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Skyscanner’s SVP for Growth joins Houseology Design Group as Chair
One of Skyscanner’s most experienced senior executives has joined a ‘disruptive’ online interior design company as its Chairman.
Shane Corstophine, Senior Vice President for growth at the travel search giant, remains with the Edinburgh-headquartered firm but adds Houseology Design Group to his CV as it prepares for significant market expansion.
Corstophine, Skyscanner’s former CFO and GM of Americas, replaces Bill Dobbie as chair of the online interior design firm and commercial furniture and lighting consultancy, which is backed by former Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy and a number of other high-profile retail entrepreneurs, targets further revenue growth in the UK and internationally.
Houseology Design Group comprises two main divisions – Houseology.com, the UK’s premier online B2C interior design store and Bureau, a B2B commercial furniture consultancy. Founded in 2010, Houseology Design Group has been led by CEO Andy Russell since 2016 when Bureau, the company he previously founded, was acquired by Houseology. Bureau’s client list includes Skyscanner, FanDuel, Trainline, TransferWise, Chivas Brothers, Baxters and a series of UK and international financial institutions.
Corstorphine has been “instrumental” in Skyscanner’s growth, supporting the travel search site in attaining the number one market position worldwide, a series of investment rounds including Sequoia Capital’s backing in 2013 and Ctrip’s £1.4 billion acquisition of the company in November 2016.
He began his career with global accountancy firm PwC, before going on to senior positions at RBS and Barclays. He continues to advise a number of startups and scale-ups and is a non-executive director at social enterprise venture Brewgooder.
Corstorphine, Chairman, Houseology Design Group, said: “Andy and the team have done a great job over the last few years in transforming the operations of the business and establishing profitable growth.
“Houseology Design Group is now in a unique position to disrupt this multi-billion dollar vertical whilst helping people and companies to create amazing designer spaces. Indeed, it’s something the group’s Bureau division did to great effect at Skyscanner’s global headquarters in Edinburgh. The proprietary technology being developed by the team is an amazing opportunity and, overall, I’m looking forward to supporting them through this next phase of significant growth.”
Houseology Design Group is targeting further revenue growth in the B2C and B2B online furniture markets in the UK and internationally. Over 10 per cent of the group’s revenue now comes from international markets and the group has plans to increase this to approximately 40 per cent in coming years. The group has a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 35 per cent since Andy Russell took over as CEO and the company is on track for record revenue in excess of £14 million in 2019.
Recent operating highlights include the opening of a London office, the growth of its Bureau division (which is now established as one of the UK’s fastest-growing commercial furniture practices) and a high Trust Pilot rating against the sector. The group has grown average order value (AOV) by 77 per cent over the last 3 years, whilst significantly increasing its repeat order percentage. The group is currently developing a B2B platform which will give corporate customers an even better experience when purchasing designer furniture and lighting.
Andy Russell, CEO of Houseology Design Group, said: “Getting Shane on board is a great endorsement of both our ambition for Houseology and the outlook for the business. Shane’s expertise, in all things digital and as a key part of Sky-scanner’s incredible success, will be pivotal in guiding our senior team including the scaling of our new online B2B platform due for launch later this year. The platform we are building will revolutionise the way furniture and lighting is searched, discovered and shopped for by both the B2B and B2C customer.”
Houseology is set for its next investment round over the next twelve months. The group’s existing investors include Sir Terry Leahy, who is also an adviser to the board, Bill Currie (founder of the William Currie Group which specialises in investments in the retail, e-commerce and tech sectors including ASOS, The Hut Group and Caffe Nero), Mike Welch (founder of Blackcircles.com), Artemis, Seedrs and True Capital.
Sir Terry Leahy said: “As with the fashion market several years back, we are now seeing the furniture market move increasingly towards quality and high-end brands. We can see that shift, whereby people are investing more in their homes, moving home less and this provides a massive opportunity for Houseology. Shane brings valuable experience from online B2C and B2B, overseeing one of the UK’s greatest technology startup to global scale-up success stories of recent times and we are all extremely pleased to have him in place.”
The UK furniture and homeware market is valued at £5.8 billion (Statista – Furniture & Homeware, March 2019).
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ANKARA (AA): Already one of the world’s most prominent textile and clothing producers, Turkey this year is aiming higher to hit a sizeable rise in exports.
According to an Anadolu Agency analysis of Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) data, textile and ready-wear sector exports rose 3.8 percent in 2018 to reach $26.1 billion.
Ismail Gulle, TIM’s chairman, told Anadolu Agency that the figure fell short of the sector’s potential.
“Turkey’s textile and apparel sector will turn our currency advantage to an opportunity in 2019 and work through their target thanks to Turkish brands [instead of contract manufacturing],” he said.
Gulle added that 500 shops featuring Turkish brands are set to open abroad this year.
He said that this year the textile and apparel sector aims to boost exports by around 10 percent to some $29 billion.
Ahmet Oksuz, head of the Istanbul Textile and Raw Materials Exporters Association (ITHIB), underlined that exporters are prioritizing getting a larger slice of the global market.
“One of our biggest targets is to make the sector, which is currently the seventh-biggest exporter globally, one of world’s top five exporters by raising its share to 5 percent of the global market,” he said.
Textile sector exports to Africa and the Americas picked up last year, along with the EU, Turkey’s main trading partner, Oksuz pointed out.
“Our sector’s exports to Africa hit an all-time high, topping last year’s target of $1 billion, up 13.5 percent year-on-year,” he said.
Calling Africa a strategic target market for the sector, Oksuz said South America and the Far East have been identified as this year’s targets.
“We will carry out projects for the Japanese and South Korean markets,” he said.
Mustafa Gultepe, head of the Istanbul Apparel Exporters’ Association (IHKIB), said in the mid- and long-term, the ready-wear sector aims to export $33 billion in goods annually.
“We project that clothing sector exports will grow 10 percent on a yearly basis in 2019,” Gultepe said.
Ready-wear exporters will focus on the US market along with their biggest market, the EU, he said.
“Russia, the Middle East, and North Africa are also among our target markets,” he added.
Gultepe said Turkey can do quick product turnaround thanks to its integrated facilities, strong design infrastructure, experience, know-how, and qualified labor force.
“Turkey has a great advantage for the European market in terms of its geographical location,” he said.
In 2018 the textile and raw materials and ready-wear sectors combined constituted nearly 16 percent of Turkey’s total exports.
Turkey’s exports last year hit an all-time high of $168.1 billion, up from about $157 billion in 2017, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan announced last week.
Exports in 2018 climbed 7.1 percent year-on-year, she said.

domain: news


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Robi, a leading digital service provider of the country has stood beside its customers with the mobile application platform - 'My Robi' to ensure uninterrupted and comfortable telecommunication services during the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
Customers can enjoy free data browsing through ‘My Robi’ app to get answers and information on the most pivotal questions about Coronavirus.
The app also offered mobile recharge digitally through bKash and other MFS or debit or credit cards. Besides, customers will get 5 percent cash back if they recharge other family members’ mobiles.
There is an opportunity to take a talk time loan or data pack loan through this app and 10 percent cash back facility on purchasing the best monthly data packs and combo packs through the My Robi app.
‘My Robi’ app also offering an opportunity to buy a new SIM; the app will ensure home delivery to the customer after receiving the specified order.
Students are getting the opportunity to buy a 2GB data pack for just Taka 25 to browse ‘Robi-Ten Minute School’ through My Robi app.
Besides, a 50 GB video conference pack at only Tk 300 is available for students to do online classes. This allows teachers and students to join online classes through apps like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams.


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MILAN —PPR is getting more serious about e-commerce.
The luxury group has formed a joint venture with Yoox SpA to accelerate the online development of its various brands. PPR owns 51 percent of the new venture, while the Italian e-tailer owns the remainder.
The venture, incorporated in Italy and operating worldwide, manages monobrand online stores in collaboration with several PPR brands: Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga and Sergio Rossi. The Sergio Rossi and Bottega Veneta online stores will be launched first, by the end of 2012. All digital stores will be operating globally, including in China, by the end of 2013. Each PPR brand will be in full control of its online store and will be in charge of product assortment, editorial content, art direction and digital communication.
PPR said it “may in [the] future decide to involve other brands in the joint venture.”
After seven years, PPR and Yoox will have the right to exercise call and put options, respectively, for the Yoox stake in the joint venture.
“E-business is a strategic priority for the group. PPR’s mission is to be the engine behind all our brands so that they each fully realize the potential for organic growth that they all enjoy. This joint venture will allow PPR to generate synergies and shared resources available to our brands through best-in-class e-commerce expertise,” said François-Henri Pinault, chairman and chief executive officer of PPR.
PPR e-Business vice president Federico Barbieri pointed to the relevance of “innovative and original solutions to create real online luxury experiences for the customers of our brands, instead of having just good e-commerce stores.”
In addition to its multibrand stores Yoox.com, Thecorner.com and Shoescribe.com, Yoox manages online stores for brands ranging from Giorgio Armani to Ermenegildo Zegna.
On Friday, Yoox reported a drop in net profit in the first six months of the year, while revenues increased.
In the period ended June 30, net profit decreased 25.6 percent to 2.2 million euros, or $2.8 million, compared with 2.9 million euros, or $4.2 million, in the same period last year. The company attributed the drop to “investments in the automation of the global operations and distribution platform, which has been fully operational since the third quarter of 2011, and partly to the investments in innovation and technological consolidation.”
Revenues gained 31.7 percent to 172.9 million euros, or $223 million, compared with 131.2 million euros, or $190.2 million, in the corresponding period a year earlier.
Dollar amounts have been converted at average exchange for the periods to which they refer.
The multibrand business reported sales of 120.6 million euros, or $155.5 million, up 23.2 percent from last year, and accounted for 69.7 percent of total group revenues.
The group’s monobrand online stores, totaling 34 at the end of June, posted revenues of 52.3 million euros, or $67.4 million, up 56.6 percent from last year. This division accounted for 30.3 percent of total sales. Four new stores were launched in the first half, for Barbara Bui, Pringle of Scotland, Pomellato and Alexander Wang.
All markets, except Italy, posted growth in the first half. Exports in the period accounted for 84.5 percent of sales. The U.S., which remains the group’s main market and accounted for 21.6 percent of sales, showed a 47.5 percent increase to 37.4 million euros, or $48.2 million, representing 21.6 percent of revenues. Japan was up 74.4 percent, while sales in other countries almost tripled, climbing 189.3 percent to 6.1 million euros, or $7.9 million, from 2.1 million euros, or $3 million. Europe, excluding Italy, rose 27.2 percent, lifted by a strong performance of France, Germany, the U.K. and Russia.
As of June 30, the group’s net financial position remained positive, standing at 8.4 million euros, or $10.8 million, compared with 12.9 million euros, or $18 million, at the end of December 2011. Yoox attributed this cash absorption to capital expenditures of 12.9 million euros, or $16.6 million, in investments in technology, distribution and operations.
Yoox said it was “reasonable to expect” that the group will continue to grow its revenues and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization in the remaining months of 2012, “likely” lifted by the international markets, and led by the U.S.
Alberta Ferretti's "Rainbow Week" sweaters are back. The designer closed her #MFW show with a few day-of-the-week sweaters, which first debuted on the catwalk last January as part of the pre-fall 2017 collection. #wwdfashion (📷: @delphineachard)


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Xiaomi should be announcing its next flagship smartphone, called the Xiaomi Mi 4, on 22 July 2014, but it looks like some online retailer, www.xiaomiworld.com, has already listed out the device as “coming soon”. The listing shows not only the price of the device, which is a whopping USD$599.99, it also unveils the design and full specifications of the smartphone.
Heads up, Nokia Lumia owners; the much awaited Lumia Cyan update is now on its way to you. First announced at Microsoft Build Developers Conference earlier this year, Lumia Cyan is packed with improvements and new features specifically made for Lumia Windows Phone 8 devices alongside the Windows Phone 8.1 upgrade.
However, the update is currently being roll out in stages which means that not everyone are going to receive Lumia Cyan at the same time.
With the success of InstaB for Baby, the Instagram for the baby world that allows parents to share their baby’s picture, growth and mood all in a single image, StrongByte Studio Sdn Bhd (previously known as Icon Mobi) has added a new feature to the InstaB experience: support for the recently-launched Android Wear platform.
LG Electronics Malaysia recently announced two of its latest Ultra HD (UHD) TVs in Malaysia, which are the UB980T and the UB850T from their next-generation TV line-up. Both of these lineups have screen sizes ranging from 49 inches to a gigantic 84 inch screen and 4K display resolutions.
What might looked like just another random car accident in Kuantan, the violent reaction from the young lady against an elderly man in this video is enough to make it go viral. Nicknamed as the #CDM25 incident which is a reference to the registration number of the Peugeot 208 that was driven by the lady, it has sparked plenty of reaction not only among local netizens but also throughout the country.
Even DiGi has joined the bandwagon as well and has offered to fix the vehicles that were involved in the accident.
The Reebok One Challenge returns later this year, to be held in Putrajaya on September 14. One of the year’s toughest races, this year’s challenge will feature again be a test on both your physical ability as well as your mental strength, featuring a mix of long-distance running as well as obstacle courses. It is likely that whatever that you go through physically and mentally come race day isn’t possible to be replicated, but the brave men at Reebok Malaysia have released a video demonstrating a simulation of the race.
Google has had a eventful week, and it continued it with the unveiling of Project Zero. Mountain View is putting together a team solely dedicated to making the internet a safer place for all users. The idea is that the company has invested a large amount of resources in making their products secure against outside attacks, and is now extending that same kind of quality control to everyone who operates online.
Remember the Oaxis E InkCase we reviewed last year? Well, Oaxis is back and this time round, they have something even more exciting to offer for Android users with the InkCase+. On top of acting as a second screen, you can now install apps and even use the InkCase+ as a map, an e-ticket or shopping list, all in a slim 3.5” e-ink display.
Oculus is clamping down on people trying to make a quick buck selling their Rift VR headsets. The catch is that most of these Rifts being sold are still on pre-order, and the actual unit is only beginning to arrive this week. Many fans have been upset by scalpers cutting in line and then selling off their devices before actual fans come close to getting their hands on the device.
Chinese team NewBee were on fire during the final phase three qualifying matches. The team stomped to the top of the winners bracket of the main event with convincing wins over Titan eSport, Na’ Vi, and 2012 champions Invictus Gaming (iG). Despite losing some ground during the early stages of the phase two qualifiers, NewBee have finally settled and are now living up to their ‘dream team’ moniker.


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Period ended June 30, 2020
For the first half of 2020, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund returned 27.01% (Investor Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned -4.65% over the same period. For the quarter ending June 30, 2019, the Fund returned 38.74% (Investor Class), while the benchmark returned 16.79%.
Asia's markets experienced considerable volatility related the global COVID-19 pandemic, but parts of Asia ended the first half with a rebound. Chinese equities generated the strongest returns in the region, as domestic Chinese sentiment gained strength on the back of a quick resumption of economic activity. China, South Korea and Taiwan each made considerable progress in flattening their curves of new virus infections in the reporting period. Stimulus in China remains modest, but supportive of economic growth. Amid strong returns, we also saw some volatility related to the Chinese government's amendment of national security laws in Hong Kong, which attracted international attention and protests from Hong Kong citizens.
South Korean equities were roughly flat on fears slowing global growth. On the plus side, Korea's response to Covid-19 was prompt and effective. The country's health care infrastructure and resources appear well positioned to fend off a second wave of infections. What's more, Korea has plenty of fiscal firepower for stimulus and has begun to use its resources. Korea's valuations are some of the region's most attractive and the prospect of earnings growth from a very low base is a good possibility, especially if its influential neighbor, China, continues to recover. Elsewhere, equity prices in parts of South and Southeast Asia—including India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand—suffered as investors feared a slower recovery from the pandemic for these economies.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
Stock selection in China made a significant contribution to relative performance in the first half of the year. Among individual securities, contributors included Chinese video content company Bilibili. The company, which caters to young viewers, attracted new users as the pandemic accelerated demand for online entertainment and social media interaction. We see Bilibili emerging as a new, distinct social media platform in its own right. With a growing user base and distinctive value proposition for its users, we find the company to have attractive long-term prospects. Another contributor was Meituan Dianping, China's largest food delivery service. The company enjoys a dominant market share in food delivery, capturing roughly 60% of the market. In addition to its core operations around food delivery, the company also runs a successful business review service, similar to Yelp, as well as a travel booking service for hotels. Forecasts of increased profitability caused the stock to rise in May. Meituan Dianping is also leveraging the benefits of scale to drive down its logistics costs.
The Fund's small allocation to Vietnam, which is not in the Fund's benchmark, was a detractor in the first half. Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam's equity markets suffered steeper drops than more developed parts of Asia. Vietnamese markets rebounded in the second quarter, but had not fully recovered to pre-crisis levels by the end of the reporting period. Jewelry maker Phu Nhuan Jewelry, which we exited during the reporting period, was a detractor. Vietnamese retailer Mobile World Investment Corp. was another detractor. The company's stock price suffered on lower retail sales and weak consumer demand. We continue to monitor the position. A slight overweight in India and stock selection, including HDFC Banks, were also detractors. Financials were weak in the reporting period, but we continue to like the company's long-term prospects. As one of India's oldest private sector banks, HDFC is a high-quality bank primarily serving retail customers.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
Notable additions in the second quarter included South Korean search engine and internet content provider NAVER. As South Korea lacks a dominant e-commerce platform, consumers increasingly are using NAVER's search-engine functions as a primary shopping tool. NAVER also has introduced its own digital-payments service, turning its search engine into an e-commerce platform. We also initiated a position in South Korean pharmaceutical company Hugel, which manufactures botulinum toxin, the main ingredient for Botox. Market volatility created opportunities to buy both companies at attractive valuations. Meanwhile, we exited a position in Chinese appliance maker Midea Group. In addition, we sold Venus Medtech and consolidated the proceeds into another medical device holding in China.
While China's economic recovery is still in very early stages, recent data suggests the pace and progress of the recovery may be sustainable. Containment of COVID-19 has been effective in the second quarter, although small outbreaks still occasionally emerge. CapEx spending among businesses, auto sales among consumers and property sales all began to rebound in April and May. However, unemployment remains high in China, as it does globally, which could create a drag on spending. In addition, a slowing global economy could slow China's rebound. South Korea, another leader in containing the pandemic, continues to roll out considerable fiscal stimulus. Key stimulus efforts include bolstering domestic demand and supporting labor markets. Turning to India, containment of the virus remains a work in progress. New cases rose in the second quarter as lockdowns eased.
Looking ahead, risks remain to the global economy. At the same, we expect companies with strong organic structural growth to remain more resilient. Sectors such as health care, communication services, software and online education continue to perform strongly. Price-to-earnings multiples for innovative companies have risen sharply in the first half. The major players in the market are changing, with innovative companies growing quickly and at very low marginal costs. Intangibles—such as intellectual property, network and data—are the main determinants of future cash flows. These companies now trade higher multiples than other types of businesses. Volatility could linger in the near term. On a long-term view, we believe it is still a good time to invest in innovative companies. Fundamental research and active security selection remain key.
As of 6/30/2020, the securities mentioned comprised the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund in the following percentages: Bilibili, Inc. ADR, 5.3%; Mobile World Investment Corp, 0.4%; HDFC Bank, Ltd., 2.5%; Meituan Dianping Class B, 4.8%; NAVER Corp., 2.5%; Hugel, Inc., 1.2%. The Fund held no positions in Phu Nhuan Jewelry, Midea Group, or Venus Medtech. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to change and risk.


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Pizza Express could lose 67 stores and 1,100 staff in restructuring move
- Credit: PA
Popular chain restaurant Pizza Express has today announced that around 67 stores could close, with 1,100 staff members affected.
The news comes as part of a restructing process at the company, as it seeks to balance the books in the wake of a devastating trading period due to the national coronavirus lockdown.
The chain has venues in Hitchin’s Market Place, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, St Albans and Harpenden, that could all face the axe, as up to 15 per cent of restaurants nationwide could go.
The confirmed list of restaurants that will shut is expected to be announced next week.
Citing the “unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19,” the company will now undergo a period of restructuring that it hopes will ensure future growth.
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The dining chain said it plans to launch a Company’s Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) restructuring deal in the near future, in a move which could lead to the closure of 15 per cent of its 449 UK restaurants.
However, it stressed that the final outcome of the restructuring has “yet to be decided”.
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- 10 Yellow warning for rain in Herts as Storm Christoph approaches


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We install antivirus software to protect us, not exploit us. Like a bodyguard, AV programs needs full, unfettered access to everything in order to properly do the job. That requires complete and absolute trust. And probably a non-disclosure agreement. Unfortunately, antivirus software doesn’t offer you an NDA promise. Avast, the maker of one of the top five AV software applications, has recently been shown to collect and sell entensive customer information to third parties. While they claim to anonymize the data, it’s often easy to re-identify people when correlating this data with other databases. Thanks to some reporting by Vice and PCMag, Avast is shutting down this lucrative side business after a serious backlash. I’ll tell you how you can mitigate your exposure to rampant data sharing.
In other news, Sonos angers many long-time customers by declaring an end to supporting older devices; over 250M customer records have been exposed on five public servers with zero protections for about 14 years; Clearview, the company boasting a database of 3B face photos, has come under fire from social media companies and the US Congress; iOS 13 and Android 10 location privacy restrictions have dropped location tracking by nearly 70%; and Mozilla has banned almost 200 plugins for tracking users and violating its malware policies.


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RE: NuZee Establishes Korea Subsidiary To Strengthen Presence In Asia-Pacific
VISTA, CA -- NuZee Inc. said it has established a new, wholly owned subsidiary called NuZee Korea Ltd. that will manage sales, marketing and associated activities for its Coffee Blenders line of "Drip Cup" functional coffees throughout Asia.
NuZee Korea has commenced construction of a new 3,600-sq.ft. manufacturing facility in Paju City, Korea. The facility will manufacture NuZee's line of single-serve, pour-over functional "Drip Cup" coffee. It will also provide the infrastructure necessary to allow NuZee Korea to engage in co-packing activities for Asia coffee brands. The company expects construction of the facility to be completed in June.
The company has been selling Coffee Blenders products in South Korea since 2015. "NuZee Korea will be our first manufacturing facility outside of the United States, and joins our Japan subsidiary, which we established in December 2013," said NuZee chief executive Masa Higashida. "Together, these operations will allow us to better serve existing customers in China, Japan and Korea, while providing the necessary resources to pursue new clients throughout Asia."
Higashida noted that the Drip Cup is a common and popular brewing method in Asia. The market in Japan alone is estimated to be approximately 2.3 billion cups per year....


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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’re bound to be aware of the major ways that Brexit has affected Brits across Europe.
In the run-up to Britain’s exit from the single market, UK citizens have had to register with immigration offices or apply for new residency permits. People have had to exchange UK driving licences whilst many have through their own choice applied for citizenship of an EU country.
Less than a week after the end of the transition period, however, it’s becoming clear that Brexit is more than just an headache and hurdle for residency.
Whether it’s sending a belated Christmas gift to relatives in Britain or picking up snacks from the supermarket, Brexit is already affecting daily lives of Britons in several small but significant ways.
In an occasion reminiscent of the great Marmite shortages of 2016, a number of fresh food imports from the UK have been diverted from their EU destinations, reducing the availability of certain beloved British food products in supermarkets across the continent.
At an M&S food hall in Paris’ Porte Maillot, one shopper lamented the “great M&S post-Brexit sandwich famine of 2021” as they were greeted by empty shelves when they came to pick up their groceries. The shortages have hit a number of M&S stores across the French capital, apparently due to issues with UK deliveries.
“Because of new government regulations on trade between the UK and France, we received no shipments from the UK today,” a sign in French informed shoppers.
“I rely on M&S for the curry boxes,” one Paris resident said on Twitter. “Please tell me they still stock the curry boxes and the salt and vinegar crisps.”
The UK government has spent months promising frictionless trade with the EU after Brexit, but while UK businesses may be able to export to the EU with zero tariffs under the new trade deal, the bureaucratic obstacles for exporters have increased significantly.
In particular, anyone bringing animal products such as meat and dairy into the EU will now need a veterinary certificate to prove that the food conforms to EU regulations. Certificates are also needed to being animal products from Great Britain into Northern Ireland.
According to Stena Line ferries, some exporters immediately fell afoul of the new rules. On the January 1st – the day after the end of the Brexit transition – six freight loads of stock headed for Ireland were turned away from the port of Holyhead in Wales due to not having the correct paperwork.
In 2017, just a year after the Brexit vote, the UK government boasted in a press release that it had received a “Brexit boost” to its food exports, with the sector netting £22bn for the UK economy over the course of the year. However, four of the country’s five top export destinations that year – the Netherlands, Germany, France and Ireland – were all EU member states, accounting for almost half (£9bn) of this total.
To make matters worse, at least four of the country’s major food exports – salmon, shellfish, cheese and chocolate – are perishable, animal-derived products, meaning Brits in the EU may be seeing a lot more Irish cheddar and Norwegian salmon on the shelves this year, rather than their British counterparts.
I stream, EU stream
Anyone hoping to pass the long winter lockdown and ease their Brexit woes with some classic episodes of Only Fools and Horses may just be disappointed when they log in to their streaming sites this January.
Since the start of 2021, Britain’s exit from the ‘digital single market’ means that Brits have been unable to access to their favourite British shows on streaming services such as Sky and Amazon Prime while living or travelling in the EU.
On Sky’s website, the company warned users: “From 1 January 2021, you won’t be entitled to stream Sky outside the UK using your Sky Go, Sky Kids, Sky Sports, Sky Sports Mobile TV and Sky Sports Box Office apps.”
The service previously enabled users with a Sky account to access content on their tablets and phones while travelling with the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Amazon Prime, which also offers streaming services, informed Brits in December that “UK customers such as yourself will no longer have access to the full UK catalogue while travelling to EU countries.”
The changes are all down to the revocation of the EU Portability Regulation – a law enabling digital content such as television programmes to be accessed throughout the EEA.
A note on the UK government website explained: “The EU Portability Regulation will cease to apply to UK-EEA travel from 1 January 2021. In the UK, the regulation will be revoked.
“Online content service providers will not be required under the regulation to provide content ordinarily available in the UK to a UK customer who is temporarily present in any other EEA member state.
“This will not prevent service providers offering cross-border portability to their customers on a voluntary basis, but to do so they will need the permission of the owners of the content they provide.”
For Netflix customers, however, things will remain very much the same as before. They will still be able to access its content anywhere in the world, but content will be localised to each country, meaning that French content will be available in France, German content in Germany, and so on.
In reality European Netflix sites have a large amount of Hollywood blockbusters and other English-language content, but their titles are often translated into the local language so you will need to look more carefully as you scroll.
Deliveries and VAT faffs
Thanks to the UK no longer falling within the EU postal zone, sending a parcel to friends or family back home has just become a lot more expensive.
In Germany, for example, delivery firm DHL has now moved the UK into a new zone alongside Switzerland, with the price for sending small to medium packages rising from €4 to €10. The cost of posting larger parcels is now as much as €17.
In addition, anyone sending goods to or from the UK will now have to fill in a customs declaration stating what their parcel contains, the value of the contents, and where the items were originally produced.
For online sellers and marketplaces such as eBay, things have become more complicated still: under the UK’s new VAT rules, either EU sellers or UK buyers will now have to pay UK VAT on items shipped to Britain, depending on the cost of the product. For sales under £135, the tax burden will fall on sellers, while UK residents will be liable to pay the tax on more valuable items over £135.
According to the Financial Times, the added bureaucracy is already causing “chaos” for e-commerce businesses and their customers. Speaking to FT reporter Chris Giles, one Dutch bicycle parts company called the changes “ludicrous”, adding that they “would now ship to every country in the world… except the UK”.
Scandinavian Outdoor, a clothing and equipment retailer based in Finland, halted sales to Britain altogether.
“Ordering will be possible as soon as our UK VAT-registration and the overall process of selling to the UK post-Brexit has been sorted out!” says a message on its website.
Many shipping companies have begun passing on extra administrative costs to clients, including France's La Poste, which has added “supplemental fees” for e-commerce retailers that can be passed on to clients.
Many users in the EU have reported that smaller UK-based sites are simply no longer shipping to Europe.
Upmarket British retailer Fortnum & Mason have had to suspend deliveries to European countries much to the dismay of some customers in the EU.
The company blamed the decision on “Brexit restrictions”.
Hello Julia, Thank you for contacting Fortnum & Mason. At this current time, due to Brexit restrictions, we are unable to send any products to European countries. If this changes at anytime we will inform our customers as soon as possible.
Thanks, [email protected]
— Fortnum & Mason (@Fortnums) January 6, 2021
Whilst much of the recent chaos around travel from the UK to the EU has been linked to a new variant of Covid that has run wild in the UK, Brexit has helped create a perfect storm of almost pandemonium with stories of Britons denied re-entry to their home countries in the EU because they had the wrong residency card.
British embassies have tried to act to ensure EU immigration officials allow Britons to return home but if The Local's email inbox is anything to go by, the travel problems and concerns will persist for weeks if not months to come.
Some British residents in the EU who don't have a post Brexit residency permit or indeed any residency permit face having to gather to gather a file of evidence including bills and tax receipts to prove to immigration officials where they live. Many are simply foregoing travel altogether for fear of not being allowed home.
Hundreds of British residents have had their passports stamped with an entry date. Despite British officials telling them not to worry, there are concerns this stamp will cause issues, given that British travellers can only stay in the Schengen area for 90 days in every 180-day period.
Free to roam?
Since leaving the single market at the end of last year, the UK is no longer included in the the EU’s Roaming Regulation – the 2017 law that enabled customers to use their existing mobile contracts for free across Europe. In theory, this means that roaming charges could be hiked up for EU-based Brits who still have a UK SIM card – but this seems unlikely to happen overnight.
At the start of the year, the UK’s major phone operators – Three, EE, 02 and Vodafone – revealed they had no plans to reintroduce roaming costs across the EU as a result of Brexit.
“Our customers enjoy inclusive roaming in Europe and beyond, and we don't have any plans to change this based on the Brexit outcome,” a spokesperson for EE told the BBC. “So our customers going on holiday and travelling in the EU will continue to enjoy inclusive roaming.”
Nevertheless, there are early signs that these operators will be getting a lot stricter about their fair usage policies, which state that UK customers should be ‘roaming’ for no more than 62 days in a four-month period.
A number of Vodafone customers in the EU have allegedly received messages from the company warning them not to exceed this limit.
“Up until now, we’ve only monitored usage abroad and not applied extra charges to customers who use their phone abroad for long periods of time (or even permanently),” the company said. “However, unfortunately we now need to apply charges if you use your phone abroad for a prolonged period of time.”
From January 18th, the network provider plans to send text or email alerts to long-term roamers if they run over the 62-day limit. After this, customers in the EU could be liable for extra charges.
Collies crossing the Border
With the UK no longer participating the EU Pet Passport scheme, four-legged friends travelling from the UK to the EU will now need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an accredited vet in order to make it across the border. Unlike the Pet Passport, a new AHC is required for each trip.
However, travelling from the EU to the UK with a pet will be less complicated (for now), since the UK has said it will continue to accept EU pet passports issued before January 2021 for the time being. This means anyone with a valid Pet Passport can still travel to Britain with little trouble, as long as their pet is microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
This could, however, be subject to change in the future.


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After the Biggest E-Commerce Deal in History, It’s on, Amazon.
Today, Walmart made history by announcing a $3 billion deal to buy the online shopping site Jet.com.
The move boils down to one clear message aimed at the competing titan of retail:
“Hey, Amazon. Watch your back.”
Or, in other words, “We’re looking for ways to lower prices, broaden our assortment and offer the simplest, easiest shopping experience because that’s what our customers want,” explained Wal-Mart Stores, Inc President and CEO Doug McMillon.
To better understand this acquisition, dive deeper into these companies’ numbers with our infographic:
“We believe the acquisition of Jet accelerates our progress across these priorities. Walmart.com will grow faster, the seamless shopping experience we’re pursuing will happen quicker, and we’ll enable the Jet brand to be even more successful in a shorter period of time. Our customers will win. It’s another jolt of entrepreneurial spirit being injected into Walmart,” McMillion added in a statement.
It’s interesting to note one lurking concern. Jet’s funding rounds included investments from the great white in the e-commerce industry, Alibaba.
Walmart cited these notable examples of Jet’s accomplishments:
- Demonstrated ability to scale with speed, reaching $1 billion in run-rate Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and offering 12 million SKUs in its first year.
- A growing customer base of urban and millennial customers with more than 400,000 new shoppers added monthly and an average of 25,000 daily processed orders.
- Best-in-class technology that rewards customers in real time with savings on items that are bought and shipped together, thereby reducing the supply-chain and logistics costs often buried in the price of goods.
- A select group of more than 2,400 retailer and brand partners tailored to create an attractive and distinctive assortment for consumers.
“With this complementary platform and new customers, we see potential synergies in product cost, shipping, fulfillment and integration of technology platforms. Jet can help Walmart and Walmart can help Jet,” said a Walmart spokesperson.


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After years of exporting well above 6 million tons, Vietnam has lowered its 2016 target to 5.65 million tons
Many buyers have hold still, waiting for prices from the clearance of 11.4 million tons in Thailand's government...
Any big supply disruption can be extremely sensitive.
For one of the world's largest exporters of the grain, food security is not an issue
An impressive palette of colors can be seen on Tu Le fields these days
They were held about three weeks for smuggling 152,000 sacks of rice
Indonesia replaced China to become Vietnam's biggest rice buyer
The dish is simple to a fault. Yet it will have you craving for more.
Yen Bai Province's banh cuon is the perfect start for a cold morning
The event is taking place at Hoang Su Phi District's Sunday market, showcasing the beauty of the land and...
A consumer was worried that plastic grains had been mixed into rice
A consumer claims the grains she bought are made from plastic. An official thinks they are real, but have been treated...
Shipments between January and November saw a year-on-year drop of 4.9 percent in value
Rice supply and stockpiles will decline, and demand for imports will rise because of unfavorable weather conditions


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The UK’s inflation rate rose to 0.6% in June as the coronavirus lockdown began to ease.
The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) picked up slightly from 0.5% in May, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
Food and alcohol prices fell, but prices for clothing and games rose, the ONS said.
Despite the slight increase in the rate, inflation remains below the Bank of England’s 2% target.
Clothing and footwear prices fell 3.1% amid heavy discounting.


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The rumor mill keeps on churning and this time it has coughed up this Jordan release 2015 rumor regarding the upcoming of Jordan 3 “True Blue” as a part of Jordan Brand’s 2015 remastered kicks. In fact, this is not just a rumor, the name of the True Blue 3 Nike Air is on the very top of the list of Jordan 2015 releases that was recently leaked.
23 is Back has uncovered that Jordan Brand is going to be extending the “remastered” treatment to Jordan 3 “True Blue,” which will apparently be dropped in 2015 with the heel tab featuring Nike Air. Regardless of the absence of a confirmation or a Jordan Brand official statement, this is more than just a rumor considering the leaked list. The True Blue 3 is a colorway that is highly coveted by many sneakerheads, and many of them probably have it on their list of sneakers-to-purchase.
It was back in 2001 when this “White / True Blue” colorway of Jordan 3 Retro+ was released and it made its retail debut at the price of $100. These kicks were very popular at the time, and sneaker enthusiasts did everything they could possibly do to cop a pair. A white leather upper is featured by them with heal, lacing tabs and toe area that have elephant print on them, which was not common back then. It also features really nice blue accents and trimming, which made this shoe even more popular. It was Tinker Hatfield who originally designed Jordan 3. 23isBack would like to reveal some trivia regarding the fact that it was because of Jordan 3 that Michael Jordan decided to remain signed with Nike, because rumor has it that he was planning to walk.
Next year is definitely the year of remastered 2015 new jordan releases, which apparently will include plates of release dates of Jordan 4s. However, Jordan 3 is not far behind with this Retro+ “True Blue” pair, which will arrive in premium quality.
23 is Back confirm the fact with quite certainty that it has quite a few years now since Jordan 13 Low was last seen. Although the thirst has been quenched by a couple of different colorways new jordans, the “OG” makeups that made these shoes so appealing have not been seen. Since the “Black/Navy” and “Chutney” colorways of Jordan 13 Low have never been retroed, the date of release of these and other AJ 13 Low colorways might be included among the remastered Jordan release 2015.
Although 23isBack does not have any true knowledge which particular colorway of Jordan 13 Low will actually be remastered, the recently leaked list reveals that Jordan Brand might be planning to release 4 to 5 colorways.
Tinker Hatfield did not meet up with Michael Jordan when he was thinking up Jordan 13 . Tinker simply had an idea based on MJ’s resemblance to a panther when playing on the court. Michael was not surprised when Tinker told him that he looked like a panther on the court because even Michael’s friends had nicknamed him “black cat.” Thus, Jordan 13 was born.
Jordan 13 featured one of the most unique sole that Jordan Brand had ever released. Anyone who owns or has taken a look at a pair will agree that the sole resembles a panther’s paw to quite an extent. There was also a circular hologram by the heel of Jordan 13. Up close, a basketball, the Jumpman logo, and the number 23 could be seen in it.
Jordan Brand released Jordan 13 in five different models between 1997 and 1998 with a price tag of $150, and two low models had also been released during that time, which retailed for $130. Jordan 13 was released by Jordan Brand between 2004 and 2005. Now, Air Jordan release dates 2015 rumors are pointing at the possible re-release of 4 to 5 different previous colorways of Jordan 13 Low as remastered versions.
Over the course of the past couple of years, 23isback readers have most likely been keeping track of the tons of old Jordans that have been released by Jordan brand to the world. Sneaker aficionados have actually done a lot in order to cop one or several of these pairs, including paying outrageous amounts of money. In fact, it has gotten so out of hand that seeing someone with a pair of Jordans on their feet does not even impress them anymore, with the exception of a few pairs, considering that so many of them have been released by Jordan Brand. Now, Jordan release 2015 news regarding the release of retros has taken the front seat.
Jordanheads have been wondering what is so special about the Jordans 2015 release. Well, an announcement was recently made by Jordan Brand that a bunch of their old sneakers were going to be “remastered.” Basically, old Jordans are going to be taken and better materials are going to be used to recreate them, unlike the materials that have been used by them on their previous releases. Then, “depending on the model,” the original releases are going to be sold for more, with almost 10% to 15% higher prices. Theoretically, Jordan Brand’s idea is quite good since better sneakers are going to be released. However, Jordan Brand’s plan has also upset a lot of sneaker enthusiasts—and they cannot really be blamed.
By announcing that Jordan sneakers are going to “remastered” next year, Jordan Brand has actually admitted that they did not make some of the previously released sneakers with the best materials possible. Essentially, Jordan fanatics also have to digest the fact that even more money will have to be spent by them in order to get their hands on releases that they may have already copped in the past. Some 23 is Back readers may also think that Jordan Brand is resorting to a bit of a money grab and wants to keep the profits rolling in by continue to release previously released sneakers. Of course, this will probably not stop loyal Jordan fans from anticipating the upcoming Jordans release dates 2015, and it cannot be denied that the “remastered” sneakers will look awesome. The question is: Why didn’t the sneakers look awesome all along.
Do you think Jordan Brand is doing the right thing by “remastering” their sneakers? Will you buy these remastered retros once Jordan Brand releases them in 2015?
There are quite a few Jordan release dates 2015 that are being ant icipated for the launch of some retro Air new Jordans, in both new and old colorways. As of lately, rumors are circulating that 2015 shall mark the return and release of Jordan 7 Retro “Hare,” as a part of the retros that are to be remastered next year.
As far as most readers of 23 is Back can remember, the last time they most likely got the opportunity to cop a pair of this “Hare” color of Jordan 7 was after its 2008 release. Back then, the pair was included in Jordan Countdown Pack 7/16. As the name of the colorway probably suggests, this iconic pair was inspired from Bugs Bunny, alongside whom Michael Jordan had starred in Space Jam in 1996.
To be precise, it was on June 21, 2008 that the Countdown Package 7 / 16 was released, which also contained Jordan 16 Retro “Black / Varsity Red.” Both pairs had a price tag of $310 attached to them. A grey and white color scheme was featured by the “Hare” pair, with quite a few red accents on top. This pair was dubbed the “Hare” not because of Space Jam but actually because of Bugs Bunny’s appearance in a Nike commercial in which he was wearing the “Hare Jordan 7s.” The most eye-catching feature of this pair is most definitely the tongue, since green and orange accents are featured on it. Indeed, “what strange looking carrots,” as Bugs had once said.
All those who have been keeping up to date with 23isBack are probably aware that 2014 happens to be the 23rd anniversary of Jordan 6. This also means that next year it is going to be the 23rd anniversary of Jordan 7. So, it would not be wrong to anticipate and hope that the upcoming Jordan release dates 2015 will also include the date of release of Jordan 7 Retro “Hare,” which will most likely arrive in retail stores as a remastered retro.
Next year, sneakerheads will several things to look forward to. The most obvious being the upcoming Jordan release dates 2015 and brand new Jordan sneaker releases. However, Jordan 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of Jordan Brand, and by now, it should be apparent that Jordan Brand is set to celebrate it in a big way. 23 is Back already revealed that 2015 will the year of “remastered” releases, which will be made in the OG material, and will come with an increased price tag.
Jordan Brand decided to remaster former retro pairs and take their manufacturing process to the same level as back in the days so as to replicate the original quality back when these sneakers had been released. No doubt, the quality of Jordan kicks may not have suffered, despite changes in production volumes, tanneries, etc., but quality has certainly shifted. Thus, Jordan Brand looks forward to offer remastered retros that are truer to their original release in temrs of detailing, materials, quality and shape.
Continue reading List Of Possible Jordan Sneakers To Be Released In 2015 Has Been Leaked
23isBack is here to reveal the news that Jordan 4 “Teal” will be joining the “Columbia” and “Oreo” colorways of Jordan 4 retros that are going to be remastered in Jordan 2015. While the list that has recently been leaked may not have contained Jordan release dates 2015, but the name of this “Teal” colorway of Jordan 4 was certainly among them.
The “Columbia,” “Oreo,” and now this “Teal” colorway are just a testament to the heavy involvement of Jordan 4 with the remastered Jordan 2015 retro collection. In fact, not all of Jordan 4 pairs will be released in old colorways. This teal pair is also an example what can be expected on the upcoming end of things. It should be noted at the leather that featured on the upper of this pair does not sport the same tumbled texture as the other Jordan 4 kicks Jordan Brand has confirmed to be released next year.
Unlike the tumbled build of the other models, a smooth teal-colored leather upper is featured by this “Teal” Air Jordan IV pair. Along with a black mudguard and a contrasting white midsole, green glow accents are featured on the “Teal” 4s. Black also subtly complements on the heel, laces and wings, while the Jumpan logo on the tongues is in white. This pair is indeed not an OG, but the way bold tones have been easily mixed with subtle contrast, it will turn out to be an absolute success, with sneakerheads wanting to cop a pair.
23 is Back assures that plenty of other Jordan remastered retros can be expected to be previewed in the coming months or even days as Jordan Brand showcases their dedication to improving quality of their sneakers. The latest Jordan release dates 2015 may drop a hint of when Jordan 4v“Teal” may be released next year, so stay tuned.


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For the fifth time, PJSC VGP will participate in the international exhibition devoted to products under own trademarks, PLMA, that will be held on May 21-22, 2019 in Amsterdam.
Participation in the exhibition is a great opportunity for our company to demonstrate our products to the European buyers, to hold many fruitful meetings with international chains and to tell about our production opportunities.
Taking part in the exhibition for the first time 5 years ago, we saw that the products of Ukrainian companies were in demand with European market. We returned from the exhibition with great achievements. Today we are proud to export our goods to 23 countries, including 14 EU-states.
Also we would like to point out that we notice with a special pride that the number of Ukrainian companies among exhibitors and the number of Ukrainian chains among visitors is increasing every year. We are proud that our Ukrainian products are in demand internationally.
We are glad to invite you to visit our stand No. 1736 Hall 11 on May 21-22 in Amsterdam.


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Realme launched the Narzo 50i last September, and the business will introduce its Prime model on June 22.
The Realme Narzo 50i Prime will be available in two colours: green and black.
It has a notched display and a single camera on the back that is located on a camera island that spans the width of the phone.
With smooth corners and a 5,000 mAh battery, the Narzo 50i Prime is a stylish device.
It will be a USD100 (INR7,795/EUR95) entry-level smartphone, as reported by GSM Arena.
Realme hasn’t said anything regarding the Narazo 50i Prime, but the Realme C30 on June 20 and the Realme TechLife Watch R100 on June 23.


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Shelli Gardner will appear on NBC's TODAY Show on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009! They say she will be on during the fourth hour of the show (the 10 AM hour on the East Coast). Just to be safe, you probably better watch the whole show!! :) Stampin' Up! contributes to many charitable organizations worldwide, and since 2005 has been participating in the TODAY Show's Annual Holiday Toy and Gift Drive. This year Stampin' Up! will be donating over $150,000 worth of stamping and paper crafting products. You can read about Stampin' Up!'s charitable efforts HERE.
You can see the boxes of stamping supplies being packed for the donation HERE on Shelli's blog! She's planning to make gifts to take to the TODAY Show cast as well! I wonder if they will appreciate how special they are!
This will be a very exciting event for all of Stampin' Up! and we can't wait to see Shelli on the TODAY Show tomorrow! Hope you can watch!


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Royal Philips (NYSE:PHG) said today that it’s shedding a layer of management for its Philips Healthcare business after reported lower-than-expected earnings for the 2nd quarter, meaning the departure of Philips Healthcare CEO Deborah DiSanzo.
The healthcare unit will report directly to Royal Philips CEO Frans van Houten, the company said.
Philips said it expects 2nd-quarter earnings before interest, taxes & amortization to be roughly €220 million ($299 million); analysts were looking for EBITA of €258 million ($351 million) for the healthcare division. Overall EBITA for Philips is slated to be €400 million ($544 million), in line with expectations, according to a press release.
The bottom line is expected to improve for Philips Healthcare after a Cleveland imaging device plant goes back online later this year. Production at the plant was suspended in January after FDA inspections turned up a raft of violations last year.
“Our healthcare business represents more than 40% of the revenue of Philips and is at the heart of Philips’ mission to deliver meaningful innovation to improve people’s lives. Today’s announcement is an example of how we are taking decisive action to improve our performance and competitiveness, and demonstrates our relentless commitment to quality and meaningful innovation that meet the needs of our customers,” van Houten said in prepared remarks. “I want to thank Deborah for her leadership of the healthcare business and wish her the very best with her future endeavors.”
Philips is scheduled to release its full Q2 results July 21.


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Will Europe continue to attract PP, PE imports in Feb?
The fact that Europe stood well above the other major regions in terms of prices also helped global suppliers divert their cargoes to the region in January. Now players are wondering whether this will be the case in February particularly after the settlements of February ethylene and propylene contracts with €60-70/ton decreases.
“Buying interest was vivid in January because converters returned from holidays with low stocks. However, it has now cooled off as buyers already met their requirements. Now that the monomer contracts assured the downturn in PP and PE markets for next month, demand is set to slow down further as buyers will now delay their purchases again upon the expectation of seeing much lower levels. We cannot be sure about the degree of interest for import cargoes next month,” said a trader.
A second trader said, “The new settlements for monomers will be reflected on downstream PP and PE prices in February for sure. Whether imports will continue to see interest next month highly depends on their ability to offer a competitive edge.”
A buyer in Germany pointed to the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday, noting “In the absence of China, major suppliers including in the Middle East and Iran should focus more on other export destinations. Therefore, more competitive imports are still likely in February across Europe.”
“It is not only Iranian and Middle Eastern cargoes, but also US cargoes are now being offered at very competitive prices in Germany,” said a distributor.
ChemOrbis Price Indices for Italy and Turkey also suggest a higher than usual premium between the two countries for both PP and PE. You can compare all prices in different regions by creating your own graphs in ChemOrbis Price Wizard.
More free plastics newsPlastic resin (PP, LDPE, LLDPE ,HDPE, PVC, GPS; HIPS, PET, ABS) prices, polymer market trends, and more...
- Indonesia’s polyolefin markets sustain uptrend
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- March PE prices take split paths in Africa, Mid-East
- Asian PS markets touch 4-month high amid volatile styrene
- Turkey’s PP market attracts deep-sea origins at 4-month high
- European ABS rebounds from 3-year low
- Firming persists in Vietnam’s PE market, shrugging off ethylene
- European styrene continues to climb up, Asia remains cautiously firm
- PP market up from a year-low in Europe; yet hikes beyond C3 see resistance
- Asian ethylene slumps on supply glut


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Chrysalis slips as listeners turn off
SHARES in Chrysalis slipped close to two-year lows today, after latest radio listening statistics revealed a summer slump in the audience for its flagship Heart station.
Figures from Rajar showed sharp gains for BBC radio stations in the July to September quarter when, in London alone, it increased its share of the market by three percentage points to 54.7% at the expense of commercial radio.
Heart's audience dived by 10% or 349,000 to 2.9m from the second quarter of the year.
Chrysalis, whose shares fell 6 3/4p to 178p, called the results 'disappointing', and while it challenged Rajar's calculations it admitted Heart is in the middle of a 'brand refresh' and heavy advertising campaign to restore its fortunes.
GWR's Classic FM lost 342,000 listeners in the quarter, down more than 5% at 6.1m. Scottish Media Group's Virgin station has lost more than quarter of a million listeners over the last year to 2.6m.
Capital's 2.1m was an improvement on the second quarter but down on a year ago.
Among the winners were Talksport which posted year-on-year gains of more than a quarter of a million to 2.1m.
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Citigroup and Costco have not disclosed terms of the deal, and outsiders can only speculate about the reasons Citigroup bid aggressively enough to win the business.
If you're shopping at Costco, you'll need a new credit card to pay for those family-sized packs of chicken breasts or toilet paper.
The move to buy more goods directly from factories comes as WalMart, hampered by sluggish sales and profits, looks to squeeze costs out of its supply chain.
Yum operates separate supply chains in China and United States.The issue of antibiotics have made for big headlines in China.
Costco Wholesale Corp last year opened an online store in China using Tmall, entering the country's booming e-commerce market to combat slowing sales at home.
Haven't labor-saving technology and global competition made it impossible to pay decent wages to workers unless they have a lot of education?
He said that Google expects to “at least double” its business in the country every year, and stressed how much the company has invested in security.
Greek PM Alexis Tsipras said that he sought no rift with Europe after his cash-strapped country submitted a list of reforms to its lenders in a bid to secure much-needed funds.


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ALEXANDRIA, VA, 2015-1-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Ashley Short has joined NACS as member services coordinator. Short will be assisting in the continued success of the NACS Industry Update Luncheons, retail membership activities, and event needs such as the NACS Human Resources Forum, the NACS Leadership Challenge and the NACS Show.
Short recently graduated from Christopher Newport University (CNU) in Newport News, Virginia, with B.A. in sociology and criminology and a double minor in American studies and history. During her time at CNU she served as resident assistant, interned with the CNU police department and assisted with campus events and conferences. Short is also an active volunteer with the Special Olympics.
Founded in 1961 as the National Association of Convenience Stores, NACS (nacsonline.com) is the international association for convenience and fuel retailing. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 151,000 stores across the country, posted $696 billion in total sales in 2013, of which $491 billion were motor fuels sales. NACS has 2,100 retail and 1,600 supplier member companies, which do business in nearly 50 countries.


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cylinder, the next subsidy gets transferred in their bank account, which is available for purchase of next subsidised cylinder at market rate.
"In order to avail transfer of cash subsidy into the bank account, Aadhaar number of the LPG consumer has to be linked to the LPG consumer number and bank account for which a three months grace period from date of launch is being provided," a source said.
A three month grace period has been given to get Aadhaar number and link it with their bank accounts. After the grace period, only consumers with Aadhaar number-linked bank accounts will get cash subsidy.
Sources said the three-month grace period has expired in Phase-1 and II districts and subsidy is being transferred only to accounts linked to Aadhaar numbers.


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Petrotahlil - Japan's imports of naphtha rebounded last year, despite lower ethylene production because of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and more cracker maintenance. Run cuts by domestic refineries, also hit by the pandemic, resulted in lower output of naphtha that prompted ethylene producers to seek imports.
Japan imported 18.3mn t of naphtha in 2020, up by 6.4pc from 17.2mn t a year earlier, according to preliminary data released today by the finance ministry. But this was still lower compared with 18.8mn t in 2019.
Qatar was the top supplier to Japan for 2020, with its supplies rising by 21.4pc from a year earlier to 3.8mn t, or 21pc of total imports. This was followed by 2.9mn t from the UAE that was down by 15.7pc.
Japan's ethylene production in 2020 fell by 7.7pc from a year earlier to 5.9mn t, as a stuttering economy because of Covid-19 reduced demand for petrochemical products. The fall also reflected more ethylene crackers entering maintenance.
The country's ethylene producers had to import more naphtha to compensate for reduced supplies from domestic refineries, which cut operations to meet weaker demand for refined oil products, especially jet fuel, with coronavirus-led travel restrictions.
Naphtha production is forecast to recover in the April 2021-March 2022 fiscal year, with sales by refiners projected at 718,611 b/d and up by 4.1pc from 2020-21, according to government-affiliated think-tank the Institute of Energy Economics Japan (IEEJ). The IEEJ also expects ethylene production to increase by 4.9pc to 6.09mn t in 2021-22.
Follow us on twitter @petrotahlil


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Kaldor is pleased to announce the launch of the latest Pugpig-powered app, supporting a publication with more than a century of history, Investors Chronicle. Now available on iOS and Android, Investors Chronicle is the authoritative source of fund and share tips and comprehensive companies coverage for the private investor. The new app features all the content from the weekly magazine as well as additional content including podcasts, which are offered exclusively to digital users.
Established in 1860, Investors Chronicle has been helping investors make their money work harder for over 150 years, and is renowned for its market-beating share tips as well as in-depth analysis and independent coverage of the UK stock market.
Prior to the new Pugpig-powered app, Investors Chronicle was available for digital users only in PDF format. The new app provides a content-rich experience that incorporates search functionality, social media sharing, text resizing and scrapbooking to favourites. This new digital format also pulls in the latest share price information of companies referenced in articles, to provide live updates and additional context for online users. The app is available on both phone and tablet, offering an exceptional user experience across all devices.
Jonny Kaldor, CEO and co-founder of Kaldor, the creators of Pugpig says “We’re delighted to be working with the Investors Chronicle team to ensure they deliver high quality content to their readers wherever they may be.”
Maxim Lamond, Product Manager of the Investors Chronicle says “The new app offers the full weekly magazine, supplemented with relevant digital content and markets data. It is also the first time our readers will be able to get the magazine on a mobile and tablet device of their choice. This is something we are very excited about.”


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The 7-sku line includes creams, serums, masks and balms to tackle specific skin care concerns
Beauty brand Ceramiracle has unveiled a new line of cosmetics inspired by the ‘California lifestyle’.
The O’Cali Nature skin care range is designed to bridge the gap between food, beauty and health, and uses food actives and ‘clean’ formulas, according to the brand.
The 7-sku line features creams, masks, serums and balms created for a range of skin care concerns such as dryness, signs of ageing and restoring skin’s microbiome.
The products are housed in sugarcane PE packaging.
Ceramiracle has also entered a new partnership with 1% For the Planet, committing 1% of its revenue to supporting ocean clean-ups.
To launch the line, Ceramiracle’s founder Eugene He will host a livestream event with product tips and a Q&A.
The session will run through the brand’s website, live.ceramiracle.com and Facebook Live.


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CJ Corporation (Public, SEO:001040) is a Korea-based holding company engaged in food, biotechnology, home shopping and entertainment businesses through its subsidiaries. The Company's subsidiaries and affiliated companies include CJ Cheiljedang Corporation, which is engaged in food industrial, feed industrials and biotechnology business, and CJ HOME SHOPPING, which is engaged in television home shopping business, as well as CJ Development Co., Ltd., CJ Entertainment, CJ Internet Corp, CJ CGV CO.,LTD., CJ Media Inc., CJ Foodville Corp, CJ Freshway Corporation, CJ Oliveyoung, M-net Media Corp, CJ SYSTEMS CO.,LTD, CJ Venture Investment and a Korea-based real estate company.
CJ's Food & Food Service business is contributing to the affluent food culture through various products and services giving efforts to transmit the great flavors of Korea to the world through the export of various products.
New control measures stir opposition Republic of Ireland
The fisheries authorities have decided to implement new measures to regulate the fish weighing system due to alleged irregularities detected in factories, but they have generated reject from fishermen and processors.
Four countries join efforts to protect Japanese eel Japan
Eel farmers’ procurement of glass eels or young specimens has been curbed by 20 per cent from the level in the preceding 12 months starting in November in an attempt to protect Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) stocks.
Copyright 1995 - 2014 Fish Info & Services Co.Ltd| All Rights Reserved. DISCLAIMER


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Coinbase gets a go-ahead from US regulator setting stage for landmark Nasdaq Listing
The U.S. based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Thursday announced that it has received approval from regulators to list its shares on the Nasdaq and expects to start trading on April 14. The company will trade on the Nasdaq under ticker symbol COIN. The green signal from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) marks a major milestone for digital currency advocates who have struggled hard to win the trust of mainstream investors, regulators, and the general public. Previously deemed too speculative and volatile, cryptocurrency have now been embraced by many traditional banks and institutional investors.
In a blogpost shared Thursday, the cryptocurrency firm said its shares were declared effective by the SEC and it will begin trdaing from April 14. Under direct listing, shares are not sold in advance, which is the case with an IPO. The company’s share price will be determined by orders coming into the stock exchange.
Founded in 2012, Coinbase is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in United States with around 43 million users worldwide. The agency offers a platform for users to buy and sell several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Litecoin etc. Coinbase’s recent private market transactions had valued the company at around $68 billion this year.
Earlier this week, Visa also gave a go-ahead to the use of the cryptocurrency USD Coin to settle transactions on its payment network, while PayPal started allowing US consumers to use their cryptocurrency holdings to pay its millions of global online merchants. The company has recently announced its plan to set up a branch in India.
Cryptocurrency exchange Coindcx raises Rs 100 cr in third round of funding during pandemic
In a blog post, the company said that it is now hiring in India and expects to open a physical office, initially in Hyderabad, for Indian employees as COVID-related conditions allow. ‘’India has long been known as a hub for engineering and technology innovation, and we look forward to finding that world-class talent to help the Coinbase group develop new ways for our customers to interact with the cryptoeconomy’’, the company added.


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Press releases • Jul 10, 2019 07:00 BST
Faerch is launching the next generation of its leading MAPET® II packaging products for the protein sector - now made exclusively from recycled content. Based on 100% recycled material and being 100% recyclable back into new food grade products, the development represents the ultimate level of circularity while not compromising on food safety, fast sealing time or any other functional property.
Press releases • Jun 26, 2019 10:58 BST
Black CPET Trays are Evolving…
Press releases • Apr 02, 2019 13:40 BST
Proposed EU tax could double price of non-recycled plastics A proposed tax on non-recycled plastics in the European Union aims to curb the use of plastics from non-sustainable sources. If the proposal is implemented as intended, it will effectively double the price of non-recycled plastics.
Press releases • Mar 13, 2019 07:54 GMT
Faerch Plast UK Ltd – one of the leading manufacturers and innovators in the design of recycled plastic packaging for the food industry – is delighted to announce it has won the coveted Sustainability Award at the 2019 Foodservice Packaging Association Annual Awards.
Press releases • Oct 25, 2018 08:00 BST
Faerch Plast UK Ltd (www.faerchplast.com) – one of the leading manufacturers and innovators in the design of recycled plastic packaging for the food industry – is delighted to announce its launch of 100% recycled PET material into their Food to Go product range.
Press releases • Jun 01, 2018 08:00 BST
Environment Secretary, Michael Gove welcomes initiative which will see 120 tonnes of black plastic (eight million items) recycled each month
Press releases • May 07, 2018 15:54 BST
About Faerch Group
Innovative packaging solutions since 1969
Great packaging is not just about protecting a product. An effective packaging concept optimises your production and ensures maximum on-shelf impact. Faerch holds a leading position within rigid plastic packaging for the food industry. We have more than 40 years of experience developing, designing and producing innovative and high-quality packaging.
- Faerch Group
- Rasmus Faerchs Vej 1
- 7500 Holstebro


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Karrinyup shopping centre has been taken over by Bluey pandemonium.
Screams of excitement echoed off the walls of the shopping centre this morning when the beloved Australian cartoon character from the hit ABC kids animation made her first appearance in Perth.
Bluey and her sister Bingo were greeted by a 100 strong crowd including Archie and Lyla Denham and Daisy Norwood — who were the first WA children to embrace the puppets.
“I was so excited,” Lyla said.
“My favourite episode is when they dress as Grannies,” Norwood added.
Half an hour before Bluey took to the stage, 50 people had already lined up. By the time the two dancing puppets actually climbed the steps to take the spotlight, the line for a photo opportunity spanned more than 100 metres and was dotted with Bluey printed bucket hats, shoes, dresses and the odd Bingo soft toy strewn on the floor.
The characters will call Karrinyup home for the school holidays, making appearances at the shopping centre until Sunday. Bingo and Bluey have also planned a visit to the centre before it opens on Sunday for children with sensory challenges.
The centre has a number of activity installations set up in an effort to sooth the inevitable tears of kids who get shuffled off stage after a hug with the puppet. From a fairy floss station, to face painting, to colouring in and a scavenger hunt — the Bluey themed fun knows no bounds.
The Australian obsession has gone global, with Rolling Stone calling the small screen offering an “all ages pandemic balm”.
In December, the magazine named the ABC TV show about a couple of blue heelers one of the best TV shows of 2020, coming in at number 11.
While the stories may seem simple, they have profound messages to impart about kindness and maturity as well the emotional benefits of imaginary play.


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Local Business Buzz is a roundup of what's going on in Frankfort's business community. This includes store openings and closings, listings of special events and a look at upcoming sales and deals.
- Although it has been open since late last year, , the barbecue restaurant , will be holding a grand opening ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24. The event will include a ribbon-cutting with Mayor Jim Holland and feature music from the Orland Park band Stellar Road. There als will be food tastings, tours and raffles all weekend, with Saturday designated as a family day, featuring activities for the kids.
- has receieved approval to bring its annual World Wide Knite/Crochet in Public event to Breidert Green on June 10. In case of bad weather, the event will be held at the store, which will expand starting April 1.
- The approved a Downtown Retail Grant for Fiancee Couture, a new upscale wedding and bridal shop on Old Frankfort Way.


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There are a lot of important moves taking place in the crypto space these days. Some new events involve the FTX Team and paradigm, which seem to be working together these days.
FTX Team and Paradigm team up
According to the latest reports, the platform Paradigm has partnered with crypto exchange FTX.
It seems that they are planning to launch spread trading, allowing users to take advantage of pricing dislocations with “cash-and-carry” plays.
Blockworks online publication notes the fact that spread trades involve buying one security and selling another related security — such as a futures contract — in order to produce an overall net trade with a positive value called the spread.
The online publication mentioned above notes that a so-called cash-and-carry trade exploits variances in market prices and could entail taking a long position in an asset while simultaneously selling the associated derivative.
It’s also important to mention the fact that Paradigm users will be able to trade the spread between spot, perpetual, and futures instruments through FTX on BTC, ETH, SOL, and more coins, according to the latest reports.
One other thing worth noting is that FTX is the third exchange to partner with Paradigm (not to be confused with the crypto investment firm of the same name) on futures spreads.
Paradigm is integrated with Bybit and Deribit. It started offering futures spreads cleared through those exchanges in February.
“Having more exchanges means Paradigm users have alternative venues to clear and custody assets, as well as take advantage of pricing dislocations,” Paradigm co-founder Micki Koonin told Blockworks in an email.
Koonin continued and stated the following:
“This is especially attractive when it is one of the largest global exchanges, like FTX.”
He also explained that FTX is the first exchange via which Paradigm can offer spot trade as part of the spread, perpetual, and future combinations.


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NEW YORK — The Estée Lauder Cos.’ BeautyBank division is Flirting with a new guest creator.
Actress Mila Kunis, perhaps best-known for her role on Fox’s “That 70s Show,” will assume the role from singer Michelle Branch in February.
Each season, the color cosmetics brand — which hit Kohl’s doors in October and has also been sold at Bergdorf Goodman — chooses a celebrity to headline that season’s collection. Guest creators may work on new colors, new products, accessories or an entire collection.
“We though Mila had the perfect vibe for Flirt,” said Jane Lauder, vice president of marketing for the Flirt and American Beauty lines at BeautyBank. “She’s cool, hip and up-and-coming — she isn’t overexposed. She’s a great representative of the brand.”
Kunis’ collection, “Go Go Glamour,” will include two compacts — “Dance Fever,” a palette with dramatic magentas and plums most suitable for evening, and “La-La Land,” a palette of nudes and pinks for daytime wear. Each limited-edition compact will retail for $25, and both will be available in select Kohl’s doors as well as on kohls.com. Lauder noted that the palettes were inspired both by vintage — a natural, given Kunis’ show — as well as the spring 2005 ready-to-wear collections. “We wanted to offer customers easily achievable looks, which these colors do,” said Lauder.
Lauder noted that the BeautyBank brands would enter another 300 doors by March, taking the brands’ total U.S. distribution to about 600 doors by the end of March.
“I wanted my collection to truly capture my personality,” said Kunis in a statement. “Creating a retro look with bold graphic prints and vivid colors was the perfect way for me to express myself, plus I think my colors are trendy.”
A grooming moment between @tanfrance and @antoni last night at the The LGBT Community Center Trailblazer Awards honoring Anna Wintour, Ricky Martin and more. See more photos at WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @lexieblacklock)
“It was a very surreal feeling. It wasn’t like we were in the studio together coming up with it — it’s more like he discovered it and loved it. I didn’t let myself get my hopes up, but then it happened it was very exciting,” said singer-songwriter @nombe on discovering that @pharrell would be using his song, “Cant Catch Me” on his HBO documentary series “Outpost.” The German-born singer — named Noah MacBeth — talked to WWD about feminism, using art as a platform for political expression and personal style. Read more on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @jilliansollazzo)
This season, denim is going west – in influence. Brands like @fathersdaughterla (pictured here), @tommyhilfiger Jeans, @levis and more are opting for raw, top-stitching styles. (Styled by @thealexbadia; 📷: @ryanplett)
20-year-old British singer @jorjasmith_ made her debut at Coachella last weekend. We caught up with her and talked about her love for Amy Winehouse, working with Kendrick Lamar on the “Black Panther” album and her fashion philosophy. Read the interview on WWD.com #wwdeye (📷: @katiedaisyla)
Supermodel @helenachristensen teamed up with longtime friend and designer @camillastaerk on a joint @paredeyewear collaboration. The lineup features three styles and 11 offerings, all of which embody a vintage feel. Get all the details on how they celebrated the collab on WWD.com. #wwdaccessories #wwdeye (📷: @slovekinpics)
“It’s a hard industry to keep motivated, as well, so finding different subjects and people is what makes it worth it – when you’re like, oh, I’ve met great people, I feel like I’ve done something good, and I feel proud of having done this,” said French actress Stacy Martin on being grateful for the variety of roles she’s take on. Read @ktauer’s full interview with Martin on her her latest film “Godard Mon Amour.” #wwdeye (📷: @danieldorsa)


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Samsung is trying to get rid of its struggling divisions, and after selling the printing business to HP, the company is now preparing to give up on the PC unit as well. It appears that the South Korean firm is currently involved in negotiations over a possible sale of its PC business to Lenovo, with local media reporting that the two companies first started the talks earlier this year.
While an agreement is yet to be reached, Samsung seems to be very keen on exiting the PC market, especially because the company has been struggling here for many years.
IBTimes writes, citing South Korean media, that the deal price is likely to be close to 1tn won ($850m, £680m), but it could easily drop a little bit if Lenovo plays its card right, especially given the slow performance of Samsung’s PC business in the last 12 months.
Seeing Samsung selling its PC unit is not at all surprising, mostly because the firm has lost ground as compared to other firms that continuously invested in this market. Although the PC market collapsed in the last years, Lenovo continues to be the leading company, while Samsung just couldn’t keep up with competition. Companies like Dell and HP also continue to do well in the PC industry.
Samsung recently decided to leave European markets and concentrate more on the United States, but even here competition from Lenovo substantially impacted its revenues.
As far as Lenovo is concerned, buying Samsung’s PC unit would provide the firm with access to new products, but also improve its market share by a few percentage points thanks to the countries where Samsung continues to sell devices.
A confirmation is yet to be provided on the negotiations between Samsung and Lenovo, but should the talks come to a conclusion, expect press releases to be issued by both companies.


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We find ourselves in the midst of a couple of different crisis; high inflation, energy crisis and since about 100 days ago – the war in Ukraine. All of these events have serious consequences globally on our lives, our businesses and on the event industry.
As in any crises (and now we are talking about a couple of crises happening at the same time) organizations redefine their businesses which has an effect on a more rational cost management and cutting certain expenses. The financial crisis 2008./2009. has taught many organizations to cut the cost of education, marketing and promotion first… which has a huge impact on the event industry as a consequence. However, after the crisis some organizations have learned not to cut the investment in marketing and promotion.
The estimation is that the event industry has a chance of medium-term and long-term survival with hybrid and virtual models of organization and only physical events will survive only if they offer a special experience value during the event.


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Christmas research conducted by Árukereső.hu, a Hungarian price comparison website, revealed not only which Christmas gifts are the most popular among Hungarians, but also that people are more conscious about the gifts they buy.
According to the survey, one in ten Hungarians would spend a maximum of HUF 10,000 (EUR 25) on a Christmas present, while more than a quarter of them would target the range between HUF 10,000 and 30,000 (between EUR 25 and 75). As it turns out, people are planning to spend similar amounts of money on gifts this year as last year, meaning that despite the worsening economic situation, they are trying to keep up Christmas gift-giving.
Half of those surveyed plan to use promotions to cut Christmas costs, while 20 percent plan to buy presents for fewer relatives.
Getting the best possible price is not the last consideration, making price comparison sites such as Árukereső.hu even more important. Mindfulness is also emerging among Hungarians, with more than half starting their Christmas shopping before December and around 40 percent collecting gift ideas all year round.
And what do Hungarians want most?
The top three categories for presents are household appliances, electronics, and clothes.
The survey revealed that many would be happy to find a coffee machine, laptop, smartphone, watch, book, or perfume under the tree. Meanwhile, most people believe that money is not a real Christmas gift, so they do not want to give it.
Featured photo via Pixabay


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Açaí bowl and smoothie bar Deep Purpl, founded by Loyola alumnus Gabriel Fleury, plans to open a location (1137 W. Sheridan Rd.) near Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus May 1.
Customers can choose from 8, 12, 16 and 20-ounce bowls with unlimited toppings. Toppings include gluten-free granola, almond butter, bananas, blueberries, cacao nibs and goji berries. However, while they’re called bowls, the containers look more like layered parfait cups.
Bowls range from $6.95 to $13.95. Regular smoothies range from $6.99 to $7.95 and protein smoothies range from $8.45 to $8.95.
The new location will only be a few minutes away from the café Rollin’ and Bowlin’, located in Damen Student Center. Rollin’ and Bowlin’ offers açaí bowls, smoothies, avocado toast and cold brew.
Founder and owner of Deep Purpl, Gabriel Fleury, opened the store’s first location in the West Loop in January 2020. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Loyola in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
“I came to Chicago and was used to eating açaí,” Fleury said. “I couldn’t find any good options. So I did my research, learned a few things and saw there was a chance for opening something here.”
First-year Eliana Wills said she’s excited for the new location because it’s next door to her classes in the Ralph Arnold Fine Arts Annex.
“It’ll be nice to stop in there after class instead of having to walk all the way to Damen,” Wills, 19, said between bites of a bowl from Rollin’ and Bowlin’.
Wills said she likes açaí bowls because of her dairy-free diet and her dislike for dining hall fruit options.
“Living in the dorms, I don’t really get a lot of fresh fruit,” she said. But with açaí bowls, “it’s nice that it’s a healthy, filling and dairy-free meal.”
Fleury said growing up in São Paulo, Brazil inspired Deep Purpl’s emphasis on health.
“It’s a very tropical country, all year long,” he said. “Every time you finish exercising or playing sports, you get açaí. They’re very health-conscious back there.”
Sourcing ingredients directly from Brazil is also important for the business’s mission, Fleury said.
Fleury said he’s currently working with Loyola to let students pay with dining dollars and to hold promotions during basketball games.
The Rogers Park location will be the seventh Deep Purpl in Chicago. The other six are in Evanston, Hyde Park, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Millennium Park and the West Loop. The company said it plans to open more locations in San Francisco and Austin, Texas.
“It’s the seventh location, but it’s going to be the most special one because I went to Loyola,” Fleury said. “It’s very cool to open a business where you went to college.”
Deep Purpl will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.


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Starfield Release Date: The action role-playing video game Starfield will be released soon and was created by Bethesda Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks. The game was unveiled during Bethesda’s press conference for E3 in 2018.
It will be Bethesda’s first original work of intellectual property in almost 25 years, and the game is set in a universe with a space theme. The game is slated for release for Xbox Series X/S and Microsoft Windows in the first half of 2023.
Starfield Release Date Has Changed On Steam
Fans will notice that the release date for Starfield, a sci-fi action role-playing game from Bethesda, now reads “Coming Soon” rather than just “2023” when they visit the game’s page on Steam. The upcoming game is one of the most anticipated releases this year and will most likely be a success when it launches.
However, no one knows when the publisher will be able to release it, yet, players have been speculating. Some even speculated that Starfield would release in April to coincide with the International Day of Human Space Flight, which falls on April 12.
That’s just conjecture, and neither Bethesda nor its parent company ZeniMax has made this claim official. The only thing known is that the game will be released sometime in 2023, ideally in the year’s first half. But outside of that, there is little anyone can do but wait for the publisher or developer to issue a formal statement.
The Starfield release date has been modified on Steam, which now states that the space RPG is “Coming Soon,” further obscuring the situation. This move throws a curveball in the release window, as it may feel much more uncertain now that it doesn’t just say “2023.”
That doesn’t imply there will be an issue with the release or that the game has been postponed once more, but hopefully, Bethesda can shed some light on what this change in the launch date means.
This announcement might be made at the forthcoming Starfield deep dive, anticipated after the Xbox and Bethesda Developer Livestream on January 25. Only time will tell whether “Coming Soon” is merely the studio’s approach to getting ready for a specific game release date.
In addition to being eagerly awaited, playtesters allegedly adored Starfield, which is encouraging for the final product. That only makes the wait for an official release date harder, but maybe Bethesda will be able to reveal it soon, especially since fans have already had to wait longer since last year’s postponement.
Although the gameplay of Starfield appears to be significantly influenced by other well-known science fiction games, such as Elite Dangerous and No Man’s Sky, at its core, it is still a Bethesda RPG.
Suppose you’ve played any Fallout or The Elder Scrolls games from the studio. In that case, you’ll be familiar with what that means: open areas and settlements for you to explore, progression systems that encourage you to spend time on the game’s features you like, and a design that emphasizes choice and consequence overall.
— Stein (@steinekin) January 12, 2023
Additionally, Starfield will feature brand-new gameplay mechanics for Bethesda games, including spaceships that can be flown, as well as a more deliberate emphasis on resource management, base construction, crafting, and real-time gunfights. Like in previous Bethesda RPGs, you can freely swap between a first- and third-person perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Starfield be like Skyrim?
According to Todd Howard, who spoke to The Washington Post (opens in new tab), Starfield is "like Skyrim in space," and it will support first- and third-person play modes.
Is Starfield 25 years in the making?
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4's acclaimed developers, Bethesda Game Studios, are back with their first new universe in 25 years with Starfield.
How long will it take to finish Starfield?
So how long will it take to defeat Starfield? The primary campaign of Starfield should take 30 to 40 hours to complete, according to Todd Howard of Bethesda, who discussed this in an interview with IGN (credit to Gamesradar). If accurate, Starfield's campaign would be about 20% larger than Skyrim and Fallout 4's.