| Global retail industry news |  |
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- Canadian retailers removing Maclaren strollers from stores
The Canadian government has not issued an official warning about safety issues with Maclaren brand strollers, but the US has had a major product recall of them. The US recall has prompted many retailers in Canada to pull the strollers from their shelves. Consumer advocates and safety experts are raising concerns about the lack of action from the Canadian government. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
(12 Nov.)
    
| Retail in Europe | | |
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- Marks & Spencer looks back to Europe for expansion
When Marks & Spencer abandoned its outlets in Belgium, France and elsewhere several years ago, it prompted protests in London. Now, M&S is looking to Europe once again as it plans to expand. The UK-based retailer is considering locations in Western Europe for Simply Food sites. It is opening a franchised store in Spain, and others may follow. The Times (London)
(12 Nov.)
- Sainsbury offers optimistic outlook
J Sainsbury cautioned that growth in the supermarket industry could be hindered by slower food price inflation, but said it sees indications that consumers are spending more. The grocer reported a 19% profit jump for the first half of the year. Also, David Tyler, chairman of the retailer, said it is unlikely that its largest shareholder will renew its takeover talks. Reuters
(11 Nov.)
| Retail in Asia | | |
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- Column: Crisis surprised, helped many Indian retailers
G Shrikhande, CEO at Shoppers Stop, says the global financial crisis took many retailers in India by surprise and has forced some to close. Others, however, have learned valuable lessons from the crisis and ensuing downturn. "Too many retailers were expanding fast, chasing too many stores and pushing too many products, formats and promotions than what the market was ready for," Shrikhande writes. "Too much of focus was on what competitors were doing rather than on viable and sensible market strategies." The Economic Times (India)
(12 Nov.)
| E-commerce Spotlight | | |
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- Report identifies 10 online retailing trends
Verdict Consulting has released a report called "Internet Retail Trends 2010: Ten Actions for Your Business", which touches on how the recession is affecting and will likely continue to affect sales. "The recession has certainly caused online shoppers to alter their purchasing habits and online retailers are now also facing a severe slowdown in new customers," said Neil Saunders of Verdict. "Our report suggests that retailers must turn their attention to driving repeat business -- shifting marketing spend away from attracting new customers and instead [focusing] it on adding value for their existing customer base." InternetRetailing.net
(10 Nov.)
| Technology Solutions | | |
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- Mothercare adopts online tools to help overseas franchisees
Mothercare has started using Pierhouse's net.tickIT solution to help its overseas franchisees more easily develop marketing materials. A Web-based, multilingual version of the solution can accommodate various translations, which can then be incorporated into the retailer's marketing templates. Mothercare headquarters can see and control what is being produced. The Retail Bulletin
(10 Nov.)
- Column: RFID can help curb rise in retail theft
The Global Retail Theft Barometer shows that theft costs to companies have jumped nearly 6% this year compared with last year. The increase is being attributed to the economic downturn and reduced spending on security measures. Mark Roberti, founder and editor of RFID Journal, suggests that RFID technology can help in a number of ways. RFID Journal/RFID Journal Blog
(11 Nov.)
| Spotlight on Consumer Electronics | | |
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- Best Buy international CEO announces retirement
Bob Willett, the CEO of international operations at Best Buy, has announced that he will retire on New Year's Eve. The consumer-electronics retailer, which has stores in Canada, China and Mexico in addition to its 1,140 outlets in the US, is about to enter the UK in a highly anticipated move. Willett will not be replaced. Telegraph (London)
(11 Nov.)
| NRF News | | |
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- NRF Foundation, Castle Worldwide bring retail manager credential to China
The NRF Foundation, the research and education arm of NRF, and Castle Worldwide, a leading provider of testing and assessment products and services, announced a new partnership with Greater Business Solutions Global of Beijing to deliver retail training and certification examinations in China. Design and development activities are under way and will target corporate employers, vocational students and graduates of retail university programmes. Read the news release.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."
--Aristotle,
Greek philosopher
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