Retail fuel: price war looming in Oz

Competition is hotting up between Coles Myer [CML.AX ] and Woolworths [WOW.AX] in the fuel retailing sector. Coles Myer is rebranding 150 service stations in Victoria and is expected to offer an even more attractive discount scheme to its rival. With Woolworths further expanding its fuel retailing operations, and both companies operating discount schemes, the market is heading towards a price war.

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Petroplus: Tango up for grabs

Petroplus' sale of unmanned operator Tango is expected to generate significant interest amongst Benelux fuel retailers. With the unmanned sector expected to grow rapidly in the region, and throughputs at Tango sites twice the national average, the operation is likely to be attractive to a number of oil majors.<BR /><BR /><BR />

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7-Eleven: shaping the convenience industry

Dallas-based 7-Eleven [SE] has grown to become a giant in the convenience store business, in terms of both sales and the immense influence it exercises over the product mix in the industry. Its commitment to product innovation has proved profitable but manufacturer support is required to sustain the flow of new products into the future.

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UK forecourt shops: per site sales to reach E771,000 by 2007

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Somerfield: Kwik exit for convenience

Somerfield's [SOF.L] decision to lose the Kwik Save brand in Scotland will allow the retailer to concentrate on its Mace convenience stores, in line with similar moves by the giants of the grocery retail sector. As supermarkets see their margins tighten, because of intense competition in the sector, this diversification gives them a new growth area.

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Londis: still waiting for its knight in shining armor

Given that convenience store retailing is a major growth area, Londis shareholders may be right to hold out for the best offer they can. The Lancelot offer valued Londis at GBP3 million more than a recommended offer by Musgrave, but shareholder groups are determined to maximize their returns by recommending the latter.

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Fuel retail: Ireland gears up for first motorway service stations

Several new motorway service stations are expected to open on the Emerald Isle over the next couple of years, and leading petrol retailers such as Statoil [STL.OL], Esso and Texaco would be foolish not to seize this fresh opportunity to capture a larger share of the Irish market for both fuel and non-fuel products.

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Soaring stress levels drive British consumers to splash out on premium treats

British consumers spent a total of GBP920 million on premium treats and comfort foods in 2003. With consumer expenditure on premium indulgence set to increase by 27% to GBP1.2 billion in 2008, Datamonitor's Lawrence Gould suggests the treating occasion represents an opportunity to capitalize on consumers' desire for quality over value for money...

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Somerfield: shoppers move out, suitors move in

UK supermarket and c-store chain Somerfield [SOF.L] saw like for like sales down 0.4% for the 2004/5 financial year, citing fierce competition and toughening UK retail conditions. To complicate matters further, Somerfield is also the subject of intense takeover speculation, something that will make its efforts to fend off rivals such as Tesco more challenging still in the short-term.

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BP/Marks & Spencer: top marks

BP has announced plans to join forces with Marks & Spencer to pilot eight Simply Food stores on the forecourt from Autumn 2005. While at first glance M&S's upscale food proposition may seem an unlikely fit with fuel sales, Simply Food has been a major success in the UK c-store space, and its arrival on the forecourt is a logical move.

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