| Global retail industry news |  |
| Global Industry Watch |  |  |
|
- Wal-Mart names international format leader
Lev Khasis, who joined Wal-Mart in 2011, has been tapped for the new post of president and CEO of new formats for Wal-Mart International. “Lev has a track record of developing innovative formats, and he will now focus on developing new concepts that can be deployed across our markets to provide future growth,” said spokesman Kevin Gardner. Bloomberg Businessweek
(04 Jan.)     
| Retail in Europe | | |
|
- QVC flourishes in Italy, despite austerity
Italy's economy may look bleak at the moment, but that's not deterring QVC. The US-based home-shopping retailer launched on Italian television two years ago, and shoppers there now make about twice as many purchases as QVC customers in other countries, the company says. The current austerity provides both short-term challenges and long-term opportunities to develop customer loyalty as other retailers stay away, says CEO Mike George. Bloomberg Businessweek
(03 Jan.)
- Greek communities set up trading systems
Many communities in Greece have set up networks using an alternative currency, at a time when households have seen their disposable income cut as much as 40%. In the port city of Volos, residents come together to trade without a single euro changing hands. "The older generation in this country can still remember when bartering was commonplace," said sociologist Yiannis Grigoriou. The Guardian (London)
(02 Jan.)
| Retail in Asia | | |
|
- Chinese consumers shop to celebrate 2013
Sales at Beijing's top 100 retail and service establishments rose 8.4% in the first three days of the year compared to the same period last year, as cold weather, a three-day holiday and a flood of tourists drove more consumers to malls and restaurants, according to the Beijing Commercial Information Consulting Center. China Daily (Beijing)
(04 Jan.)
| E-commerce Spotlight | | |
|
- US online shoppers spent 14% more on the holidays
US online shoppers spent around $42.3 billion during the 2012 holiday season, according to a comScore analysis, up 14% from the previous year's total. Thanksgiving and "Free Shipping Day" saw particularly strong sales, although the end of December was relatively weak for online retailers. TechCrunch
(03 Jan.)
| Spotlight on Fashion | | |
|
- Men's fashion gains momentum in 2012
Men's clothing sales grew 10% worldwide last year, according to Bain & Co., and the growth trend is on track to continue in 2013 with tailored menswear proving particularly strong, say retailers and designers. “There is definitely a desire for more modern, even contemporary, tailored clothing for young men. These guys are not looking for suits to wear to the office, but for going out at night," said Saks men's fashion director Eric Jennings. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required)
(03 Jan.)
- High fashion takes less notice of the season
Global fashion trends are driving designers to create collections with much less regard to seasonal weather changes, resulting in fall lines full of mini-skirts and spring styles that include layers and coats. "These pieces need to be transseasonal. Our online business is 50% international and the climates where people live obviously make a big difference," said Ruth Chapman, founder of London boutique Matches. The Guardian (London)
(31 Dec.)
- How Mango mapped a winning global growth strategy
 Mango makes most of its sales outside its native Spain, with 2,400 stores in 110 countries and a winning expansion strategy, including a flexible footprint that fits several sizes of standalone stores as well as the chain's in-store shops at J.C. Penney, says executive Jose Gomez. He shares some insights in advance of his talk at NRF's Big Show in New York City later this month. Retail's BIG Blog
(03 Jan.)
| NRF News | | |
|
- At Ann Inc., success means giving back
Product donations and corporate social responsibility are engrained in the business model at Ann Inc., which includes the Ann Taylor and LOFT brands. As Ann Inc.’s VP of Corporate Social Responsibility explains in this preview for Retail’s BIG Show, CSR is an important value at all levels, which in turn helps customers feel good about what they buy. Read more. Retail's BIG Blog
(18 Dec.)
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | Beware the fury of a patient man."
--John Dryden,
British poet, critic and playwright
|
| |
|
