Global roundup: financial results, expansion plans and tariffs

Europe

AI delivery robo-dogs, Carrefour’s new concept, plus an ecommerce pause

Just Eat is first to market with AI delivery ‘robo-dogs’. Just Eat Takeaway.com has partnered with Swiss robotics company RIVR to trial wheel-legged hybrid robots to handle restaurant orders. The AI-robots can carry up to 40 litres, travel at around 15km per hour, around pedestrians, vehicles and cyclists, and climb stairs and curbs thanks to their wheels and ‘legs’. The trial has started in Zurich, with Just Eat confirming plans to roll it out to other European cities later this year.

Michaela Jay, Insight Manager’s view: this is the next step in Just Eat’s evolution of tech-enabled delivery methods, with drone deliveries having been rolled out earlier this year in Ireland through a partnership with drone delivery operator Manna. Other retailers have been utilising tech-enabled delivery methods for quite some time now, including Amazon and Walmart’s drone deliveries, and Co-op's (in partnership with Startship Technologies) robot deliveries, finding ways to reduce last-mile costs and increase efficiencies.

Carrefour Poland launches ‘Active Food’ concept. In response to health challenges and growing shopper awareness in the market, the French retailer’s new concept is aimed at physically active individuals who value a healthy lifestyle. The category will feature around 700 specialised food products and dietary supplements.

Dan Butler, Senior Insight Analyst’s view: Carrefour is targeting expanded ranges that can help it differentiate from the discounters in the market, making it a destination for fitness conscious shoppers. The mix of brands will also help it to stand out against specialist stores, which tend to focus on one brand. For more health inspiration, see our Global health initiatives: Q2 update

Penny shelves all ecommerce plans in Germany. The discount banner of the REWE Group will not be pursuing any further online plans, across both delivery and click and collect, in its domestic market. Reasons cited for the decision include a decline in interest over time, as shoppers prefer a brick-and-mortar experience. The discounter hasn’t ruled out offering the service again, should demand increase, and REWE is continuing to grow its online offering in other markets, including Austria and the Czech Republic, both in-house and through third party partnerships.

Michela Pearson, Insight Analyst’s view: as part of its push towards efficiencies and a better in-store experience, it is unsurprising that Penny is shuttering its ecommerce plans for the time being. The online landscape in Germany is highly competitive, with pureplays like Rohlik and Picnic growing strongly and continuously expanding operations. Learnings from Austria and the Czech Republic, where REWE’s online offering is growing, may be applied to Penny’s German operations in the future, should these plans be reinstated.

Asia-Pacific

Coles’ results and 7-Eleven expansion plans

Coles Group sales grew 3.6% in FY25. Growth in sales is driven by supermarkets which gained 4.3% to AUD40 bn (US$25.9 bn), while liquor gained only 1.1% to AUD3.7 bn (US$2.4 bn). Supermarket sales were supported by volume growth across both transactions and basket sizes, underpinned by value campaigns, fewer deeper promotions and successful execution of events throughout the year. Exclusive to Coles sales increased by 5.7%, with Coles Finest continuing to be the strongest performing tier growing at 13.6%. Ecommerce sales grew 24.4%, with penetration increasing to 11.2%.

Tan Soo Eng, Senior Insight Analyst’s view: Coles has focused consistently on driving great value for shoppers. The expanded range of Coles private label, especially Coles Finest, came at the perfect time when shoppers were looking for better quality convenience meals and solutions. I expect Coles to continue to perform well in the coming months. Read the strategic outlook for Coles to understand the retailer’s additional priorities.

7-Eleven targets ambitious network expansion plans. After the failed Couche-Tard takeover attempt of Seven & i Holdings, the retailer which manages 7-Eleven has announced its long-term network expansion plans in its major markets to ease investor fears. By 2030, 7-Eleven aims to increase its North American store network by 1,300, mostly in the USA. It also aims to increase its store count in Japan by 1,000 stores heading towards 2030.

Jarred Neubronner, Senior Insight Analyst’s view: these network expansion plans reflect the confidence Seven and I Holdings’s has in its 7-Eleven banner, and the ability to capture future growth potential in the convenience channel. However, it needs to be mindful not to overexpand in Japan. In a mature market that is already highly saturated with convenience stores, most of 7-Eleven’s competitors are maintaining or even consolidating their store networks. Expanding too quickly could reduce revenue per store, especially if some of the new stores are not in the best locations. Click here to discover other priorities of Seven & i Holdings in Asia.

North America

Impacts of tariffs and Aldi expansion

Canada rolls back retaliatory tariffs, easing pressure on supply chains. The Canadian government is removing retaliatory tariffs on select US imports, originally introduced during a period of heightened trade tensions between the two countries. This marks a shift in trade relations and could reduce cost pressures for businesses sourcing from the US, especially in categories like food, beverages, and household goods, and in turn deliver price relief for Canadian shoppers.

Stewart Samuel, Director of Retail Futures’ view: Loblaw has confirmed that prices on over 4,000 impacted items will begin to come down, with tariff-related pricing removed “penny for penny” as new inventory arrives. Beyond immediate pricing effects, Loblaw’s response also highlights a longer-term shift in sourcing strategy. The retailer has added over 100 new Canadian suppliers during the trade dispute, building greater resilience and flexibility into its supply chain. This diversification not only helps mitigate future risk but could also support more competitive pricing and broader product choice for consumers.

Walmart delivers a solid Q2 despite tariff pressures. US net sales increased 4.8% with comp sales (ex-fuel) up 4.6%. Its performance was attributed to strong growth in grocery and health & wellness. Ecommerce performed especially well, growing 26%, led by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery, and its marketplace. It continues to increase advertising revenue through Walmart Connect, up 31% in the quarter. Walmart has raised its guidance for Q3, with net sales now expected to increase by 3.75% to 4.75%.

Oliver Butterworth, Senior Insight Analyst’s view: Americans associate Walmart with value, and increasingly for the convenience unlocked through its market leading omnichannel proposition. In Q2 it offered 7,400 temporary price cuts (2,000 more than last year) and increased the number of grocery roll backs by 30%. In Q1, Walmart achieved ecommerce profitability for the first time; it built on this in Q2 by improving net delivery costs and increasing sales through store-fulfilled delivery channels by almost 50%. Looking ahead, Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon’s comments on how the business is deploying AI to make digital experience even better could be worth watching.

New Target CEO looks to turn around poor performance. Target has delivered another disappointing quarter, with Q2 net sales decreasing 0.9% and comp sales down 1.9%. A 3.2% decline in store comps was partially offset by a digital comp sales increase of 4.3%. Target’s current CEO Brian Cornell is set to exit the business after more than a decade and be replaced by current COO Michael Fiddelke, effective 1 February 2026. In a statement this week, Fiddelke commented that Target was not currently realising its full potential and needed to move “much faster”.

Oliver Butterworth, Senior Insight Analyst’s view: elevated grocery prices are being exacerbated by tariffs, leading to ongoing declines in discretionary spending. Despite the encouraging growth of its grocery business (up 14.2%), most of Target’s revenue is generated by its GM sales (down 1.2%). The changes in consumption habits are evident from its sales declines for categories like apparel and home furnishings, whilst food, beverage and beauty categories grew sales. Fiddelke faces a tough challenge but can draw on 20 years’ experience in the business. Christine Leahy, lead independent director of Target’s board of directors, is optimistic about him bringing “a ‘fresh eyes’ mindset, challenging the status quo to evolve how the business operates, differentiates and delivers long-term value.”

Aldi to open first store in Central Manhattan. The discounter is continuing with its ambitious expansion across the US and will open a flagship store in New York’s iconic Times Square in 2026. The store will be part of a brand-new mixed-use building, providing shoppers in the area with a curated assortment of low-price products. Chris Daniels, Regional Vice President, claimed this store ‘will be a significant milestone for Aldi as it continues to expand access to affordable, quality groceries in the most in-demand locations across the country.’

Michela Pearson, Insight Analyst’s view: Aldi’s plan to open an additional 800 stores in the US by 2028 is in full swing. Earlier this year it opened its first stores in Las Vegas and is now targeting another major city, which will generate large amounts of local and tourist footfall. Aldi has been adapting its store formats to suit more urban locations, such as Aldi Corner Shop in Australia, and Aldi Local in the UK. This location on the heart of Manhattan will likely see enormous success thanks to the very affluent nature of this area.