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<ul><li><keyword id="19897349" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ola-Electric" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Ola Electric" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Ola Electric">Ola Electric</keyword> has announced its plans to expand its sales and service infra to 10,000 outlets.</li><li>The company said it plans on reaching this by the end of 2025 and has initiated a network partner programme.</li><li>The programme is aimed at pushing sales into tier-2 and tier-3 cities.</li></ul>Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Electric on Thursday said it will establish 10,000 sales and service outlets by the end of 2025 to expand its reach across smaller cities and towns. The electric two-wheeler maker said it has initiated a network partner programme aimed at taking EV sales further into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, including urban pockets where EV penetration remains low. Under the initiative, the company has reportedly on-boarded 625 partners to expand its sales footprint across India, it said in a statement. The company further plans to have 1,000 partners ahead of the festive season this year, it added. <div type="twitter" handle="bhash" handlename="bhash" favoritecount="0" retweetcount="0" id="1839215479480549447"></div> Ola Electric said it aggressively plans to expand its network by on-boarding 10,000 partners, across sales and service, by the end of 2025. This, the company claims will give it an edge over its competitors. The company currently has around 800 company-owned stores, and with the network partner programme, it will have nearly 1,800 sales and service touch points ahead of the upcoming festive season. "Our D2C model has been extremely successful in driving sustainable business growth. The Network Partner Program will further amplify the benefits of our D2C network as it requires limited capital investment from partners and can be scaled up really fast," Ola Electric Chairman and MD Bhavish Aggarwal stated. While the company-owned stores will be the anchors of sales and service network, this programme will be instrumental in expanding the EV footprint deeper into the urban and rural markets, he added. "We will continue to expand and invest in our front-end network to accelerate EV adoption to #EndICEAge, and by the end of next year, will have 10,000 Network Partners across the country," Aggarwal said. Ola Electric sells electric scooters and bikes priced from ₹74,999 to ₹1,99,999. Ola Electric reported a sale of 27,506 units in August 2024, up from 18,749 vehicles sold in August 2023, reporting a 46.7% year-on-year growth. This is however lower than its July 2024 sales of 41,711 vehicles. The sale of <keyword id="19895203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electric-vehicles" source="keywords">electric vehicles</keyword> has slowed down, amid reduced subsidies, an increase in customer issues with the vehicles and more. With inputs from agencies. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-is-using-ai-powered-technology-to-block-spam-calls-and-messages/articleshow/113691942.cms">Airtel is using AI-powered technology to block spam calls and messages</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/webstories/diffusion-engineers-ipo-quick-review-ipo-gmp-risk-factors-and-more/slidelist/113687580.cms">Diffusion Engineers IPO quick review – IPO GMP, risk factors and more</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/manba-finance-ipo-allotment-how-to-check-allotment-ipo-gmp-listing-date-and-more/articleshow/113667907.cms">Manba Finance IPO allotment – How to check allotment, IPO GMP, listing date and more</a>

Ola Electric plans to expand sales and service infra to 10,000 outlets by 2025-end

<ul><li><keyword id="6354427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple" source="Orion">Apple</keyword> will be opening four new stores in India</li><li>The company will also manufacture <keyword id="19899647" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="iPhone-16" source="keywords">iPhone 16</keyword> in India</li><li>The <keyword id="20054650" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Made-in-India" source="keywords">made in India</keyword> iPhones are expected to launch this month</li></ul> Apple has announced plans to open four new stores in India, expanding its presence in the country. The new locations will be in Pune, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, and Mumbai, a PTI report says. This follows the opening of Apple's first two Indian stores in 2023, one in Mumbai and the other in New Delhi. In addition to this, the tech giant also revealed that it will soon launch the <keyword id="20656465" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iPhone-16-Pro" source="keywords">iPhone 16 Pro</keyword> and <keyword id="20746828" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="iPhone-16-Pro-Max" source="keywords">iPhone 16 Pro Max</keyword> models in India. In a statement, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail, Deirdre O’Brien, talked about the company’s excitement about the expansion. He said, "We're thrilled to build our teams as we plan to open more stores in India because we're inspired by the creativity and passion of our customers across this country. We can't wait for them to have even more opportunities to discover and shop for our amazing products and services, and connect with our extraordinary, knowledgeable team members." <h2>When will Apple launch Made in India iPhone 16 series?</h2> As per the PTI report, Apple announced that the iPhone 16 series smartphones will be now manufactured in India. "Apple is now manufacturing the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, in India," the statement said. The “Made in India” devices will be available locally and exported to select countries, with supplies expected to begin this month. Apple has been manufacturing iPhones in India since 2017, and this marks the first time the entire iPhone 16 lineup, including high-end models, will be produced domestically. The company's statement added, "Manufactured in India iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max will soon be available for our local customers and for export to select countries across the world." <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113895239" title="Apple Diwali sale in India goes live: iPhones, Macbooks and Airpods get discounts" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> <h2><keyword id="19941643" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Apple-stores" source="keywords">Apple stores</keyword> in India </h2> Last year, Apple made headlines with the grand opening of its first two retail stores in India. The Mumbai store, located at Jio World Drive mall in Bandra Kurla Complex, opened on April 18, followed by the New Delhi store at Select Citywalk Mall in Saket. Both events attracted large crowds of Apple fans, and CEO Tim Cook was present at the openings, talking about the importance of the Indian market. Now, as the Cupertino-based tech giant is gearing up to open more stores in the country, it can be said that the move underlines Apple’s commitment to expanding its footprint in India, which is becoming an increasingly important market. According to the PTI report, people aware about the development say that the new stores are likely to be opened next year. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113902265" title="Nvidia’s ChatRTX could be your alternative to ChatGPT for reading long documents, and it doesn’t need an internet connection" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div> During an investor call last year, Cook had highlighted Apple’s strong performance in India, saying that the company had achieved an all-time revenue record in the country. He had also said that India offers significant growth opportunities, with a growing middle class and increasing demand for premium products. Cook had also expressed optimism about the success of Apple’s Indian operations.

Apple to manufacture iPhone 16 in India, set to open new stores in Pune, Bengaluru

<keyword id="19896956" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="swiggy" source="keywords">Swiggy</keyword>'s quick commerce platform, <keyword id="19939135" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="swiggy-instamart" source="keywords">Swiggy Instamart</keyword>, is expanding its reach across India, bringing its services to a total of 43 cities. The platform, which promises delivery of daily essentials in just 10 minutes, has recently launched in 11 new cities over the past two months, including Rajkot, Thrissur, <keyword id="19936741" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mangalore" source="keywords">Mangalore</keyword>, Kanpur, Udaipur, Warangal, Salem, Amritsar, <keyword id="19967908" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bhopal" source="keywords">Bhopal</keyword>, Varanasi, and Ludhiana. This marks a significant push into Tier 2 and 3 cities, reflecting the company’s strategy to grow beyond its strong presence in metropolitan areas. In these new locations, customers can order a wide variety of items, including groceries, electronics, beauty products, and home supplies, all delivered within a 10-minute timeframe. One of the key elements of Swiggy Instamart’s growth strategy is its partnership with local vendors and brands, ensuring that customers in each city have access to regionally relevant products. In Mangalore, for instance, popular local names like Narans Foods and Ideal Icecream are now available on the platform. In Bhopal, customers can order from local brands such as Top N Town Breads and Andaah, while residents in Thrissur can find products from Milma Milk and Navua Bakers. This localised approach has helped the company attract a broader customer base, catering to regional tastes while maintaining the convenience of quick commerce. The company says that it has seen positive results from its recent expansion into these smaller markets. In Mangalore, one of the newly launched cities, a Swiggy Instamart store reached 1,000 orders in a single day faster than in many larger cities. Thrissur also set a benchmark by processing over 1,000 orders in just four minutes. Even in challenging weather conditions, such as the rain in Bhopal, the platform maintained full service availability, with 40% of orders being delivered on time despite adverse conditions. Swiggy Instamart’s CEO, <keyword id="22954620" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="amitesh-jha" source="keywords">Amitesh Jha</keyword>, noted the strong response from these smaller cities, stating that the enthusiastic demand has encouraged the platform to continue its expansion. "Users across India already recognize the convenience Swiggy provides," he said in a press release and added, "The enthusiastic demand from smaller towns and cities has been incredibly encouraging. Our expansion into these new locations marks a significant milestone, allowing even more people to experience the ease of having thousands of products—from everyday essentials to electronics and toys—delivered in just 10 minutes from both national and local brands." Looking ahead, Swiggy Instamart plans to deepen its presence in Tier 2 and 3 markets by expanding its network of dark stores—small, dedicated storage facilities used for rapid delivery. This move will help the platform manage the expected rise in demand during the upcoming festive season, a time when quick commerce services tend to see a spike in orders.

Swiggy Instamart launches in 11 new cities, says expansion in smaller markets has yielded positive results

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Wendy's says will close 140 "outdated" stores this year, leaving its growth count flat for 2024.</li><li>The company said Thursday the move will set the chain up for faster expansion in the coming years.</li></ul>Wendy's is pulling off the Band-Aid.The fast-food chain said Thursday that it will close 140 "outdated" stores in underperforming areas this year, ahead of schedule.Wendy's has 7,000 worldwide locations, and previously said it expected to close around 100 locations this year. The company has opened more than 500 locations in the last two years.While the additional 140 closures will leave Wendy's growth count flat for 2024, CEO Kirk Tanner said it sets the company up for <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wendys-breakfast-is-just-as-good-as-mcdonalds-2021-11">faster expansion</a> starting next year.Tanner said annual sales and profit margins at the closing locations are far below the overall company average. CFO Gunther Plosch added that these locations would have been closed over the next three years."We have designed this initiative to ensure that, over time, many of these units will be replaced by new restaurants at better locations with significantly improved sales and profitability," Tanner said during Wendy's third-quarter earnings call.Wendy's is in the home stretch of a redesign it began two years ago that features <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wendys-restaurant-design-parking-pick-mobile-orders-delivery-food-photos-2022-8">new tech and drive-thru improvements</a>, with nearly 90% of restaurants completed.Tanner said the redesign allows employees to work more efficiently, simplifies delivery orders, improves customer satisfaction, and boosts sales and profitability above current system-wide averages.The company previously said that the new design costs nearly 10% less to build and is cheaper for franchisees to operate, with more efficient lighting, energy usage, and redesigned kitchens."The overall strategy and initiative here is to build on an already strong system. This initiative makes us even stronger," Tanner said Thursday.

Wendy's is closing another 140 'outdated' stores as it looks to build out new higher-tech locations

New Delhi, Men's fashion brand <keyword id="1567712" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="snitch" source="Orion">Snitch</keyword> looks to expand its presence in small cities and towns and open at least 7-8 offline stores in places like Surat, Mumbai and Pune this financial year, a top company official said. The company has a good presence in Tier-1 and -II cities, Snitch founder <keyword id="16273158" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="siddharth-dungarwal" source="Orion">Siddharth Dungarwal</keyword> said. The company has its largest consumer base in Mumbai and Pune followed by Delhi NCR and Bengaluru at present. "The next set of strategies for us is to penetrate deeper into the tiers and geographies, into the Tier III and -IV plus in terms of team building," Dungarwal told PTI. The fashion brand also looking to open 7-8 offline stores this fiscal and take the number of stores to 22 in the next financial year. "Expanding our offline stores now, we'll be doing at least seven to eight offline stores in places like Surat, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad by FY24," he added. The fashion brand started its journey as a B2B player in 2019. It expects a revenue of Rs 250 crore in the current fiscal. "We did Rs 11 crores in FY21 in terms of net revenue, in year two we did Rs 44 crores in revenue (FY22). In our third year, we closed at Rs 110 crore in FY23 and this year we should close at Rs 250 crore," he said. The company launched their app about two years ago with over two million downloads of the app and 55 per cent of the revenue coming through the same, Dungarwal said. We've acquired about 1.5 million customers till now, and our target is to reach a sort of 25 million plus consumers in the next four years, he added. The bootstrapped company plans an IPO by FY29, Dungarwal said.

Fashion brand Snitch looks to open 7-8 offline stores in FY24

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Bitcoin's blockchain is slowly becoming more than just a buy-and-hold platform.</li><li>Programmers have been expanding its functionality, which could lead to fresh demand.</li></ul><a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/btc-usd?utm_medium=ingest&amp;utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest&amp;utm_source=markets">Bitcoin's</a> 2024 <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/bitcoin-price-outlook-forecast-cryptocurrency-catalyst-regulation-interest-rates-trump-2024-5?_gl=1*3jekdi*_ga*MTMxNDIwNDI1Ni4xNjc1Njg3OTU4*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTcxNzE3ODE4Ny4yODAuMS4xNzE3MTgwMzUxLjYwLjAuMA..">catalysts may seem a thing of the past</a>, but programmers are fueling future upside from behind the scenes. For most of its existence, the top cryptocurrency has caught market attention as a buy-and-hold asset, and this store of value appeal has led to explosive gains. Aside from this, the blockchain hasn't offered investors much else to do. "Despite bitcoin's diverse use cases, it is primarily viewed as either 'digital gold' for inflation mitigation or a currency alternative that lets participants transact in a decentralized, peer-to-peer (P2P) environment," a Chainalysis note said in March. "It typically has not been viewed as the blockchain on which you can build."That puts bitcoin a step behind certain competing networks, especially Ethereum. On that platform, investors have been free to transact different cryptocurrencies, or gain exposure to non-fungible tokens and DeFi. And with <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/currencies/eth-usd">Ethereum's native crypto</a> now approved for its own set of spot ETFs, some analysts expect these <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/ether-ethereum-crypto-price-outlook-forecast-etf-approval-regulation-supply-2024-5?_gl=1*12r9kxb*_ga*MTMxNDIwNDI1Ni4xNjc1Njg3OTU4*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTcxNzE3NTc0OC4yNzkuMC4xNzE3MTc1NzQ4LjYwLjAuMA..">tech advantages to trigger a bull run towards it</a>.But bitcoin is catching up.While programmers have tried for years to expand its functionality, the launch of the Ordinals protocol last year spurred new momentum. This system is what allows the blockchain to finally host digital data beyond the bitcoin token, such as NFTs.Then came BRC-20 tokens. Building off the Ordinals mechanism, the protocol allows tokens to be minted and traded directly on the blockchain, and new cryptocurrencies have hit bitcoin in droves."The Ordinals protocol enabled the growth of memecoins on the bitcoin blockchain, leading to a surge in liquidity within the BTC ecosystem in record time. Since the protocol's inception, tens of thousands of BRC-20 tokens, with a combined market capitalization exceeding $2 billion, have been issued," Gracy Chen, CEO of the crypto-exchange Bitget, told Business Insider over email.Memecoins and NFTs may for now appeal more to those seeking fun, but this is good news for price-minded investors as well, she said. Added to that are bitcoin's inroads into scaling solutions and DeFi, helping boost transaction demand.Though key technical differences will still remain between bitcoin and ethereum, she said, replicating its functionality could send bitcoin surging five times over in just a matter of years, Chen said. That's based on the Total Value Locked, or the amount of assets staked on the bitcoin protocol. Currently, this metric is roughly inline with where ethereum stood just before it hit a parabolic boom between 2020 and 2021.In Ethereum's case, new DeFi functions and fresh coin launches triggered the seismic rise, and ether jumped 3,702% from peak-to-trough. For bitcoin, surging BRC-20 adoption could be the basis for its own — albeit less amplified — surge:"Despite bitcoin's higher capitalization, it may not experience growth as meteoric as ETH did in 2020, given the absence of a low base effect and stricter regulatory conditions. However, even a twofold weaker surge could still result in a fivefold increase in the leading cryptocurrency's value," Chen wrote in a note.Since their inception in March, close to <a href="https://dune.com/dgtl_assets/bitcoin-ordinals-analysis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">67 million BRC-20 inscriptions</a> have been made.The explosive popularity has boosted profits for cryptominers, who get paid a certain fee for minting these assets. While transaction fees were rarely a primary source of revenue, surging activity is changing industry mindsets, Galaxy Co-Head of Mining Brian Wright said."We see these events occur, you know, probably not sustainably, but throughout the year, there's going to be some periods where miners may be more profitable than they thought they were going to be just as a result of transaction fees," he told the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVcdLs-nFgU" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Galaxy Brain podcast</a> in April.

Bitcoin is undergoing a tech expansion that one expert says will drive 5-fold growth in just 2 years

The Budget 2024-2025 announcement by Union Finance Minister <keyword id="19916618" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman" source="keywords">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> saw productivity and resilience in <keyword id="19931887" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agriculture" source="keywords">agriculture</keyword> being prioritised above all else. With a desire to turn focus on <keyword id="19934969" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="farmers" source="keywords">farmers</keyword>, or Annadatas, ₹1.52 lakh crore has been allocated for agriculture and its allied sectors. This is quite an increase from the Interim Budget announcement of ₹1.27 lakh crore in February 2024. It is being speculated that this substantial focus on the agricultural sector stems from the BJP's vote share dipping in semi-urban and rural areas during the recent Lok Sabha elections. In fact, when Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> returned for a third term in office, the first file he signed was for the release of the 17th instalment of the PM <keyword id="22000840" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kisan-nidhi" source="keywords">Kisan Nidhi</keyword> scheme, ET reported. However, the government's commitment to transforming agriculture and potentially the lives of Indian farmers could lead to the agricultural sector growing at 3.7% in the current fiscal, compared to 1.4% last year, as per the CII. <h2>Key initiatives in agriculture</h2>Transforming Agriculture Research The government is set to conduct a comprehensive review of the agricultural research framework, with an emphasis on enhancing productivity and developing climate-resilient crop varieties. Funding will be allocated on a challenge basis, including to private sector initiatives. This research will be overseen by domain experts from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. Release of New Varieties A total of 109 new high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of 32 field and horticulture crops will be introduced for farmers to cultivate. Promoting Natural Farming In the next two years, the government plans to transition one crore farmers to natural farming practices, supported by certification and branding efforts. This initiative will be carried out through scientific institutions and willing <keyword id="20030597" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gram-panchayats" source="keywords">gram panchayats</keyword>, with 10,000 bio-input resource centers to be established based on need. Missions for Pulses and Oilseeds To achieve self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds, the government will strengthen their production, storage, and marketing. As outlined in the interim budget, a strategy is being implemented to attain 'atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) for oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111930255" title="Economic Survey calls for urgent agricultural reforms; cites growth hurdles" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Vegetable Production &amp; Supply Chains Large-scale clusters for vegetable production will be developed near major consumption centers. The government will support Farmer-Producer Organizations, cooperatives, and startups to streamline the vegetable supply chain, including collection, storage, and marketing. Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture Building on the success of a pilot project, the government, in partnership with states, will facilitate the implementation of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture over the next three years. This year, a digital crop survey for Kharif crops will be conducted in 400 districts, integrating details of six crore farmers and their lands into registries. Additionally, Jan Samarth-based Kisan Credit Cards will be issued in five states. Shrimp Production &amp; Export Financial support will be provided to establish a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres for shrimp broodstocks. NABARD will facilitate financing for shrimp farming, processing, and export. National Cooperation Policy A new National Cooperation Policy will be introduced to promote systematic and comprehensive development of the cooperative sector. This policy aims to fast-track rural economic growth and create large-scale employment opportunities. <h2>Budget allocation highlights</h2><ul><li>PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi: Will be retaining its allocation of ₹60,000 crore to provide direct financial assistance to 11.8 crore small and marginal farmers.</li><li>Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Allocated funds to provide crop insurance to four crore farmers, protecting them from adverse weather conditions.</li><li>e-NAM Expansion: Integration of 1,361 mandis into the e-NAM platform to enhance market efficiency and transparency, benefiting 1.8 crore farmers with an expected trading volume of ₹3 lakh crore.</li></ul><h2>Government committed to Polavaram irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh</h2>The Finance Minister said that the government is fully committed to financing and expeditiously completing the Polavaram irrigation project, which is considered a lifeline for Andhra Pradesh and its farmers. <h2>Future directions</h2>The government aims to increase public and private investment in post-harvest infrastructure and supply chains, promoting aggregation, modern storage, and efficient processing to reduce losses and improve food security. Additionally, the dairy and fisheries sectors will see significant development, with initiatives to boost productivity and exports, contributing to a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111951205" title="Budget 2024-25: Changes to tax slabs, increased standard deduction and other changes to direct taxation" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

What does Union Budget 2024-2025 have in store for farmers and the agricultural sector?

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Aldi is buying 397 supermarkets across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.</li><li>Some will stay as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores while others will be converted to Aldis.</li></ul>Aldi is buying 397 supermarkets across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi as it expands its US retail empire.The German discount retailer <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://corporate.aldi.us/fileadmin/fm-dam/newsroom/Press_Releases/ALDI_to_Acquire_Winn-Dixie_and_Harveys_Supermarket_to_Continue_Growth_in_the_Southeast.pdf">said</a> on Wednesday that it was buying all of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket's locations from parent company Southeastern Grocers for an undisclosed price.Some of the stores will be converted to Aldis, while others will continue to operate as Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores, Aldi CEO Jason Hart said in a statement.The majority of the stores being acquired – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://corporate.aldi.us/fileadmin/fm-dam/newsroom/Press_Releases/ALDI_Makes_a_Big_Move_for_Southeast_Shoppers.pdf">299</a> – are in Florida. The deal also includes 39 in Alabama, 28 in Louisiana, 25 in Georgia, and six in Mississippi.Aldi has previously announced plans to have <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://corporate.aldi.us/fileadmin/fm-dam/newsroom/Press_Releases/ALDI_Adding_120_New_Stores_Nationwide_in_2023.pdf">2,400 stores</a> across the US by the end of 2023. Walmart, in comparison, has <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://stock.walmart.com/financials/unit-counts-and-square-footage/default.aspx">more than 4,500 stores</a> in the US while Kroger has <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://s1.q4cdn.com/137099145/files/doc_downloads/2023/08/2023-pdf-fact-book.pdf">more than 2,700</a>.Aldi was the fastest-growing grocer in the US in 2022 for the fourth year running despite opening less than 60% of the stores it had planned to open that year, according to a report by real-estate company <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.us.jll.com/en/trends-and-insights/research/grocery-tracker">JLL</a>. Aldi has <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://cr.aldisouthgroup.com/en/responsibility/simply-responsible/company-profile#acc-847565848-net-sales">more than 50,000 employees</a> across the US.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aldis-us-popularity-middle-income-inflation-cheap-prices-costs-stores-2022-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">Aldi operates with strict cost-cutting measures</a>. It sticks largely to private-label products, meaning it can keep prices low by ordering in bulk and spending less on marketing and packaging. It also sells products straight from the shipping pallets they're delivered in, keeps its stores compact to maximize efficiency, makes customers pack their own bags, and avoids what it deems unnecessary services like banking and pharmacies.It also sells a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aldis-us-popularity-middle-income-inflation-cheap-prices-costs-stores-2022-10?r=US&amp;IR=T">varied range of time-limited products, creating a "treasure hunt" for shoppers</a>. The items can range from food, housewares, clothes, and seasonal items to gardening equipment, electronics, and pet accessories, and encourage shoppers to visit regularly to see which new bargains are in store. This approached has enabled Aldi to win over swathes of deal-hunting customers, with popular TikTok and Instagram accounts sharing the latest finds at its stores.Aldi said that its purchase of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket was expected to close in the first half of 2024. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/16/investing/aldi-buys-winn-dixie/index.html">CNN</a> reported that Southeastern Grocers is selling the 28 stores it owns under its third brand, Fresco y Más, to grocery-investment group Fresco Retail Group.

Aldi is buying 400 grocery stores in Florida and the southeast as it continues its rapid US expansion

<ul class="summary-list"><li>London retailer COS, which is owned by H&amp;M, has been expanding in the US.</li><li>Its sustainable, luxury pieces are often ideal for work attire. </li></ul>Like clockwork, a handful of "it girl" retailers capture a generation's attention every few years.In the early 2000s, Hollister, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/american-eagle-gateway-store-tour-nyc-2024-1">American Eagle</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/abercrombie-and-fitch-stock-turnaround-millennials-weddings-wall-street-sales-2024-6">Abercrombie &amp; Fitch</a> were the only places cool girls shopped. In the 2010s, you couldn't go anywhere without seeing people wearing Madewell or Urban Outfitters clothes.Today, Zara, H&amp;M, and Aritzia have become the go-to stores.Zara and H&amp;M often compete as two fast-fashion brands catering to millennial and Gen Z shoppers. But as Zara has leaned into clothing for young professionals in recent years, it's finding a new competitor in another H&amp;M Group brand: COS.<h2 id="1cea523e-65bc-4a51-872f-c7d1872669b6">COS makes minimalist, sustainable clothes for professionals</h2>The London-based retailer COS has been part of the H&amp;M Group since 2007. It's almost like H&amp;M's more sophisticated, socially conscious, and luxurious older sister, as its pieces are minimalist and sustainable by design.As Katie Reeves, the managing director of COS North America, told <a target="_blank" href="https://www.glossy.co/podcasts/cos-north-americas-katie-reeves-there-is-a-store-renaissance-happening/#:~:text=Cos%2C%20the%20H%26M%20Group%20fashion,in%20New%20Jersey%20in%202023.">Glossy</a>, COS often appeals to a mature buyer who has a bit more to spend than the H&amp;M buyer."They're typically professionals," she said of COS customers. "They work or dabble in creative fields. They reside in metropolitan cities. They appreciate trends, but they're not defined by them. Their wardrobe is also a collection of pieces they wear and return to now and forever."<div type="image" title="A Cos store in a mall." height="3024" width="4032" msid="111348182" hostid="261" sizebytes="504136"></div>In 2022, the brand found global success by <a target="_blank" href="https://hmgroup.com/news/cos-launches-wholesale-business/#:~:text=For%20the%20first%20time%2C%20COS,and%20Yoox%20(Global%20online).&amp;text=This%20expansion%20marks%20an%20exciting%20step%20in%20the%20brand's%20growth%20strategy.">partnering with three wholesalers</a>, including Nordstrom in the US, to bring its clothes to a larger audience.And in 2024, COS expanded again by opening a flagship store in Mexico, according to <a target="_blank" href="https://hmgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/HM-Group-Annual-and-Sustainability-Report-2023.pdf">H&amp;M Group's annual report</a>. <a target="_blank" href="https://hmgroup.com/about-us/markets-and-expansion/">COS</a> has 47 brick-and-mortar stores worldwide and is available in 38 online markets as of 2024."Professional" isn't part of Zara's brand ethos. However, its parent company, Inditex, said on its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.inditex.com/itxcomweb/en/brands#zara">website</a>, "Zara's designers respond instinctively to their changing needs, reacting to the latest trends and constant feedback to deliver new ideas for everyone in the right place and at the right moment."Part of that responsiveness has been its expansion into professional attire, as was clear when it released its <a target="_blank" href="https://graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/shopping/zara-workwear-edit/">workwear edit in 2023</a>.Given that they approach the professional fashion market differently, I visited COS and Zara to compare their business-casual clothes. I focused on outfits that would work for most business-casual office environments in the summer.<h2 id="d1758834-bd9f-42b9-9677-f19f31f7a9e0">Zara didn't quite work for me</h2>I headed to each brand's location in Lower Manhattan, popping into Zara first.As I wandered through the store, I noticed that much of what I would consider work attire, like blazers and trousers, were arranged on hangers next to more casual clothes, giving the impression that the "professional" clothes were designed to be worn in various settings.Versatile attire rather than strictly professional clothes makes sense with Zara's brand mission. But I found that a lot of the work-leaning pieces looked like the idea of what someone would wear to work rather than an actual go-to work outfit.<div type="image" title="A blazer and coordinating bottoms on a mannequin." height="2667" width="2000" msid="111348187" hostid="261" sizebytes="258862"></div>For instance, I saw several sets arranged in the store on hangers and mannequin displays, with one half of the look appearing work-appropriate while the other didn't, like this <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/metallic-thread-double-breasted-cropped-blazer-p03325340.html?v1=356734247&amp;v2=2417349">cropped blazer</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/bermuda-tiro-alto-hilo-metalizado-p03330340.html?v1=356730021&amp;v2=2417349">coordinating shorts</a>.I could see myself wearing the $89 blazer with a pair of high-waisted pants, but the $45.90 shorts wouldn't work for many business-casual office environments.Likewise, I tried on a matching <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/textured-round-collar-blazer-p07484130.html?v1=353860094">blazer</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zara.com/us/en/textured-skort-p03216339.html?v1=375320043">skort</a>, which cost $89.90 and $45.90, respectively, after seeing the jacket and skort paired on a hanger display.<div type="image" title="A woman takes a mirror selfie in a dressing room." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111348175" hostid="261" sizebytes="556282"></div>Again, the jacket was work-appropriate, but I thought I would feel uncomfortable in the office in the skort because of its length. I likely wouldn't have even considered the skort for a work look if it hadn't been paired with the blazer when I walked through the store I went to in June. The material was also thick, which I found impractical for a summery work look.Similarly, I liked the idea of pairing one of Zara's oversize blazers, which cost $75, with a pair of $109 wide-legged pants. Still, the jacket was made of an uncomfortably thick material that I couldn't see myself wearing to multiple meetings in a day.<div type="image" title="A side-by-side of a woman taking a mirror selfie in a dressing room in a white outfit." height="1080" width="1440" msid="111348179" hostid="261" sizebytes="106086"></div>Meanwhile, the linen pants were see-through, and I was disappointed when I saw that a black version of the same pants was sheer, too. I wouldn't mind if a pair of trousers I wore to dinner with friends were slightly transparent, but I wouldn't want to wear them to work. The $35.90 shirt I found to try on with the suit was also see-through.I've had better luck with pants at Zara, so I was surprised the store I went to seemed to have a limited inventory.As of Friday, its website still had ample trouser options, but based on what I saw at the store that day, I struggled to see myself building a practical and comfortable work wardrobe from Zara.<h2 id="9265fdd2-7b92-4e9b-a019-b88dcd5b8cce">I could see myself investing in COS clothing</h2>Before this experiment, I had never shopped at COS, so I wasn't sure if the clothes would meet my expectations in-store.After browsing the store with racks of clothing organized by color and mannequins displayed in central areas, I selected a handful of garments to try on, sticking to neutral tones as I did at Zara.To my delight, I loved the COS looks.<div type="image" title="A woman takes a mirror selfie in a black outfit." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111348173" hostid="261" sizebytes="577422"></div>First, I tried on an $89 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=76a61a7d05ab3bfe14935ccf94d417f1ccfc573a741acc56a87eb43cdca25d3c&amp;postID=667192e6074e87bb00fd5420&amp;postSlug=zara-cos-clothing-comparison-office-outfits-2024-6&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cos.com%2Fen_usd%2Fwomen%2Fwomenswear%2Ftops%2Fproduct.short-sleeved-linen-shirt-black.1163843001.html">linen top</a> and $120 <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=6488248f9af55b30b4c21870d81e22ac59e4145eadf6d2060bcdb4cbd4e28adc&amp;postID=667192e6074e87bb00fd5420&amp;postSlug=zara-cos-clothing-comparison-office-outfits-2024-6&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cos.com%2Fen_usd%2Fwomen%2Fwomenswear%2Ftrousers%2Fproduct.straight-leg-tailored-linen-pants-black.1208909001.html">trousers</a>, and not only were they not see-through, but I loved the way they fit.The pieces were comfortable but structured, and I liked that the sleeves of the button-down were a bit longer, as it gave the whole look a professional feel without me having to wear a stuffy blazer in the summer. I felt similarly about a $120 <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=906faa54c059d797bde4def221e4d0aa9d51f8211964098a153e906a5561386b&amp;postID=667192e6074e87bb00fd5420&amp;postSlug=zara-cos-clothing-comparison-office-outfits-2024-6&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cos.com%2Fen_usd%2Fwomen%2Fwomenswear%2Fdresses%2Fproduct.oversized-open-collar-shirt-dress-black.1229648001.html">black dress</a> with the same silhouette as the blouse.<div type="image" title="A woman takes a mirror selfie in a black dress." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111348184" hostid="261" sizebytes="415208"></div>The outfit that surprised me most was a white set with a $69 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=dba5356bdaaaa9884dd931d2ab968f5c26294e467bcba5c30b4f7381db5668d2&amp;postID=667192e6074e87bb00fd5420&amp;postSlug=zara-cos-clothing-comparison-office-outfits-2024-6&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cos.com%2Fen_usd%2Fwomen%2Fwomenswear%2Ftops%2Fproduct.ribbed-tank-top-white.1246098002.html">tank top</a> and $89 <a target="_blank" href="https://affiliate.insider.com?h=3de356b142f60564fdfe8d0a2f5a5a10c99236c3b04c51d389cdaba2ca9f0d19&amp;postID=667192e6074e87bb00fd5420&amp;postSlug=zara-cos-clothing-comparison-office-outfits-2024-6&amp;site=bi&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cos.com%2Fen_usd%2Fwomen%2Fwomenswear%2Fshorts%2Fproduct.pleated-bermuda-shorts-white.1246097002.html">shorts</a>.The items were a big departure from my usual style, but I loved how they looked and felt. The fabric wasn't see-through, and the ribbing elevated the look so I would feel comfortable wearing it to the office, even though it included shorts.<div type="image" title="A woman takes a mirror selfie in a white top and white shorts." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111348177" hostid="261" sizebytes="323784"></div>The COS clothes were slightly more expensive than the pieces from Zara, but the price difference felt minuscule considering the COS pieces' quality. The materials felt like they would last, so I could see myself returning to the retailer to build a capsule wardrobe for work.Overall, I think COS lived up to its mission of dressing professional, creative buyers, and Zara's catch-all of creating items for every occasion fell a little flat for me when it comes to work clothes.

I shopped for work outfits at COS and Zara and preferred the more expensive store

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Aldi is opening 120 new stores this year, including its first locations in two Louisiana cities.</li><li>That will bring the company's store count to 2,400 by the end of 2023.</li></ul>More Aldi stores are coming to the US this year, including to two Southern cities that are new markets for the discount grocer.The supermarket chain will open 120 new stores this year, <a href="https://corporate.aldi.us/fileadmin/fm-dam/newsroom/Press_Releases/ALDI_Adding_120_New_Stores_Nationwide_in_2023.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the company said.</a> That's an acceleration from the 87 new locations it opened in 2022.While the stores will be located across the US, the expansion will take the company into the Louisiana cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge for the first time, according to the announcement. In January, Aldi opened a new distribution center in Alabama "to help support new stores in the area," it said.Aldi has recently opened or plans to open several new stores along the Gulf Coast in states including Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana, <a href="https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-financial/aldi-adds-growth-store-openings-out-west" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Supermarket News reported.</a> Aldi did not immediately respond to a request from Insider for more details on where it plans to open the new stores.The new store openings will bring Aldi's US store total to 2,400 in the US by the end of the year, the company said. It's also planning to hire about 2,000 new employees to staff the new stores, according to its announcement.Founded by <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aldi-history-albrecht-family-karl-theo-grocery-store-shop-retail-2022-12">two brothers in Germany,</a> Aldi has spent decades growing its store network in the US. It was among the fastest-growing grocers by new store openings in 2022, according to real estate firm JLL. Others included Grocery Outlet, Texas chain H-E-B, and Publix.Aldi's business model relies on running stores that are a fraction of the size of the average Kroger or Walmart. The chain keeps prices low by having employees shift between different tasks in-store, such as working the checkout and stocking shelves, and by selling many products under its own brand instead of big names like Kraft and Pepsi.The supermarket's low prices have <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aldi-sales-rise-inflation-wealthy-shoppers-groceries-discount-retail-shop-2022-9">made it a popular shopping choice</a> for consumers as food inflation remains high."While inflation is undoubtedly driving unprecedented demand for affordable groceries, we know that once customers experience the ALDI difference, they keep shopping with us, even when the economy improves," Aldi US CEO Jason Hart said in the expansion announcement.The chain has garnered enough of a following that TikTok users posted about looking for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/aldi-fans-buying-hats-socks-jackets-grocers-logo-2023-4">Aldi-branded hats, windbreakers, and sandals</a> when the grocer released a new apparel line earlier this year.Are you an Aldi employee or shopper with a story to share? Reach out to Alex Bitter at abitter@insider.com or via Signal encrypted messaging at 808-854-4501.

Aldi plans to open 120 new stores this year as the no-frills German grocer doubles down on its US expansion

<ul class="summary-list"><li>European fast-fashion retailer Primark on Monday announced expansion plans for the US.</li><li>It will open new stores across the South, including Texas, "anchored" to a new warehouse in Florida.</li></ul>Cut-price European fast-fashion retailer <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/primark-worlds-biggest-disney-cafe-hair-salon-photos-birmingham-fashion-2022-8">Primark</a> plans to expand massively in the south of the US.Primark's parent company, Associated British Foods, said in its earnings on Monday that Primark was planning to establish "a significant presence" in the southern states.It said that in the coming months it expected to sign leases for stores across the South, including in Texas. The new stores will be "anchored" by a distribution center the company is currently building in Jacksonville, Florida, its second in the US, Associated British Foods CEO George Weston said during the first-half earnings call."We're got a customer base, we've got a model, we've got an increasingly-stable team, it's been time for a while to put our foot down on accelerate," Weston said.Primark currently has 17 stores in the US, with most in New York and around New England. Primark said in late 2021 that it <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/primark-is-fastest-growing-retailer-in-america-history-details-2018-8">planned to bring its total US store count to 60</a> by 2027.Since last September, Primark has opened four new stores in New York and has four more planned to open by this September: two in New York state, two in New Jersey, and one in Maryland. It has also signed leases to open stores in Orlando, Florida and Jersey City, New Jersey.The first shopper in the line for the Buffalo store's opening was from Canada, "and we think there's going to be a nice trans-border trade" into that store," Weston said.<div type="image" title="World's biggest Primark in Birmingham, UK" height="2312" width="4624" msid="99763096" hostid="261"></div>Weston said that Primark was targeting the South with its expansion plans because of the lower store opening costs as well as the strong performance of the chain's first Florida store."The first Florida store has shown us that we're relevant in that market," Weston told investors. He said that its customers came from two main groups: Tourists and "local, less-affluent, Hispanic" shoppers."That's one of the customer segments we think we appeal to in particular," he said.Speaking about Primark's decision to open its first Texas store, Weston said: "Whatever our prejudices might lead us to think, actually they dress very similarly to how Americans dress in many of our other US markets."<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/primark-low-prices-justify-no-online-shopping-2020-6">Primark doesn't sell clothes online</a>, but is expanding its click-and-collect service in the UK. In the coming months, it is also launching its revamped website in the US, which includes features like the ability to check whether items are in stock before you visit a store.Total US sales for the 24 weeks ended 4 March 2023 were 11% higher than the previous year.<h2>Primark is expanding globally amid strong sales</h2>Primark isn't just expanding in the US. It opened 13 new stores globally in the first half and said it was on track to have expanded its total retail floor space by around 6% in the year to September. Its new stores are performing particularly well, it said.Global sales were up 19% in the half year to £4.23 billion ($5.26 billion), which Primark attributed to both higher prices and an increase in unit volumes.<div type="image" title="World's biggest Primark in Birmingham, UK" height="3082" width="4110" msid="99763098" hostid="261"></div>Primark said that it was only introducing "moderate" price increases this financial year because of high inflation "and the likelihood of much reduced disposable incomes for our customers." It said that this didn't cover the higher input costs, causing margins to fall.Primark said that strong trading in the UK in November and December led to "two record sales weeks" in the run-up to the holidays. It said that more people have been visiting stores and visits to its destination city stores are particularly strong as tourists and office workers return. Beachwear and luggage sales are particularly high, it added.Primark said that in the second half of its financial year it expected to see the benefits of lower sea freight costs and "much reduced energy costs," though its overheads will include increases in staff wages and investment in technology.As of March 4, Primark had 419 stores globally, with nearly half in the UK.

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