E-commerce retailer Temu has announced that it will introduce a convenient pick-up and drop-off (PUDO) service with Austrian Post this year and will expand the service into new markets including Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria.

Commenting on the partnership, which began in 2023, an Austrian Post spokesperson said, “We’re pleased to bring our PUDO service to more Temu customers. Beyond providing reliable and flexible delivery services in Austria, we look forward to expanding our collaboration into other regions.”

Local-to-local model

Temu recently began inviting local sellers in Austria, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the UK onto its platform and enabling local warehouse fulfillment. The company expects up to 80% of sales will come from this local-to-local model, bringing customers a wider selection, faster deliveries and supporting local businesses. European sellers will also gain opportunities to reach global markets.

“Reliable and flexible logistics are key to the consumer experience,” said a Temu spokesperson. “By partnering with Austrian Post, we are enhancing our fulfillment capabilities in Eurasia and providing more delivery options for our customers.”

Author Credits- HAZEL KING
Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

Saudi Arabian start-up Salasa has secured $30 million from various investors, including Aramco’s venture capital fund, to scale operations.

The Series B funding round was led by Artal Capital, with participation from Saudi Venture Capital Company, Wa’ed Ventures, 500 Global and Alsulaiman Group.

Salasa is an e-commerce fulfillment platform catering to more than 1,000 merchants, including major businesses like Noon and Amazon.

The company intends to use the fresh capital to further leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in creating a more predictive and automated logistics system. It also looks to expand its cross-border reach.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG

Lawrence Tse has been appointed as the first-ever head of e-commerce at Menzies Aviation, a leading partner for airport and airlines around the world.

He will be responsible for developing and implementing a joint e-commerce strategy for Menzies Aviation and Air Menzies International (AMI) with the aim of positioning group as a leading provider of e-commerce cargo solutions globally.

Tse brings with him a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership experience in e-commerce and air cargo, having held senior director roles at several major logistics firms. He joins Menzies from CEVA Logistics, where he managed global key accounts within the e-commerce division.

Beau Paine, executive vice president of cargo at Menzies Aviation, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Lawrence to the team. His expertise in both e-commerce and air cargo, combined with his experience leading strategic initiatives at global logistics firms, makes him an ideal fit.

“The creation of this new role reflects our commitment to scaling our e-commerce capabilities across the Menzies network. With Lawrence’s leadership, we’re well-positioned to meet the demands of this fast-moving sector and deliver strong, customer-focused solutions.”

Tse added, “I’m excited to join Menzies at such a transformative time for the cargo and e-commerce industries. The opportunity to shape and drive a global e-commerce strategy across both Menzies Aviation and Air Menzies International is one I’m excited to take on. I look forward to working with teams across the business to deliver customer-centric solutions that unlock new growth.”

Author Credits- HAZEL KING
Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

Colgate-Palmolive (CL.N) beat first-quarter sales and profit estimates on Friday, as resilient demand for its essentials such as oral and personal care products overcame rising prices and tariff uncertainties.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Colgate-Palmolive joined peers such as Procter & Gamble(PG.N) and Kimberly-Clark (KMB.O) in posting upbeat sales growth, unlike the broader retail sector that has been struggling with a slowdown in discretionary spending.

The Trump administration’s shifting trade policies have forced several companies to hike prices, pushing shoppers to focus on essentials.

CONTEXT

Colgate has raised prices over the past few quarters to counter tariff impacts and higher advertising and marketing costs. The marketing campaigns have helped increase the sales.

The company, which makes U.S. toothpaste in Mexico, now expects incremental costs from tariffs to be about $75 million, lower than $200 million projected earlier, as it expects more favorable rates.

It also outlined a five-year cost cutting plan.

BY THE NUMBERS

Sales rose 8% in Africa and 7.8% in Europe from a year ago.

The company expects organic sales growth to be at the low end of its forecast range of 2% to 4%.

Its prices rose 2% in the quarter ended June 30 and total organic volumes slipped 0.2%, compared with a year ago.

Colgate-Palmolive’s adjusted profit of 92 cents per share in the first quarter topped analysts’ estimates of 90 cents per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

It posted quarterly net sales of $5.11 billion, beating estimates of $5.03 billion.

MARKET REACTION

Shares of the company were flat in premarket trading.

News Credits- Reuters

Under this partnership, 13 retail and dining destinations will be introduced at Souq7, collectively spanning approximately 9,000 square meters of gross leasable area

Saudi Arabia – Azad Properties has signed a landmark leasing agreement with Apparel Group, one of the region’s leading retail conglomerates, to bring a curated portfolio of globally recognized and high-performing retail and F&B concepts to Souq7 in Jeddah.

Under this partnership, 13 retail and dining destinations will be introduced at Souq7, collectively spanning approximately 9,000 square meters of gross leasable area. The mix includes established favorites such as Wings Stop, R&B, Tim Hortons, Allo Beirut, Nando’s, Skechers, Grand Centre, Cold Stone, BBZ, Crocs, Babies and More, Sushi Library, and Beverly Hills Polo Club.

Set to open in Q4 2025, these new retail experiences are part of a phased activation strategy that reinforces Souq7’s positioning as a next-generation urban destination, where local culture meets global retail. The integration of these brands reflects a commitment to delivering a differentiated shopping and dining experience tailored to the expectations of Jeddah’s dynamic consumer base.

“Partnering with Apparel Group, one of the region’s most influential retail forces, elevates Souq7’s experience and offering, as we continue our journey to shape a destination where cultural relevance, community connection, and curated experiences come together.” said Ayman Al Burti, CEO of Azad Properties.

This agreement builds on Azad Properties’ strategic growth agenda and underscores Apparel Group’s confidence in Souq7’s unique offering and long-term potential as a cornerstone in Jeddah’s evolving retail landscape.

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG

In the second quarter of 2025, Adidas reported a 12% year-over-year increase in revenue at constant currency. In U.S. dollar terms, revenue rose by 2% to $6.84 billion, with a $345 million negative impact due to the strengthening of the euro.

For the first half of the year, revenue at constant currency climbed 14%, while dollar-denominated revenue increased by 7% to $13.92 billion. Operating profit reached $1.33 billion, up from $784.3 million, and net income more than doubled, rising by 112% to $933 million.

The German sportswear group expects to continue gaining market share and anticipates strong sales growth throughout 2025, forecasting a high single-digit increase in revenue at constant currency.

This outlook is supported by sustained double-digit growth of the Adidas brand. The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance for operating profit, which is projected to range between $1.96 billion and $2.07 billion.

News Credits- FASHION NETWORK

Supermarket chain Co-op has become the first UK grocer to partner with Deliveroo Express, rolling out the delivery platform’s new white label logistics solution to provide quick and convenient online deliveries.

Using Deliveroo’s back-end tech infrastructure and extensive rider network to fulfil orders from hundreds of Co-op sites nationwide, customers will be able to order items and have them delivered in as little as 60 minutes, according to Deliveroo.

Suzy McClintock, VP of new verticals at Deliveroo, said, “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Co-op as they adopt our white label delivery solution, supporting fast and reliable on-demand deliveries through their existing website.

“Deliveroo Express is the next step in our mission to transform on-demand delivery, ensuring we remain the partner for growth, for grocers and retailers alike, helping them reach more consumers through their own online channels.”

Co-op was Deliveroo’s first major grocery partner when it launched its grocery business in 2018. Most recently, Deliveroo launched Co-op’s membership benefits on the app, enabling Co-op members to benefit from member price savings on their orders through Deliveroo.

Chris Conway, Co-op quick commerce director, commented, “Growing our quick commerce channel is a core part of our strategic approach, and I am delighted to build on our long-standing and successful partnership with Deliveroo.

“Working together we are focused on meeting the evolving needs of shoppers. This includes making the fast and reliable delivery of Co-op groceries available to more communities and creating value through member price savings as we see consumer appetite for quick and convenient grocery delivery from their local Co-op continue to grow.”

Author Credits- HAZEL KING
Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

Gap Inc.-owned activewear label Athleta has named Maggie Gauger as global brand president and CEO.

In this role, effective August 1, she succeeds Chris Blakeslee, who will step down and remain with the company temporarily as an advisor to ensure a smooth transition.

“We are thrilled for Maggie Gauger to join as CEO of Athleta as we look to accelerate the brand’s reinvigoration. Maggie blends proven business transformation capabilities, deep consumer centricity, product fluency, and a heartfelt commitment to empowering women and girls. This combination of skills and experiences will equip her to lead Athleta into its next chapter of growth – rooted in purpose, performance, and people,” said Gap Inc. CEO, Richard Dickson.

Gauger joins the performance lifestyle brand with more than two decades of leadership experience at Nike, where she most recently led the North America women’s business. Gauger’s track record spans retail, strategy, merchandising, product creation, commerce, digital, and general management.

“I’m energized to bring my experience working at the intersection of sport, style and culture to Athleta – a brand with strong purpose and still so much untapped potential,” said Gauger. “Athleta has an unwavering mission focused on the power of women – not just as athletes, but as leaders, creators, and change-makers. And I can’t wait to work with the incredible Athleta team to grow, to lead, and to inspire the next generation through the power of product and community.”

Her appointment marks a significant step in Gap Inc.’s strategy to reinvigorate its portfolio of iconic American brands.

Author Credits- Jennifer Braun
FASHION NETWORK