Coop Sweden is expanding its partnership with food company Scan Sweden to boost its Swedish-farmed pork products offering.
The retailer will implement a new and uniform display signage across all stores as it seeks to drive growth in Coop’s meat departments by allowing customers to make informed choices.
The initiative will also involve a shift from traditional trough packaging to more sustainable vacuum packaging, the retailer added.
Additionally, Scan Sweden will increase its in-store presence to focus on sales-driving activities.
Maria Dundeberg, commercial director at Scan Sweden, added, “Scan is a brand that enjoys a high level of trust among consumers, and we are very confident that this partnership and our increased presence will help boost sales in Coop’s meat category.”
Lidl Belgium To Cease Tobacco Sales
Lidl Belgium has reaffirmed its commitment to permanently stop selling tobacco products in its stores.
The retailer added that this decision will remain in force even if future regulatory changes permit sales again.
Lidl said that its decision is a long-term strategic choice aimed at promoting a smoke-free generation and a healthy lifestyle.
Lidl spokesperson Isabelle Colbrandt explained, “We want to be a reliable partner in promoting a healthy lifestyle. That is why we have decided that, regardless of future political decisions regarding a ban, we will not return to the sale of tobacco products.”
Separately, Belgian trade federation Comeos is advocating for a ban on tobacco and vaping products for future generations, aiming for a tobacco-free society.
The federation believes this approach demonstrates retailers’ commitment to social responsibility.
Silent Hours In Cactus Stores
Luxembourg-based retailer Cactus has implemented silent hours in four of its stores.
During the designated hours, participating stores dim their lighting, stop music, and turn off screens.
The initiative is part of the national silent hours initiative, led by the Ministry of Family Affairs, Integration and the Greater Region in collaboration with the Luxembourg Confederation. It aims to offer a calmer and more inclusive shopping experience.
The company added that silent hours are observed on Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 10:00 am and Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Cactus is participating in a broader industry shift in Luxembourg, with companies such as Auchan and E.Leclerc also adopting similar measures, online publication Virgule.lu reported.
Currently, approximately 40 Luxembourg stores from different companies have integrated the silent hours initiatives into their operational schedules.
Salling Expands Robotic Warehouse
Denmark’s Salling Group is investing DKK 100 million (€13.4 million) to expand its robotic warehouse in Skejby, north of Aarhus, by 7,000 square metres.
This expansion will make the facility 50% larger, the company noted.
The decision follows 250% growth in the Salling’s online business over the past three years, and increased demand from customers, particularly in Zealand.
The larger warehouse will accommodate a wider range of products, increase capacity, and improve speed and availability for online customers, as well as support the opening of new stores in Copenhagen and Rødovre.
Marianne Bedsted, CEO of Salling at Salling Group, explained, “Our online business has grown significantly, and we are continuously making a larger part of the range available online.
“This places new demands on how we work with inventory and product flow, and the expansion of the warehouse also helps ensure a better experience for customers on salling.dk.”
The new facility is expected to be operational in early 2027, coinciding with Salling Group’s 120th anniversary.
Additional reporting by Julie Bréda.