China Daily Europe has reported that Chinese consumers are reaching across borders to buy products. Several findings include: The United States remains the most popular destination for Chinese cross-border online shopping, while in 2015 Japan and South Korea took second and third place respectively. The overall incidence of Chinese cross-border online shopping has increased…
CONTINUE READINGArchives for February 2016
John Lewis to enter Middle East with Dubai tie-up
Reuters recently reported that John Lewis Partnership, Britain's largest department store group, is to enter the Middle East market, opening an outlet in Dubai next year as it steps up the pace of global expansion. Reuters said that “the employee-owned firm said on Monday the 15,000 square feet space, its largest such overseas concession, will open within the new flagship…
CONTINUE READINGDiscovering Design: Eva Solo
For more than 100 years, the Danish company Eva Solo, founded in 1913, has believed that Good Design is Everything. Known for its distinctive functional and stylish products for kitchen, bath, home and garden, each Eva Solo product begins with an idea for an item that enhances life at home. Such good design results in beautiful products that are a joy to use and to own. Now…
CONTINUE READINGLowe’s, Home Improvement Retailer, to Buy Rona of Canada for $2.28 Billion
North Carolina-based retailer, Lowe’s announced that it has “reached a friendly deal to acquire Rona”, a Canadian chain. According to the New York Times, “The acquisition will make Lowe’s the dominant home improvement company in Canada.” Read more here. …
CONTINUE READINGTrends: Working Moms, Rushed Consumers
As brick-and-mortar retailers, especially smaller ones, try to reach their primary shopper, they are competing for a person with very little time. Or at least that is how she perceives her situation. According to a recent study from the Pew Research Center, for full-time working mothers who balance their jobs and obligations ranging from child care to shopping, “feeling…
CONTINUE READINGChina’s Consumers Begin to Awake
Andy Kessler, former hedge fund manager, has a recent piece in the Op Ed section of the Wall Street Journal in which he says, “This trend toward consumerism is already under way—China’s big cities are plastered with ads for Porsche, Gucci and Apple products. Some 600 million Chinese have smartphones. Uber and local Didi Kuaidi are battling it out to offer rides. Airbnb is…
CONTINUE READINGInforming Innovation: An Interview with Udo Jansen, GfK Retail and Technology|GmbH
By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator GfK, founded in 1934 in Germany, is one of the largest global marketing research companies. With more than 13,000 employees in countries on every continent, GfK identifies and develops strategic opportunities; collects and analyzes large data sets and offers business solutions in many areas from consumer experiences to supply chain…
CONTINUE READINGInforming Innovation: An Interview with Stephen Konkle, U. S. Small Business Administration
By Vicki Matranga Design Programs Coordinator Based in Chicago, Stephen Konkle is the Illinois District Office International Trade Officer at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Before joining the SBA, Konkle worked in treasury and accounting positions for manufacturing firms. He holds a B.A. in economics and an MBA in finance. Stephen, what is the most exciting or…
CONTINUE READINGSainsbury Agrees on $1.9 Billion Deal for Home Retail Group
The Wall Street Journal reports that UK supermarket retailer Sainsbury has struck a deal to buy Home Retail group, parent of UK retailer Argos. Details are available from the Wall Street Journal here. (Subscription required) IBC Members may view the Key Retail Profiles on Argos and Sainsbury here. If you are a current IBC Member and need assistance with your username and…
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