  | Global retail industry news |  |
- Australia's Harvey slams proposed carbon-tax policy
Gerry Harvey, the founder and executive chairman at Harvey Norman, said that the proposed carbon tax would give the country a moral victory, but would also put additional strain on the country's businesses. "The bloke overseas is not doing it. Whether it's right or wrong to have a carbon tax is one issue but whether it's possible is another issue," Harvey said. "How can you do it? I'd love to be able to do it, but even if I do it it makes 1% of 1% difference to the world. Why am I doing this? Oh, because it's a good example to the rest of the world, oh, but then I go broke in the meantime." The Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) (25 Apr.)       - Sweden's H&M appears closer to entering Winnipeg
Rumours that Hennes & Mauritz, the Swedish fashion retailer, are planning to open shop in Winnipeg have been swirling around for years. However, the Canadian division of H&M recently sent out a message via Twitter that indicates that the speculation is about to become reality. "Hey Winnipeg! We're looking to expand even further in Canada! Where would an ideal Winnipeg location be? Polo Park?" the company asked through Twitter. Winnipeg Free Press (Manitoba) (23 Apr.)  | Evaluate your Energy company's top ten, potential risks and loss management strategies with the Zurich Virtual Consultant tool. Sign up to get FREE access today! |
 - Business is ticking along nicely, says Swatch CEO
Swatch Group is doing so much business that it's struggling to meet demand for its low-cost watches and precision-machined parts, says CEO Nick Hayek. With profits up 42%, Hayek is trying to dissuade rivals from buying Swatch-made parts for their products, and is refocusing the Swiss company on producing finished timepieces for sale to consumers. "We are in a ridiculous situation that would be like having BMW supply all the engines for Audi and Mercedes. In no other industry do you have one company supply all the critical parts to the people who then compete directly with it," Hayek says. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (23 Apr.) - Russian oligarch reportedly close to acquiring Waterstone's
Alexander Mamut, a Russian oligarch, is nearing a £35 million deal to acquire the troubled Waterstone's book chain. Mamut owns more than 6% of HMV Group, Waterstone's parent company. Tim Waterstone, founder of the book chain, is speculated to be considering a joint offer with Mamut, although he has declined to comment on the rumours. The Guardian (London) (24 Apr.)  | Despite being a backbone enterprise application, Enterprise Resource Planning is often misunderstood. In this guide from Focus, top experts provide their suggestions and recommendations to guide you through your evaluation of the best choices. Unravel the complexities of ERP once and for all to make an informed buying decision by downloading this free white paper. |
 - Germany's Metro plans to double number of stores in China
Metro Cash & Carry International is planning to expand its presence in China over the next few years. "We want to expand in the 35 cities in which we already have a presence to increase our current network. However, as China is very homogeneous in terms of economic development, we are focusing on three very prosperous areas: The Bohai Bay area, the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta," said Tino Zeiske, president of Metro Jinjiang Cash & Carry. United Press International (23 Apr.) - Chamate plans to open 30 more dining outlets in China
Shanghai Chamate Company CEO Lin Shengzhi said he expects the company to be publicly listed within the next few years. He also said Chamate is looking to open 30 additional retail dining outlets in China this year. Chamate currently has nearly 100 of its tea shops in mainland China. ChinaRetailNews.com (22 Apr.)  | 10 Must-Read Articles from HBR
If you read nothing else, read these 10 articles from Harvard Business Review's most influential authors. Order this insightful collection in convenient electronic download. |
 | E-commerce Spotlight |  | | | | Spotlight on Mass Merchandise | | | | - Tesco CEO Clarke optimistic about economy
Phil Clarke, chief executive officer at Tesco, said that he expects the UK economy to improve soon. "Things should pick up some time this year -- when the commodities price (rises) lap themselves, when the VAT (sales tax) rise laps itself, the fuel price rise laps itself and we get through the public sector impact on jobs. The global economy actually is in recovery," Clarke said. "Lots of things can destabilise that. Interest rate rises might be a bit unhelpful. But I am more optimistic than many. There is still investment coming into this country." Reuters (23 Apr.), Telegraph (London) (22 Apr.), Telegraph (London) (23 Apr.) | NRF News | | | | - What you need to know about tablet shoppers
Digital retailers are only beginning to get a glimpse into what the introduction of the tablet means to retail. Based on a recent BIGresearch survey of almost 25,000 consumers, there are five key trends that highlight how tablet and smartphone owners shop and use digital resources. Shop.org's Fiona Swerdlow details the survey data to paint a picture of the new mobile consumer. Read more.
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