COGNICURRENT

Retail commerce in Argentina is facing significant challenges due to declining consumption, the rise of e-commerce, and increasing rents, leading to more vacant stores and shifting market dynamics.

UK retailer GAME is shutting down all its remaining physical stores after going into administration, with closures set for April.

Latvia's Consumer Rights Protection Center (PTAC) found that 60% of prices in stores were incorrectly labeled, leading to penalties for three businesses totaling 1,000 euros.

Theo Paphitis, former star of Dragons' Den, has stepped in as interim CEO of Robert Dyas to address recent sales declines and strategic challenges.

Gigantti has commenced legal proceedings against Mikko Nguyen, a former franchisee who is moving his stores to rival chain Power, amid concerns over franchise agreement confidentiality.

A study in Latvia reveals the price differences of a typical food basket across various retailers, with Lidl being the cheapest and Mego the most expensive.

Gigantti is attempting to prevent the transfer of six stores to the Power chain, reportedly taking legal actions against entrepreneur Mikko Nguyen.

Alko is set to sell an extremely rare Glenfarclas whisky bottle priced at 23,498 euros, highlighting both high-end and budget-friendly products in its stores.

A team of high school students that recently won the Sweets Koshien competition has collaborated with Fujiya to create a new roll cake available at Fujiya stores until March 31.

Norwegian grocery chains are significantly cutting prices on Easter candy and healthy alternatives, like fruits and vegetables, with marked discounts across various stores.

Miniso, a Chinese retail chain, is set to open 100 stores in Argentina, promising to create 1,000 jobs with an investment of $50 million.

Greggs is offering free tastings of new menu items as it launches seasonal offerings in stores across the UK.

The Swedish government is urging people to keep cash at home for emergencies and is proposing a mandate for shops to accept cash payments, reflecting concerns over potential cyberattacks.

The supply of farmed whitefish in Finland is affected by poor weather conditions and a decrease in fish farming operations.

The article discusses how the future of Mexico's financial system is being shaped not just by banks and apps, but in everyday interactions at corner stores like OXXO.

The BBC highlights the role of grocery stores in Finland's security strategy, emphasizing their preparedness for crises such as war or cyberattacks.

British video game retailer GAME will close its remaining stores while maintaining online operations and concessions in other retailers.

The shoe retailer 'Euroskor Latvia' will start the liquidation process in the coming month after facing significant financial losses and closing multiple stores last year.

Many varieties of cherry tomatoes sold in Swedish grocery stores contain PFAS, according to tests conducted by Råd & Rön.

Polish stores anticipate price increases for Easter-related goods due to economic factors, primarily driven by rising fuel costs and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Alsea, Mexico's largest fast-food restaurant operator, plans to invest 5.5 billion pesos to open between 180 and 220 new stores in 2026, with 65% of this investment allocated to Mexico.

Two Loblaw stores in Toronto were fined for mislabelling imported products as Canadian, reflecting increased scrutiny of misleading origin claims by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Grupo Libertad, a well-known supermarket chain operating in eight provinces, has been sold to La Anónima, which plans to eventually rebrand the stores.

There is a cottage cheese shortage in Swedish stores due to an unprecedented surge in protein demand, prompting concerns from nutritionists.

Miniso, the Chinese retail chain, is returning to Argentina after a temporary departure, planning to open 100 stores with a $50 million investment over the next five years.

Tesco has revamped its freezer sections with over 140 new products to enhance summer meal options amidst warmer weather in the UK.

Aldi UK is providing free period products to shoppers as part of its initiative to address period poverty.

Finnish shoppers often struggle to find specific grocery items, with eggs and fresh yeast being the most frequently misplaced products during shopping trips, especially during baking seasons.

Matilda Jauhiainen and a large crowd waited for hours at the opening of a new discount store, attracted by the chance to win a significant gift card.

The conflict in the Strait of Hormuz is impacting Swedish farmers by driving up the costs of diesel and fertilizers, which may lead to higher food prices in stores.

In Slovakia, the debate around lowering taxes continues amid rising prices and ministerial salaries.

Edmonton city council has passed a motion to remove restrictive covenants around properties to enhance access to grocery stores and combat food deserts in the city.

The Manitoba government is proposing a bill to ban predatory pricing practices in grocery stores, ensuring shoppers pay the same price regardless of personal data use.

The Greek government has introduced a new voucher system to provide direct food assistance to eligible beneficiaries, allowing them to choose their food items from participating retail stores.

Nova Scotia RCMP are intensifying their crackdown on illegal cannabis storefronts in First Nations communities, recently issuing tickets and seizing cannabis products during inspections.

Wickes, the DIY chain, plans to expand its store network by opening 70 new locations, creating 2,000 jobs in the process.

A tasting panel evaluates six varieties of almonds available in stores, finding most to be dry and lacking intense flavor.

Rimi Latvia has implemented a digital age verification solution using Smart-ID at its self-service checkouts.

Uniqlo has announced the opening of new stores including its first location in South West England and a refurbished store in Covent Garden, London.

Starting April 2, 2026, Thessaloniki shops will adopt special Easter operating hours as announced by the Thessaloniki Commerce Association.

A viral TikTok video highlights the high price of Kinder eggs in Estonia, showing that they are significantly more expensive at Maxima compared to Prisma stores.

A recent review by the Swedish Chemicals Agency found that illegal pesticides are commonly available for purchase from online retailers.

A senior mobile convenience store initiative is addressing the issue of food deserts in rural areas of South Korea by offering essential goods directly to local residents.

Residents of Petrópolis are facing issues using the new 'Cesta Cheia' benefit cards, with some cards not being activated and payment refusals at stores.

An old blues musician gains newfound recognition due to his portrayal in an Oscar-winning film.

Despite expectations of a shopping surge, the availability of the cheapest iPhone remains stable in stores across Czechia.

Aldi is set to bring back its popular 15p vegetable deal from March 31 to April 4, aimed at making Easter dinner preparation more affordable.

The retail company 'Quality Development', which operated two clothing stores in Vilnius, has declared bankruptcy and is set to lay off all 23 of its employees.

Decathlon plans to open ten new stores in Spain by the first half of 2026, focusing on urban locations to increase its presence in city centers.

Whole Foods Market plans to open six new branches in London by June 2026 as part of its expansion strategy in the UK.