| Global retail industry news |  |
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- UK retailers help Santas understand high-tech gifts
PC World and other retailers in the UK are offering information and training to their Santa Clauses as children are expected to make more requests for high-tech gadgets and gizmos this year. PC World, the largest computer retailer in the UK, also has set up an e-mail help line to offer guidance and suggestions to parents and other consumers. Meanwhile, John Lewis prepares a briefing for its Santas to ensure they can keep track of the latest toys. The Times (London)
(02 Nov.)
    
| Retail in Europe | | |
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- Primark thrives while Next, M&S struggle during downturn
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. The New York Times/Reuters
(02 Nov.)
- Metro posts third-quarter income of €72 million
Metro, the largest retailer in Germany, reported third-quarter income of €72 million, a 61% drop from the same period last year. The retailer cited increasing unemployment and deteriorating consumer spending as contributing to the decline. The retailer does not expect its prospects to improve this year. Bloomberg
(03 Nov.)
| Retail in Asia | | |
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- Hong Kong retailers see sales improvement
Retail sales in Hong Kong have improved for the first time in seven months as inbound tourism has picked back up and local spending has improved. The Census and Statistics Department said total sales reached HK$21.4 billion in September, a 2.4% increase compared with the same month the previous year. However, the results fell short of market expectations. The Standard (Hong Kong)
(03 Nov.)
| E-commerce Spotlight | | |
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- Woolworths promotes first Christmas since going online only
Woolworths is using the campaign line "back online with more toys than Santa" to promote its first holiday season since it relaunched as an online-only retailer. The Christmas campaign comes on the heels of a Halloween campaign. Woolworths is striving to reposition itself as the place to buy holiday essentials. MarketingWeek (subscription required)
(03 Nov.)
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| SmartQuote | | |
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 | Bore, n.: A person who talks when you wish him to listen."
--Ambrose Bierce,
journalist, satirist, as quoted from his "Devil's Dictionary"
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