| Global retail industry news |  |
- Foreign competition puts pressure on Canadian specialty retailers
Canadian-owned clothing retailers, such as Boutique Jacob, are feeling the pressure as global fashion retailers flood into the country. The trend is expected to continue with foreign retailers taking up more market share each year. Canada has become known as a relatively easy country for foreign retailers to enter and is attractive because of its solid consumer base. Sweden's H&M, Spain's Zara, the US's Forever 21 and other foreign players are expanding across Canada, while others are planning to enter. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (08 Dec.)        | This report provides a review and assessment of the strategic innovation options that CPG companies should examine. It also covers the need to develop a coherent innovation strategy across categories and platforms and for alignment with overall corporate strategy: Click here to find out more. |
 - Tesco: Total sales up 8.8%, led by gains in Asia
Tesco reported an 8.8% increase in total sales in the 13 weeks to Nov. 27, with like-for-like sales in the UK increasing by 1.5%. The retailer is seeing a "steady consumer recovery" in its home market, and sales growth in its Finest range has been particularly solid. Total sales in Asia, however, rose 23.4%, while like-for-like sales jumped 4.3%. Telegraph (London) (07 Dec.) - Ireland's rents, terms attract international brands
Ireland's retail sector has faced difficulties over the past couple of years, from the credit crunch to the country's fiscal woes and recession. The result has been a drop in retail rental prices and property values. International brands have been eager to capitalise on the correction in rents and the more flexible terms, but are only interested in the best trading locations. Pandora, Disney, Pumpkin Patch, Hollister and Forever 21 are just a few of the global brands that have opened or are poised to open in Ireland. The Irish Times (Dublin) (08 Dec.)  | Work where the work is, not where the phone is. SynJ™ from AT&T is The Small Business Phone System. See how cordless handsets, extended-range and intuitive navigation make SynJ the productivity booster your business needs. View the SynJ demo now. |
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 | E-commerce Spotlight | | | | - Severe weather helps sales at UK-based online retailer
Shop Direct, an online retailer based in Britain, already has broken its sales records this holiday season, partly because of the UK's recent winter weather. CEO Mark Newton-Jones predicts that sales may still improve. "We're right in the middle of peak trading," Newton-Jones said. "Last week and Monday was always mooted as being the biggest and we had the biggest online demand in our history, ahead of where we thought it would be." Liverpool Daily Post (U.K.) (08 Dec.) | Technology Solutions | | | | - Wal-Mart ramps up IT sourcing strategy from India
Wal-Mart has established a dedicated group in Gurgaon, India, called Remote Services Management as the company steps up its information technology sourcing from the country. Micky Singh, previously chief information officer for Wal-Mart India, is leading the group, which is part of the company's in-house IT division, sources said. Business Standard (India) (07 Dec.) | Spotlight on Luxury Goods | | | | - Deacons to expand in Africa as demand for luxury goods rises
Deacons Kenya, a clothing and household goods retailer, is planning to use proceeds raised from its initial public offering to expand in the East African region, particularly Kenya. The company is aiming to tap into demand for luxury goods by opening at least 10 new outlets by the end of 2011. The stores will be located in major Kenyan cities, including Nakuru, Eldoret and Kisumu. Business Daily (Nairobi, Kenya) (08 Dec.) | NRF News | | | | - The data you need to expand internationally
Retailers considering international expansion have a wealth of statistical information right at their fingertips with FIRAE's industry data page. The industry data, sorted by country, provides economic statistics from retail environments worldwide. Researching new economic frontiers is only a click away! Learn more.
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