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European economy 2nd February 2022

ifo Institute: Supply Problems Easing in German Retail

Supply problems in German retail have eased considerably. In January, 57.1 percent of retailers complained that they will not receive all the goods they ordered. In December, the figure was 81.6 percent. This is the finding of an ifo Institute survey. “With the end of the Christmas season, the pressure has abated somewhat,” says Klaus Wohlrabe, Head of Surveys at ifo. “Nevertheless, many retailers can’t fulfill every customer request because…

World economy 9th December 2014

Retail traditions hit a wall at Wal-Mart China

BEIJING | By Li Xuena via Caixin | Zhong Shidan started climbing the Wal-Mart career ladder 18 years ago after she joined the U.S. retail giant’s Shenzhen outlet as a shop assistant. Today, Zhong holds a high-level operations department position and oversees the company’s more than 80,000 employees in China. She goes by the English name Grace and works hard to reflect well on Wal-Mart as an executive who is persistent, smart and focused.

Companies 16th September 2014

El Corte Inglés & the business model that looks set to be consigned to history

MADRID | J.P. Marín Arrese | Chairman Isidoro Alvarez’s death this week has commanded widespread emotion. He embodied El Corte Inglés’ soul, leading it to become Europe’s largest department store. Thanks to formidable growth, coupled with a unique business model, Alvarez sought and implemented widespread changes to company practice from the 90,000 strong work force, thorough his personal commitment to the firm. In exchange, he preserved full employment even when faced with dwindling sales during the crisis. He also drove a fully self-financed expansion, ruling out indebtedness and support from capital markets.

Companies 15th September 2014

El Corte Ingles, a succession filled with uncertainty

MADRID | By Fernando G. Urbaneja | The death of Isidoro Álvarez, the legendary Spanish retailer and El Corte Inglés chairman, comes at a moment of critical importance to the company. Urgent strategic decisions are required at one of Europe’s most peculiar and inimitable businesses. El Corte Inglés’ model is unique with those with extensive knowledge of the firm concluding that is has its own defining characteristics.

Markets 14th July 2014

These are UBS’ rental growth forecasts for retail and office by country

MADRID | By The Corner | Real estate values are a function of cap rates (property yields) and income growth. In the tables following UBS illustrates their team’s rental growth forecasts for retail and office by country. The majority of markets are showing a modest improvement in rental growth with estimates more optimistic for San Franscisco and London office.

Markets 28th March 2014

Market chatter: Repsol, Gas Natural and much more

MADRID | By Jaime Santisteban | Repsol could sell its 30% participation in Gas Natural before the summer. 20 % of it would go for sovereign wealth funds (yet unidentified) and 10 % through quick placement of shares. RENTA 4 believes the company will monetize the operation if other worthy investment opportunities are identified. SABADELL finds the move logical within negotiations with La Caixa (which controlls 1/3 of Repsol’s capital). ACF highlights that Gas Natural shares are turning out very profitable in dividend for Repsol (4.5%), making this sale not that attractive for that firm.

World economy 28th November 2013

Black Friday: Engineered Illusions of Unbeatable Deals

NEW YORK | By Ana Fuentes | Black Friday is not about retailers getting rid of their goods stock nor the savviest customers obtaining the best bargains. This buying frenzy that has spread from the U.S. to many other countries is more of a retail theater in which buyers ‘feel’ they are paying a low price and brands design their products with the discount built in. They don’t make a river of money. Still, this is the busiest shopping day of the year. If you need to run errands, buckle up.

Companies 20th November 2012

Wal-Mart faces biggest protests in its history

This 2012 Black Friday edition American giant retailer Wal Mart is facing the biggest protests in its 50-year-history.

Companies 14th September 2012

Zara launches online shopping in China

MADRID | After its first shop opening in China in 2006, Zara has this month started online retail activity with a dedicated website. Inditex, the parent company, expands towards emerging economies to avoid the European recession.

Interviews 7th August 2012

Esprit picks former Inditex director José Manuel Martínez as new CEO

Esprit Holdings Limited on Tuesday announced the appointment of José Manuel Martínez Gutiérrez as its new group chief executive officer and executive director. Martínez will effectively be seating at his new desk by October 2012. The language used by Esprit to inform about the move spoke of the tall hopes the retail company has deposited on Martínez’ shoulders: “We are delighted that Mr. Martínez, a professional with a wealth of…

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