Most Clicked NRF Global SmartBrief Stories
1. Nordstrom debuts international e-commerce
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 05, 2009
Nordstrom is enabling consumers in 30 countries to purchase its merchandise through its online site. The Seattle-based retailer will offer its products in foreign currencies, including the euro, pound, Czech koruna and Canadian dollar. Seattle Times, The (04 Nov.)
2. British billionaire launches Topshop in US at a tough time
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
Philip Green, the billionaire British owner of Topshop, has lavished attention on his first outlet in the US. He flew in supermodel Kate Moss to open the Manhattan location in April. Green is introducing Topshop to Americans at a difficult time. Most US consumers are reining in their spending, causing a 7% year-over-year drop in total apparel sales in the first half of this year. Bloomberg (01 Nov.)
3. Limited plans for international expansion of Victoria's Secret
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 06, 2009
Limited Brands, a major US-based fashion and beauty company, said it plans to open Victoria's Secret stores in the UK and other strategic markets. Also, a dedicated European online retail site will be developed. The company also is searching for a franchise partner for its Bath & Body Works chain. Retail Week (U.K.) (06 Nov.)
4. Eataly is "the supermarket of the future"
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
Eataly, a new concept grocery chain based in Torino, Italy, combines a natural and local food market and restaurant with educational centre and museum. The "slow food" grocer is expanding or considering expanding in Japan, the US, Canada, England and Germany. Globe and Mail (Toronto), The (03 Nov.)
5. Middle East grows increasingly important for luxury goods
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 04, 2009
Suppliers of luxury products, including watchmakers and jewellers, are investing in the Middle East and bolstering their retail footprints as they seek to profit in one of the few remaining vibrant luxury-goods markets. "The recession has changed completely the picture for the luxury-goods companies," said Christian Blanckaert, formerly an executive vice president of Hermes International. Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates) (04 Nov.)
6. Primark thrives while Next, M&S struggle during downturn
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
Three of the UK's largest clothing retailers are set to report results this week and may offer a peek into consumer spending behaviour going into the crucial holiday season. The economic downturn has been difficult on Marks & Spencer and Next, but cost-cutting efforts and other measures have helped them improve their prospects. Meanwhile, discount apparel chain Primark has found the downturn to be advantageous. New York Times, The (02 Nov.)
7. Ernst & Young: Canada's holiday shopping season to be repeat of '08
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
Ernst & Young said it will be a "challenging" holiday season in Canada. "Consumers today may be somewhat buoyed by better news in the last several months, and consumer confidence has increased," said Daniel Baer, national retail specialist at Ernst and Young. "But a long, tough year has left them battered, concerned over employment and salary growth and weary of spending large amounts of cash all at once." Financial Post (Canada) (02 Nov.)
8. Visa to migrate from signatures to chip, PIN in Australia
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
Visa is planning to phase out signatures and phase in chip and PIN technology across Australia over the next four years. Chris Clark, Visa's general manager for Australia and New Zealand, said the company is working with retailers as well as financial institutions to upgrade millions of Visa cards, point-of-sale terminals and ATMs. Inside Retailing Online (02 Nov.)
9. Fast Retailing's Uniqlo posts 35.7% surge in sales
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 02, 2009
Uniqlo, Fast Retailing's casual-clothing chain based in Japan, reported its largest sales jump in more than eight years with a 35.7% increase in October compared with the same month the previous year. Uniqlo's September same-store sales were up 31.6% compared with September 2008. The results have spurred expectations that the company will bolster its outlook. Reuters (02 Nov.)
10. Get the inside scoop on what's hot in retail
NRF Global SmartBrief | Nov 03, 2009
What did retailers find most valuable last month? October's biggest news included a blog post about 10 holiday trends, a webinar on how going green can save companies money, congressional testimony about swipe fees, and information on how retailers can control crowds. Check out the hottest news from October. Blank (03 Nov.)
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