Cosmetics
Dutch chain Kruidvat has developed a new store concept in three variants, which it will now roll out in Belgium as well. The chain sees plenty of chances for both offline and online expansion in Belgium.
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FMCG producers can barely keep up with the demand. After another quarter of growth, which was better than expected, Procter & Gamble (P&G) is now raising its prices.
Dutch beauty brand Rituals has found itself in the eye of a PR storm. An activist Instagram account accuses the label of treating Asian cultures disrespectfully.
Parfumado, a Dutch challenger on the perfume market, sets its sights on Belgium. The "Spotify of perfumes" sends a new fragrance every month, personalized to the customer. The start-up currently ships about 35,000 perfumes per month.
Unilever will no longer use the word 'normal' to describe different product varieties, such as 'shampoo for normal hair' or 'care for normal skin'.
For a short while, Aldi sold rapid tests to detect the Covid-19 virus, but they were sold out practically everywhere in no time. Several other retailers will soon be offering the tests as well.
Reckitt Benckiser recorded its highest ever sales growth last year, thanks to Dettol and the coronavirus. The group is now reviewing its brand portfolio to maintain the momentum: Scholl is already on its way out.
Cosmetics brand Yves Rocher is closing its outlets in the Netherlands: all seven brick-and-mortar stores will close this year, but the webshop will remain open.
Perfumery chain Douglas is reportedly planning to close 500 of its 2,400 European stores. The German retailer had previously announced it would be taking a critical look at its store network.
Unilever is investing millions in seaweed: the FMCG producer is developing cleaning agents with algae and wants to use them to create self-cleaning surfaces. The creator of products such as Cif and Dove believes it to be a promising market.
As a result of the Covid-19 crisis, Rituals has had to (temporarily) completely change its plans for the future. The company is investing heavily in digitisation and personalisation and hopes to benefit once the crisis is over.
Belgian Olivier Van den Bossche, who has been working for Metro since 2017, will lead operations at international lifestyle retailer Rituals from 1 January.
Skin care brand L'Occitane saw sales plummet by 15% due to the coronavirus crisis. Nonetheless, the French natural cosmetics chain was able to weather the storm with Asian growth and strong online performance.
Amazon is now also a pharmacist: the online giant delivers medicines to homes in the United States, including prescription medication. In doing so, Jeff Bezos' company gains insight into the medical condition of its customers.
In Amsterdam, lifestyle brand Rituals has opened a first flagship store that adds new services and products in a unique world of experience. If the concept is successful, branches in more capitals will follow.
Dutch cosmetics chain Rituals had hoped to reach a turnover of a billion euros this year, but Covid-19 decided otherwise. The new aim: avoid a turnover drop.
