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13 November 2009 Sign up Forward Archive Advertise Global retail industry news   Global Industry Watch  Apple to open "significant stores" around the world Apple announced plans to open dozens of "significant stores" in London, Paris, Shanghai and elsewhere as it opens its fourth store in New York. "Other retailers call them flagship stores. We don't use that word," said Ron Johnson, senior vice president of retail at Apple. The Wall Street Journal/Digits blog (12 Nov.) Canadian Tire tries to capitalise on demand for car parts, repairs Canadian Tire is shaking up its senior management ranks as it aims to focus on its automotive operations. The retailer is seeking to take advantage of a shift in consumer sentiment toward servicing their current vehicles rather than buying new ones. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (13 Nov.)   Retail in Europe  Supreme Imports acquires rival Battery Force Six years ago, online retailer Battery Force was established to sell brand-name batteries at a discount. Battery distributor Supreme Imports has now acquired the e-commerce business, and Supreme bought another online battery retailer, EuroBatteries.com, just over a year ago. Crain's Manchester Business (U.K.) (12 Nov.) Discount retailers face uncertainties of economic recovery The economic downturn has been beneficial to discount retailers, including 99p Stores, Primark and Aldi. Now the budget grocers and value fashion chains need to prepare for economic recovery and the uncertainties that will bring. Experts warn that the recovery could be more challenging to discount retailers than the downturn. Retail Week (U.K.) (13 Nov.) UK supermarkets expect cutthroat holiday season Asda is forecasting an unusually competitive Christmas as consumers continue to rein in their spending. Sainsbury's CEO Justin King said consumers' "feistiness" will ensure that promotions drive the holiday season. "This Christmas will be the most aggressive on price for a decade," said Asda CFO Judith McKenna. Telegraph (London) (12 Nov.)   Retail in Asia  Tesco plans major expansion in China Tesco's plans for expanding in China include building three malls anchored by Tesco hypermarts in the northern part of the country and more than a dozen hypermarts elsewhere. The UK retailer's move comes as retail sales growth in China accelerates. Tesco has formed a joint venture to build the shopping centres. Bloomberg (12 Nov.) , Reuters (12 Nov.)   Retail in Latin America  Antad reports 3% jump in Mexican retailers' same-store sales Antad, the Mexican retailers' association, said same-store sales were up 3% in October compared with the same month the previous year. Total sales surged 9.8% over the same period. Supermarkets experienced a 2.3% increase in same-store sales, despite declines in sales of general merchandise, clothing and footwear. The Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswires (12 Nov.)   E-commerce Spotlight  Popularity of online shopping prompts Psyche to alter strategy Recent research found that many consumers are making the shift to online shopping, and 93% plan to do some holiday buying online. The research has prompted Psyche, twice named Fashion Retailer of the Year, to change its strategy and focus more on its online site. Evening Gazette (U.K.) (11 Nov.)   Spotlight on Fashion  Britain's fashion industry continues to be world leader From Burberry to John Galliano, Britain remains a leading force in the global fashion industry and is expected to continue to do so. However, the recession has hindered the industry in the UK, as it has elsewhere, and industry players face challenges. The reluctance of credit insurers to cover fashion retailers, for example, has been particularly troublesome. The Times (London) (11 Nov.) Richemont makes executive change as conditions remain challenging Swiss luxury group Richemont said Executive Chairman Johann Rupert will succeed Norbert Platt as CEO in April. The second-largest luxury-goods group in the world warned that conditions continue to be challenging, but said the decline in sales has slowed in the past few months. Financial Times (tiered subscription model) (13 Nov.)   NRF News  Where the deals are this holiday season Start your online shopping at Shop.org's CyberMonday.com, which offers great deals from more than 650 retailers. Take advantage of Deals of the Hour on Cyber Monday and Black Friday, stretch your dollar with regular updates on money-saving specials, and take advantage of coupons, sales and free shipping. 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