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  | Global retail industry news |  |
| Global Industry Watch |  |  | | - Sears Canada bets on cool factor to bring shoppers back
Sears Canada is taking lessons from successful fast-fashion specialty stores and ramping up the "cool" factor of its apparel offerings to bring in new customers and reignite excitement among its existing customer base, said CEO Calvin McDonald. "I want Sears to be noticed. I want people to know we're here to fight – we're not going away." The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (24 May.)      - Ann Taylor to open first Canada stores this fall
New York-based women's apparel retailer Ann Taylor will open two stores in Toronto this fall, the latest US retailer to add Canada stores as an integral part of its global expansion plans. Several others, including J.Crew, Express and Marshalls, have recently opened their first Canada stores. Canada.com (24 May.)  - EU court rules against MasterCard in cross-border fee case
The EU General Court upheld the European Union's 2007 decision that MasterCard's cross-border interchange fees violate antitrust rules. Five UK retailers including Asda have filed lawsuits this week challenging the fees, which are paid by retailers when shoppers from abroad pay with MasterCard credit or debit cards. Bloomberg Businessweek (24 May.) - Tesco revamps prepared meal line
Tesco is updating recipes on some 700 prepared meals, and launching the improved line with updated packaging, about 20% more meat, and better ingredients. "Ready meals are a massively popular part of our fresh food ranges, and we're really pleased to be able to give our customers even more for their money," said David Harman, ready meals category buying manager. The Retail Bulletin (24 May.)  | You've heard about the switch businesses are making to VoIP phone systems but are they right for your business? With more features and lower costs, the answer is probably yes. But don't take our word for it. Read Ziff Davis' Phone Systems Buyer's Guide and Comparison Guides, FREE with your registration. |
 - Luxury retailers school China's workforce in service
Global luxury brands are facing a shortage of skilled service workers. So as they open new shops in China they are creating their own training programs, such as Cartier owner Compagnie Financière Richemont, which late last year launched a nine-week training course. "Excellent service is a relatively new concept in China, and most people are not accustomed to experiencing great service," said Renee Hartmann, co-founder of China Luxury Advisors. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (24 May.)  | Learn how a multi-layered data security solution, including encryption and tokenization, protects data in transit, in use and at rest. When combined, these two technologies provide a powerful method for securing sensitive data wherever it exists. Get proof here. |
  | Talent intelligence is a key differentiator in today's hyper-competitive world where the human capital of an organization is its principle engine of production. This survey examines the far-reaching economic impact of talent intelligence, identifying connections between its use and overall corporate performance. Download the free report here. |
 - Seafolly opens shop in St. Tropez
 Australian swimwear brand Seafolly has opened a store in St. Tropez as part of a larger focus on future expansion in five key Northern Hemisphere markets, CEO Anthony Halas said. The brand commands about 35% of Australia's swimwear market, and has been building its presence abroad through wholesale deals with high-end department stores including Nordstrom, Selfridges and Neiman Marcus. The Wall Street Journal (22 May.)  | There are a number of reasons why shrewd staffing agencies run background checks on potential employees before inviting them in to their business. Failure to properly screen employees can have serious business and financial consequences. This free white paper outlines the risks that can arise from bad hires and how careful background screening can help mitigate those risks. |
 | NRF News | | | |
| Editor's Note | | | | - SmartBrief will not publish Monday
In observance of Memorial Day in the U.S., SmartBrief will not be published Monday, May 28. Publication will resume Tuesday. | SmartQuote | | | |  | In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."
--Coco Chanel,
French fashion designer  |
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