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Taiwan's Big Brand Blues
Acer has suffered huge losses, and HTC has seen NT$900 billion in market value evaporate over the past two years. Why is the branding dream of Taiwan's high-tech sector crumbling?
Taiwan's Big Brand BluesBy Hsiao-Wen Wang, Elaine Huang
From CommonWealth Magazine (vol. 531 )
The winds of autumn have proved to be unsettling for the world's major high-tech brands, portending a new era of maturity in a sector accustomed to robust growth. Leading vendors have felt the pinch, with Apple's growth slowing and Microsoft acquiring Nokia after unsuccessful forays into mobile devices.
Two of Taiwan's most prominent high-tech brands, computer vendor Acer Inc. and smartphone-maker HTC Corp., have also seemingly entered the autumns of their lives after facing setbacks on several different battlefields.
Acer, Taiwan's branding standard-bearer after being founded 37 years ago, has suffered two consecutive years of heavy losses and was still showing few signs of emerging from its slump in the third quarter this year. Rumors are swirling that there could be a change in management or even that the company could be sold.
Sixteen-year-old HTC has lost NT$900 billion in market value in just two years. After hitting a high of NT$1,300 per share in late April 2011, HTC's stock price plummeted to NT$122 on Sept. 9, the lowest since the company went public in March 2002. Though the stock has rebounded in recent weeks, closing at NT$140 on Sept. 24, many believe the company faces a precarious future.
It will likely post a loss in the third quarter, and it is forecast to ship about 20 million smartphones this year, barely half of the total when the company was at its peak in 2011. It could be soon overtaken by upstart Chinese smartphone brand Xiaomi, which was launched just over three years ago.
Adding insult to injury, new product designs were recently stolen and sold by company insiders.
Even HTC's chairwoman acknowledges problems exist while trying to sound upbeat.
"I think smartphones are still in their infancy, and there are still plenty of opportunities, such as smart cities. There are inevitably ups and downs when building a brand," says HTC chairwoman Cher Wang, as confident as ever. "I need to get better. The CEO also has to get better."
So what exactly has happened to Taiwan's high-tech brands? Why has the country's high-tech sector, helped by tax breaks from the government, with access to the best talent and global markets, come out battered and bruised every time it has pursued its branding dream?
Could it be that only powerful and prosperous countries are able to spawn strong high-tech brands?
"From Acer and AsusTek to HTC, everyone is up against the same fundamental challenge," laments one brand entrepreneur in private.
Without a big home market, Taiwanese high-tech companies are naturally at a disadvantage in the crucial area of defining standards, such as source code for operating systems and basic communications patents. Taiwan is also not interested in adopting the Korean model of pouring the entire country's resources into forging one big brand.
"A small country has to concentrate its resources. To some extent, it has to put up with the spirit of capitalism," says Chiu Yi-chia, the chairman of National Chengchi University's Graduate Institute of Technology, Innovation & Intellectual Property Management. Taiwan's high-tech policies, Chiu says, put a premium on fairness and diversity and amount to a sheep (socialism) in a wolf's clothing (capitalism). As a consequence, Taiwanese tech brands, inherently disadvantaged from the outset, are pushed further off-balance as they take on the global market of 7 billion people.
Acer and HTC represent the leading companies of two different generations. Acer's battleground is the previous-generation notebook computer market of about 200 million units a year; HTC competes in the recently skyrocketing smartphone market of about 1 billion units a year. HTC has been building a brand for five years, Acer for nearly 40 years.
Yet the two vendors have suffered the similar fate of highly volatile corporate profits, and in fighting for market share, both have encountered the same two double-edged swords.
Double-edged Sword No. 1: An International Team
Over time, the two brands have seen major fluctuations in their earnings, but HTC's have been more dramatic than Acer's.
"HTC faces a market that is five times bigger than Acer's, but the time it's had to build a brand has been compressed to 1/6th the time Acer had, putting it under intense pressure. So HTC's sudden rises and falls are really not surprising," explains a high-tech entrepreneur. In today's tech wars, more resources are being brought to the fight than ever before, with a huge amount being burned in the money pit known as "brand marketing."
"It's hard for Taiwanese brands to survive. Samsung sells smartphones as if it were selling shampoo. It even trains it salespeople based on methods used by Proctor & Gamble and Tesco," says a former manager for Samsung in Taiwan. The manager explained that the Korean electronics giant treats tech brands as fast-moving consumer goods brands, pouring huge sums into marketing. It invests three times as much as HTC in sales support in Taiwan, and salespeople at any authorized retailer get a NT$500 bonus for every Samsung smartphone they sell.
Talent is another area where a major financial investment is necessary.
"If you want to fight a global battle, you need international talent," Acer chairman J.T. Wang once said. Acer has shown the willingness to offer internationally competitive salaries to hunt for talent around the world.
"Taiwan does not have a national image or market development advantages to sell, so Taiwanese companies must rely on salaries above the norm to hire top international talent," observes Bei Lien-ti, a professor in National Chengchi University's Department of Business Administration.
Yet Acer's practice of paying top salaries for both local and international talent have not translated to improving results.
Top executives, including Walter Deppeler, the former chairman of the marketing committee and now a senior corporate vice president, Steve Lin, the president of Asia Pacific operations, and Oliver Ahrens, Acer's president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, are all paid salaries of between NT$50 million and NT$100 million a year, more than Acer corporate president Jim Wong. But that has not stopped the company's global PC market share from falling to 8.3 percent in the second quarter of 2013 from 13 percent in the second quarter of 2010.
"They're paid high salaries, but there are no signs that the company is turning things around," complains one disgruntled Acer insider, who says that since former Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci left the company in 2011 with a hefty severance package, Acer no longer has the financial wherewithal to hire such top-flight international execs.
As for HTC, it boldly bought a stake in American headphone brand Beats in a deal negotiated by former chief operating officer Matthew Costello, only to have to sell its stake to stop the bleeding from its investment.
The company also paid US$45 million for streaming video service provider Saffron Digital in early 2011, a deal brokered by chief strategy officer Ronald Louks. Louks left the company not long after, and HTC sold Saffron this year for US$47 million. The smartphone maker never did get the synergies from Beats or Saffron Digital it had hoped for.
"Can we really call using a bunch of foreign executives to make a bunch of cross-border acquisitions internationalization?" asked a resentful former HTC manager.
So why are Taiwanese tech companies so unable to work together with an international operations team over the long haul?
"Because Taiwanese do not have boards of directors with strong functions and sound operations," says National Chengchi University's Chiu, noting that the management of Taiwanese tech brands generally depends too much on an all-powerful CEO.
In contrast, in the United States, IBM's board was able to enlist Louis Gerstner to help revive the company, and Yahoo's board recruited Marissa Mayer to do the same at Yahoo.
"Only if the board mechanism is sound can the company build the strength of its management step by step," Chiu says.
Another key to brand marketing is finding an appropriate price point based on the product's positioning in the market. But because HTC's customers have been telecom operators and Acer's customers have been distributors, neither has been able to get a firm grasp of the end user, making it more challenging for them to develop insight into consumers' needs.
Double-edged Sword No. 2: Technological Prowess
HTC relied on its edge in technology, including producing the first Android smartphone, to become the preferred supplier of telecom operators around the world. But after riding its technology to the heights of the industry, HTC neglected the rapid shift in the smartphone market to mid-range and low-cost models.
As the smartphone market exploded over the past five years, HTC failed to see that the main competitive emphasis was evolving from functions to price.
"With Apple now resorting to highlighting the functions of its phones' CPU specs, you know that there is no longer much differentiation between products. You can't count on the brand alone to determine success or failure," says the chairman of an electronics contractor with annual sales of about NT$100 billion.
HTC's high prices have resulted in a backlash from telecom operators. "When all you're doing is assembling screens and CPUs made by others, what business do you have charging a high price? HTC needs to reposition itself. Its main competitors should not be Samsung or Apple but rather Sony, LG and Huawei," the president of a telecom company says bluntly.
Being able to reposition a company at any time is a necessary survival skill in today's brand wars, as Acer has also learned because of its limitations in product flexibility.
Acer relied on a single product category (personal computers) and an individual's strong control of a distribution channel (Lanci in Europe) to thrive, but as the market shifted to mobile devices and Lanci departed (leaving massive inventory in Europe), the secrets of its past success have turned into the catalysts of failure.
Also, determined to build up market share, Acer acquired the Gateway and eMachines computer brands in the United States in late 2007 and Dutch computer maker Packard Bell in early 2008, but those acquisitions have turned into heavy burdens (eMachines no longer exists). The declining value of its sub-brands forced the company to take an "intangible asset" impairment charge of NT$3.5 billion in early 2013, a development that has seriously weakened Acer.
How Small Countries Can Outwit Rivals
Over the past 40 years, Taiwanese tech brands have yet to develop management capabilities across borders, across different fields and across product lines. "Using the same management system to handle different markets and different products only leads to trouble," says Chu Po-young, a professor in the Department of Management Science at National Chiao Tung University.
So does that mean that companies from only the world's biggest economies – the United States and China – can fight the battles for scale and platforms in today's global high-tech wars?
"Small countries can still outwit bigger rivals, as long as they understand how to focus," says Liu Shuen-zen, a professor in National Taiwan University's College of Management. Taiwan can open a new battlefield and cultivate B2B brands, he suggests, pointing to the Swiss model as one worth emulating.
"Switzerland emphasizes 'precision and focus.' Through its sharp concentration and technical proficiency, Switzerland commands 80 percent of the global market for ink used on bank notes, and its watches generate high margins," says Liu, who believes Taiwan could also become a global "hidden champion" in several niche markets.
Following an arduous journey will not be without reward. Though equipment manufacturer ASML is the last company standing in the Dutch semiconductor sector, the world's semiconductor vendors cannot do without its lithography system, and its gross margin last year was 42 percent.
England's attempt to create its own Silicon Valley may have failed, but Cambridge gave birth to ARM Holdings, which developed the architecture on which most of the processors used in smartphones around the world are based. The company may be relatively small, but by leveraging its strength, it has been able to deal powerhouse Intel a severe blow.
Acer and HTC are both likely to post losses for the third quarter, and their short-term prospects remain uncertain. But considered over the longer term, the hard road traveled by Taiwan's high-tech brands remains worth pursuing. After all, success is built on the pillars of failure.
Translated from the Chinese by Luke Sabatier


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Known for their scratch-made cooking, the Houlihan’s chefs have once again delivered a palette pleasing fall menu that debuts today, October 1 and features Houlihan’s take on fall comfort food.
Red Lobster is revealing a “secret menu” to celebrate their annual Endless Shrimp event.
In a nation that has embraced the concept of tiny houses and technology that can fit on the face of a watch, classic Southern BBQ chain—Woody’s Bar-B-Q—has a small, but mighty debut of its own.
For more than 60 years, IHOP has innovated around its namesake and today marks another milestone for the brand with the addition of gluten-friendly Buttermilk pancakes to the menu.
No commodity exists in isolation. Weather changes, government intervention, and consumer demand are just a few of the forces that push supply into unpredictability.
FoodFirst Global Restaurants, Inc., a newly formed restaurant company, announced the launch of an updated Italian Mediterranean-inspired menu at all of its Bravo Cucina Italiana locations.
In honor of National Lobster Day on Wednesday, September 25, Red Lobster is celebrating its namesake by offering guests a 1.25 lb lobster for $19.99.
National Pasta and Pizza Month are one and the same (October) and it’s right around the corner.
Pioneering plant-based foods company Follow Your Heart and pizza joint Mellow Mushroom are teaming up for an exciting promotion that celebrates quality, plant-based ingredients and vegan pizza in a

domain: news


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What’s better than cute kids and cappuccinos? How about a cute kid making a cappuccino.
Meet Adler — a toddler-turned-internet sensation. He is the son of Andrew and Jenn Webb, the owners of Bindle Coffee in Fort Collins, and the star of the internet’s latest fascination: the baby barista.
In mid-November, Bindle released a video, filmed by Colorado filmmaker and a regular Bindle customer Benjamin Dinsmore, featuring Adler’s mad coffee skills. In the short clip, the adorable three-year-old makes a decaf cappuccino. And it went viral.
A New Zealand Facebook account posted the video, where it has been viewed over two million times. The original YouTube video is at 28,000+ views, and counting.
“He just wants to experience what I’m doing,” said Bindle owner Andrew Webb, of his son’s coffee talent. “And at the same time, he can steam milk really well.”
Bindle opened in Fort Collins in August. Within three short months, it has become a favorite among the town’s coffee goers. The cute video has brought in even more traffic, with people stopping by to ask for the world’s youngest barista.
“Mostly what we wanted to show was a cute kid making coffee,” Andrew said. “And the news has blown it up to make it seem like he’s working a shift here.”
However, Andrew says that Adler has not made drinks for customers.
“He mainly makes drinks for us,” Andrew said.
One day, Adler walked into the shop and announced, “I’m done making cappuccinos.”
But let’s hope this mini-barista doesn’t end his coffee career quite so soon. This seems like something Ellen would love to feature on her show.
Collegian A&E Reporter Zara DeGroot can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.org or on Twitter at @zar_degroot.


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SAN JOSE, Calif.–Apple Inc. said it won't be shipping its next-generation operating system in June as planned, saying it had to divert resources from the project so that it could launch its highly anticipated IPhone on time.
The new shipment date for Mac OS X "Leopard" will be in October, the company said Thursday. The IPhone will make its debut in June as planned.
Apple shares dropped nearly three per cent to $89.50 (U.S.) in extended-session trading after the announcement. Earlier, they had closed at $92.19, down 40 cents, on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The "IPhone contains the most sophisticated software ever shipped on a mobile device, and finishing it on time has not come without a price – we had to borrow some key software engineering and (quality assurance) resources from our Mac OS X team," Apple said in a statement.
Apple announced the IPhone – a smart phone that also serves as an IPod music player – in January to much fanfare. The Cupertino-based company said Thursday the IPhone is still on track to be shipped in late June and has passed several of the required certification tests.
Apple, which had previously said Leopard would be available in the spring, had hoped to release the Mac operating system upgrade at its Worldwide Developers Conference, a five-day event in San Francisco that starts June 11.
Instead, a "near-final version" of Leopard will be ready for the developers at the conference, Apple said.
"We think it'll be worth the wait," Apple said.


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The Intel Corp. has launched on Friday an innovative chip designed specifically designed for blockchain-related applications, such as Bitcoin mining and creating NFTs in order to cash in on the increasing use of cryptocurrency.
The chip will be released in the coming months and the first customers will be Block Inc, the Jack Dorsey-led company that just changed its brand name to Square Inc to highlight its increasing focus on blockchain technology.
Blockchains function as public ledgers which keep track of transactions made on a system of computers. They have also increased in popularity in recent times. The rise of blockchains has also created the buzzwords “Web.3” as well as “NFTs” which refer to the decentralization of technology.
Intel claims it has a highly efficient “accelerator” created to speed up blockchain-related tasks that require large quantities of computational power. These tasks use a lot of energy.
Chipmaker Nvidia Corp, whose graphics cards are extensively used in mining operations, also offers an additional chip designed to be used for Ethereum mining. In order to expand its position in the market, Intel has also formed a new division named Custom Compute Group within its Accelerated Computing Systems and Graphics business division.


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In an era marked by heightened environmental consciousness, the music industry is strumming the chords of sustainability. From massive concert arenas to the instruments that produce our favorite melodies, ‘green’ innovations are harmonizing with the industry’s operations. Investors, recognizing the value of eco-friendliness, are now attuned to the symphony of sustainability that offers both environmental and financial returns.
Eco-Friendly Concert Production
Concerts, with their sprawling crowds and dazzling displays, have traditionally been energy-intensive events. But recent innovations are changing the game:
- Solar-Powered Stages: More concerts are turning to solar panels to power their stages. These setups can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of an event. Glastonbury, one of the world’s most famous festivals, has showcased solar-powered stages in recent years.
- Sustainable Merchandise: Artists and event organizers are adopting biodegradable or recyclable materials for their merchandise. Whether it’s bamboo-based T-shirts or reusable water bottles, the merchandise is now a testament to eco-consciousness.
- Waste Management and Recycling: Enhanced waste segregation systems, combined with partnerships with local recycling facilities, ensure reduced landfill contributions. Some festivals have also started implementing ‘leave no trace’ policies, encouraging attendees to clean up after themselves.
Eco-Friendly Musical Instruments
The very tools of the trade are undergoing a green revolution:
- Reclaimed Wood Instruments: Rather than using wood from freshly felled trees, many instrument makers are turning to reclaimed wood – timber from old buildings or fallen trees. This not only conserves forests but often results in instruments with unique tones and stories.
- Recycled Percussion: Companies are producing drums and cymbals from recycled metals. These instruments maintain top-tier sound quality while reducing the mining impacts on the environment.
- Biodegradable Instrument Accessories: From guitar picks made of bioplastics to natural-fiber drumstick bags, the focus is on reducing the plastic footprint of musicians.
- Steel-Tongue Drums and Hang Drums: Steel has always been at the forefront of sustainability, being one of the most recycled materials in the world. Capitalizing on this, instrument makers have introduced steel-tongue drum and hang drum, which not only produce ethereal, mesmerizing sounds but also champion eco-consciousness. The process involves shaping and tuning sheets of steel, often repurposed or recycled, into percussive instruments. Beyond their sustainable nature, these instruments require minimal maintenance, resist wear and tear, and can last a lifetime. The increased demand for steel-tongue drums and hang drums signifies a blend of artistry and environmental responsibility, making them a favorite for both musicians and eco-enthusiasts.
Attractiveness for Investors
In an increasingly eco-conscious world, investments in sustainable endeavors are no longer just ‘nice-to-haves’ – they are imperatives. Here’s why these green music industry avenues are catching investors’ eyes:
- Brand Image and Consumer Preference: Modern consumers, especially millennials and Gen Z, prioritize brands that value sustainability. Investing in eco-friendly music ventures aligns with the values of a significant customer base, ensuring long-term loyalty and profitability.
- Regulatory Benefits: Many governments are offering tax breaks and incentives to sustainable business practices. This reduces operational costs and increases the ROI for investors.
- Future-Proofing: With global movements towards sustainability, industries that don’t adapt face obsolescence risks. By investing in green music initiatives now, investors are placing their bets on the future of the industry.
The melodies of the music industry are becoming greener, and it’s a tune that resonates with both the planet and profitability. As sustainable sound becomes the industry’s refrain, investors have a unique opportunity to not only back a brighter, eco-friendlier future but also to enjoy the harmonious returns of their green investments.


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Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled a dummy of Tesla’s humanoid robot called Optimus and said his company could develop millions of them and sell them for less than $20,000.
Tesla’s first experimental test robot can wave, water plants, carry boxes and lift metal rods, but there is a simplified version that Musk calls Optimus.
Although Optimus can’t walk at the moment, there was a slow wave to the audience at the launch. Musk predicts it could be weeks away, adding that there is still a lot of work to do to refine and prove Optimus, but he believes it will be incredible and stunning and Tesla will be ready to take orders for the robot in three to five years.
Tesla’s move differentiates it from other manufacturers that have done research with humanoid robots, because Tesla would first test the robots in-house to build its own cars.
He went on to say that existing humanoid robots are brainless and incapable of solving problems on their own, but Optimus would be a high-performance robot that Tesla could produce in its millions and that could also be used in the factory.
The bot will weigh 73kg and use components from Tesla, such as a 2.3kWh battery pack carried in its torso, a chip system and actuators to drive its limbs.
The sources for this piece include an article in Reuters.


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What is the prediction for Ford stock?
Ford Motor stock price forecast* for tomorrow, and next weeks based on the last 30 days
|2022-01-03||Price: 20.638||Min: 20.141|
|2022-01-04||Price: 20.709||Min: 20.211|
|2022-01-05||Price: 20.798||Min: 20.295|
|2022-01-06||Price: 21.018||Min: 20.524|
What is Ford’s highest stock?
Ford Motor – 49 Year Stock Price History | F
- The all-time high Ford Motor stock closing price was 42.45 on May 03, 1999.
- The Ford Motor 52-week high stock price is 21.49, which is 4.5% above the current share price.
- The Ford Motor 52-week low stock price is 8.43, which is 59% below the current share price.
Why is Ford tanking?
The reason: The global semiconductor shortage is starting to hurt, causing Ford to reduced its full-year earnings guidance. For the first quarter, Ford Motor (ticker: F) reported an adjusted profit of 89 cents a share from $36.2 billion in sales.
Is Ford stock undervalued?
These factors all put Ford in a good position for continued success in the near term. Investors will also like its low valuation, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.5 and a low price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.17, which means it is undervalued compared to its expected future growth.
Is Ford stock expected to rise?
Overall, we expect Ford’s revenues to recover to $141.6 billion for 2021 after the heavy fall due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Further, its net income is likely to rise to $3.1 billion, increasing the EPS figure to $0.77 for 2021.
Why is Ford dividend so high?
“The dividend reflects our confidence in the improving run rate of the business and our ability to fund all of our calls on capital, including the growing investment in electrification and the trajectory of our Ford [strategic] plan,” said Chief Financial Officer John Lawler on the company’s earnings conference call.
Is Ford stock a buy hold or sell?
Ford Motor has received a consensus rating of Hold. The company’s average rating score is 2.35, and is based on 11 buy ratings, 5 hold ratings, and 4 sell ratings.


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AdWords, Google’s online advertising service, has recently announced a big change in its search engine advertising placements. The announcement earlier this week stated a new placement offering of expanded text ads. Prior to the announcement, the maximum length for text ads was a 25-character headline and two 35-character description lines. Instead of the 25/35/35, the new expanded text ads allow two 30-character headlines and a description line of up to 80 characters. That’s nearly twice as many characters!
When creating a standard text ad, if you ended the first description line with a punctuation mark, it would move up a line and act like an extension of the headline, making it stand out over other ads on the page. The expanded text ads are designed to maximize your presence on search results, similar to how the punctuation trick did, which is important in this increasingly mobile-first world. The new update allows advertisers to create longer, more creative messaging. In addition, according to Google, advertisers may see an up to 20% uplift in CTR over existing text ads.
In order to upgrade your current ads to the new expanded format, it will take a little intervention on your part. It is suggested to create all of your new expanded ads and wait until they are approved before pausing your current ads. The AdWords Editor platform has also released an update that enables support for the expanded text ads, allowing your bulk changes to the new format to be made more easily and quickly.
RobMark Web has extensive knowledge in Google AdWords’ advertising services. For assistance in updating your current ads to the new expanded format or if you’re interested in starting a Google AdWords campaign to target the perfect customer, call (912) 921-1040.


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Visit Factry at Hannover Messe 2023
Frederik Van Leeckwyck on , updated
From April 17 to 22 we’re at Europe’s biggest Industry 4.0 event: Hannover Messe in Germany. The perfect opportunity to present our latest Historian V6 release, as well as our MES platform FactryOS to an international audience. Come say hi to our team at Hall 15, booth F05.
Join us at the world’s biggest Industry 4.0 exhibition!
Hannover Messe is the world’s most anticipated trade fair for Industry 4.0 technologies. Factry will be present from 17 to 21 April in Halle, Germany, with an exhibition stand. In case you’re around, don’t hesitate to say hello, discover our IIoT solutions and use cases, and meet the people behind the software.
For you, it’s a great opportunity to discover our MES platform FactryOS and the latest Factry Historian V6 release, which includes a new manual entry tool, deep integration with Grafana, and a range of fresh multi-site features. And to us, it’s the perfect chance to build our network of distributors and integrators.
- When: 17 to 22 April 2022, Hall 15, Stand F05
- Where: Hannover Messe, Halle, Germany
Don’t be shy 🤷
Come say Hi!


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Bodek and Rhodes Makes Two Big Announcements
Bodek and Rhodes Launches Industry's First 3-D Catalog
Philadelphia-based Bodek and Rhodes recently unveiled a 3-D performance catalog featuring two of the wholesalers’ top brands: adidas and UltraClub. As one of the nation’s leading wholesalers of imprintable activewear, the company developed the catalog to build excitement around the extensive collection of active performance wear.
The catalog was shipped to selected customers along with a pair of 3-D glasses. And while the images are still clear without them, using the glasses creates the illusion of three-dimensional movement in each of the product photos.
“This catalog doesn’t just show activewear,” said head of creative and graphic design Tricia Benedetto. “The catalog itself is active. It draws customers in to see the performance in full, life-like 3-D to really emphasize the benefits of performance wear.”
Customers interested in obtaining their own 3-D performance catalog should contact Bodek and Rhodes at (800) 523-2721.
Bodek and Rhodes Private Label Reveals Innovative New Logo
Philadelphia-based Bodek and Rhodes, one of the nation’s leading wholesalers of imprintable activewear, unveiled a new identity for their premier private-label brand, UltraClub.
Coming on the heels of the company’s largest product expansion in Bodek and Rhodes' history, UltraClub now boasts more than 200 styles, including a variety of new performance-oriented apparel.
“UltraClub isn’t just the original private label. It’s our brand and we’re making sure it stays original,” said Mike Rhodes, president. “Much of the line is focused on performance for every arena, and not just athletics. Yes, moisture-wicking comfort is a big part of what UltraClub offers, but so are everyday performance concerns like no-shrink and no-fade polos, easy-care and wrinkle-free oxfords, and ring-spun organic cotton that’s soft on the Earth.”
The company decided to update UltraClub's identity to better encapsulate the character of the brand. Tricia Benedetto, award-winning head of creative and graphic design, noted: “Performance apparel is, and will continue to be, an important part of the UltraClub line. So we wanted the new logo to reflect the energy, excitement and innovation that’s at the heart of this brand.”


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BSNL broadband customers in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are an annoyed lot. Many have been complaining that the company has been activating value-added services to their account without their consent or knowledge and are even charging them for those services.
The BSNL Hungama scheme consists of entertainment packs which allow subscribers to access music, videos, games and movies.
Several customers have alleged that one of these packs was activated on their account without their knowledge and they were charged for it even though they had not used it.
There is also a Quora page that has suggestions on how to get rid of the scheme.
A look at the National Consumer Complaints Forum's complaint board shows a number of similar complaints that have been made in the past few months.
“I am using BSNL broad band. We are additionally charged 489/- from Dec 2016 being hungama charges. We didn't subscribed for that or used it.. so deactivate it and refund the amount...(sic),” (sic) wrote T Saraswathi.
Some stated that they received calls from the customer care cell of BSNL following which the pack was activated on their account.
Rajasheker Reddy said that he too was charged Rs 489 for the Hungama plans that he had not opted for. “We received calls several times but we didn’t opt for any subscription. Please check and solve this ASAP. I am also not sure how many months the subscription was registered on my landline(sic),” he said.
Mukul Varshney, another BSNL user, called it a “scam”. “Surprised to know that the Goverment agency like BSNL is not taking action on these frauds. I have been charged with Rs 170 for some blockbuster package and Rs 170 for entertainment unlimited. Total additional amount came to this month bill was 340 Rs(sic),” he wrote.
When TNM reached out to K Damodar Rao, Chief General Manager of BSNL in Andhra Pradesh, he said that they could look into the problem if they received individual complaints.
“We can sort it out if a specific complaint is made. But we can't say anything about random generalisations,” he said.
He also stated that “there were couple of written complaints from Guntur and Kurnool districts and we have initiated efforts to sort those out".
Rao said that their “system will have information if customers themselves had activated the plan” and once the claim was verified, they could adjust the amount in the next bill.
This problem however is not a new one.
The Hindu too in 2015 had published a report stating that many customers had raised complaints against BSNL for being charged for unsolicited value-added services.


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It’s been a bit touch and go for a while as to when we’ll see this year’s Apple Watch go on sale, but now we’re hearing some good news that while Apple’s latest wearable may still be slightly delayed, everything is back on track to resume mass production.
At the end of last month, Nikkei reported that the new Apple Watch had run into production problems due to its “complicated” new design. Manufacturers had been slated to begin small-scale production toward the end of August, but “encountered critical challenges” that forced them to temporarily shut things down and evaluate their processes.
According to a new investor note from veteran analyst Ming-Chi Kuo seen by MacRumors, however, it appears that Apple has resolved these production issues and managed to get things largely back on track.
Kuo reports that Apple is now ready to start mass-producing the new Apple Watch Series 7 as soon as next week, and it’s still on schedule to launch this month.
While the original Nikkei report cast some doubt on whether we’d see the Apple Watch announced during next week’s California streaming event, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman insisted that Apple would indeed show off the new wearable, even if it wasn’t able to ship it until October.
However, Gurman also predicted that the Apple Watch Series 7 might be hard to get your hands on due to limited quantities, which could still be the case if Apple is only starting mass production next week. Of course, it would be far from the first time that customers have had to wait a while to get their hands on Apple’s latest technology, and in fact the very first Apple Watch released in 2015 faced similar obstacles.
To be fair, a delayed launch date wouldn’t be out of the question, either. Even though Apple has generally put its Apple Watch on sale within two weeks following its event, with the entire iPhone 13 lineup expected to land on schedule this month, Apple is going to have enough new toys to satisfy its customers who want to get their hands on something right away.
Series 7 Design Challenges
The original report by Nikkei blamed the production problems not only on the “complicated designs of the new smartwatch,” but also indicated that “new features such as blood pressure measurement” was creating difficulties “fitting a greater number of components into a similar size body.”
While that hint of a new health sensor tempted us to get our hopes up, it flew in the face of Mark Gurman’s assertions that there are no major health upgrades coming this year.
Not surprisingly, Gurman was quick to respond, flatly stating that there was “no chance” that the Apple Watch Series 7 would gain a blood pressure sensor, reiterating that even some basic new health features like a body temperature sensor aren’t expected until next year’s Apple Watch Series 8.
Although Gurman and his Bloomberg colleague Debby Wu confirmed the report of production problems, this was entirely as a result of the entirely new display technology that Apple is packing into this year’s model.
Kuo’s latest investor note confirms this as well, stating that the production problems were related to “the panel side,” and the new processes that are being used to manufacture the displays for the Apple Watch Series 7.
Due to the adoption of many new panel-related production processes for the first time, the Apple Watch 7 panel module encountered reliability issues during the risk-ramp phase before Jabil started mass production, mainly including blinking panel and touch insensitivity. This complicated production issue may be related to LGD, Jabil, or Young Poong.Ming-Chi Kuo
Gurman first reported back in June that this year’s Apple Watch is expected to feature a more prominent screen that will not only get slightly larger, thanks to thinner display borders, but also feature a new lamination technique. This will bring the display closer to the front, making it feel more like it sits on top of the Apple Watch, rather than being buried under a piece of glass.
As a result, the designations of the two versions of the Apple Watch Series 7 are going to increase slightly, to 41mm and 45mm. This likely has more to do with the screen sizes, which will be able to get closer to the edges thanks to the more iPhone 12 style squared-off design.
We may also see some modest battery life improvements in this year’s Apple Watch, but don’t expect any major new health features — at least not on the hardware side. watchOS 8 is bringing several new features, including a new Mindfulness app that offers guided meditations, some improvements to sleep tracking, and new workouts, but these are all software features that should be equally available on older Apple Watch models as well.
Next year, however, is expected to be a much bigger year for health sensors, with Apple almost certainly adding the aforementioned body temperature sensor — which could be used to power a fertility planning app — and Apple is also reportedly hoping to crack the blood pressure sensor technology to get the necessary accuracy in time for next year’s Series 8.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]


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All while in the Place of a brief 6 months, the nation went from recognizing cryptocurrency to implementation in working day-to-working day payments and now retaining shut observe within the exchanges so that you can advertise Risk-free exchanges. It appears remarkably unlikely that Japan is serious about taking part in host to a different doable MtGox.
On 6 August 2010, A serious vulnerability while in the bitcoin protocol was noticed. Transactions weren't thoroughly confirmed right before they have been A part of the blockchain, which Permit end users bypass bitcoin's economic latest news on bitcoin 2014 constraints and create an indefinite amount of bitcoins.
The query irrespective of whether bitcoin can be a currency or not is still disputed. Bitcoins have 3 handy features inside of a currency, according to The Economist in January 2015: they are "hard to earn, limited in source and straightforward to confirm".[ninety seven] Economists determine money to be a retailer of price, a medium of Trade, plus a unit of account and concur that bitcoin has a way to go to fulfill these requirements.
Bitmain, arguably essentially the most influential mining devices manufacturer inside the market plus the operator of the largest Bitcoin mining pool Antpool, at first launched the potential for tricky forking the Bitcoin Blockchain so that you can create Bitcoin money.
Authorized consumers can get notifications 24 hours prior to an ICO starts / finishes latest news on bitcoin 2014 by clicking "Follow" over the respective ICO page
they will accomplish that by uploading it right into a “Bitcache container” and placing a value, in bits, to allow Some others to download or stream the file.
the big bitcoin exchange Kraken made an announcement yesterday in assistance of Bitcoin Cash. They said They are going to be furnishing customers with the chance to trade it on their own System. They pledged to credit history consumers with the equivalent quantity of Bitcoin hard cash based mostly on their recent holdings of bitcoin.
We may also take into consideration multiples of at the present time as slightly considerably less substantial, And that's why while in the 2014 article I was taking a look at half and latest news on bitcoin 2014 quarter cycles to locate dates of importance to regulate (additional on this later on likewise)
Japan has been relatively of a leader in the two a pretty surroundings for cryptocurrency the nationwide chain Bic digital camera commenced providing consumers the choice to pay with Bitcoins in an initial demo.
whilst the futures market for BCC cash hints at the possibility that there might be a sustainable cryptocurrency with a few value, There may be also an argument to become manufactured that Bitcoin funds is not likely to be traded on numerous exchanges.
D. This can be all nonsense and totally irrelevant: Yes, I'm totally latest news on bitcoin 2014 knowledgeable this sounds like an Astrological looking at with the Bitcoin horoscope.
“We have crafted proofs of concepts that acknowledge bitcoin micro-transactions,” she specific. Along with micropayments, the organization is also Checking out various use circumstances of blockchain technology by these partnerships.
A college student of Austrian Economics, Kevin observed Bitcoin in 2011 and has actually been an evangelist ever due to the fact. His pursuits lie in bitcoin security, open up-resource programs, network results and the intersection among economics and cryptography.
the challenge is usually that Lots of individuals are employing Bitcoin for speculative purposes, which has tremendously pushed up expenses and turned it into far more of the significant-chance expenditure than an true forex.


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Asda has opened its first standalone Express c-store in the West Midlands, signalling a first shot across the bows of competitors in the crowded convenience market
The 3,000 sq ft store opened on Tuesday in Sutton Coldfield and stocks around 3,000 products, including a range of fresh, ambient and chilled products complemented by a selection of Asda’s premium Extra Special own-brand range.
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GooPhone, the Chinese clone maker that threatened to sue Apple over the iPhone 5 because they released a clone of the design before Apple, is at it again, with a $99 Android tablet called GooPad Mini.
...of Microsoft money, ARM's acquisition, and Windows 10 updates
Samsung Galaxy S7 edge Lens Cover
Expanding mobile photography with Aukey's wide-angle lenses
JESBOD QY13 sports Bluetooth earphones
Time is running out to claim your free Windows 10 upgrade
windows 10 upgrade
Insider build 14393.3 for PC and Mobile released to Fast ring
A Chinese company behind an Android phone shamelessly copied from leaked iPhone 5 components claims that they own the design since they went to market first, and is threatening to sue Apple over it.


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Actual violence or threats of actual violence demand more attention from loss prevention, asset protection, and security teams than workplace bullying does, but non-physical forms of workplace violence can hardly be ignored.
A few things lately have made me reminisce about some of my firsts, and I’ve come up with a list of tips for first-timers.
Just as some parts of the country began to recover from the disastrous 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, along came 2018, another above average season....
Year after year, retail workers are less likely to get hurt on the job. The industry has seen a steady decline in its injury rate, dropping every year since 2012. But retail work has also gotten more deadly with the number of fatalities up five percent in 2016.
Imagine, if you can, the country’s polarized politics spilling over into a store aisle and a retail associate trying to calm a shouting match...
The universal symbol of justice is a Greek female figure carrying a set of scales while wearing a blindfold.
The number of security guards directly hired by retailers is expected to decline by 2.8 percent between 2014 and 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ occupational outlook.
While declining store traffic continues to dominate the headlines and remains the reason most frequently cited for lackluster store performance, it’s only part of the story.
ThinkLP has hired Rhett Asher as their new vice president, strategy. Asher, former EVP, retail solutions, of Fortalice Solutions, brings more than thirty years...
Why is it that some product protection technologies have been around and working for decades, while other retail loss prevention solutions only seem to work for a few months before offenders aren’t impressed?


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Square-Enix continues to work on Final Fantasy 16. The game was first revealed in September 2020 but has understandably taken some time. As of today, they released a new Trailer: “Ambition.” Read ahead for the Final Fantasy 16 release date, trailer, and what we know so far.
When is the Final Fantasy 16 Release Date?
Final Fantasy 16, or Final Fantasy XVI, is currently scheduled to release in Summer of 2023 for Playstation 5. While an official release date has yet to be set, we will keep you updated as soon as Square-Enix updates us on the exact day.
Final Fantasy 16 Trailer “Ambition”
Final Fantasy XVI is an action RPG set in the world of Valisthea. Here, 6 nations have formed around natural formations known as Mothercrystals. Some of them contain special individuals known as Dominants. These people are born with the ability to manifest Eikons: creatures of immense power.
Watch the Final Fantasy XVI “Ambition” Trailer HERE.
The Ambition trailer shows a world in ruin. The Mothercrystals that have provided aether and stability for the great nations of Valisthea are fading, plunging the realm into conflict. The Blight sweeps the land, killing all that live on it. For the first time in history, a second Eikon of Fire has appeared, threatening the balance of power at the worst possible time.
When we receive word of the official Final Fantasy 16 release date, we’ll keep you updated in our News Section.


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It seems that Ferrari head Amedeo Felisa has plenty to talk about when it comes to the future of his legendary brand, and that includes alternatives to traditional fuel sources. Speaking to Autocar in the UK, Felisa had this to say in regards to the hybridized 599 that the automaker has been testing for quite some time:
While it is going to take some time, Ferrari will indeed push forward with hybrid technology, which is said to improve the fuel efficiency of its traditionally highly thirsty V8 and V12 engines by 25 percent. That's great, but couldn't Ferrari do even better by going full electric? Not so much. Felisa explains that the Italian supercar manufacturer has no plans to introduce electric cars, saying:The technology is not ready. The suppliers are not ready. Everything is underdeveloped. There is a lot of work to so. It is not for tomorrow. We haven't decided when [it will be introduced]. It will be around 2015, but not before five years.
We can agree that electric cars shouldn't need fake engine sounds, but we're not so sure that EVs don't have a future in the high performance realm. Still, fuel efficiency is of real concern for Ferrari, to the point that the company would reportedly consider adding V6 engines to its lineup of pricey exotics. A new, fuel efficient Dino with a hybrid V6 setup sounds just dandy, no?If you look at global warming, the right solution is not full electric. It's more a marketing solution than a real one, sound is just as important as design and performance for Ferrari. We will not make engine sounds with speakers.


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Hyundai chief heads to U.S. to check on operations thereHyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo left for the United States yesterday to check on the status of the U.S. automobile market and specifically the performance of its two automakers, Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors.
The group said the 74-year-old chief will first stop over in Los Angeles to hear the business plans of Hyundai Motor’s U.S. sales branch, before he visits the company’s plants in Alabama and Georgia. This is the first time since June last year that Chung has made a trip to the United States.
The nation’s No. 1 automaker said the chairman wanted to inspect the group’s largest foreign market and put into motion pre-emptive measures to guard against slowdown in the global automobile market, which has taken a beating due to the financial crisis in Europe.
During his visit, Chung is expected to discuss how Japanese automakers have been rapidly regaining traction in the U.S. market by rolling out aggressive marketing campaigns and special promotions.
Hyundai said he will emphasize how the group’s U.S. employees must not be influenced by their Japanese rivals’ rising sales; rather, the focus should be on maintaining prices, quality and business stability.
Chung has been roaming the globe of late to monitor the group’s operations and performance. He visited Europe in March and China in June to ensure product quality stays up to scratch.
More in Industry
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Kia reinvents itself, promising 'movement that inspires'
Hanwha Energy teams up with France's Total in U.S.
Scatter Lab investigated, but not for odd messages


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A new ceremonial proclamation from Gov. Jay Inslee highlights the important role retailers play in preventing sales of age-restricted products, including tobacco and e-cigarettes, to minors.
The proclamation declares September as “We Card Awareness Month,” celebrating the 25th anniversary of the education and training program designed to help retailers identify and deny underage youth and adult-for-underage attempts to purchase alcohol, tobacco and vaping products.
New data from the FDA suggests that teen vaping is reaching epidemic levels in the US, doubling in usage between 2018 and 2019 nationwide from about 2 million users to over 5 million. Last fall, Gov. Inslee enacted a temporary ban on the sale of flavored vaping products following a number of vaping-related illnesses and deaths in Washington state.
“Washington grocers, convenience stores and other retailers are on the front lines in the battle to prevent underage sales of age-restricted products,” said Jan Gee, president and CEO of the Washington Food Industry Association. “Since it was first introduced in 1995, the We Card education and training program has been instrumental in giving sales associates the necessary skills to identify and deny alcohol, tobacco and now vaping product sales to underage youth. Our members are proud to participate in the We Card program and are working to prevent the sale of these products to minors.”
Retailers involved in the We Card program have access to education and training for their employees, teaching them how to accurately check for proper identification and how to handle difficult situations that can occur at point-of-sale.
“Retailers want to provide their employees on the front lines with every possible tool to prevent the sale of age-restricted products to minors,” said Renée Sunde, president and CEO of the Washington Retail Association. “The We Card program has been very effective at giving retail employees the confidence to properly identify underage customers and deny purchases. That’s why continuous
training, like that provided by We Card is so crucial as we look to keep e-cigarettes and other age-restricted products out of the hands of minors — or those who provide them to minors.”
By declaring September “We Card Awareness Month,” the governor and retailers are looking to raise awareness of the program among consumers and attempt to bend the curve when it comes to teen vaping. Participating retailers have the red, black and yellow We Card materials prominently displayed in stores, at check stands, store doors and windows.
“The simple act of asking for ID can mean the difference in an illegal sale to a minor. Our members take this responsibility very seriously, carding everyone under 30 and asking for proper ID,” said Joe Gilliam, president of the Northwest Grocery Association. “Asking to see ID and walking through the age-verification process can be stressful, but it’s essential if we’re going to prevent sales to underage customers. The We Card program has been an excellent resource for our members over the years. We hope it continues to make a difference and keeps these age-restricted products out of the hands of minors,” he added.
“Any underage sale is unacceptable.


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North Carolina State University has conducted a study aimed at assessing the impact of washing poultry on kitchen contamination. As a result of the study, researchers found that more than 25% percent of participants contaminated salad with raw poultry, including many participants who didn't wash the poultry. The study showed the importance of hand-washing, as well as cleaning and sanitizing the kitchen, in order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness when cooking at home.
Currently, washing raw poultry isn't recommended, due to concerns about possibly contaminating other foods and surfaces. However, this increases the risk of foodborne illness.
“We wanted to know what effect an educational intervention would have on getting people to stop washing poultry before cooking, and what effect any resulting change in behavior might have on reducing contamination in the kitchen,” says Ellen Shumaker, corresponding author of the study and an extension associate at North Carolina State University. “We also wanted to get a better idea of how, if at all, washing poultry actually led to increased contamination in the kitchen.”
Read the full article here.
Source: North Carolina State University


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Australian software vendor, Redmap, has launched in the US with the opening of a new office.
The Atlanta-based presence will include administrative, sales, marketing, training and technical operations to service local customers.
The company will use the office to target the region's massive compliance and corporate governance market with its email and document management products.
Sales and marketing vice-president, Benjamin Woolley, said hard work and the enthusiasm of a major partner were crucial in helping it make the leap.
"We are working with Toshiba to have them ship a small part of our software with every one of their multifunction devices across A/NZ," he said. "They will be preaching to their US, UK Canada and Singapore counterparts to do the same."
The partnership would boost revenues through Toshiba acting as an OEM and reseller partner and, in no small amount, the company's credibility, Woolley said.
"The challenge in the US is that nobody knows us, but they do know Toshiba," he said. "Having the support of that kind of partner also helps you focus on long-term goals and why you went international in the first place."
While a local office and partnerships with multinational vendors went a long way to building a successful operation, Woolley said Redmap had also sought out other ways to build confidence within the US market.
"We use the services of Austrade and the State Development Department on a bi-weekly basis," he said. "They are the most business-minded government agency I have ever worked with and were integral to setting up our US channel."
On top of working to win the local accolades, Redmap had also sought to build up a sizable base of US customer reference sites.
"Your Australian client base counts for very little in the US as they only want to know what reference sites you have over there," Millar said. "When we say we are the Queensland ICT Award winner they say, 'is that in England?' When we say we are the national 2004 ICT Exporter of the Year it really lends credibility." While Redmap operated a dual sales model locally, it would seek to establish a complete reseller channel in the US, he said.
"I anticipate picking up a reasonable number of Toshiba distributors but also others," Millar said. "Our strategy is to form relationships here with businesses which have subsidiaries or head offices in the States, then recreate those over there."
For the local operation, the move to the US would see Woolley's former general manager role spilt in two, he said. Grant Greentree will take on the new role of CEO and a sales manager will also be appointed.
"We are experiencing revenue growth rates of 250 per cent this year in Australia alone so that causes one role to become two very quickly," Woolley said.


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A free recycling program will take place at until Nov. 1 at the Redwood Landfill, 8950 Redwood Highway, Novato Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at the Marin Resource Recovery Center, 565 Jacoby St., San Rafael, Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No more than nine tires per trip; passenger and pickup truck tires only. Tires may contain rims. Foam filled tires and tires from commercial or nonprofit businesses will not be accepted.
The collection is open to Marin County residents only.
For more information, visit www.ZeroWasteMarin.org, or call 473-6647.
Send us your news: We want more news items from Marin's cities and towns. Email them to our City Desk at firstname.lastname@example.org, mail them to City Desk, Marin Independent Journal, 4000 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903, or fax them to 415-382-7209. For more information about towns in Marin, visit the IJ's website at marinij.com.


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WWBT - The alleged mastermind involved in scamming hundreds of thousands of dollars from mothers nationwide changed her plea Gay masseurs in Mildura morning. After a year on the run, Maddox agreed to a plea deal this week that includes spending six years in prison.
Maddox ended up on the run after being Latin dollar Ballarat about the scam by our sister station, WOIOin Cleveland. During the time she was gone, she was living large using some of the money she got from online customers to visit China, Dubai and Cancun. Police finally caught up with Maddox at a homeless shelter in Las Vegas.
While she was evading police, dozens of victims came forward. Brittany, a mom of 4 in Prince George County who asked that we not use her last name, also fell victim to the scam.
I am way more cautious now and I only purchase things from a store directly. Submit a news tip.
Sex gai Perth Woman who ran nationwide Facebook scam sentenced. Zienup Sbeih-Maddox, 24, of Cleveland appears in court June 24, Source: WOIO.
Man from Ghana duped Virginia woman out of $K in online romance scam, feds say
Prosecutors says she often took the money and failed to deliver products. Copyright WWBT. All rights reserved.


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The University of Guelph and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair have signed a five-year agreement for the University to become a Foundational Partner of the Fair, beginning with the 2018 Royal, which opens on November 2, 2018. Under the terms of the agreement, the University will activate a 2,700-square-foot exhibit space at The Royal, in collaboration with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The University will also become the presenting sponsor of The Royal’s Educators’ Symposium, scheduled this year on Friday, November 9.
“Education has been a core element of our mandate since the first Fair in 1922,” says Charlie Johnstone, CEO of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “With this agreement, we are better positioned than ever before to fulfill this important mandate.
“We’re thrilled to have the University of Guelph on board as a Royal partner,” adds Johnstone. “The quality and sustainability of the food we eat has become a hot button topic for Canadian consumers, and the University has earned global recognition for its work in this sector. With this agreement, The Royal will become a showcase for the innovation and agri-food leadership we have come to expect from the University of Guelph.”
“The University of Guelph is Canada’s Food University and one of the top comprehensive universities in the country. Our innovations and discoveries are helping Canada become a global leader in safe, nutritious and sustainable food,” said Daniel Atlin, Vice-President (External), University of Guelph. “The Royal is an ideal venue for U of G to showcase how we are helping sustainably feed and support a growing world population and training the agri-food leaders of tomorrow.”


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ShoreTel boosts product range on back of double-digit growth
At the end of the last financial year, unified comms specialists ShoreTel experienced double-digit growth and they’re expecting the same by the time the 2016 fiscal year ends for them. That’s allowed them to expand their local implementation team and add new personnel into their channel management team including, for the first time, staff in New Zealand.
ShoreTel’s go to market strategy is 100% channel with no direct sales and they are planning a push into local government and not for profit markets, recently signing The Salvation Army as a new client.
As with many technology sectors US has seen a shift from traditional on-premises installation to customer demand for “as a service” offerings. In response ShoreTel is now offering their won 100% owned and operated services from their own data centers allowing clients to choose between on-premises, hybrid or cloud solutions. This transition offers new opportunities in the market for customers and channel partners.
The cloud service isn’t available in the ANZ region yet but is expected later this year according to local managing director Jamie Romanin and Mark Roberts, the company’s chief marketing officer.
As well as this new UCaaS offering, Shoretel revealed the release of a new version of their UC software platform, Dubbed Connect, this new platform offers complete feature parity across all platforms and deployment models. For example, a company can have a mix of Windows and Mac computers with users able to switch between operating systems without their experience of the UC client software changing. Other than the operating system-dictated window controls, we were hard pressed to find any differences between the OS X and Windows 8 clients we saw demonstrated.
Roberts noted ShoreTel had undergone significant change, not just with their software but within the organisation, in order to realign the business so that the customer experience was simplified.
Licensing of the new Connect platform starts at $215 per CAL (client access license) for the entry level “Essentials” package with the Standard package, which adds CRM integration as well as other features costing $325 per CAL and the Operator license tipping the scales at $540 per user.
Interestingly, while many UC firms see the sale of handsets as a significant revenue stream, ShoreTel is increasingly finding customers deploying the platform handset-free, preferring to either use a desktop or smartphone softphone.
Roberts told us about an Adelaide-based construction form who had deployed ShoreTel’s platform without the purchase of a single handset.
There’s also a free client, called Exo, for external parties joining into ShoreTel-based phone conferences.
These changes with both the company and their product range offer significant opportunities in the channel. With the rising popularity of cloud communications services savvy channel partners will be able to help existing clients transition either to hybrid or fully cloud-based operations.
New clients, who have steered clear of unified communications systems because of perceptions of complexity will find a new entry point that will allow them to transition to UCaaS without the need for capital investment.


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Taiwanese bicycle manufacturing giant Ming Cycle has established a new production facility at the Changzhou Hi-Tech District in Jiangsu, China.
With $154.2 million injected into the new build, Ming has outlined plans to produce some 2 million bicycles annually across its three production facilities. With changes to China’s anti-dumping rules due in the next few years, the manufacturer’s investment was made in preparation a lighter duty from 2018.
Ming has over time shifted its focus away from OEM manufacture toward a focus on producing its own proprietary technologies found within its own brand’s bikes. In 2011, Ming established its own research and development centre in a bid to drive forward innovation, intellectual property rights and proprietary brand development. To date the manufacturer has acquired 32 patents and owns labels such as the iconic Strida folding bicycle and Rennrad.
Ming’s product is now shipped to 30 countries globally, with the US, Canada and Russia three key markets. The manufacturer’s other two facilities produce around 1.5 million bicycles, 1.2 million alloy frames and 400,000 steel frames annually.
The news follows an announcement in India which proposes the creation of “the world’s largest high-end and electric bike manufacturing district”, something which has already attracted foreign investment.


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For the first time since the pandemic, the world gathers a major cultural event. Art Basel in Hong Kong is a truly hybrid fair with an audience that is physical and virtual. Local galleries are showing physically, but exhibitors from outside the city have flown in their works — while a new digital initiative called Art Basel Live offers online viewing rooms, virtual walkthroughs, and daily broadcasts. In this special interview, James Chau, Host of The China Current, speaks with Adeline Ooi, Director Asia of Art Basel. Watch and listen to this conversation on video and podcast.
SEE MORE EPISODES


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This article highlights the main commitments and new partnerships made at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos by DSGC companies. The WEF took place from 23-26 January, bringing together leaders from governments, businesses, NGOs and young professionals. This year, the theme was ‘Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.’ In the WEF Global Risks report, launched at the start of the conference, climate change was highlighted as one of the most significant challenges to civilization as we know it.
The alliance of CEO climate change leaders, including DSM, Heineken, Philips and Unilever, launched its ‘Two degrees of transformation’ report, highlighting 5 trends with the biggest potential for transformation: reinventing businesses, bridging sectors, creating sustainable value chains, harnessing data and connectivity and financing change.
Unilever signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Indonesian palm oil plantation company PTPN to support local mills and smallholder farmers to produce palm oil according to NDPE standards. This means no deforestation, development on peat, or exploitation of people and communities.
Philips contributed to the Circularity Gap report, welcoming this first step towards a global circularity metric. The report shows that only 9,1% of our world economy is circular, leaving a massive circularity gap that requires actions across nations, sectors, supply chains and cities.
DSM, Philips and Accenture joined Factor 10, a new WBCSD’s circular economy initiative, focusing on implementing scalable solutions.
Philips CEO Frans van Houten won the Fortune award for Circular Economy Leadership, organized by WEF and the Forum of Young Global Leaders, in collaboration with Accenture Strategy. In accepting the award, van Houten extended Philips’ commitment of 15% of revenue from circular solutions by 2020 to 100% by 2025.
Unilever called on the consumer goods industry to step-up its efforts regarding plastic waste and create a circular economy for plastics. Unilever, as well as 10 other companies, has pledged to ensure 100% of its plastic packaging is fully reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. The company itself is making progress on a technical solution to recycling multi-layered sachets through CreaSolv technology (which will be open source).
Heineken launched a new partnership with the Global Fund, to further advance the goal of ending HIV, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics in Africa. Heineken will lend its expertise in the area of logistics and communications to support the Global Fund in better reaching specific demographic groups that are most at risk.
Unilever is also partnering with the Global Fund to improve health, reduce infections and save lives in key geographies in Africa and Asia. This includes looking at how to leverage Unilever’s hygiene behavior change expertise to support Global Fund’s work on preventing critical diseases.
Unilever, together with the Lego Foundation, IKEA and National Geographic, established the Real Play Coalition, a movement that elevates the importance of real play in schools and cities.
Unilever has expanded its commitment to support social enterprises through its TRANSFORM joint initiative, increasing its size from £10 million to £40 million. The initiative supports market-based solutions that meet low-income household needs in developing countries.


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Delivery Hero SE, the world’s foremost local delivery platform, has marked a significant turning point on its path to profitability, with the release of its Q2 2023 Trading Update. The company’s report highlights notable achievements, including positive adjusted EBITDA in the first half of 2023 and a positive EBITDA/GMV margin of 0.2% in Q2 2023 after considering group cost allocation.
A remarkable YoY GMV growth of 8% has been reported, far surpassing the original projection of 4% YoY. The Group’s performance outside of Asia was particularly impressive, with a remarkable 18% YoY GMV growth. Notably, the Asia segment managed to achieve positive GMV growth of 2% YoY, defying challenging comparable figures. The quarter also saw a substantial 16% YoY increase in Total Segment Revenue. As a result, Delivery Hero has raised its FY 2023 Total Segment Revenue outlook to an estimated 15% YoY, up from the previous guidance of around 10% YoY.
“Our team’s outstanding execution in both consumer and rider products has driven impressive YoY growth in Q2. We’ve not only achieved this while reaching the milestone of positive adjusted EBITDA at the Group level, but also witnessed enhanced category leadership.”Niklas Östberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Delivery Hero
The Integrated Verticals segment reported a substantial GMV growth of 26% YoY during the quarter. The Dmart business outperformed expectations by achieving positive Gross Profit in June, underscoring the model’s viability through healthy volume growth, larger shopping baskets, and enhanced cost efficiency.
“Q2’s progress towards our profitability objectives for the year has materialized. Notably, our Dmarts achieved positive Gross Profit earlier than anticipated. As we optimize operations and share key insights globally, we’re unlocking their significant potential across the business.”Emmanuel Thomassin, CFO of Delivery Hero
Delivery Hero’s commitment to environmental and social initiatives has been maintained throughout its journey to profitability. The Company’s efforts are aimed at bolstering the overall success and resilience of the delivery industry, paving the way for future challenges.
Foodpanda’s release of its 2022 pandapurpose data highlighted impactful initiatives, including electric vehicle pilots across seven markets and upskilling over 56,000 merchants. Glovo’s Impact Fund continued its positive trajectory, channeling portions of each order towards rider upskilling, sustainable packaging, and supporting women in tech careers. In Korea, Woowa’s achievement of 200,000 trainees for restaurant owner education and the launch of the “My First Store Loan” program demonstrate a commitment to empowering self-employed restaurateurs.


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Microsoft is cooking up a set-top Xbox, according to multiple sources who spoke with The Verge. The system would come in at a lower price point than the next mainline Xbox console, offering support for casual games (not the standard Xbox library) as well as the usual television-centric services of a set-top box.
The Verge says this will be part of Microsoft's expanding next generation of hardware set to reveal in 2013 and release ahead of the holiday season. The lower price and casual games mixed with native TV support sound to us like a clear shot across Wii U and Nintendo TVii's bow.
Hardware specifics for the device are still shifting, though the sources indicate it will run on a Windows 8 core with an always-on chipset for instant browsing and watching. Microsoft may also license out the systems for integration with TV manufacturers.
The Xbox brand looks like it could expand significantly in 2013, with these next-generation entries as well as the rumored Xbox Surface tablet.


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Farfetch said on Thursday that it now accepts payment in cryptocurrency for its marketplace customers in 37 countries. It follows news in June that it would begin to accept such payments in several markets by year-end.
Choosing between physical and online retail isn't an issue for global consumers with most choosing omnichannel and actively combining the physical with the virtual, using phones in-store for research and for e-shopping.
Within days of issuing a positive trading update to shareholders, Hyve Group was back with further details of its progression, with trading for the year ended 30 September showing a “full revenue recovery”.
It’s going to be a tougher-than-expected Christmas trading period, if one report is to be believed. UK shoppers are likely to spend 22% less on non-essentials in the festive run-up and other markets will see drops too.
Roger Blundell is to step down as chief finance officer at Grosvenor before the end of the year with Debbie Lee promoted to take over as CFO from January 2023. However, he will move into non-executive and advisory roles.
Frasers is doubling down on its efforts to get MySale shareholders to accept its buyout offer as it also says it’s on the verge of owning more than half of the firm’s shares, even though it’s still well below its target.
With LFW’s celebratory angle having been on hold due to the death of the Queen in September, the British Fashion Council has now unveiled a “city-wide celebration” that’s set to kick off on 6 October.
Seamm, a start-up digitising fashion goods for virtual worlds, has raised $1.7 million in funding “to scale go-to-market activities, attract and hire top talent, and accelerate the development of its platform”.
Are You Mad. No, that’s not a question but the name of Shaftesbury’s latest consumer-facing effort to promote sustainability. The London property giant has opened its first visible recycling unit on Carnaby Street.


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By Gavin Lumsden of Citywire
Consumer groups have branded a 19-month inquiry into retail banking a disappointment after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) proposed a cap on unauthorised overdraft fees and a requirement for banks to join a price-comparison website.
Ignoring calls for a break-up of the big banks, the CMA said the problem with the banking market was the inability of consumers to get information on costs and charges.
It believes providing people with the right information will help them tell if their bank is offering value for money and could prompt more to switch provider.
Currently nearly 60% of banks’ personal customers have stayed with the same bank for over ten years and over 90% of small businesses get loans from the bank where they have their current account, proof of a lack of competition in the sector.
The CMA wants banks to set a monthly maximum on the amount they charge on unauthorised overdrafts and to alert customers when they are breaching their limits. In 2014 banks generated £1.2 billion of revenues unarranged overdraft charges.
It has also proposed new online comparison tools and improvements to the current account switching service.
It urged banks to speed up their adoption of new technology and introduce an open API (application programming interface) banking standard. This would enable customers to safely share their transaction histories and could enable the development of apps that could direct people to banks that offered them the best deal, the CMI said.
‘For too long banks have been able to sit back and not work hard enough for their personal and small business customers,’ Alasdair Smith, chair of the Retail Banking Investigation, said in the report.
However, his team has dismissed the idea of breaking up the existing high street banks.
‘Having more and smaller banks, which customers still couldn’t easily choose between because of lack of transparency on fees and charges, would not significantly improve the market or give customers a better deal,’ the CMA said.
The watchdog considered abolishing the traditional banking model of ‘free if in credit’ (FIIC) current accounts. Although it said such accounts were not really ‘free’ it said they worked well for many customers and banning them would reduce choice and could see the cost of current accounts rise, not fall.
Which?, the consumer rights campaign group, expressed disappointment at the findings.
‘This inquiry has achieved little more than to propose basic information measures the big banks should have introduced years ago,’ said Alex Neill, director of policy and campaigns.
‘Steps to stimulate switching are welcome but the chance to deliver better banking for all customers has been missed,’ he added.
He called for the City regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, to step in and tackle unfair overdraft charges that in some cases are far higher than notorious payday loans.
In the City, bank shares rose as investors and analysts reckoned the Big Four banks had got off lightly.


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We are proud to announce that on 06 June 2017 we will officially unveil DataRaze at the infosecurity Europe 2017 at stand A20.
infosecurity Europe 2017, is billed as “the region’s number one information security event featuring Europe’s largest and most comprehensive conference programme, with over 360 exhibitors showcasing the most relevant information security solutions and products to 13,500 visitors.”
This makes it the perfect platform to showcase DataRaze, the UKs only machine that provides on-premise, fully auditable, physical destruction of critical data assets. After years of development and testing, and the successful deployment of DataRaze machines at one of the largest financial and payment card companies in the world and at a UK FTSE250 merchant banking group – we are excited to reveal the machine and its functionality at the infosecurity Europe 2017.
DataRaze will be in action on Tuesday 06 June and Wednesday 07 June and we’re inviting you to bring an old hard drive and have it destroyed at stand A20 to see DataRaze for yourself.
DataRaze will shake up the market
One of the biggest current concerns for business leaders is an increased focus on the processes used to safely dispose of end of life equipment – and the associated vulnerable data. Today, far too few businesses can say with any confidence that every measure has been taken or is monitored to mitigate a data breach; that all sensitive data is held securely; or has been destroyed in a secure, auditable and responsible manner. Data security remains an assumption from others, with no real auditing process or accountability to confirm this.
The introduction of DataRaze into the market is set to change end of life data asset destruction, providing businesses with a full, on-premise, ‘cradle to grave’ audit trail of their IT assets that store confidential data. Consider for a moment the volume of redundant or obsolete IT equipment that corporate UK generates each year. What processes are truly in place for the safe destruction of equipment and eradication of the sensitive data these assets may contain? For many businesses, there is currently no such process in place – and where they exist – they are indeed, flawed. This is where DataRaze can help.
Why do businesses need DataRaze?
The cost of a data breach or compromise will rise significantly next year with the introduction of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on 25 May 2018. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) will have the power to issue a maximum penalty of 4% of global turnover or €20 million for each breach investigated and proven. Coupled with brand and reputational damage, this is a far more significant penalty and deterrent to all businesses.
However, despite the information around GDPR, many businesses are still wrestling with the challenge of how they can securely dispose of critical data assets. What is the correct process for managing end of life equipment? Who is in charge of ensuring critical data is destroyed? Is there an audit? Where is the central control?
Most businesses rely on a third-party service provider for IT Asset Disposal (ITAD). However, the choice and quality of such companies can vary greatly, alongside lack of scrutiny by contracting personnel. Currently fewer than 50 certified businesses in the UK are approved by the industry authority – ADISA.
With DataRaze, businesses that deal with highly sensitive data no longer have to rely on third parties for the safe destruction of their critical data assets. Data Controllers or Data Officers now have a machine that can provide 100% control over the destruction of critical data assets holding confidential information.
In an era of exponential data creation, businesses need to create and follow stringent audit processes across the entire IT lifecycle, from purchase to build, security to refresh and repair, through to end of life. It won’t be long before a business is found guilty of having irresponsibly recycled its IT equipment resulting not only in hefty penalties from the ICO, but the impact on share price, customer loyalty and revenue will follow with damaging results.
Make sure this business is not yours!
If you are unable to make it to the infosecurity Europe 2017, then please get in touch to book a demonstration of DataRaze.


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NTT DoCOMo will be releasing a new smartphone with iris-scan unlock at the end of this month, because fingerprint unlock is yesterday’s news. Dubbed Fujitsu Arrows NX F-04G, all you will need to do is glance at the Arrows NX F-04G in order to access it. This is the first time ever that iris authentication technology has been integrated into a commercially viable device.
Fujitsu has built the Arrows NX F-04G for NTT DoCoMo using an iris scanner which made its debut at the Mobile World Congress only this year. It is supported by a high-accuracy iris recognition algorithm created by California’s Delta ID. The technology is said to be so good, it manifests an error rate of 1 in 100,000 only, the figure being based on the prototype unit.
The iris scanning feature can be employed to make mobile payments too. It adheres to the standards set by the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance that counts PayPal, Google, Samsung, Microsoft and Lenovo among its supports. If you’ve used a smartphone like the iPhone or Galaxy S6, you’ll know that fingerprint recognition for unlocking such a device isn’t super-fast.
The same is true for the iris scan technology, and it’s slower than fingerprint sensors too. But we don’t see the point of having an unlock function based on iris authentication when fingerprint detection is equally secure and faster. The Arrows NX F-04G’s specifications cover Android, a 5.2-inch WQHD touchscreen, a 21.5MP rear camera, a 2.4MP webcam and a 3120mAh battery.
For now, it looks like NTT DoCoMo will be the only mobile carrier to offer the Fujitsu Arrows NX F-04G. Computerworld says that there are no plans to sell it outside Japan. It will be made available in three color choices of black, white and green. Buyers will have to pay a price of almost ¥55,000 (roughly Rs 29000) for it.


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Biscuit maker starts first loyalty programme
Scheme to offer rewards via 360 million packets
Biscuit manufacturer McVitie’s is launching its first ever loyalty scheme.
The McVitie’s VIP Club scheme will reward consumers for buying its products by giving them “tea break treats” that enter unique codes found on every pack on a new McVitie’s website.
The UK company says the new scheme will run across 360 million packs of its biscuits in the 12 months starting from August 16, including McVitie’s Digestives, Jaffa Cakes, Hobnobs and Penguin.
Each pack will have its own unique code that consumers will be directed to input onto www.mcvities.co.uk/vipclub to claim tea break treats. Consumers can either claim smaller prizes or they can build a collection of points in order to claim bigger and better rewards. Rewards on offer include discounted magazine subscriptions, designer tea pots, kettles and digital radios as well as McVitie’s branded merchandise.
Before rewards can be claimed, consumers have to register on www.mcvities.co.uk/vipclub and create a personal account.
The rewards scheme is part of a £2.5m marketing campaign that includes a TV advertising campaign, consumer PR, the launch of a new McVitie’s website and point of sale activity in-store to drive awareness.
Sarah Heynen, marketing director of Sweet Biscuits at United Biscuits, commented: “The promotion is designed to cement McVitie’s association with the tea break, encourage consumers to choose McVitie’s over other brands and above all give fans and loyal buyers of McVitie’s guaranteed rewards for them to enjoy.
“Retailers should ensure they stock the full range of McVitie’s rolled wrapped biscuits such as Digestives and Hobnobs, bars like Penguin and multipacks to ensure they capitalise upon the increased demand.”


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Campos Joins Nautica
Sandra Campos joined Nautica Jeans Co. on Monday as senior vice president of the women’s division after spending 5 1/2 years at Polo Jeans Co.
In the newly created post, Campos oversees sales, merchandising and design. She reports to president Paulette McCready.
Her position includes the duties previously performed by vice president of sales Opala Avidu, who left the company Feb. 22. In addition to sales, Campos will oversee merchandising and design — duties previously handled by McCready.
Campos said she wants Nautica Jeans to stand out in stores where customers are offered a dizzying selection of denim brands.
“My long-term goal is to make Nautica Jeans Co. a viable and strong presence within the department stores and speciality stores,” she said. “I am looking to really differentiate it from the rest of the brands+making sure we have the right fit, the right washes and really evolving the product from where it’s been.”
At Polo Jeans, Campos most recently served as senior vice president of the women’s division.
Before Polo Jeans, Campos spent one year as the national sales manager at Esprit de Corp.’s now-defunct Susie Tompkins division and 3 1/2 years as an account executive at DKNY Jeans.
At Polo, Campos was succeeded by Kimberly Hill, who was promoted Monday from senior director of corporate accounts. Hill reports to Eric Rothfeld, chief executive officer of Sun Apparel Corp., which produces the Polo Jeans Co. line.
Fashion victims live dangerously, at least according to Mustang’s new “True style never dies” ad campaign.
The ads began appearing in German consumer magazines such as Amica, Fit for Fun, Max, Stern and TV Movie in mid-February.
The first of three planned ads portrays a young fashionista in lilac bell-bottoms, a leopard-print shirt and wide gold belt, lying splayed out on the street. Questionably conscious, though her eyes are open, she’s surrounded by three men in blue jeans, faces unseen but apparently caught up in the sorry sight or busy reading the message written in chalk on the street next to her body — “No More Fashion Victims.”
The German jeans maker wouldn’t unveil the two upcoming motifs, but an official there said the next ads will also illustrate the potentially lethal effects of straying from the tried-and-true blue jeans path.
The campaign was developed by Hamburg-based agency Springer & Jacoby.
The three ads will run in a total of 16 German and Austrian magazines through April and then again between August and October, inclusive.
Reaction so far has been “very positive,” according to a Mustang spokeswoman. One German retailer did complain that the ad presented violence in a positive light, she acknowledged, “but one only.
“For the rest, it’s been clear that there’s a bit of a wink involved.”
Bendel’s Big Heart
An in-store promotion this week at Henri Bendel is targeting the New York retailer’s denim-savvy — and socially conscious — clientele.
For the duration of the “Be a Denim Diva” promotion, which kicked off on Monday and ends Saturday, Bendel’s will donate 10 percent of all denim sales to Love Heals: The Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education.
Teril Turner, Bendel’s director of marketing, described New York-based Love Heals as “a great organization with a very committed group of people associated with it.”
“We feel very strongly about charitable organizations that empower people, especially women,” she said.
Bendel’s placed an ad in this week’s issue of New York magazine to promote the event. Brochures about Love Heals and its activities have been placed in the store’s denim department.
Turner said the store, which carries Frankie B, Jill Stuart Jeans and Earl Jean, chose to focus the promotion on its denim offerings, since the retailer is seeking to increase customer awareness of the category.
“We wanted to create a promotion that would focus on the emerging edgy brands that we’re carrying in our denim department,” she said. “We’re also letting the customer know that we’re a source for denim because we haven’t necessarily been known for denim so much in the past.”
Love Heals executive director Jasmine Nielsen said she is “delighted” that Bendel’s is lending its support to AIDS awareness.
“We’re always looking for innovative fund-raising strategies where we can partner with other organizations,” she said. “There is donor fatigue when it comes to HIV-AIDS issues and this is a fun way to remind people that AIDS is still a very real threat.”
An American Dream
Peter Golding is in a New York state of mind.
After a few years of trying to extend the reach of his eponymous jeans brand into the U.S., the British designer has found some American partners and opened up a New York office.
“I’ve been in and out of America for a few years,” said Golding in a recent interview at the new Manhattan offices of Peter Golding America. “I was trying to do something out of Los Angeles and I didn’t realize that the whole center of the industry was New York.”
Working with partners Arnie Winick, who is handling sales, and Neal Orman, who focuses on distribution, they have introduced the Peter Golding label for the fall retail season.
The collection focuses on stretch jeans, which Golding has been designing since the late Seventies, when he we worked for Britannia. Built around a style called the 078 — the last two digits are the year in the last century when Golding’s first pair of stretch jeans hit the market — the line is targeting better specialty stores, with wholesale prices running from $45 to $75.
Over the past two decades, Golding spent much of his time designing private label garments for a number of retailers.
It hasn’t all been hours of drudgery with scissors and cost-sheets, though. In the late Nineties, Golding found time to indulge his first passion — the harmonica — releasing a compact disc called “Stretching the Blues.”
However, as European consumers started to become more accepting of jeans that retail for $100 or more, he turned more of his attentions to developing his own brand, which “took off” over the past two years, he said.
Now that the super-premium jeans phenomenon has established itself in the States, Golding thinks that he can find a new market for his embellished and detailed jean styles.
“The $100 jean is now here, so I can bring in the real products we’re doing in Europe,” he said.
While Golding thinks big, Winick said the company is taking a guarded approach to developing its U.S. distribution.
“We want this business to be a specialty-store business. We’re protecting the distribution,” he said. “Our goal is to sell 150 of the best stores in America.”