date:Jan 17, 2014
d sparse sales or have cut earnings forecasts as they engaged in the most promotional holiday season since the recession, trying to outdo one another with deep discounts to lure shoppers.
For the U.S. market conditions are tough, but they (Ahold) are also losing some market share, said Fernand de Boer, retail analyst at Petercam.
Ahold said its underlying U.S. operating margin would be broadly in line with the performance during the rest of the year, supported by a cost reduction program. It d