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- Australian retailers trust Gen Y will keep spending
New research finds that consumers between the ages of about 18 and 28 -- known as Generation Y -- are planning to spend more on holiday shopping than are other age groups. The findings come as retailers in Australia voice optimism about the upcoming holiday season. Almost 60% of retailers expect sales to increase by as much as 20%. SmartCompany.com.au (Australia)
(19 Nov.)
    
| Retail in Europe | | |
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- Woolworths discusses selling retail arm to Hilco
Woolworths, one of the largest retailers in the UK, is in talks with Hilco, a restructuring specialist, about selling its retail business for what likely would be a nominal sum. Although the talks are in the early stages, they come during the run-up to the holiday season when the retail division makes most of its profit, and they raise concerns about the retailer's financial strength. Telegraph (London)
(19 Nov.)
- Insider says fashion retailers to fare fairly well
Paul Smiddy, HSBC's head of pan-European retail research, says the economic downturn likely will affect fashion retailers the least and for the shortest amount of time. He also said the economic turmoil is resulting in some bright spots for fashion retailers. Drapers (U.K.)
(18 Nov.)
- Retailers support politicians' views on tobacco displays
Independent retailers are applauding Shadow Health Ministers Mike Penning and Norman Lamb for comments they made regarding tobacco displays. Penning and Lamb voiced concerns that the government's proposal to prohibit tobacco displays in shops to reduce smoking among youths will not work. The shadow ministers also said the proposal likely would hurt retailers' business. Talking Retail
(18 Nov.)
| Retail in Asia | | |
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- China's OmniaLuo announces expansion plans
OmniaLuo plans to boost its number of retail stores in China to 245 with the opening of three new outlets. OmniaLuo Chairwoman and CEO Cindy Luo said opening new stores helps the company increase its retail sales and brand awareness. The company is targeting the country's growing class of affluent, urban female professionals and is seeking to become the Ralph Lauren of China. ChinaRetailNews.com
(19 Nov.)
- Insiders discuss challenges facing India's retail market
India's retail market is on track to reach $450 billion by 2015, and industry experts say there is a need to better understand the challenges India faces on the way to that target. The insiders say those challenges range from strict regulatory rules that limit foreign investment in the country's retail sector to diversity of the market. Business Standard (India)
(19 Nov.)
| E-commerce Spotlight | | |
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- Surveys: Social media a must for online retailers
Recently released surveys show that online retailers should incorporate social media into their offerings. About 63% of consumers want to voice their opinions regarding a product or brand, according to a survey. Meanwhile, another survey found that social-shopping techniques are playing an increasingly important role in the way consumers find deals. Multichannel Merchant
(18 Nov.)
| Spotlight on Luxury Goods | | |
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| NRF News | | |
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Surfing the Internet top leisure activity for young Chinese
The choices of low-cost leisure activities help young Chinese keep budgets in check. According to BIGresearch's Special Edition: China Pop Culture and Entertainment Survey of 2,301 respondents, surfing the Internet, watching TV and going shopping are the three favourite pastimes of Chinese consumers ages 18-34. Read more.
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 | If it keeps up, man will atrophy all his limbs but the push-button finger."
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