  | Global retail industry news |  |
- Commentary: Online pressure on traditional retailers to continue
Columnist Adele Ferguson explains that it's been a difficult week for traditional retailers in Australia, partly due to pressure from online merchants. However, the pressure isn't about to go away, and brick-and-mortar retailers need to learn to deal with it, she writes. For example, a report from SR7, a social media intelligence firm, released a survey that shows most retailing giants are not embracing social media. The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (02 Jun.)       - Wal-Mart might eventually aim to raise its stake in Massmart
Wal-Mart recently won approval to acquire a 51% stake in South Africa's Massmart, but originally the US retailing giant wanted 100% of the company. Wal-Mart's record on similar purchases suggests that the company might try to raise its stake in Massmart. "Not immediately," said Syd Vianello, an analyst at Nedbank Capital. "You want to bed down what you've got, but down a year or two, there might be interest." Business Day (South Africa) (02 Jun.) - Paymark shuts down Eftpos terminals in New Zealand
Simon Tong, chief executive officer at Paymark, said that more than 10% of the roughly 4,000 noncompliant Eftpos terminals in New Zealand have been disconnected, while retailers upgraded 91 to save them from being disconnected. Tong said Paymark is trying to ensure that retailers are complying with new requirements to have machines that are able to read chip cards. The New Zealand Herald (02 Jun.)  | Ad Compliance Best Practices Kit — Stay ahead of consumer concern and government regulation with TRUSTe. Gain an overview of what Behavioral Advertising (OBA) is, why it is important, and what your options are. Insights from the FTC, DAA, TRUSTe, Forbes, Publisher's Clearing House and more. Register Now. |
 - Kingfisher says warm weather in Europe has helped boost sales
Kingfisher, owner of B&Q, said warm spring weather in France and the UK have helped it increase sales by 3.3% over the 13 weeks to the end of April. The retailer also noted that it was able to boost profits through improved margins as well as higher sales. However, Kingfisher warned that 2011 will be a difficult year for retailers in the UK and beyond. BBC (02 Jun.) - Watchdog scrutinises Morrisons' executive pay scheme
Pirc, a corporate governance supervisor in the UK, said that Morrisons' executive pay structure is "excessive." The supervisor also took issue with shares awarded to Morrisons Financial Director Richard Pennycook. Pirc advised Morrisons shareholders to vote against the company's remuneration report. "Total variable pay is excessive both in theory and in practice although the remuneration package is in-line for the sector," Pirc said. The Independent (London) (02 Jun.)  | Get the Information That Leads to Higher Sales
Learn how a 0.1 percent increase in employee engagement generated more than $100,000 in one store's income when you download the white paper HR and Payroll - Achieving Accountability, Transparency in Retail. A unified HR and payroll system gives you high-quality data you can use to serve customers better. |
 | Retail in Asia |  | | | - Starbucks signs deal with JV partner in South China
Starbucks will gain full control of most of its retail outlets in the Chinese mainland through an agreement with Maxim's Caterers, its joint venture partner in South China. "Full ownership of our stores in Central, South and Western China is part of our broader strategy to build China as our second home market outside of the US," said John Culver, president of Starbucks Coffee International. China Daily (Beijing) (02 Jun.)   | Utilize the Zurich Enterprise Risk Management Healthcheck assessment tool to get a better understanding of your current ERM strategy with recommendations for improvement. Sign up for FREE access today! |
 | E-commerce Spotlight | | | | - Asos reports record annual sales thanks to global sites
UK fast-fashion website Asos said sales from its new partner websites in France, Germany and the US helped it reach record annual sales. International sales surged 142% while overall sales shot up 58%. The online retailer is planning to launch another three international sites. CNBC (02 Jun.) | Spotlight on Consumer Electronics | | | | - Investor asks Kesa Electricals to consider options, source says
Knight Vinke Asset Management, the largest investor in Kesa Electricals, has asked the retailer to consider listing its shares in France, shutting its Comet operation in the UK or other options, a source said. Knight Vinke representatives will meet with the retailer's board before its June 22 presentation of full-year results. Other sources said Kesa is considering selling its operations in Italy, Spain and Turkey, as well as Comet. Bloomberg (31 May.) | NRF News | | | |
| SmartQuote | | | |  | A man with a surplus can control circumstances, but a man without a surplus is controlled by them, and often has no opportunity to exercise judgment."
--Harvey S. Firestone,
American entrepreneur and industrialist  |
| | This SmartBrief was created for cpgbrokers.data@blogger.com
|
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please comment thoughtfully CPG Brokers, your best resource to optimize your in store self exposure and maximize sku distribution.