Europe roundup: retail growth levers and differentiation

Aldi Süd investing in Filipino retailer   

The German discounter has acquired a stake in Filipino retailer Dali, which was first established in 2020 and now has a network of over 1,300 stores. Dali was set up to emulate the success of the hard discount model. Exact details about the deal have not been disclosed, but Dali will continue to operate independently as it looks to grow further in the market. 

Senior Insight Analyst, Michela Pearson’s view:

Dali has seen impressive growth since its inception, with its application of the European discount model a first in the Filipino market. Aldi Süd’s investment, with a hands-off approach, is meant to support strong expansion ambitions. This could be a signal of how Aldi wants to expand into new markets moving forwards, as it has not entered a new market since its expansion into China in 2019. 

Intermarché transforms two Auchan stores 

In August, Intermarché officially transformed the first two Auchan supermarkets into an Intermarché Express and a Intermarché. The stores, located in Maurepas and Blanquefort, report a revenue per square metre ranging from €6,000-€8,000. With the switch over of 167 stores set to roll out across France from the 27^th September 2026 until the end of April 2027. It is expected to happen over five waves, with store closing for up to three weeks while converting to the new brand.  

Senior Insight Analyst, Lucy Beaumont's view:  

With the official start of the roll out, these test stores will impact the how quickly the remaining network is converted and whether any adjustments will be needed before wider deployment. It is an exciting movement from Auchan, with its supermarket channel historically posing a challenge in France, however the move could support Les Mousquetaires’ ambition to reach 20% market share by 2028.  

REWE launches limited-edition organic private label range 

In a first for the retailer, REWE is introducing 20 limited-edition seasonal products to its organic private label, REWE Bio. Inspired by the autumn and winter, it includes products like walnut ricotta pesto, cinnamon roll cream, and pumpkin spice agave syrup. While maintaining the REWE Bio packaging, it features some seasonal imagery to make it stand out more on the shelf. 

Senior Insight Analyst, Michela Pearson’s view: 

REWE has been expanding its private label offering recently, adding a new protein range  just last week. It is also expanding its organic assortment via a partnership with Alnatura. These initiatives showcase how big box retailers are continually adapting their assortment to meet shopper needs, and presents opportunities for suppliers to bring ideas around innovative, on-trend and seasonal products to conversations. 

Carrefour Spain launches a unique project  

Carrefour Spain has launched ‘Welcome to the Club’ its first fictional series set in the world of its hypermarkets. The retailer is going beyond the traditional means of commercial campaigns, with six eight-minute episodes, on Movistar Plus for all subscribers of the platform. This project brings together Carrefour and twelve major consumer brands. This initiative is part of Carrefour's strategy to offer its supplier brands new ways to increase their visibility and connect with customers, going beyond conventional advertising formats. 

Senior Insight Analyst, Lucy Beaumont's view: 

Carrefour Spain is an innovating retailer, and brings a new initiative to shake up traditional advertising campaigns. Connecting with shoppers through comedy and really bringing to life the brand as well as its supplier brands. The is potential to open a new revenue stream for retailers and provide suppliers with alternative routes to build brand awareness. Furthermore, as the hypermarket channel faces challenges, it help to redefine the space and reinforcing the channels relevance, especially as online shopping continues to grow. Check out Carrefour’s strategic outlook.