French frozen food retailer Picard has plans to expand its product ranges, develop catering facilities on-site, and extend its store network, reports Les Echos.
These initiatives are part of the 'Plan 2020' scheme launched by Philippe Dailliez, CEO of Picard, two years ago. Its goal is to develop new services in order to maintain the retailer's sales.
New Initiatives
The creation of a catering space is being trialled in one of Picard's outlets near Paris, but will be expanded to around 20 stores. Customers can purchase frozen meals and heat them using the in-store microwave for €2, which Les Echos says attracts a lot of young people and students.
The retailer is also extending store opening hours. The majority of stores are now open until 8:30pm or 9pm, which generates an increase in sales of up to 15%. Home delivery is available until 10pm if customers place their order a day in advance.
According to Les Echos, Dalliez believes that frequent renewal of product ranges also boost sales. In 2016, 230 new products were launched, while 2017 has seen the introduction of 256 new products. This includes Asian, Italian, and New York food lines, and a range of nine wines.
Picard is continuing its store expansion with 20 openings in France in 2016, and a further 25 scheduled for 2017.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Solene Main. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
