If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it."
--Andy Rooney,
American journalist and commentator
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| NRF Global SmartBrief |
| 04 November 2009 |
Middle East grows increasingly important for luxury goods
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.)
Retail sales in Australia hit surprising skid
Australia's retail sales dropped 0.2% in September after a 0.7% gain in August, according to official data. Analysts had expected September sales to rise 0.5%. The unexpected drop in sales, calculated before the Reserve Bank of Australia increased interest rates, adds pressure on the central bank to refrain from raising rates again soon. The Age (Melbourne, Australia) (04 Nov.)
Eataly is "the supermarket of the future"
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. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (03 Nov.)
Retailers in Wales oppose tax on plastic shopping bags
Environment Minister Jane Davidson announced that Wales will become the first section in the UK to charge shoppers for plastic bags. The new law is expected to come into force by next Christmas or by May 2011 at the latest. Retailers in Wales are opposed to the charge. Western Mail (Wales) (04 Nov.)
Trial leads M&S to expand sales of branded products
Marks & Spencer conducted a regional trial of branded groceries, and the results have prompted the London-based retailer to expand the programme across Britain. Hundreds of branded products, including Pantene shampoo, Fairy dishwashing detergent and Marmite spread, soon will be available at M&S outlets. Bloomberg (04 Nov.) The Times (London) (subscription required) (04 Nov.)
Other News
Report: Asia presents opportunities for global retailers
A report from PricewaterhouseCoopers said global retailers as well as consumer-product companies have growth opportunities in Asia, which has remained relatively buoyant during the economic downturn. "For global retail [and] consumer companies, Asia continues to be the centre of economic gravity. Most major retail and consumer brands plan to increase their presence in Asian behemoths of India and China," said N V Sivakumar, India consumer and industrial products leader at PwC. The Hindu Business Line (India) (03 Nov.)
Timex India to nearly double number of retail stores
Timex India is planning to add dozens of stores and launch at least a couple of more lifestyle products within the next 18 months. "We plan to invest around Rs six crore on taking the number of Timex stores and Kiosks to around 120, from 68 at present," said Gopalratnam Kannan, group managing director for the watchmaker. "Of these, around 20 will be added in the current fiscal itself taking the total to 88 outlets." The Economic Times (India)/Press Trust of India (02 Nov.)
Primark considers online sales as part of expansion plans
Primark, the UK-based discount clothing retailer, said it is considering selling its products online as its profits and sales have jumped during the economic downturn. "We would love to have lots more stores and online, but it depends on resources," said John Bason, the finance director of Associated British Foods, which owns Primark. The Independent (London) (04 Nov.)
Luxury malls in Brazil struggle despite booming economy
Consumer spending is fueling the biggest economic surge in Brazil in 30 years. Analysts say Brazil will surpass China in terms of sales of luxury goods within the next decade or so. The reports belie the lack of shoppers heading to the country's luxury malls. Luxury boutiques in Brazil also are said to be struggling, although they typically don't release sales figures. United Press International (02 Nov.)
NRF updates "Buyer Beware" list of products on auction sites
NRF has added new products to a consumer alert about common household items being sold through some online auction sites, warning that these items could be stolen or tainted, posing health risks to consumers. New products on the list include Alli weight loss aids, Pureology and Dyson vacuums. Read the news release. Blank (04 Nov.)
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