  | Global retail industry news |  |
- Target's ripple effect in Canada
Consultants in Canada are creating a thriving market advising retailers and suppliers on the ins and outs of dealing with Target ahead of the US retailer's entry into the market next year. Target has also boosted business for Canadian consultants, seeking expert advice on everything from taxes to store design. The Globe and Mail (Toronto) (01 Apr.)       | What Data Thieves Don’t Want You to Know:
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. |
 - Investment firm OpCapita acquires Game Group
OpCapita has acquired computer game retailer Game Group, which entered administration last week, and plans to keep the chain's remaining 333 UK stores operating. The new owner also said it may seek to rehire "a small number" of the corporate employees who were let go last week. The Guardian (London) (01 Apr.) - What Easter means for UK retailers
UK retailers traditionally welcome higher sales and foot traffic as Easter and spring approach, but variables from the weather to consumer confidence may put less of a spring in this year's "Easter Bounce," economists say. "In terms of consumers' ability to get out there and spend, they are still feeling the pinch. The outlook for this Easter is tough," said economist Victoria Cadman. The Guardian (London) (31 Mar.)  | Leveraging Cloud Security to Weather Threatening Storms
Web attacks and retribution campaigns are on the rise, and they have become more frequent, more random and more extreme. This paper assesses the current cyber threat environment and discusses the use of distributed cloud services as an effective means to protect against evolving, modern-day IT threats. |
 - Starbucks to employ 30,000 in China by 2015
Starbucks plans to triple its store count in China from 500 to 1,500 and grow from 10,000 to 30,000 workers there by 2015, executive John Culver said Sunday. The coffee chain's Asia-Pacific sales rose 38% in the quarter ended Jan. 1, and Starbucks also plans to boost its growth in other Asian markets and open its first stores in India and Vietnam this year. The Wall Street Journal (01 Apr.) - Fast Retailing converts Ginza Uniqlo to g.u. brand
Fast Retailing has turned a 16,000-square-foot former Uniqlo store in Japan's Ginza district into the first central Tokyo location for its lower-priced g.u. apparel brand. The fast-fashion brand joined rivals including H&M, Forever 21 and Abercrombie & Fitch, giving lower-priced fashions a greater presence in the district known for its high-end department stores and boutiques. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (30 Mar.)  | Taking your brand beyond the web—and why you need to do it now. Connected consumers were big news in 2011. Use of tablets and smartphones skyrocketed as did shoppers’ appetite for online purchasing. Tune in to hear how you can get ready now for the 2012 multi-channel marathon going into the holiday season, how to meet your customers where they want to shop, and deliver a consistent, branded experience across all touchpoints. To register click here. |
  | Data powers all your online channels and as a marketer you are involved with how this information is being used to reach customers. Federal regulations require protection of that consumer data to avoid potential risks and lawsuits. Watch these videos to learn how to create a comprehensive data privacy strategy. |
 | Spotlight on Mass Merchandise |  |  | | |  | - Changing the face of Brand China
China's clothing industry must move away from low-end manufacturing and begin developing strong brands that appeal to both domestic and foreign consumers, said industry leaders at the China Fashion Forum in Beijing. "The good brands here do not want to be compared to other brands. They want to construct their own brands with their own identity and their own cultural heritage," said Wang Jun, secretary-general of the China National Garment Association. Women's Wear Daily (subscription required) (01 Apr.)  | How can you help your company get well sooner?
Visa Healthcare cards reduce paperwork, reimbursement checks and mailing costs, making your job go faster and more streamlined. They also provide employees convenient access to health-benefit funds, which means happier employees and increased enrollment. Visit visa.com/healthcare to learn more. |
  | NRF News | |  | | - KPMG global retail director talks trends for 2012
With cost-containing initiatives out for retail executives in 2012, many will look toward investing in strategies that will optimize their online and mobile platforms to increase sales and customer satisfaction. In a new post on Retail's BIG Blog, KPMG's Global Head of Retail Mark Larson discusses retailers' most important initiatives for 2012 and top themes in NRF Foundation's recently released "Retail Horizons: Benchmarks for 2011, Forecasts for 2012" report. Read more.
| SmartQuote | | | |  | A camel is a horse designed by committee."
--Sir Alec Issigonis,
Greek-British car designer  |
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