| Global retail industry news |  | | |  | - Starbucks to accelerate store openings worldwide
Starbucks is planning to open an average of more than one store a day as the global economic recovery continues. CEO Howard Schultz hopes to open about 100 stores in the US and another 400 international locations in the fiscal year that started in October. "Our ability to navigate through the financial crisis and come out much stronger gives us reason to start growing the company again," Schultz said. Bloomberg (12 Nov.)      - Wal-Mart Canada works to improve grocery offerings
Grocery stores are often judged by the quality of their produce. Wal-Mart Canada introduced fresh fruits and vegetables in its Supercentres about four years ago and has since been playing catch-up with its competitors. The company is relying on its ability to quickly stock shelves to attract more grocery customers. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (16 Nov.)  | The Blogging CFO
By Karen J. Bannan October 12, 2010
Though their number may be small, for CFOs who blog, the return can be big. |
 - Mothercare experiences "exceptional" growth in overseas markets
Growth in Mothercare's international business countered challenges the retailer faced in the UK as it posted a 22% increase in half-year profits. "The UK consumer environment remains uncertain and we continue to plan cautiously," said CEO Ben Gordon. "We are, however, benefiting significantly from the strategic initiatives we have taken and from the rapid growth of international." Mothercare has more than 1,200 outlets in dozens of countries. Google/The Press Association (U.K.) (17 Nov.)  | In any industry, operational excellence revolves around key business outcomes including productivity, cost control, and quality of service. For retailers, all of these outcomes are highly, if not entirely, dependent on the quality of the workforce and how it is managed. Find out what challenges retailers are facing, and what a workforce management solution can do for your bottom line. |
 - Carrefour reportedly halts sale of Malaysian, Singaporean stores
Bids for Carrefour's stores in Malaysia and Singapore were too low to persuade the company to sell, sources said. Carrefour reportedly notified bidders that the sale process has been suspended after it rejected offers. "The prospect that progress would be made on negotiations within this year has now disappeared," one of the sources said. Reuters (16 Nov.)  | Create a winning social-media strategy
Relying on luck and good intentions when developing your social-media approach can leave you with disparate, ineffective initiatives. Get the data you need to formulate a savvy social-media strategy that produces measurable results. Check out SmartBrief's State of Social Media for Business 2010. |
 | E-commerce Spotlight |  | | | - Australia's Kogan launches e-commerce site for UK
Ruslan Kogan, a 27-year-old Australian entrepreneur, has taken on Harvey Norman and is now focusing his sights on the UK. Kogan recently launched www.kogan.co.uk to sell televisions and appliances in Britain. "It's a lot more competitive. They've probably got 10 or more Harvey Norman or JB Hi-Fi equivalents over here," he said. "So there's very fierce competition, but that's what gets us out of bed in the morning." News.com.au (Australia) (16 Nov.)  | The Joint Pain Relief Workout
Whether it's your aching knees, a painful hip, a damaged shoulder, or other major joint, this report from Harvard Medical School will provide you with a strategic exercise plan to relieve your pain and facilitate movement. 30% off the cover price and free shipping for SmartBrief readers. Click here to order. |
 | Technology Solutions | | | | - How mobile is affecting consumers' buying decisions
 About 42% of UK consumers have used their mobile phones to compare prices and shop around, found a Forrester Consulting study. Mobile is becoming increasingly important, the study found, as it influences consumers' choices. "Capturing the consumer's attention prior to purchase and retaining it following the purchase is the magic formula that all retailers are trying to achieve. We call it 'stickiness' and it is becoming even more necessary as cross-channel shopping increases," said David Selinger, chief executive officer at RichRelevance. InternetRetailing.net (16 Nov.) | Spotlight on Luxury Goods | | | | - Burberry and CEO Arhendts continue to shine
Burberry CEO Angela Arhendts recently collected a couple of awards on behalf of the retailer at the Walpole Awards for Excellence in British luxury. "Burberry is thrilled to receive these prestigious awards, and I am honoured to accept them on behalf of each and every one of the 7,000 associates worldwide who have worked so passionately to get the brand to this position," Arhendts said. "As our first half results confirm, this is an exciting time for the brand, and we have only just begun." Financial News Online (U.K.) (subscription required) (16 Nov.) | NRF News | | | | - Budget-focused holiday shoppers to rely less on credit
As Americans strive to stick to a budget, their use of credit cards for holiday purchases will be the lowest since 2002. Instead, two-thirds of Americans plan to pay primarily with debit cards and cash, according to a new NRF survey conducted by BIGresearch. Other survey findings? Discretionary gifts are back as sales of jewellery and gift cards will rise, and early "Black Friday" sales are making an impact. Read more.
| SmartQuote | | | |  | Never be afraid to sit awhile and think."
--Lorraine Hansberry,
American playwright  |
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