Cora to invest in Belgian hypermarkets | Progresiv
Louis Delhaize-owned Cora has announced a new strategy to turnaround its hypermarkets in Belgium. The new impetus comes after a lacklustre response to its previously publicised attempt to rejuvenate the format’s prospects. 
According to reports in the local press, Cora’s sales dropped by 5% in 2016, to 559.6 million euros, from a confirmed figure of 589 million euros in 2015, continuing a longstanding downward trend. To turn this around Louis Delhaize is planning a new 25 million euros recapitalisation programme.
The investment is part of a wider effort to improve the store environment for shoppers. This will come through simplifying the shopping experience, with investment to be made in a new checkout layout. Cora also envisages making changes to store’s layouts, with more emphasis given to fresh produce and its counters, both meat and fish.
Cora has also said that investment will be made to digitise its offer and evolve its omnichannel skill and scale. It noted this will involve integrating its wine site into its offer, while also building better links with its standalone, click and collect sites, under the Wink brand.
Wink extended its reach in 2016, adding new pick-up points in Belgium, while trialling a new solution with a site at Ottignies Station. The pick-up point in the station’s car park enables shoppers to collect orders made through the Wink app or web site. The new trial adds a third solution to Wink’s offer, complementing the home delivery service available through bpost and the pick-up points on Total petrol forecourt stations and at AMP warehouses. (www.igd.com)
