Brian Walker’s Post

AildI is to open new 800 stores in the US by the end of 2028 through a combination of new openings and store conversions. "Our growth is fuelled by our customers, and they are asking for more Aldi stores in their neighbourhoods nationwide," said Jason Hart, chief executive. Aldi’s expansion will cost more than $9 billion and see it build its presence in the Northeast and Midwest, adding nearly 330 stores across both regions by the end of 2028. More stores in Southern California and Phoenix while it will set up its first store in Las Vegas. In the Southeast, Aldi said Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, which were acquired when it bought Southeastern Grocers, will see a significant number convert to its format over the next few years. "With the acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets, Aldi will serve even more communities in the Southeast, bringing us closer to our customers in a region where we've... More at #Proactive #ProactiveInvestors http://ow.ly/lUIm105l3bJ

In life and in business, the biggest obstacles can become your biggest opportunities.

Many know Sam's (Sam Walton) story and the scrappy beginnings of what is now the world's biggest retailer. "In 1945, Sam and Helen Walton purchased their first Ben Franklin "variety store" in Newport, Arkansas. Within five years, Sam was able to make his Ben Franklin store the top franchise in the state. But when it came time for the couple to renew their lease, the landlord refused, so they were forced to look elsewhere." Assuredly a blow to Sam and Helen, this single disappointment turned into the retail beast we know today. Imagine had Sam's request to renew that lease been accepted. Walmart may never have come to be. The point - in the moment, oftentimes seemingly devastating disappointments are in fact veiled redirection and a path to better, more meaningful opportunities. Proclivity. #retail #retailleadership #leadership #entrepreneur #careers #merchandising Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) National Retail Federation National Grocers Association https://lnkd.in/gWRgvP5w Vintage photos that showcase the humble beginnings of Walmart.

A great story to start the day from Aldi UK, thanks to on the ground insight about a store opening in Manchester from Sean Lang! It got me thinking: ☝️ It's a brilliant move by Aldi, supporting it's growth plans at a foundational level for local communities - it seems an authentic move at its core and has NOT been monetised by the content conveyor belt, leaving room for equally authentic discovery and resharing (like Sean today and then this post) ✌️ Aldi is clear on it's positioning and purpose for each store opening - they know they aren't a one-stop shop location and aren't looking to decimate the local economy 💡 On the broader topic of 'community retailing', Aldi's tactic here is a nice build on current ways retailers are thinking of community in the context of physical stores 🔍 A question to this community - WHAT ARE RETAILERS DOING TO CREATE VALUE IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES NEAR YOU? This could be: - In-store events (brand-led or store-led) - Sponsoring local sports teams - Supporting local causes and social initiatives - Converting spaces into multi-use areas - Something else??? Please do tell _______________________________________ If you're interested in reading more: On Aldi and their plans to invest in communities (and how this ties to their business strategy and model)... https://lnkd.in/ejXyf3pf On the topic of 'community retailing' (and why it's different from 'brand communities')... https://lnkd.in/efKw3tB6 On the topic of winning through influence (and the idea of the 'community flywheel')... https://lnkd.in/e7hsUkQz

'Asda CEO: Five runners and riders following Allan Leighton’s return 🏁🔄 The search for Asda’s new CEO continues to push on as the struggling supermarket appoints Allan Leighton as its new executive chair. 👨💼🛍️ #Asda #RetailNews #CEO Get a better understanding of retail news with the largest source for public data 👉 https://lnkd.in/eC4HGBUv 📊#PublicData #RetailAnalysis by Retail Gazette about Asda

📉Pick n Pay Confronts Strategic Crossroads! In response to increasing market share loss to Checkers, Pick n Pay is considering either closing 112 stores or converting them into Boxer franchise outlets. The board faces critical decisions as the company seeks to adopt to a highly competitive retail environment. What does this mean to South African retail landscape? #BusinessLeadership #Retailtransformation https://lnkd.in/gWgtneay

BJ's Wholesale Club is making good on its previously announced plans to open 12 new locations in fiscal year 2024. The company has shared the five latest stores coming to its footprint, building on its already aggressive expansion plans. New locations include: Maryville, Tenn.  Myrtle Beach, S.C. Palm Coast and West Palm Beach, Fla. Carmel, Ind. The company also announced expansion into its 21st state as it plans to open a location near the Jefferson Mall in Louisville, Ky., early next year. The new Louisville club will include a BJ’s gas station, and is expected to create approximately 150 jobs. During the company’s Q4 and FY23 earnings call, BJ’s Chairman and CEO Bob Eddy shared that BJ’s plans to open 15 new gas stations during FY24. Some of those locations will be at clubs that don’t currently have gas stations, while others will be brand new. | Progressive Grocer https://lnkd.in/gW7_rZEB #retail #wholesale #clubs #grocery #gasstations #expansion #supermarkets

🌟 Celebrating Excellence: Bestway Awards 2024 Last month, the Bestway Awards 2024 celebrated the outstanding contributions of employees, retailers, and suppliers at a glittering ceremony at the Marriott Hotel, Park Lane, London. Hosted by the inspiring Gabby Logan, the event showcased the passion and innovation that drive the wholesale sector forward. 🏆 Event highlights: • Bestway Colleague Awards: Honouring team members who embody Bestway’s core values like ‘We Are One Family’ and ‘Champion What’s Right’. Categories included Depot of the Year and Store of the Year. • Supplier Awards: Recognising trailblazers like AG Barr Group (Supplier of the Year), The Coca-Cola Company European Partners (Best Digital Initiative), and Philip Morris International (ESG Initiative of the Year). • Retailer Awards: Applauding retailers who excel in customer service and community impact, with Special Recognition Awards going to exceptional businesses in Nuneaton and Macclesfield. Managing Director Dawood Pervez shared: “These awards honour those who go above and beyond, setting new standards and inspiring communities and customers across the UK.” Read the full story below. #wholesale #innovation #supplychain #retail #oporteo

H-E-B's strategic growth in #DFW is something to watch. 📈 Breaking ground in #Euless and #Murphy, these stores are set to bring hundreds of jobs and much-needed services to growing areas. It’s clear that H-E-B listens to its communities and delivers what they want, showing why it’s one of the most beloved and forward-thinking #grocery chains. These new locations will not only meet the growing demand but also bring jobs, innovation, and a spark to the local economies. With its ability to identify growth markets, work closely with local leaders, and deliver exceptional stores, H-E-B is setting a new bar for retail in North Texas. What impact do you think these new locations will have on the competitive landscape? RetailUnion https://hubs.la/Q02ZDyR40

How could Casey's change the competitive landscape for QSR's and Convenience Retailers who today compete with CEFCO? Fuel: Caseys prices its stores slightly lower than direct competitors while CEFCO is much more aggressive pricing its pumps nearly 6cts/gal below its competitors, according to OPIS . People: Despite reducing labor costs over the past two years, Casey’s has seen a rise in Gallup scores. By streamlining tasks and embracing innovation, they are improving employee satisfaction and productivity. Customers: With 40% of Casey’s transactions driven by Casey's Rewards, they are leading the industry in customer engagement. Price: With a 41.2% margin, many brands won’t be able to compete with Casey’s on price, and instead will need to lean into differentiating experiences and/or products. Pizza: With Americans eating pizza three times a month, how many of those visits could you afford to lose? Thank you Brett Dworski for the opportunity to contribute to C-Store Dive! #RetailInnovation #CustomerLoyalty #EmployeeEngagement #QSR #ConvenienceRetail #MarketStrategy #CStoreDive Convenience and Energy Advisors