All General merchandise articles – Page 168
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News
Metro targets independent retailers
Metro’s Cash and Carry chain is targeting independent retailers with a new format in Romania.The retailer has launched a new franchise programme for a convenience store format under the brand La doi pasi, which translates as ‘two steps’.So far, 200 stores have joined the franchise programme, with 80 already operational ...
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News
Pantaloon Retail to leave joint venture with Staples
Future Group-owned Pantaloon Retail in India plans to leave its joint venture with office retailer Staples by June.The change is part of the group’s strategy to raise funds and focus on core retail operations. The joint venture agreement with Staples, signed in 2007, gives the US-based retailer an option to ...
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NewsClintons puts Birthdays chain up for sale
UPDATE: Greetings card specialist Clinton Cards has put its struggling Birthdays chain up for sale.
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News
Metro Group to expand in China
Metro Group’s cash and carry operation in China plans to open at least 10 stores during 2012.Metro China is also piloting a trader support solutions programme to provide customised service tools to local independent small and medium-sized traders.Based on the pilot launched in Shanghai in 2011, Metro is testing the ...
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NewsCountrywide makes redundancies as first half results disappoint
Rural retailer Countrywide makes redundancies as it reports “disappointing” first half results.
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NewsPoundland accepts American Express to attract middle class shoppers
Single price point retailer Poundland will accept American Express cards in all 385 stores from today to better serve its growing affluent customer base.
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AnalysisRetail’s work record under fire
Retail’s role in helping young people into work is under fire amid accusations of exploitation and pressure to make people do unpaid work, but protesters miss the point, reports Alex Lawson.
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NewsThorntons plans to test products via website
Struggling chocolatier Thorntons will use its website as a “testing ground” to introduce new products across the business as it relaunches its online operations in the autumn as part of its turnaround.
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OpinionNo one comes close to Amazon
Ajaz Ahmed is the founder of Freeserve. He was one of the three founding executives to launch the business, seeing it through flotation and the £1.6bn sale to Wanadoo.
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News
Target posts net earnings growth
Target has posted net earnings of $2.93bn (£1.85bn) for its full year and $981m (£619.3m) for the fourth quarter. Target chairman, president and chief executive Gregg Steinhafel, said: “Target generated strong financial performance in 2011, overcoming sluggish economic growth, restrained consumer spending and an intensely promotional holiday season. For the ...
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NewsJessops chairman David Adams to step down
Camera specialist Jessops chairman David Adams is to step down at the end of the month.
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AnalysisRetail Week Conference 2012: What topics will be covered?
This year’s conference will give you the knowledge you need to compete today.
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News
Casino launches Cvous.com
Casino has launched Cvous.com, a community website dedicated to consumers who want to “share ideas on products and services offered in stores”. Users are able to voice their opinions on products and vote for their favourite items. The products that are highlighted will be then promoted in stores and participants ...
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NewsTesco online food sales to double in next five years
Grocery giant already close to controlling 50% of internet food sales.
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AnalysisWalmart plants flag with Chinese ecommerce site
Walmart has unveiled plans to take a majority share in fast-growing Chinese ecommerce website Yihaodian.com, cementing its commitment both to ecommerce and international investment in the growing Chinese market.
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AnalysisInternational expansion: Lost in translation
International expansion may afford growth opportunities, but it can be a property minefield. Nicola Harrison considers how to invest wisely in overseas territories.
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AnalysisSpeeding up the spending process
As customers demand choice in payments, do retailers that ignore self-service, contactless payment and a host of online transaction options risk losing sales? Alison Clements reports.
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InterviewQ&A: Argos' new boss John Walden
Argos’ new managing director John Walden started his job at the catalogue retailer this week. The American behind Best Buy’s launch online talks to Nicola Harrison about his move to the UK and what challenges lie ahead
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NewsAlbemarle & Bond eyes more pop-ups
Pawnbroker Albemarle & Bond is eyeing more pop-up shops as landlords aim to attract the footfall drivers to their retail schemes.
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AnalysisA new breed of retail boss
The new bosses at Argos and Mothercare have etail backgrounds. Will this become a common theme across the sector, asks Rebecca Thomson.