| Global retail industry news |  |
| Global Industry Watch |  |  |
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- Big box chains push for growth in Australia
Australians spend about $59 billion annually on bulk goods at big box stores, which have enjoyed growing popularity since they began opening there in the mid-1980s. Now, several chains including Bunnings, IKEA, Spotlight and The Good Guys are pushing the government in one state to loosen development rules to allow construction of more big box stores. The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia)
(28 Jan.)     
- Global brands make bigger moves into Australia
Popular international brands including H&M, Uniqlo and Thomas Pink are making plans to open stores in Australia this year, moves analysts say will put further pressure on domestic retailers. "This will see an overall improvement in customer experience from domestic retailers, while also assisting in sector consolidation," according to a report from JP Morgan. The Age (Melbourne, Australia)
(28 Jan.)
| Retail in Europe | | |
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- Starbucks may stop spending in Britain
Coffee giant Starbucks is reportedly considering suspending its plans to invest £100 million in UK expansion, after Prime Minister David Cameron and others have accused the company of not paying its fair share of corporate taxes. In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Cameron said such companies would need to “wake up and smell the coffee." The Telegraph (London) (tiered subscription model)
(26 Jan.)
| Retail in Asia | | |
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- IKEA cuts out disposable bags in Singapore
IKEA will stop offering disposable shopping bags at its stores in Singapore, instead encouraging shoppers to bring their own reusable bags or buy IKEA's blue totes at reduced prices. IKEA began charging for disposable plastic bags six years ago, donating the proceeds to environmental causes. AsiaOne News
(28 Jan.)
| Technology Solutions | | |
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- Study: Americans more likely than Europeans to use QR codes
American mobile-device users are markedly more likely than their European counterparts to have used a QR code in the past year, according to a Pitney Bowes study. US consumers were more likely to have used QR codes across a range of media, with consumers more likely to have used print-based codes than website, e-mail or TV-based codes. eMarketer
(28 Jan.)
| Spotlight on Mass Merchandise | | |
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- Exports slow for China's toy makers
Toy manufacturers in China have seen a slide in exports as global economic growth has slowed and more consumers opt for computer games and gadgets over traditional toys. "Overseas orders were down by at least 40% in 2012 and that's had a huge impact on Chinese toy exports," said Yang Junliang, the sales manager of Yangzhou Oasis Ocean Toys. China Daily (Beijing)
(28 Jan.)
- Myanmar grows into its new manufacturing role
Myanmar is rapidly growing its share of the global garment manufacturing industry, with exports expected to rise 33% to $1.2 billion this year. The growth comes at a time of rapid change in the Southeast Asia nation, as the military-backed government shows a willingness to reform that led the US and Europe to ease sanctions against the country. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required)
(25 Jan.)
- 2nd Bangladesh factory fire shines light on safety
Consumers in developed countries around the globe have come to expect a rapid turnover in new styles at fast-fashion brands. Now, a second deadly garment factory in Bangladesh raises questions how brands can balance worker safety with the demands of running a successful international fashion chain. Bloomberg Businessweek
(27 Jan.)
| NRF News | | |
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- Registration for NRF’s Loss Prevention Conference is now open
The NRF Loss Prevention Conference and EXPO, 12-14 June in San Diego, Calif., is the premier retail-specific event for professionals specializing in loss prevention, asset protection and risk management. The annual conference offers retail LP professionals and law enforcement partners three days of top-notch educational sessions, networking opportunities and an exhibit hall full of cutting-edge technology. Register by 8 Feb. to secure to the lowest rate. Learn more or register.
| SmartQuote | | |
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 | If fate means you to lose, give him a good fight anyhow."
--William McFee,
British-American writer
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