Top 7 grocery retail stories from around the world
ShelfLife’s pick of the week’s top global industry stories from around the world, focusing on grocery retail
Print13 July 2026
From retail tech moves to brand shake-ups, supply chain shifts, and in-store innovation, this week’s round-up spotlights the key developments reshaping the grocery industry worldwide.
Whether it’s a strategic pivot by a major retailer or a breakthrough in how food gets from shelf to shopper, these are the stories you can’t afford to miss.
1) M&S expands Amazon fashion to Netherlands
Marks & Spencer has expanded its fashion partnership with Amazon to the Netherlands, making more than 1,000 womenswear, menswear and childrenswear products available to Dutch customers through Amazon.nl.
The move builds on launches in France, Germany, Spain and Italy and supports M&S’ international growth strategy following strong marketplace sales growth in the Netherlands.
2) Tesco explores Central European business sale
Tesco is exploring a potential sale of its Central European operations in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, according to the Financial Times, as it reviews strategic options for the business.
The retailer has not confirmed the reports, but any deal would further sharpen its focus on its core UK and Ireland operations.
3) French watchdog clears Auchan-Intermarché franchise deal
France’s competition authority has approved the conversion of 167 Auchan supermarkets and hypermarkets to operate under the Intermarché and Netto banners through a franchise agreement, according to RetailDetail EU.
The unconditional clearance paves the way for the retailers to complete the deal, which is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of the stores in the French grocery market.
4) Heatwave sends UK retail footfall sliding
UK retail footfall fell in June as record heatwave temperatures kept shoppers indoors, with high streets experiencing the sharpest decline, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Total UK footfall dropped 3.4% year on year, while high street visits fell 6.2%, highlighting the continued pressure on bricks-and-mortar retailers despite stronger performances in retail parks and shopping centres.
5) Sampo Päällysaho takes helm at Tokmanni Group
Sampo Päällysaho has officially assumed the role of chief executive officer of Tokmanni Group, succeeding Mika Rautiainen following his retirement on 6 July.
Päällysaho said his immediate focus will be on driving profitable growth, strengthening the retailer’s customer-centric approach and leading the development of Tokmanni Group’s next strategic phase across Finland, Sweden and Denmark.
6) Lidl Plus reaches 120 million users worldwide
Lidl has completed the global rollout of its Lidl Plus loyalty app with its US launch, taking the platform to more than 120 million users across 32 countries, according to Retail Technology Innovation Hub.
The retailer said the global platform will enable faster innovation, more personalised customer experiences and greater use of AI, while strengthening links between its physical stores and digital channels.
7) French heatwave sparks air conditioning rush
French shoppers are rushing to buy air conditioning units as the country braces for its third heatwave of 2026, according to France24.
Police were called to some Paris-area supermarkets after crowds gathered for discounted cooling units as temperatures are forecast to exceed 40°C in parts of the country.
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