| Global retail industry news |  |
- Longchamp plans growth in US and China
Paris-based accessories brand Longchamp expects to open 25 new boutiques and concessions this year, including about 10 in China and some in the US, its second-largest market after France. In addition to its branded boutiques, Longchamp already sells at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale's and Saks, and expects to add Neiman Marcus and Holt Renfrew to the list this year. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (06 Feb.)       | Successful business organizations have been capturing data about people and turning it into actionable information to make better hiring and development decisions. While business-led talent practices provide considerable benefits for the business and the HR department, this whitepaper explores the value of these activities for business leaders driving talent management functions. |
 - UK retailers see sharp sales drop in January
UK retail sales saw their second-biggest January decline since 1995 last month, as consumers worried about a weak economic outlook pulled back on post-holiday spending, according to the British Retail Consortium. Same-store sales declined 0.3%, and demand dropped across several categories including home goods, clothing and food. Bloomberg Businessweek (07 Feb.) - Survey: Many loyalty programs go unused
About 86% of UK consumers in a recent survey were enrolled in at least one customer-loyalty programme, but 39% aren't using all of the programmes they're enrolled in, according to ICM Research. Irrelevant offers and programmes that were hard to understand and use were the top reasons; some retail chains including Boots and IKEA are in the midst of making their loyalty programmes more relevant to shoppers. Brand Republic (U.K.) (06 Feb.)  | Learn How to Cut HR Costs Without Cutting Production
Entrepreneurial execs know that they need to follow the rules, but they may not realize which decisions will lead to the two vital components that help keep HR costs low. The following paper focuses on minimizing human capital expenses in four key areas. Download the white paper, An Executive’s Guide to Cutting HR Costs to learn more. |
 - Wal-Mart names former Woolworths' executive to lead China
Wal-Mart has named former Woolworths' executive Greg Foran as its new president and CEO for Wal-Mart China, replacing Ed Chan, who resigned last fall. The retailer has faced several challenges in China in recent months, including slowing sales and a crackdown by officials in Chongqing who temporarily closed 13 stores for allegedly selling mislabled pork. The Wall Street Journal (07 Feb.) - Starbucks executive maps Asia success strategy
 Finding vast numbers of employees and keeping them happy will be key to Starbucks growth plans in Asia, as will creating stores that are modernized but not Westernized, says Asia Pacific President Jinlong Wang. Starbucks is seeing about 8% annual growth in China and recently announced plans to begin opening shops in India. The Wall Street Journal (06 Feb.)  | Consumer Insights Your Brand Needs to Know: Latest Trends in Behavioral Advertising
Learn what brand managers, advertisers, as well as networks, agencies, and publishers need to know about consumer survey insights into behavioral ad serving, also known as interest-based advertising. Learn more today! |
 - Mexico to increase production for US apparel brands
Mexican textile and apparel factories expect to increase production about 2% this year, as US brands shift more work from Asia to factories closer to home, said Miguel Angel Andreu, director of the Mexican Textiles Institute. "US retailers are tired of markdowns, so they are looking for an affordable production spot that can supply their more fashionable merchandise as frequently as possible," Andreu said. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (06 Feb.)  | What if there was a gold mine of data that was going untapped by your data decision-making programs? Today, the role of video can extend far beyond security. Data gathered from video surveillance can now help decision makers actually grow a business rather than just protect it. Download this free white paper and learn how video analytics can translate to competitive advantage. |
  | Costs are rising in China and Japan, prompting high-tech firms across Asia to consider new sourcing locations so they can remain efficient, while focusing more on service. What will be the impact of this behavioral shift? Learn about the findings in this free white paper. |
 | Spotlight on Grocery |  |  | | - Tesco to delay debut of customer bank accounts
UK supermarket giant Tesco said Monday its bank division will delay a planned launch of current accounts for customers until next year. The chain began beefing up its financial-services portfolio in 2009 and already offers other financial products including loans and credit cards. The Wall Street Journal (06 Feb.) - UK's "Big Four" supermarket chains test Wi-Fi
ASDA, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury's are reportedly testing Wi-Fi systems in select stores and all plan to roll them out systemwide within the next 12 months. Tesco already has added the service at all of its Tesco Extra superstores, which offer free unlimited access to its Clubcard customers. Brand Republic (U.K.) (03 Feb.) | NRF News | | | | - Want to speak at Shop.org? Submit your session idea by 20 May
Be a part of the hottest digital retailing event of the year -– Shop.org's 2012 Annual Summit, 10 to 12 Sept. in Denver, US. The call for speakers has now officially opened as the event team scours the industry for the best in digital retailing to share their insights through a few different speaking opportunities: Online Retail Boot Camp, 205 keynote sessions and 16 breakouts. The deadline to submit proposals is 20 May. Learn more.
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