International Strategy
Retailers from Forever 21 to Gap have rushed to Hong Kong to reach the 28 million Chinese tourists passing through last year. To do so, they're paying some of the world's highest rents. Hong Kong retail rents, which rose 32 percent in prime locations last year according to Savills Plc estimates, may climb more even as global economies and property markets slow.
Wal-Mart's Canadian unit will invest more than $750 million in 73 projects in the next 12 months, as the world's biggest retailer moves aggressively to stay ahead of competitors such as Target.
Collective Brands' Payless and its partners said that in 2012 they expect six store openings in Korea, as well as five stores each to open in Thailand and Vietnam.
American Eagle Outfitters said its debut store in Israel will open tomorrow at Ramat Aviv Mall in Tel Aviv. American Eagle has been expanding its international presence for the past three years, now with 21 stores in 10 countries, partnering with retail experts in each region. Today, there are franchise stores open in Russia, China, Hong Kong and various cities throughout the Middle East.
H&M recently announced its expansion goals for 2012, with plans to add approximately 275 new stores. The fashion retailer will open the most stores this year in China, the United States and the United Kingdom. In addition, it will enter Bulgaria, Latvia, Malaysia and Thailand for the first time.
Just a few weeks after unveiling the locations of its first 24 stores in Canada, Target released an expanded list of stores that will debut in 2013. The stores listed included two in Alberta, two in British Columbia, 29 in Ontario and one in Saskatchewan.
Hudson's Bay is betting a Canadian touch will revitalize the oldest upscale department store retailer in the U.S. Bonnie Brooks, who is credited with having started to revive the ailing Bay after she got the top job in 2008, was appointed president of Hudson's Bay Co. on Jan. 23.
Ikea is withholding its entry into India in spite of New Delhi's move to open its market to foreign retailers as the Swedish homewares company accelerates its expansion in other BRIC countries.
American Eagle Outfitters plans to expand in Japan, with the opening of three stores in Tokyo in 2012. The retailer's first store in the country is slated to open on April 18 in a new retail development.
Staples Canada is implementing an in-store solution for printing shelf signs and labels in its 320-plus stores. The AccessVia Web dSignShop allows the office products retailer to produce signs in both English and French, and offers a French-language interface for stores with Francophone employees.