The Supply Side briefs: Tesco, Walmex and Amazon

• Tesco sells Fresh & Easy
Britain’s Tesco will lend U.S. billionaire Ron Burkle’s Yucaipa investment company roughly $126 million to acquire Fresh & Easy stores, which have been a disappointment  over the past six years, according to Reuters.

Yucaipa said Tuesday (Sept. 10) it will acquire more than 150 of the California-based Fresh & Easy's stores as well as its Riverside distribution and production facilities. Also 4,000 Fresh & Easy employees will transfer to the new business.

Tesco continues to shrink its international footprint, divesting from the U.S. after pulling out of Japan and more recently said it will exit an unprofitable operation in China.

• Amazon adds flower sales of its own
Last month Amazon began selling and shipping flowers of its own to online customers. The e-tail giant previously used third party sellers to fulfill online flower orders.

The Seattle-based retailer refers to this offering as the Amazon Curated Flower Collection, which features roughly a half dozen arrangement as well as cut flowers.

Delivery is free for Amazon Prime customers in the 48 contiguous states.

Amazon is working toward allowing customers to schedule a delivery date in the near future, according to note on the company’s website.

• Wal-Mart de Mexico divestiture
Wal-Mart’s Mexican business unit this week announced plans to sell its restaurant operation for $626 million.

The Vips restaurant chain owned by Walmex is being acquired by Alsea, a peer operator, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The restaurant  chain generated revenue of $473 million last year, and comprised just 1.7% of the retailer’s consolidated sales.