| Global retail industry news |  | | |  | - France's Casino is poised to acquire Carrefour's Thai stores
Casino has struck a deal to acquire 42 supermarkets in Thailand from its French rival Carrefour for €868 million. Casino said the move would help Big C Supercenter to become a market leader. Casino owns a 63% stake in Big C. Carrefour was the fifth-largest operator in Thailand, but said it is aiming to focus on countries where it can take a leading position. Reuters (15 Nov.)       - John Lewis looks forward to a merry Christmas
John Lewis, a UK retailer often seen as a bellwether for other British merchants, said sales soared last week as consumers shopped for Christmas gifts and decorations as well as cold-weather gear. "With very strong figures from last year against us, our results last week are a clear sign that the steep sales climb towards Christmas has begun in earnest," said Andy Street, managing director at John Lewis Reuters (14 Nov.) , The Guardian (London) (14 Nov.) - Richemont reports 87% jump in first-half profit
Richemont recently reported that first-half profits were up 87%, but the luxury-goods company indicated that a slowdown is likely in the next few months. "The good performance achieved by Richemont in the first half of this year has been driven by a marked improvement in all business areas and across all geographies compared to the depressed levels seen last year," said Chairman and CEO Johann Rupert. "For the second half of the financial year, we expect the high rate of growth in sales seen in the year to date to slow as a consequence of exchange rate movements and the more challenging prior year comparatives." France 24/Agence France-Presse (12 Nov.) , Bloomberg (12 Nov.)  | Gain insight into the overall health of U.S. businesses and how to leverage new tools to better manage business, while reducing risk exposure. Register now for Gain a clearer picture of small-business risk in an uncertain market.
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 - Indian ministry proposes allowing up to 18% FDI in retail
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises ministry of India said only up to 18% foreign direct investment should be allowed in the country's multibrand retail sector. The ministry warned that the entry of global retail giants could hurt the interests of consumers, small farmers and kirana stores. "India should tread cautiously by opening the sector, if at all, gradual and analysing the impact before opening it more," a source said. The Economic Times (India)/Press Trust of India (14 Nov.)  | Work where the work is, not where the phone is. SynJ™ from AT&T is The Small Business Phone System. See how cordless handsets, extended-range and intuitive navigation make SynJ the productivity booster your business needs. View the SynJ demo now. |
 - Retail sales in Brazil increased 0.4% in September
Brazilian retailers saw a 0.4% increase in sales in September compared with August, according to the national statistic agency. The country's retail sales have expanded for a fifth consecutive month. "The figures highlight the strength of domestic demand, though the trajectory of economic expansion poses risks on inflation," said Flavio Serrano, senior economist at Espirito Santo Investment Bank. Bloomberg (12 Nov.)  | Learn about core HR solutions to manage costs, ensure compliance, and allow HR personnel to be more strategic. Download your free Aberdeen Report, a $399 value, compliments of SAP, and find out how you can drive down costs while improving global delivery through automation, integration and consolidation. |
 | E-commerce Spotlight |  | | | - Online retailer Iglu faces decision about expanding
Iglu, a UK-based online ski and cruise holiday retailer, struggled after the dot-com crash. "We'd done too much, too young, trying to go to France and Germany with nascent systems. It was ridiculous," said CEO Richard Downs. Now that the retailer is on firm footing once again, it is faced with the decision of whether to focus on the UK or consider international expansion. Telegraph (London) (15 Nov.) | Spotlight on Mass Merchandise | | | | - Wal-Mart Asia head discusses sourcing plans for India
 Wal-Mart, the largest retailer in the world, is planning a push to buy more food from smaller farms in India over the next couple of years. Scott Price, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Asia, explains the plan. "Wal-Mart has established country-specific commitments for its sustainable agriculture goals to support local farmers. Through its Direct Farm Programme in India, Wal-Mart will partner with small and medium farmers to source [50%] of their fresh produce," Price said. Business Standard (India) (15 Nov.) - Wal-Mart looks for acquisitions in Japan
Wal-Mart Stores is interested in acquisition targets in Japan to help it with pricing advantages. "We are interested in growth [in Japan] and willing to increase market share through mergers and acquisitions," said Scott Price, president and CEO of Wal-Mart Asia. "We do need scale [in Japan] and we have been very open about it. We want to take over stores where the current operator is not successful and wants out, or acquisitions that fit our model and are not troubled." United Press International (13 Nov.) | NRF News | | | | - Top 10 trends to watch this holiday season
Americans won't return to their post-recession shopping patterns, but they are a bit more willing to consider impulse buys and purchase presents for themselves as well as others this season, writes NRF VP Ellen Davis in a blog post detailing the top 10 holiday trends for 2010. Retailers who are still on the fence about mobile, take note of Trend No. 10, which details how shoppers will be using their smartphones this season. Read more.
| SmartQuote | | | |  | You can tell how high a society is by how much of its garbage is recycled."
--Dhyani Ywahoo,
Native American spiritual leader,
quoted for America Recycles Day, 15 Nov., 2010  |
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