Canadian Tire and Microsoft team up to drive retail innovation and modernize systems

Partnerships
A.S. Watson and Amorepacific join forces to expand the reach of K-beauty brands
They will introduce more derma and premium skincare brands to A.S. Watson’s customers in Asia and Europe. A.S. Watson Group offers Amorepacific’s haircare and beauty brands to customers, with Mise-En-Scene experiencing significant sales growth. Read More>>
Canadian Tire and Microsoft team up to drive retail innovation and modernize systems
Canadian Tire will utilize Microsoft Azure for improved efficiency and customer experiences. Microsoft becomes the cloud provider, supporting the migration of IT infrastructure to Azure. Read More>>

Deal
Wellnex expands supply agreement with Haleon to sell paracetamol products in the UK, Ireland, and UAE
They will now supply Liquid Paracetamol Soft Gel for the UK and Ireland starting in FY24, adding to their existing partnership in Australia and New Zealand. Read More>>

Centre Setup and Expansion
Procter & Gamble India to invest USD 244 Mn to set up a manufacturing facility in Gujrat, India
The facility will produce digestive products and serve as a global export hub. The investment is made through an unlisted company and won’t impact listed public companies within P&G’s Indian group. Read More>>
Italian paper company Sofidel announces USD 185 Mn expansion of Circleville plant
The expansion will potentially add 100 jobs. The 1.8-million-square-foot plant, opened in 2018 with 300 workers, has seen a significant increase in production. The plant manufactures toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues for supermarkets, hotels, airports, and public buildings. Read More>>

Merger and Acquisition
Kering SA acquires Prestigious Luxury Fragrance Brand Creed
The acquisition is expected to be completed in the second half of 2023, pending regulatory approval. Creed’s rich history and growth will enhance Kering Beaut’s portfolio and global distribution network. Read More>>

Executive Movements
La-Z-Boy appoints Raza Haider to the Board of Directors
Haider, Chief Product and Supply Chain Officer at Bose Corporation brings extensive experience in strategic innovation and consulting from McKinsey and other global companies. His appointment strengthens La-Z-Boy’s leadership team. Read More>>
Adevinta appoints Elisabeth Peyraube as Chief Financial Officer, effective September 2023
Peyraube brings experience from Brut and Match Group, demonstrating leadership in finance across international businesses. Her appointment strengthens Adevinta’s executive team for the continued support of users and customers. Read More>>

Product Launch
IKEA to introduce new Smart Home Sensors
IKEA is set to launch the Parasoll Open/Close Sensor and Vallhorn Motion Sensor in collaboration with IoT manufacturer Leedarson. The sensors monitor doors, windows, and motion with wireless capabilities and Zigbee technology. The contact sensor features a main unit and magnetic fob for state detection. Read More>>

Customer Fulfillment Center Expansion

• Kroger’s Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) supports the company’s online grocery delivery and pickup services, which optimize delivery routes and provides a seamless customer experience. 
• By optimizing order fulfillment processes, inventory management, and logistics, Kroger aims to meet customer demands for timely delivery or pickup of their grocery orders while maintaining product quality and freshness.

Digital Shopping Enhancement

• Kroger focuses on creating a seamless and engaging digital interface that allows customers to navigate and find products quickly and efficiently.  
• Kroger provides detailed and accurate product information on their digital platform, including nutritional facts, ingredients, and allergen information.
• By leveraging technology, data analytics, and seamless integration with loyalty programs, Kroger aims to meet customer expectations, enhance satisfaction, and foster long-term loyalty in the digital shopping realm.

Advanced Robotics and Autonomous Delivery Solutions

• Kroger explores self-driving cars and drones for last-mile delivery, aiming to improve speed, reduce costs, and enhance convenience by directly delivering groceries to customers’ homes or pickup locations.  
• Kroger actively seeks partnerships and collaborations with technology companies, startups, and academic institutions to drive robotics and autonomous delivery innovation. Service providers with rich expertise in those areas would have an opportunity to serve Kroger with better solutions.

Digital Technology Adoption

• Kroger strives to adapt the power of advanced technologies to enhance the online shopping experience, personalize offerings, improve operational efficiency, and optimize its supply chain.  
• By embracing digital innovation, Kroger aims to stay at the forefront of the retail industry and meet their customers’ evolving needs and expectations. Service providers with strong expertise in digital technology adoption would be apt to serve Kroger.

Key Funding Alert

Lulu Group to invest USD 426.6 Mn investments in Telangana
It will invest USD 365.7 Mn for Destination shopping malls in Hyderabad and other cities. The company aims to invest USD 1.2 Billion in India over the next three years, with a total investment of over USD 2.4 Billion. Notably, Lulu Group is set to establish food processing plants in Noida and Telangana. Read More>>

Startup Spotlight

Company – Ace Turtle
Total Funding – USD 42.94 Mn
About: Ace Turtle is a vertically integrated tech platform disrupting retail through technology. It’s leading new-age commerce by digitizing traditional brands and retailers. Ace Turtle’s Rubicon platform integrates online and offline retail channels, improving efficiency and scalability through data-driven omnichannel transformation. Read More>>

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