Italian luxury brand Golden Goose has opened its flagship store in the Philippines.
The brand, known for its intentionally distressed sneakers and streetwear, opened a standalone store at the Fashion Square of the Ayala-owned Greenbelt 5 in Makati City.
The 100-square-meter pop-up store, named Fioreria Golden, features stunning flower bouquets inside and out. Its vibrant green paint and tall glass panels create a striking contrast against the lush mall grounds.
Shoppers can customize their Golden Goose sneakers or bags through an in-house service.
Some of the international celebrities photographed wearing Golden Goose sneakers are Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.
The country’s private label grocery market is projected to reach $896 million this year, according to a report by the USDA-Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Manila.
Private label products accounted for 7 percent of total food and beverage (F&B) grocery sales in the Philippines.
Total F&B grocery sales are projected to reach $12.8 billion in the Philippines this year, a 5 percent year-on-year increase, FAS Manila office said in a report dated Jan. 15.
“This growth is expected to continue at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 percent over the next five years, outpacing the broader Asia Pacific market’s projected CAGR of 4 percent,” according to the FAS Manila.
Private labels are products manufactured or packaged for sale under the name of the retailer rather than that of the manufacturer.
“With some grocery operators aiming to double their private label portfolios within the next five years, significant opportunities exist for exporters to supply US food and beverage products under both US and grocers’ private label brands,” FAS Manila said.
In the past five years, private label products have made up an average of 7 to 10 percent of grocery food and beverage sales in the Philippines which is higher than the Asia Pacific average of 6 percent, FAS Manila said.
The USDA-FAS Manila regularly reports on food and beverage grocery sales, including private labels, to help American exporters identify existing opportunities for the products in the Philippine market.
As of end-2024, SM Markets, Puregold Price Club and Robinsons Retail dominated the food and beverage grocery sector, which collectively accounted for 50 percent market share in terms of grocery operators, it added. SM Markets accounted for a 22 percent share through its outlets such as SM Supermarket and Hypermarket, Savemore Supermarket, Alfamart convenience store and Waltermart Supermarket which carries private label brands such as SM Bonus, Alfa Savers and Everyday.
Puregold Price Club had a 16 percent share. Its stores include Puregold Supermarket, Hypermarket and S&R Membership Club selling private label brands like Pure Basics, Member’s Value and Fresh Pick.
Robinsons Retail covered 12 percent of the market. The company operates Robinsons Supermarket, Marketplace Supermarket, Shopwise Hypermarket and Uncle John’s convenience store, with private label brands Surebuy and Healthy You.
Independent grocery operators having a single grocery brand, such as 7-Eleven, Metro Retail Store Group, Super8, Landers and Prince Retail Group, cornered 14 percent of the market.
The remaining 36 percent share was spread over more than 1.3 million micro-operators located throughout the country.
Our final stop for our Singapore retail store visit is Little Farms in Holland Village, home to their first-ever Urban Concept Grocer & Restaurant. This two-story space perfectly blends a thoughtfully curated grocery on the ground floor with Little Farms Table, a cozy café upstairs offering handcrafted dishes made from scratch—free from MSG, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives.
Why Little Farms Stands Out
Little Farms is Singapore’s friendly neighborhood market, dedicated to providing fresh, all-natural, and organic groceries sourced directly from trusted farmers and artisans around the world. Their “Freshness Guaranteed” promise ensures that if you’re unhappy with the freshness or quality of any purchase, they’ll gladly provide a refund or replacement.
Here’s what makes Little Farms special:
Cheese & Deli Counter: Discover varieties of cheese and premium charcuterie selections, offering something for every palate.
Fresh Produce & Ethical Sourcing: Their fresh fruits and vegetables are the stars of the store, complemented by a butchery that exclusively features ethically raised, regeneratively farmed meats. They also support sustainability with their Im-Perfect Produce section, where slightly blemished but perfectly edible produce is sold at discounted prices.
Banned Ingredient List: Little Farms is deeply committed to transparency and health, enforcing a strict Banned Ingredient List that excludes over 200 potentially harmful chemicals, preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, and additives. Shopping here means you can trust every ingredient to be safe and natural.
Ready-to-Eat Options & Bakery: For those on the go, Little Farms offers a selection of freshly baked bread and wholesome ready-to-eat meals, prepared with the same high standards of quality and care.
Little Farms Table: On the second floor, enjoy an all-day dining menu featuring delicious dishes crafted from fresh, organic, and ethically sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect spot to relax with friends or family, and private rooms are available for special occasions.
Wine Selection: A carefully curated range of wines awaits, making it easy to pair the perfect bottle with your groceries or meal.
Little Farms is all about making healthy living accessible, offering a mindful shopping and dining experience that’s as delicious as it is ethical. This grocery is a must-visit destination for fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully sourced food!
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Vietnamese coffee chain Cong Caphe is set to open its first Philippine outlet in February at Gateway 2 Mall in Quezon City.
Known for its signature 1970s-inspired interiors and unique coffee offerings, the brand aims to bring an “authentic Vietnamese coffee experience” to Filipino customers. It makes its coffee using Vietnamese Robusta beans.
Founded in Hanoi in 2007 by former performance artist Linh Dung, Cong Caphe currently operates 66 stores across Vietnam, with 45 located in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The cafe is known for its creative take on traditional Vietnamese coffee, including specialties like coconut coffee, coconut green rice coffee, and coconut pho coffee.
Cong Caphe made its international debut in Seoul, South Korea, in 2018 and has since expanded to Malaysia, Canada, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay offers so much more! Imagine a supermarket with a cozy bar nestled, a dining area in the middle of the supermarket, and a workshop area. This isn’t just shopping—it’s an experience that redefines retail therapy, taking it to an entirely new level.
FairPrice Finest is one of the premium retail formats under NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, Singapore’s largest retailer. Its portfolio includes FairPrice Supermarkets, FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, FairPrice Xpress, and Cheers convenience stores.
This 14,000-square-foot warehouse-inspired outlet at Clarke Quay, marks the 40th FairPrice Finest store in Singapore.
Far beyond the conventional supermarket, FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay transforms errands into opportunities for culinary discovery, social connection, and even recreation. Whether you’re sipping a signature cocktail at the bar, savoring a gourmet meal, or actively listening at a workshop, this unique destination is where shopping, dining, and entertainment meet seamlessly.
Singapore’s Love for Fresh and Local
Singaporean supermarkets are celebrated for their devotion to fresh produce, sushi, and delicatessen delights. FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay elevates this tradition with thoughtfully curated selections and a deep commitment to supporting local suppliers.
The Grocer Food Hall
At the heart of the store is the Grocer Food Hall, where different food kiosks serve a variety of cuisines. A standout feature? The “You Pick, We Cook” service. Pay for your seafood/beef and cooking fee and let them know how you would want it cooked, and next enjoy your food.
Comfortable seating areas invite you to enjoy your meals in a relaxed and vibrant setting—perfect for casual meetups or a quick break from shopping.
The Grocer Bar
Looking to unwind? Head to the Grocer Bar, it’s the ideal spot to relax and take in the energy of Clarke Quay.
Local Collaboration and Sustainability
FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay takes pride in its collaborations with local businesses. Highlights include a curated selection of fresh produce from Singaporean farmers. By celebrating local, the store underscores its commitment to community and sustainability.
If you come to Singapore, this place is a must visit and enjoy your own gourmet journey at FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay, where the joy of shopping meets the art of living.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
Bread Ahead Expands into the Philippines: A Culinary Journey Begins
In an exciting development for the culinary landscape of the Philippines, the renowned bakery chain Bread Ahead has forged an exclusive franchise agreement with Specialty Food Retailers Inc. (SFRI). This significant partnership marks Bread Ahead’s inaugural entry into the Asian market, bringing with it a wealth of baking experience and a commitment to quality that has made it a beloved brand in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Founded in London in 2013 by Matthew Jones, Bread Ahead is celebrated for its artisanal approach to baking, specializing in sourdough bread, delectable doughnuts, and New York-style sourdough pizza, among other gastronomic delights. The brand’s reputation was built on a foundation of craft and quality, setting it apart in an increasingly competitive market. With six locations already established across the UK, as well as a growing presence in the Middle East with locations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, Bread Ahead is poised for continued international growth.
SFRI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Rustan Group of Companies, is strategically positioned to facilitate Bread Ahead’s expansion in the Philippines. The local expertise and established networks of SFRI will be instrumental in launching a total of 15 new bakery locations throughout the archipelago, complemented by a dedicated bakery school. This initiative aims not only to provide high-quality baked goods but also to educate and inspire locals to embrace the art of baking. The bakery school will offer workshops that cover everything from classic techniques to innovative recipes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft of baking within the community.
The choice to enter the Philippine market reflects a broader trend among international brands looking to tap into the burgeoning culinary scene in Southeast Asia. As food culture continues to evolve, there is a growing appetite for artisanal and specialty food products. The collaboration between Bread Ahead and SFRI will undoubtedly enrich the local food ecosystem, offering a blend of British baking traditions and local tastes.
Furthermore, Bread Ahead’s ambitions do not stop at the Philippine archipelago. Plans are already underway to explore opportunities for advancement into neighboring countries. Such expansions could potentially establish Bread Ahead as a leading force within the region, catering to an expanding demographic of food enthusiasts eager for international flavors and experiences.
In the context of rising interest in food-related experiences, this venture resonates with a growing trend towards experiential dining. As consumers increasingly seek out not just food but the stories behind it, the introduction of a baking school aligns perfectly with contemporary dining philosophies that prioritize engagement and education. Through this fusion of dining and learning, Bread Ahead is set to cultivate a community of baking aficionados, further enhancing its brand loyalty.
As the Philippines grapples with its own unique economic challenges and opportunities in gastronomic tourism, the timing of Bread Ahead’s launch is particularly salient. The establishment of bakeries and a school dedicated to baking empowers local entrepreneurs and creators, enriching the community by fostering skills that can translate into various facets of the local economy.
In light of such developments, the expansion of Bread Ahead serves as a beacon of possibility. It illustrates the impact of thoughtful partnership and dedicated craftsmanship in an evolving global marketplace. As the brand prepares to make its mark on the Philippines, it promises to not only deliver high-quality baked goods but also to contribute to the cultural tapestry of the nation through culinary education and engagement.
In conclusion, the arrival of Bread Ahead in the Philippines signifies a new chapter in the region’s vibrant food scene. With its commitment to excellence and community engagement through educational initiatives, this partnership is poised to leave an indelible mark on the culinary landscape. As we look forward to the opening of these new locations, there is great anticipation for the delicious innovations that will emerge from this exciting collaboration.
The ramifications of such expansions underline the dynamic intersection of global trends and local cultures, illustrating how food can serve as a bridge between communities in an increasingly interconnected world.
CS Fresh Supermarket truly lives up to its name—everything is genuinely fresh, from fruits and vegetables to the delicatessen, meat, and seafood sections.
Fruits and vegetable area
Fresh butchery and meat area
Fresh seafood
CS Fresh by Cold Storage is an upscale supermarket spanning over 2,700 sqm at Basement 1 of Great World. It’s a haven for gourmet enthusiasts, featuring bespoke butchery services, a world-class selection of beer, wine, and spirits, a fresh bakery, fresh sushi, and Singapore’s widest range of organic produce.
Wine, beer and spirits
Fresh sushi and fresh bakery
Delicatessen and fresh produce area
You will love this store from the moment you step in. Fresh flowers greet you at the entrance, accompanied by vibrant displays of colorful fruits and vegetables.
For added convenience, the “meals-to-go” section offers ready-to-eat options for those on the go. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the Tanamera Indonesia coffee bar, where you can enjoy premium coffee, refreshing drinks, and delicious food while shopping.
Kitchen on the go area
Tanamera coffee shop
CSFresh also prioritizes customer convenience with features such as free delivery for minimum orders, clear signage guiding you to counters, and self-checkout stations—an innovation worth considering in the Philippines to reduce long supermarket lines.
One more thing we like about this store is their e-waste collection bins, encouraging customers to recycle and be rewarded. You can recycle household batteries and bulbs here. Additionally, they have a Foodbank at the entrance, where customers can drop off food donations to support vulnerable families during challenging times.
Self check-out | free home delivery signage | recycle bin | Foodbank
The ambiance, look, and feel of this store make shopping a delightful experience. It’s a place you’ll not only shop at but also enjoy visiting time and again.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
The RetailWise Team recently visited Singapore, diving into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’re spotlighting standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First, we showcased FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity. Next up : Scoop Wholefoods Singapore—a collaboration between Singapore’s retail powerhouses, Gill Capital and Sydney-based Scoop Wholefoods Australia.
This store is a haven for health-conscious shoppers, offering a wide array of organic, sustainable products and a zero-waste shopping experience.
We visited the flagship location at Great World, a 9,000 sq. ft. space thoughtfully designed for eco-minded shoppers.
Tea area
The store features bulk wholefoods, a Beauty & Bath chamber, an in-house Glass Box Bakery, and even a Kombucha Bar.
Glassbox bakery
With over 2,000 products—around 80% certified Australian organic and environmentally responsible—Scoop WholeFoods embodies a commitment to sustainable, wholesome living.
Scoop Whole Beauty
Sustainable homewares
What’s especially notable is the cozy bench area where shoppers can relax, read a book, and recharge.
The raw honey section is another beautiful highlight, adding to the store’s aesthetic appeal and dedication to eco-friendly advocacy.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
RetailWise Team has recently visited Singapore, and we’re thrilled to dive into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’ll be showcasing standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First up: FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity
With an impressive 90,000 sq ft of retail space, including Unity Pharmacy on the second floor, this is the largest Fairprice store in Singapore.
What makes this store even more remarkable is that customers are greeted by a vibrant, expansive display of fresh fruits and vegetables, setting the tone with a burst of color and freshness right at the store entrance. Every visitor will find freshly delivered produce daily. They offer hydroponically grown vegetables harvested on-site, bringing farm-to-table right into the heart of the store!
The unique experiences don’t end there. Fairprice Xtra has a dining area at the core of the store, featuring zones like ‘Pick, Prep, Enjoy,’ and ‘The Kitchen,’ offering ready-to-eat meals, a dedicated sushi and sashimi area, cold cuts, pre-cut fruits, and an on-demand grill where you can select seafood or meat and have them prepared just the way you like. During our visit, we indulged in the ‘Oyster and Wine Night,’ enjoying fresh French oysters paired perfectly with wine.
The store’s layout is well-designed, with a spacious seafood section featuring farmed fish, live Dungeness crabs, and a variety of shellfish. The butchery area boasts premium selections, including grass-fed and grain-fed beef from Australia and New Zealand, catering to quality-conscious shoppers.
Fairprice Xtra also caters a have a beautiful bakery area with a wide selection of breads and pastries, a cozy café with seating area, dairy, and chilled sections. Fairprice Xtra truly is a one-stop shopping experience.
The second floor expands offerings with International and Local favorites, Sports & Leisure, Travel Essentials, Beauty & Wellness, Electronics, Home & Living, Mums & Kids, Pet Care, and Wines, Beer & Spirits.
This hypermarket exemplifies retail excellence, remaining fully stocked and organized even late into the evening, with self-service stations for weighing fruits and quick checkouts. Opened in 2019, this store is built around customer convenience and sustainability. Shoppers can have food prepped for easy home cooking, buy loose quantities of grains and nuts, and explore over 35,000 products, including 350+ local brands. A dedicated corner supports local enterprises, reinforcing FairPrice’s commitment to sustainability and customer-focused innovation. Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
I vividly remember the excitement of visiting the newest and closest hypermarket to our municipality in France with my aunt and uncle. These visits, once or twice a month on Tuesdays, were a highlight since I had no school on Wednesdays. My first stop was always the books section, where I would lose myself in reading while waiting for them to finish their shopping. Afterwards, we would eat together at the mall’s cafeteria.
In the 1970s, the hypermarket concept was predominantly developed and promoted by retailers. These large stores, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 square meters selling area, offered a wide variety of products under one roof – electronics, appliances, apparel, general merchandise, food, and non-food grocery items, along with a large fresh food area. The promise was a vast selection at affordable prices. However, this concept was controversial, posing a real threat to small independent businesses like meat shops, bakeries, and fruit and vegetable stores.
An Insightful Experience in the Hypermarket Business
Was it a coincidence that I began my professional career in the hypermarket business 15 years later? Starting in the retail industry, specifically in the hypermarket business with Auchan in 1988, was indeed a fantastic experience. Store operation managers were highly decisive in a decentralized organization, handling everything from buying to selling, with full accountability for their profit and loss statements.
Daily pep talks with the team and weekly reporting to the department head created a competitive environment for young managers. At that time, we were directly negotiating with supplier representatives, selecting promotions, and controlling daily orders.
Initiatives on planograms, coordinated with the centralized merchandise team, were welcomed. Buyers were gathering regular information on categories and products through constant communication with store operations personnel.
Our time was clearly divided between store preparation before opening and during the “re-opening” before the evening rush, administrative tasks, and supplier negotiations. Most importantly, constant communication and interaction with the store team were critical. Store personnel provided valuable feedback for young managers, benefiting from their extensive field experience and daily customer interactions.
I remember the regular sales challenges introduced by management, where we would arrive early to display our promotions extravagantly. Competition was fierce among the young managers (read: wolves!) to conquer challenges, and our creativity in showcasing the most impressive and innovative displays seemed limitless.
The principle of the concept was simple: “Low prices, strong promotions, everything under one roof, spacious cash counter lines, and ample parking to accommodate heavy customer traffic.” We felt invincible, anticipating that hypermarkets would gradually replace supermarkets and neighborhood stores. Back in the 1990s, the impact was indeed significant.
Today’s Reality: A Reflection on Decline
I travelled to Europe several times over the last three years and always made a point to visit stores, including hypermarkets. It was no different last August when I was in France and Spain. I have once again witnessed the continued decline of the hypermarket concept. There was so much space with few customers, empty cash counter lines, and a dark atmosphere – the excitement was gone.
Photo courtesy of Eric Poiret
Nevertheless, I must acknowledge the efforts made to maintain an outstanding fresh product offering with enticing displays, which still make a trip to the hypermarket worthwhile. The product selection is extensive, aiming to meet every customer’s request, even for niche items. The sheer volume on display, particularly the fish section, is impressive and tempting.
The option to choose between over-the-counter and pre-packed meat and fish is also a smart approach. The aroma of freshly baked bread and the remarkable pastry selection are highlights. The deli and cheese corner remain exciting, offering an amazing range from all over the world. New concepts, like the sushi bar and café corner, where you can have a quick breakfast or lunch with a variety of pastries and sandwiches, add a modern touch.
However, for dry food and personal care items, I see limited value. The product range is vast, but the display is uninteresting, and finding specific categories and merchandise can be challenging. There is nothing new, except perhaps the wine bar with a sommelier, and an expanded health and wellness section for the health-conscious.
For non-food items, primarily general merchandise, electronics, and apparel, there have been no significant changes or improvements in 30 years. While there are new products, the overall concept has not evolved and has even degraded in terms of attractiveness
What Happened Over The Years?
This decline is not without reason, as several factors have contributed to the hypermarket concept’s challenges, including shifts in market trends, consumer behavior, and increased competition.
Neighborhood Stores: Small supermarkets and compact hypermarkets have regained relevance. Economic considerations like rising transportation costs and a desire for more convenient shopping have favored proximity stores. Retail chains have also improved their smaller formats to offer almost everything, including fresh products and basic general merchandise, close to home. City stores in large urban areas effectively maximize small spaces to meet a wide range of needs, including fresh food and non-food categories, delivered right to your doorstep.
Specialty Stores: These stores have gained success by offering better assortments and prices in more enticing environments.
E-commerce and the Pandemic: The pandemic was a defining moment for hypermarkets. Modern retailers were pioneers in platform solutions, but e-commerce competition became fierce. All retailers now offer online platforms, and some are more relevant online than in physical stores. Independent e-commerce platforms have also emerged, creating new competition, while online food delivery options have surged.
Demographic Shifts: Changes in demographics, such as the increase in smaller households and aging populations, influence shopping behaviors. Smaller households prefer more frequent, smaller shopping trips rather than large, infrequent ones that hypermarkets accommodate.
Sustainability Concerns: Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their shopping habits, favoring stores that promote local products, reduce waste, and have smaller carbon footprints. Hypermarkets, with their extensive supply chains, can struggle to align with these values.
What’s Next? Suggestions for the Future of Hypermarkets
Retail chains have a significant opportunity to regain confidence in the hypermarket format by cultivating a mindset open to adapting to evolving customer trends and expectations. Based on my global experience in the hypermarket business, here are a few suggestions to consider.
Reduce Space: The first impression upon visiting a hypermarket at present is that it is too big. I find it difficult to understand why retail chains have not downsized existing stores over the years. In an era where prime space is valued and large boxes are losing popularity, retail chains should re-evaluate their use of space and declining sales productivity, perhaps transforming parts of hypermarkets into mall spaces, specialty stores, or dining experiences.
Improve Ambiance: It is a well-known fact that the hypermarket is a cutting-edge retail concept; unfortunately many have not evolved in terms of ambiance and visual appeal. Lighting, tiling, and visual concepts have remained unchanged for decades, and the absence of ambient music contributes to an uninviting atmosphere. Today’s customers crave experiential shopping that engages their senses – what they see, hear, and smell. This may be the perfect time to visually rebrand and transform this concept into one that is more vibrant and appealing for customers.
Enhance Customer Experience: This is probably the biggest opportunity. Rethinking the customer journey and creating engaging experiences for shoppers is key.
Given the quality of fresh offerings, there is an opportunity to emphasize and/or add dining experiences within the store, where customers can enjoy freshly prepared meals from the products they selected. This approach would engage customers’ senses, creating a strong appeal. Although this concept exists internationally in some high-end supermarkets, European retail chains have yet to embrace it strongly. Themed regional dining experiences – such as Asian, Mediterranean, or Mexican – could be introduced. With their existing volume and sourcing capabilities, hypermarket operators can additionally offer attractive price points. The challenge lies in creatively integrating dining experiences into the store layout without compromising space, customer flow, or navigation.
Similarly, there is a rise in new coffee concepts. Most hypermarkets have a basic grab-and-go coffee corner, but transforming it into a vibrant coffee shop inside the store could enhance the shopping experience. The coffee shop could be integrated near the bakery but designed to stand out visually.
For non-food items, integrating a “store within a store” concept could be beneficial. For example, Auchan could consider including a mini-Decathlon within the hypermarket, offering an immersive experience by inviting customers to try sports items in a dedicated zone.
For the electronics department, there is much room for rekindling excitement. I was once the head of this department, where customers would station themselves during home theater displays, showcasing the latest movies or concerts, with music resonating from afar. Surprisingly, during one of my hypermarket visits last August, I noticed that the TV units were switched off. While technology has evolved and most features are available in a single device, customers still desire to test and play with gadgets. Creating an engaging environment could attract customers and ultimately increase sales.
For apparel, collaborating with popular brands to create customized collections for the hypermarket could engage younger generations and revitalize the department’s offerings. These brands would have to ensure that price points remain accessible while maintaining the integrity of the concept.
Many of these suggestions have already been implemented in some modern retail chains worldwide. However, the necessary transformations in European markets appear to be occurring at a sluggish pace. Maintaining the status quo will only contribute to further decline. There is an opportunity to adapt to evolving market conditions and implement essential upgrades. Aesthetic changes alone may not be enough; a fundamental revolution in the hypermarket concept might be necessary. Benchmarking against successful markets in the US and Southeast Asia could offer valuable insights for European retail chains.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change in Hypermarkets
Reflecting on my early experiences with French hypermarkets, it’s bittersweet to witness the decline of a concept that once promised a vibrant shopping experience under one roof. The memories of bustling aisles filled with excitement contrast sharply with the empty spaces I now observe. As we look to the future, it’s clear that revitalizing the hypermarket model will require not only a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences but also a commitment to innovative and engaging shopping experiences. By embracing change and adapting to modern trends, hypermarkets can hope to rekindle the passion they once inspired in shoppers like myself.
I hope these thoughts motivate you to explore new ideas in retail and collaborate to revive the excitement that once made the hypermarket concept very special.
Eric has a solid experience of more than 35 years in the management of retail chains in the Gulf Region, Asia and France. Before becoming the Chairman of ERE, he was Managing Director for Metro Gaisano, Chief Operating Officer for ASWAAQ, a Dubai Government-owned company, and Chief Executive Officer for MAF Carrefour KSA. Eric Poiret’s expertise lies in strategic planning and operations management. Eric continues to expand his expertise by permanently keeping up with market trends through various engagements and visiting different retail markets around the world.
