC
    Natalie Berg comments on the British Retail Consortium's description of a last minute Christmas surge as "dazzling" and why shoppers didn't loosen their purse strings until the last minute.
  • Bloomberg
    10 January 2012
    'Multichannel' Retailers to do well in 2012
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses holiday sales reports by Debenhams, Marks & Spencer and HMV, and the outlook for retailers. She speaks with Linzie Janis and Mark Barton on Bloomberg Television's "Countdown."
  • BBC Business News
    9 January 2012
    HMV reports Christmas sales slump
    Research Director Matthew Stych discusses the saturation of electronics retailers on the High Street.
  • Der Tagesspiegel
    8 January 2012
    Schlecker auf den Fersen
    Retail Analyst Denise Klug discusses Schlecker's company image and brand perception.
    Note: This article is in German.
  • Reuters
    4 January 2012
    Bleak outlook for UK retailers
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg explains how the euro zone debt crisis, a credit squeeze and rising unemployment will all impact on retail sales and profit growth in 2012-13.
  • Sky News
    4 January 2012
    Online sales drive festive fever at Next
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg explains how the retailer's decision not to to discount before Christmas protected its bottom line.
  • Arabian Business
    1 January 2012
    Last of the big spenders
    Retail Analyst Manu Ghai predicts a boost for luxury goods and personal care products in 2012.
  • NRF Stores
    December 2011
    Karstadt: New beginnings, or last chance saloon?
    Niklas Reinecke, an Associate Analyst at Planet Retail discusses the future for German department store operator Karstadt. Niklas considers how the company has progressed since its parent company Arcandor filed for bankruptcy protection in 2009 and whether Karstadt's multi-channel strategy has proven to be a driver of growth.
  • Computer Weekly
    15 December 2011
    Five online strategies for retailers at Christmas
    Retail Analyst Lisa Byfield-Green explains why technology which enables the most cost-effective offerings will play a key part in how successful companies are this Christmas.
  • Bloomberg
    12 December 2011
    Body Shop fails to return $1 Billion to '06 shareholders
    Research Director Matthew Stych says that while Body Shop's natural and ethical stance helped set it apart initially, the retailer has failed to reinvent itself as a relevant brand for young people.
  • China
    November/December 2011
    A Crumbling Carrefour
    Planet Retail Analyst Yujun Qiu discusses Carrefour's fall from power across China, and the pressure it now faces from international and local competitors with long-term investment strategies.
  • Reuters
    1 December 2011
    eBay hits the high street
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg visits eBay's pop-up store in Central London. The online auction site is taking on traditional retailers as Christmas approaches.
  • PL Buyer
    November 2011
    South of the Border
    Carlos Hernandez, Retail Analyst, considers the opportunity for private label suppliers to supply products to Latin American retailers as larget local and international food retailers continue to expand.
    Note: This article begins on page 48.
  • Reuters
    28 November 2011
    Fury over India's retail bill
    Retail Analyst Manu Ghai comments on the recent FDI bill passed by the Indian government to throw open its $450 billion retail market to global supermarket giants.
  • Bloomberg
    22 November 2011
    Berg on Christmas shopping outlook
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg talks about the retail industry's outlook ahead of the festive shopping season with Owen Thomas on Bloomberg Television's 'Countdown'.
  • BBC Radio Cambridgeshire
    21 November 2011
    Cambridgeshire Breakfast with Jeremy Sallis
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg outlines the reasons for e-commerce growth in the UK.
    Note: Segment begins 1hr 25 minutes into programme.
  • Bloomberg
    17 November 2011
    Stych says UK retailers face difficult holiday sales
    Research Director Matthew Stych discusses the outlook for holiday shopping after UK retail sales unexpectedly rose in October as stores offered discounts to lure consumers whose confidence has been undermined by inflation and rising unemployment.
  • PLMALive!
    16 November 2011
    Tuesday Morning Briefing
    Global Research Director Natalie Berg shares findings from Planet Retail's recent report on  private label's activities around the world in this exclusive interview.
    Note: Interview begins at 9m 45sec into the programme 
  • Morgenweb
    7 November 2011
    Dream of "Department Store AG"
    Planet Retail Analyst Niklas Reinecke discusses the growing competition between department stores Galeria Kaufhof and Karstadt.
    Note: This article is in German.
  • Manheimer Morgen
    5 November 2011
    Daily "Coffee Theatre"
    Retail Analyst Aisling Balfe discusses the familiar draw of Starbucks and comments on the news that the coffee giant is set to double or triple its numbers in Germany within the next few years.
    Note: This article is in German.
  • Reuters
    31 October 2011
    Spook-tacular Hallowe-en for UK retailers
    The struggling British economy doesn't seem to have spooked consumers out of buying Hallowe'en-themed products. Planet Retail estimates the celebration's UK retail sales will rise 12.5% in 2011 to £315 million, making it the third largest sales event of the year.
  • Blue Peter
    31 October 2011
    Halloween Episode
    The popular children's television programme picks up on Planet Retail's forecast for retailer profits in the UK this Halloween.
  • The Telegraph
    29 October 2011
    Hallowe'en simply can't be tacky enough
    The Telegraph picks up on Planet Retail's forecast for retailer profits in the UK this Halloween.
  • The Sun
    27 October 2011
    Hallow-earn
    The Sun picks up on Planet Retail's forecast for retailer profits in the UK this Halloween.
  • WGSN
    24 October 2011
    Africa: New Retail Frontier?
    WGSN picks up on Planet Retail's research on retail opportunities in Africa.
    Note: Figures in this article are taken from Planet Retail's white paper in association with Deloitte, Hidden Heroes: The next generation of retail markets.
  • NRF Stores
    October 2011
    Greek grocery segment in turmoil
    Planet Retail Analysts Milos Ryba and Petro Karagiannis discuss the deteriorating state of the Greek economy and the impact this has had on the country's retail scene.
  • China Brief
    October 2011
    Pushing (and paying) for quality
    Yujun Qiu, Planet Retail's China-based Retail Analyst explains to what extent consumer demand creates opportunities for new brands.
  • Bloomberg
    19 October 2011
    UK's Home Retail Group faces e-commerce threat
    Matthew Stych, Research Director at Planet Retail discusses the outlook for Home Retail Group following the news that the owner of the U.K.'s Homebase and Argos stores reported a 70 percent decline in first-half profit. Matthew talks with Owen Thomas on Bloomberg Television's "Countdown."
  • KamCity NamNews
    12 October 2011
    Retailers in for a spook-tacular Halloween
    Lisa Byfield-Green, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discuses the increased popularity of Halloween and forecasts retail sales for the festival this year.
  • Toy News Online
    12 October 2011
    Halloween set to boost retail
    Lisa Byfield-Green, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discuses the increased popularity of Halloween and forecasts retail sales for the festival this year.
  • Reuters
    10 October 2011
    Indian Wine hits UK store shelves
    As Indian wine hits the shelves for the first time in the UK, Global Research Director Natalie Berg gives her view on how consumers will respond.
  • Mannheimer Morgen
    10 October 2011
    Joghurt per Mausklick
    Björn Weber, General Manager of Planet Retail in Frankfurt, assesses the pros and cons of online retailers branching out to include grocery.
  • Der Tagesspiegal
    10 October 2011
    Metro in limbo
    Boris Planer, Research Director at Planet Retail discusses how Metro Group was affected by the financial crisis, and what the future has in store.
    Note: This article is in German.
  • Canadian Business
    5 October 2011
    An even better choice?
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail comments on the introduction of a premium range of products (Black Label) in Canadian retailer, Loblaws.
  • BBC Radio Wales
    5 October 2011
    The Radio Wales Phone-In
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses Sainsbury's and Tesco's sales figures.
  • Bloomberg
    5 October 2011
    China is 'key area' for Tesco
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses the outlook for Tesco and Sainsbury's in Asia. She speaks with Andrea Catherwood on Bloomberg Television's "Last Word."
  • Reuters
    30 September 2011
    UK retailers feel the heat
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses how the warm weather will affect consumer spending - who will lose out, and who is set to gain.
  • Reuters
    27 September 2011
    Retailers eye Africa as 'final fronteir' for growth
    A report published by Planet Retail and Deloitte during the World Retail Congress identifies five African countries as being among the 10 new markets most likely to appeal to multinational store groups in the coming years.
  • Reuters
    26 September 2011
    Carrefour plans upscale food store in central Paris
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail says that Carrefour should look at fixing its existing problems rather than try and tap in to risky markets after they reveal plans to open a new high-market branch.
  • Bakeryinfo.co.uk
    26 September 2011
    M&S tries out new ISB concept
    David Gray, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail speaks to bakeryinfo about M&S investment into in-store bakerys, and how they're playing catch-up with competitors.
  • Fox Business
    25 September 2011
    Retail bosses survey darkening skies
    Robert Gregory, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses how retailers can move forward by maximizing their potential in still growing subsectors and tap into relatively undeveloped markets.
  • BBC Radio 4
    21 September 2011
    Retail Technology Summit
    Björn Weber, Research Director at Planet Retail speaks live from the 2011 Retail Technology Summit. Björn discusses new technology in retail and managing customer expectations with the Head of IT at Tesco and Director of Debenhams.
    Note: Segment begins 40 minutes into programme.
  • Bloomberg
    20 September 2011
    Debenhams and H&M Designer Collaborations
    Isabel Cavill, Senior Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discusses the benefit of designer collaborations for retailers including Debenhams plc and Hennes & Mauritz AB.
  • Private Label Buyer
    19 September 2011
    Getting the cold shoulder
    Katie Mathis, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail says innovation in frozen foods is the key to winning over consumers in the aisle.
  • Fox Business
    19 September 2011
    Analysis: Best Buy seen pulling plug on UK megastores
    Robert Gregory, Global Research Director at Planet Retail comments on the news that consumer electronics giant Best Buy is likely to abandon its British megastores next year, retreating from an overseas expansion plan.
  • Reuters
    12 September 2011
    Metro CEO pressured to hand over reins
    Boris Planer, Research Director at Planet Retail comments on claims that Metro CEO Eckhard Cordes is set to resign, just as the world's fourth-largest retailer enters a final restructuring phase.
  • The Deal Pipeline
    6 September 2011
    Crossroads or dead end?
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail comments on the future for global retailer, Carrefour.
  • Bloomberg Television
    31 August 2011
    Carrefour must 'sharpen' prices
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail, discusses the outlook for Carrefour SA after the French retailer's operating income fell by 40 percent in the first half. She talks with Andrea Catherwood on Bloomberg Television's "Last Word."
  • BBC Radio Wales
    30 August 2011
    Good Evening Wales
    Louise Howarth, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail uncovers the truth surrounding the online voucher industry and what benefits, if any, exist for retailers.
  • Food Futures
    August 2011
    Futures 100: 201
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses sustainability, private labels, healthy living and other pressing issues facing the food industry in the 2010s.
  • Moderní Obchod
    July/August 2011
    Global Shopping: Opportunities for manufacturers
    Miloš Ryba, Senior Retail Analyst at Planet Retail offers insight on how manufacturers can align their strategy with retailers on a global scale.
    Note: This article is in Czech.
  • Retail Customer Experience online
    18 August 2011
    Walmart pushes into urban America
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses Walmart's first small-box store in Chicago.
  • Bloomberg Business Week
    11 August 2011
    Banks vs Walmart: Round Two
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail comments on the thinking behind Walmart's financial operations.
  • Wall Street Journal
    25 July 2011
    Popular discounters may yield bargains
    Planet Retail comments on the European discount sector
    Note:You must subscribe to Wall Street Journal online to read this article
  • Private Label Magazine
    21 July 2011
    Walmart International Revs Up Growth
    Global retail giant Walmart trades through more than 9,000 stores under 60 different banners in 16 countries. Who says one size has to fit all? Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail writes.
  • BBC Breakfast
    21 July 2011
    High street winners and losers
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail, discusses consumer habits on the high street and remarks on a polarisation in the market.
  • Bloomberg
    13 July 2011
    Planet Retail's Natalie Berg on Carrefour
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail, discusses retailers Marks & Spencer Group Plc, Carrefour SA and Burberry Group Plc on Bloomberg Television's "Countdown".
  • Chinese Business Review
    July 2011
    Understanding Chinese Consumers
    Older consumers may value price over quality, but younger generations are increasingly willing to pay premiums for higher-end products writes Yujun Qiu, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail.
  • Reuters
    12 July 2011
    Brazil retail merger plan in tatters
    Brazillian tycoon Abilio Diniz abandoned on Tuesday his plans to merge retailer Grupo Pao de Acucar with Carrefour's local arm, putting a possible end to a deal that generated controversy on both sides of the Atlantic. Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail comments.
  • QSR Magazine
    7 July 2011
    The Case for Cheap Eats
    In the hands of the quick-service restaurant operator, price might be the ultimate weapon, the key ingredient to swing a customer and prompt a purchase in today's dollar-conscious market. Aisling Balfe, Analyst at Planet Retail discusses.
    Note: Comments on pages 2 & 3

  • Bilanz
    1 July 2011
    Switzerland Does Exist
    Carrefour appoint Swiss Thomas Hübner as European Executive Director. Planet Retail Analyst Magali Dubreil comments on a difficult task ahead.
    Note: This article is in German.

  • Reuters
    29 June 2011
    Retailers taking risks in quest for growth
    Retailers have always been cyclical, hostage to swings in consumer spending. Now, many feel compelled to seek new growth avenues outside their sluggish main markets, taking a step into the unknown. Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet retail discusses.
  • Forbes Online
    29 June 2011
    10 Secrets About Store Brands
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail, comments on why private label products are among the fastest growing and most popular items for sale today.
  • Reuters
    27 June 2011
    Quotes from Consumer & Retail Executives
    Top executives from the consumer and retail industries joined Reuters journalists at the Consumer and Retail summit in New York and London. Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet retail contributes.
  • BBC Business News Online
    27 June 2011
    UK High Street: More retailers hit by consumer squeeze
    Tough times are continuing for UK retailers with Thorntons set to shut up to 180 stores and Carpetright saying it may close as many as 50 outlets. Matthew Stych, Research Director at Planet Retail comments.
  • The Independent Online
    25 June 2011
    New Zara boss plots more of the same
    The world's biggest fashion retailer has a seamless succession strategy and won't change a winning formula. Isabel Cavill, Senior Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discusses.
  • Reuters
    25 June 2011
    Retailers scout new paths in shaky times
    Retailers and the companies that provide their wares are searching for new ways to grow as shoppers are still not confident enough about the economy to open their wallets and spend. Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses.
  • BBC – Up All Night
    25 June 2011
    Why Habitat is in financial trouble
    Isabel Cavill, Senior Retail Analyst from Planet Retail comments on how and why home retailer, Habitat is suffering against cheaper rival IKEA.
    Note: This interview starts 20min into the audio recording.

  • Business Live
    21 June 2011
    Local Retailers Can Learn from Walmart
    With the completion of its 16.5bn rand deal with Massmart, WalMart can soldier on with its African expedition, armed with logistic smarts and purchasing power that could prove, in the long run, to be a learning experience for local players.
  • Supermarket News
    21 June 2011
    Small-Format Stores By Big Boxes Aren't That Small
    Walmart Express stores are 15,000 square feet, much larger than the small-format convenience-store-style stores that many supermarkets have been experimenting with, and bigger than limited-assortment stores like dollar stores.

  • The Independent
    15 June 2011
    Carphone's Best Buy deal at risk as losses rise
    Carphone Warehouse's foray into "Big Box" stores through its Best Buy UK partnership has been thrown into doubt after losses surged and managers admitted they were "evaluating" the future of the chain. Robert Gregory, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses.

  • The Independent
    11 June 2011
    Walker vows to fight off bids as Iceland posts record results
    Iceland foods posted record results yesterday, turning up the heat on its rivals which are shortly expected to kick off a multibillion pound battle for control of the supermarket chain. Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses their results.

  • MoneyMarket.com
    7 June 2011
    Inditex: A retail success story
    Spanish global retailer Inditex achieved a whopping 32% increase in net income in 2010, despite a recession at home and the costs involved in opening hundreds of new stores globally and online. Isabel Cavill, Senior Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discusses.

  • ArabianBusiness.com
    7 June 2011
    Shops barred from commission on credit card buys
    Shops in the UAE will be banned from charging consumers additional fees on purchases made with credit card from next month. Under a ruling from the Supreme Committee for Consumer Protection, retailers will be stopped from imposing surcharges on credit card transactions as commission, effective from 1 July 2011. Manu Ghai, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail takes a closer look.

  • Retail World
    6 June 2011
    International News
    Lousie Howarth, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail contributes to every issue of Retail World in Australia. This week, Planet Retail provide global insight into new retailer strategies, new concepts, new market entries and exits and retailers going into administration.

  • Building.co.uk
    3 June 2011
    Supermarket sweep: Construction opportunities
    However bad things get, people still have to eat. Retailers' driving obsession is where people are buying that food, and it has given them a seemingly unquenchable appetite for new space to increase or protect their market share. David Gray, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail discusses.

  • Reuters
    3 June 2011
    WalMart sets new $15 billion buyback of lagging stock
    WalMart Stores Inc announced a $15 billion share repurchase and emphasised a recent dividend rise to hearten shareholders who have seen the stock lag as its US sales remain in a prolonged slump.

  • Bloomberg
    2 June 2011
    HMV needs to move online
    Matthew Stych, Research Director at Planet Retail analyses retail trends in developed and emerging markets.
    Note: This is a YouTube video

  • Punta de Venta
    11 March 2011
    Mercadona's strategy pays off
    Carlos Hernandez, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail, reports on Spanish retailer Mercadona's surprise sales growth, despite the financial crisis.
    Note: Article on page 10. This article is in Spanish.

  • ET Now: Global Business Report
    May 2011
    No Cheer for Beer
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail, comments on consumer spending habits as beer sales continue to decline in the UK.
  • BBC Radio Wales
    18 May 2011
    Good Evening Wales
    With Mothercare announcing to close their high street stores, Lisa Byfield-Green, Retail Analyst at Planet Retail looks at the rise of inflation figures, customers' discretionary spending cut backs, and Mothercare's increased investment towards online shopping.
    Note: This is a recording and the interview commences 17mins into the show.

  • Times Live
    14 May 2011
    Massmart was only third choice
    Walmart should have preferred to buy Shoprite or Pick n Pay with their strong food offerings. That's the surprising conclusion of research into the South African market by London-based Planet Retail.

  • Times Live
    14 May 2011
    Tesco could follow Walmart
    Tesco, the UK's largest retailer and Walmart's toughest competitor there, has reportedly been meeting with South African retailers. Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail discusses.

  • The Wall Street Journal
    12 May 2011
    SuperGroup sales slowdown could help pace growth
    LONDON (Dow Jones) uber-trendy clothing retailer SuperGroup PLC (SGP.LN) fell from market grace Thursday as its meteoric U.K. sales growth unexpectedly slowed, but an evenly paced growth rate may be beneficial for the brand if it is to avoid the pitfalls of ubiquity.

  • Yahoo! Finance
    11 May 2011
    Carrefour looks weak presentation of Dia
    Carrefour will have to defend on May 17 before the investors plan to spin off its hard discount operations in a climate of mistrust vis-à-vis a group with difficult operational recovery is hampered by internal problems.
    Note: This article is in French

  • STORES
    May 2011
    Mercadona's strategy pays off
    Despite the financial crisis, Spanish retailer Mercadona has taken the market by surprise, posting sales growth twice as large as originally expected, while net profit increased nearly 50 percent. Mercadona reported 2010 gross sales of $21.9 billion, up 6.3 percent from 2009; net income increased 47 percent to $527 million.

  • Bloomberg
    27 April 2011
    Rakuten weighs Europe deals to challenge EBay with Japan recipe
    Rakuten Inc. Japan's biggest online retailer, is counting on acquisitions to help break the EBay and Amazon habits of European shoppers. Matthew Stych, Research Director at Planet Retail looks at Rakuten's takeover target options.

  • Lebensmittel Zeitung
    21 April 2011
    How private labels gain speed in North America
    Denise Klug, Associate Analyst of Planet Retail discusses the development of private labels in North America giving an overview of the top private label retailers in the USA and Canada and explaining their strategies as well as trends.
    Note: This article is in German.

  • BBC Radio 4
    19 April 2011
    Business news with Lesley Curwen
    Markets in the US and the UK fell sharply yesterday after a leading credit agency warned it might, one day, downgrade US government debt. Julian Chillingworth, chief investment officer at Rathbone Unit Trust Management, looks at the markets. Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail,  analyses Tesco's latest results.

  • ECR Europe
    13 April 2011
    Industry leaders share data in supply chain optimisation project - published by Planet Retail's Joachim Pinhammer, Senior Retail Technology Analyst.
    Inconsistent shopping patterns make predicting customer demand and having the right products available at the right place and at the right time a permanent challenge for retailers and their suppliers. Excess inventory levels reduce cash flow and gross profit margin. At this year's ECR Europe Conference in Brussels, one of its workgroups presented a new trial programme which is aiming to tackle the problem in a collaborative way.
  • Kereskedelem
    8 April 2011
    IT Revolution in the Trade
    Hungarian magazine Kereskedelem takes a look at Planet Retail's Retail Technology Trends 2011 report.
    Note: This article is in Hungarian.      

  • Bloomberg
    29 March 2011
    Berg Says Recession in U.S. Household Spending `Intact'
    Natalie Berg, Global Research Director at Planet Retail, talks about consumer confidence in the U.S. She speaks with Maryam Nemazee on Bloomberg Television's "The Pulse."

  • CHAIN STORE AGE
    07 March 2011
    A Winning Game Plan
    For the past couple of years, retail survival has largely been about controlling the controllable. But in 2011, as spending starts to loosen in the face of a brightening economy, retailers have a lot more to look forward to, according to Natalie Berg, Global Research Director for Planet Retail.

  • CNN.com
    16 March 2011
    Can Britain's Retail King Conquer the US?
    After an aborted attempt to open Topshop in New York, Sir Philip Green is still confident he can crack America. However, Isabel Cavill, Planet Retail Senior Analyst, identifies the challenges facing Green, including lack of brand awareness, over-ambitious expansion and the USA being the biggest retail market in the world.

  • BBC Radio 4
    21 March 2011
    The Food Programme
    Specialist French frozen food chain Picard commands 18% of the frozen food market in France. Simon Parkes asks if the same could happen in the UK. Natalie Berg, Planet Retail Global Research Director, looks at current trends in the market that has seen a strong recovery during the recession.
    Note: This is a recording.

  • Research-live.com
    25 February 2011
    Spend Money. Deliver Better
    Walmart's investment in a new global customer insight team stands to significantly boost its understanding of consumers and hand it greater leverage in dealings with suppliers, making sure the right products are on the shelves at the right time and at the right price.

  • The Packer
    22 February 2011
    Walmart Sales Drop, but Food Remains Strong
    Walmart reported its seventh consecutive quarterly sales decline for the USA as the company lost consumers to dollar stores, though food continued to generate positive results for the world's biggest retailer. Natalie Berg, Planet Retail's Global Research Director, comments on the importance of keeping food prices low as Walmart expands.

  • Retail Technology
    Issue Jan/Feb 2011
    On its Way to Establishment – Digital Instore Media
    Digital instore media opens up new communication channels to the consumer. Retailers who want to implement the technology successfully have to overcome two main challenges. In this article, Joachim Pinhammer, Planet Retail Senior Retail Technology Analyst, highlights best practice examples as well as lessons learned.
    Note: This article is in German.

  • Tagesspiegel
    13 February 2011
    Tricky Treats
    German paper Tagesspiegel looks at the impact of rising prices for cocoa, sugar and edible oils on the confectionery sector. Matthias Queck and Boris Planer from Planet Retail make the point that price hikes will be unavoidable, albeit not necessarily at the rates that some manufacturers are demanding.
    Note: This article is in German    .

  • Guardian News
    5 February 2011
    John Lewis: Never Knowingly Undersold?
    For 85 years, John Lewis has proudly promised to refund the difference. But with the famous pledge quietly diluted, it is not easy to claim now.

  • BBC News
    2 February 2011
    UK Grocery Price Wars
    Natalie Berg, Planet Retail Global Research Director, discusses the impact of UK price wars and growth of the discounters.
    Note: This is a recording.

  • BBC News
    2 February 2011
    The Strange Psychology of Panic Buying
    At the eleventh hour, Chelsea secured Fernando Torres for £50m. But why do people buy under pressure? Natalie Berg, Planet Retail Global Research Director, notes: "Consumers have been buying wisely during the recent austerity. To stretch their budget, shoppers have tightened their purse strings and are tending to stick to lists."

  • Markenartikel
    January/February 2011 issue
    Smart Approach
    Smartphones are opening up new ways of brand communication and revolutionising shopper marketing. In this article, Joachim Pinhammer, Planet Retail Senior Retail Technology Analyst, explores the implications of the new technology and identifies how it can be used to improve customer awareness and loyalty.
    Note: This article is in German.

  • Der Westen
    30 January 2011
    What's Getting More Expensive and Why
    German newspaper Der Westen looks at 2011 inflation expectations for a series of staple foods, including bread, fruit and veg, and sugar. Boris Planer, Planet Retail Research Director, discusses the implications of sharply rising cotton prices.
    Note: This article is in German.

  • News Centre
    27 January 2011
    Consumer Firms Eye Africa as Next Growth Driver
    Indian consumer goods manufacturers are scrambling to buy assets in Africa, applying their knowledge of challenging lower-income markets to a continent where spending power is on the rise. Boris Planer, Planet Retail Research Director, looks at the consequences for consumers if prices spike as they did in 2007/08.
    Note: This article is in German.

  • The National
    20 January 2011
    Al-Futtaim yet to Name New Chief
    Al-Futtaim Group in Dubai has yet to name a successor to its former chief executive Robert Willett, who has stepped down from the helm of one the UAE's largest retail and property groups. Lisa Byfield-Green, Planet Retail Analyst, comments on Mr Willett's resignation.

  • CBN - The Consumer Goods Forum
    18 January 2011
    The Death of the Hypermarket?
    Increasingly urban, time-pressed and tech-savvy, consumers are shopping ever smarter and closer to home. In this context, has the hypermarket become irrelevant? We ask three senior retail analysts. Joining the conversation is Natalie Berg, Planet Retail Global Research Director. Could recent price deflation account for some of the turnover decline? "Hypermarkets used to win on price and assortment," Berg says.

  • European Retail Acadamy
    13 January 2011
    Ukrainian Drugstore Chain Kosmo Visiting Cologne
    The Ukraine market leader for health and beauty stores visited Germany. Kosmo has 93 stores and pharmacies distributed in 22 cities in 12 regions of the country. The group has an assortment of about 30,000 SKUs.

  • Les Affaires.com
    13 January 2011
    China: More Prudent Penetration Strategies
    Some American businesses have already entered the market. That's the case for Retail Brend Alliance, an investment company that owns the Brooks Brothers chain.

  • WalesOnline
    12 January 2011
    £65 sweater Helped Marks & Spencer Enjoy Bumper Christmas
    Marks & Spencer yesterday revealed that it had been one of the winners in a tough festive trading season for Britain's most famous retail names. David Gray, Planet Retail Analyst, said: "We would expect M&S to do quite well during the Christmas period as they are a premium retailer."

  • Cincinnati.Com
    11 January 2011
    Kroger's Fast Scanner a Retail Winner
    The Kroger Company may soon have a contract to mass produce its Advantage Checkout scan tunnel for purchase by other retailers. The machine was recognised as a top innovation at the NRF annual Big Show this week. Planet Retail, an international retail intelligence firm, called the tunnel the most innovative retail technology of 2010.

  • BBC News
    22 December 2010
    Growth of the 'Big Four' Supermarkets
    Whether it is building a large retail park or a small high street store, the so-called 'big four' supermarkets are finding more ways to expand their empires. Natalie Berg, Planet Retail Global Research Director, said the supermarkets had huge plans to increase square footage further and opening smaller stores was a favourable option.

Press Contact

Renaye Edwards, Head of Marketing
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7728 4985
E-mail: renaye.edwards@planetretail.net

 

Planet Retail in the Spotlight

Planet Retail in the Spotlight is new for 2011. In this series of videos, Planet Retail Analysts explore all the hot topics in the world of retail and reveal the implications for retailers, suppliers and consumers. 

9 September 2011
Multi-channel: A vital strategy for retailers?
Planet Retail's Global Research Director Robert Gregory and Retail Analyst Louise Howarth discuss the rise in multi-channel retail activity.

23 June 2011
Is there hope for Britain's electrical retailers?
Natalie Berg, Global Research Director, and Matthew Stych, Research Director - Non-Food, discuss whether there is hope for the UK's electrical retailers.

18 May 2011
A closer look at Walmart's Q1 results
Global Research Directors Rob Gregory and Natalie Berg discuss Walmart's Q1 results.

4 April 2011
Are electronic retailers facing a tough year ahead?
Louise Howarth, Associate Analyst, and Rob Gregory, Global Research Director, discuss the disappointing results reported by many of the world's leading electronics retailers over the last few weeks.

7 March 2011
Who is Driving Consolidation in Central and Eastern Europe?
Natalie Berg, Planet Retail Global Research Director, and Milos Ryba, Senior Analyst, discuss the retail scene in Central and eastern Europe including Delhaize Group's recent acquisition of Delta M in Serbia.

28 February 2011
Retailer Pricing
Robert Gregory, Planet Retail Global Research Director, and Gregory Hodge, Custom Research Commerical Director, discuss the pricing battle among the world's largest retailers, Walmart, Tesco and Best Buy.

21 February 2011
Walmart Q4 Results
Matthew Stych, Planet Retail Research Director, and Natalie Berg talk about Walmart's fourth quarter results. Walmart has reported six consecutive quarters of negative growth in the USA - when will they reverse the trend?

14 February 2011
Best Buy in the UK
Natalie Berg and Robert Gregory discuss Best Buy's chances of success in the UK.

What Next?