  | Global retail industry news |  |
- Retail space in Calgary is scarce, experts say
Calgary has one of the lowest retail vacancy rates in North America, making it difficult for companies interested in moving in to the Canadian city as well as those trying to find a better location. "Calgary's retail vacancy rate continues to be one of the lowest not only in Canada but in North America including keynote markets such as New York City," according to Colliers International. "The Calgary retail market is expected to remain very strong over the foreseeable future with vacancy rates expected to remain in the 1.25% to 1.50% range." The Vancouver Sun (British Columbia) (13 Apr.)        | Retail in Europe |  | | | - Ireland's retailers battle real estate investors
Ireland's economic downturn has resulted in a significant increase in shopping mall and high street vacancies. Now, the country's retailers are responding by urging the government to do away with property contracts that only provide for rent increases. "It's akin to using a sledgehammer to crack a nut," said Niall Gaffney, head of the real estate fund IPUT. "If contracts can be torn up retrospectively, it's going to do huge damage to Ireland's reputation." Bloomberg (13 Apr.) - Tesco might expand property program, analysts say
Tesco might expand its sale-and-leaseback program to properties in foreign markets in an effort to raise funds for expansion, according to analysts. The UK retail giant should be able to raise £1 billion or more through the effort while maintaining ownership of most of its properties, Chris Hogbin, a Bernstein Research analyst, said. "Tesco has prime locations from Dublin to California," said Clive Black, an analyst at Shore Capital in London. Expanding the program internationally "may demonstrate further the asset backing and high quality of Tesco's global as well as UK estates." Bloomberg (14 Apr.) - Burberry launches its digital makeover in China
Burberry Group is striving to shake off its image as a stiff fashion label for the older set by giving its stores a makeover featuring the latest in digital technology. The UK company is outfitting its outlets in China with touchscreens and iPads. Angela Ahrendts, chief executive officer at Burberry, said the company will eventually expand its digital retail model to other markets. "China is home to the majority of the world's most digitally powered consumers," Ahrendts said. "We want to connect with them in stores the same way we do elsewhere, giving consumers full access to buy what they want, however they want." MarketWatch (13 Apr.)  | Despite being a backbone enterprise application, Enterprise Resource Planning is often misunderstood. In this guide from Focus, top experts provide their suggestions and recommendations to guide you through your evaluation of the best choices. Unravel the complexities of ERP once and for all to make an informed buying decision by downloading this free white paper. |
 - Walmex expected to report 21% increase in quarterly profit
A survey of five analysts found that Wal-Mart de Mexico likely will report a profit increase of about 21% for the first quarter. A major expansion in Central America is expected to help the company's results. Walmex acquired more than 500 stores in March 2010. "The results will be modest, with little operating leverage thanks to the increase in revenues and more investment in Central America," according to BBVA's brokerage unit. Reuters (12 Apr.)  | New Strategies for Inside Sales Success. A specialized process helps your team win new business, close more sales in less time, and build lasting customer relationships. Find out how to overcome inside sales challenges and meet your business goals. Download the free research report now. |
 | E-commerce Spotlight | | | | - India's e-commerce startups attract large investments
Numerous e-commerce startups in India have attracted multimillion dollar investments in the past several months and new firms are expecting to attract similar amounts of funding. "We are in the process of raising a second round (of funding)," said Manu Agarwal, chief executive of Naaptol.com. The companies are using the funds to expand their operations. Agarwal said that as competition rises, e-commerce companies must innovate and diversify. LiveMint.com/The Wall Street Journal (India) (14 Apr.) - Asos reports 161% jump in international sales
Asos, the UK-based online fashion retailer, posted a significant increase in overseas sales in the three months that ended at the end of March. Meanwhile, sales in Britain increased 24%. The retailers said that its international sales exceeded its UK sales for the first time. "We have to take our hats off to Asos and acknowledge that its burgeoning global expansion is likely to continue to attract a big fan club," said Nick Bubb, a retail analyst at Arden Partners. BBC (13 Apr.) | Technology Solutions | | | | - Boots to launch mobile platform to enhance digital operations
Ruth Spencer, director of insight, loyalty and multi-channel at Alliance Boots, said the company is focusing on its mobile-optimised website. "Our first priority is mobile commerce because customers want product details. There is a difference between fun apps and healthcare so we're gauging customer reaction for what they actually want," Spencer said. "Wherever people 'touch' it, it's got to feel like Boots. We're being more cautious than lots of other brands, and not rushing out Boots-branded apps, because we've got to have a reason why people would come back to it." MarketingWeek.co.uk (U.K) (free content) (13 Apr.) | Spotlight on Consumer Electronics | | | | - UAE's Jacky's Electronics sees growth in laptop, TV categories
Jacky's Electronics, one of the largest consumer electronics retailers in the United Arab Emirates, has enjoyed steady growth in the television and laptop categories. "Last year, following the launch of LED TVs in the region, the company has experienced a strong response in this category, which constituted 10% to the total TV sales. We have seen larger screen sizes ranging from 40-inch plus segment as among the bestsellers in our outlets," said Ashish Panjabi, chief operating officer at Jacky's Electronics. "Laptops are still popular among our customers which have also grown for us in the last year." AME Info (United Arab Emirates) (12 Apr.) | NRF News | | | | - Retail container traffic to rise 9% in April
Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to be up 9% in April over the same month last year, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report. "There are challenges ahead from rising prices for gasoline and other essentials, but inventories are under control and retailers are optimistic," said NRF Vice President Jonathan Gold. Read more.
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