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Dixons Retail said sales declines accelerated over the key Christmas period, though the firm maintained gross margins and claimed it outperformed competitors in Britain.
The electricals chain, home to Currys and PC World in Britain, said group sales at stores open over a year fell five per cent in the 12 weeks to 7 January.
That compares to analyst forecasts of a fall of 4-6 per cent and a decrease of three per cent in the second quarter.
Dixons, which also runs Elkjop in Nordic countries, UniEuro in Italy and Kotsovolos in Greece, said gross margins across the group were flat year on year.
The firm said the sale period after Christmas was distorted by the UK's VAT sales tax rise last year.
Like-for-like sales in the two weeks to 14 January were up two per cent.
"Consumer confidence in many of our markets remains fragile and we will maintain a cautious approach to the outlook for the year ahead," said chief executive John Browett.
European shoppers have been curbing spending as their disposable incomes are squeezed by rising prices, muted wages growth, government austerity measures and fears over the impact of the euro zone debt crisis.


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Everyone is flaming H&M for their wild racist ad and you should too
H&M just became the lamest retailer brand in the culture jungle. So much so that even The Weeknd, who started modeling for the global brand last year, has severed all ties with them according to TMZ.
He’s not alone. H&M retail consumers have also expressed their anger with many vowing to stop shopping at its stores after a racist product ad surfaced on their UK site.
The ad showed a cute Black boy sporting a forest green hoodie, with the words “coolest monkey in the jungle,” printed in all caps on the front.
Upon waking up this morning, The Weeknd felt “shocked and embarrassed” by H&M’s photo.
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) January 8, 2018
The backlash doesn’t stop there. Roots drummer Questlove also weighed in on the stupidest marketing move of all time.
On IG, he posted the same racist product ad and wrote about the many apologies that will inevitably come from the retail brand, the grand gesture of donating to a charity after something like this happens, and speculated that H&M’s boardroom is probably missing Black voices.
I’m sure the apologies are a coming. And the ads will be pulled. I’m certain there will Be media fixers and whatnot and maybe a grand gesture like a donation to some charity (donations under these circumstances are the corporate version #SomeOfMyBestFriendsAre move if there ever was one) all this tells me about @HM is that the seats in the boardroom lack something…wanna take a guess?
His prediction of an apology was right. H&M issued a statement that said,
“We sincerely apologize for offending people with this image of a printed hooded top… We believe in diversity and inclusion in all that we do and will be reviewing all our internal policies accordingly to avoid any future issues.”
What he and other consumers didn’t predict is that in lieu of the apology, H&M still hasn’t pulled the actual hoodie from the site. IT’S STILL THERE!
The fact that they won’t pull the hoodie off the site after an embarrassing and offensive mistake like this shows how much H&M really doesn’t really get it.
And trust, because of this, H&M’s Facebook page is under the volcano. As we scrolled through the flames there were a couple of posts that caught my eye.
One person out of Philly said simply, “Fkn disgrace!”
Another comment read,
“We live in a world where so many people get offended and normally I don’t get offended. Nor, am I offended by this due to sheer stupidity with comedy as to how and the heck would anyone not think that this comes across as racist?! Way to go H&M cause whomever in charge should probably be fired.”
The roasting kept going as the feed also included a white boy wearing an orange hoodie with a Ritz Cracker box photoshopped on the front.
Before finally realizing that I couldn’t read anymore the last post I read was,
“They removed the picture but are still selling the item. THAT MAKES IS WORSE. Now they’re trying to COVER IT UP. They should be ASHAMED OF THEMSELVES.”

domain: news


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Asian equities descend as US-China trade conflict escalates
On Monday, Asian equities went down right after American leader Donald Trump drove trade clashes by going further with duties on Chinese imports, thus helping the Chinese government to instantly respond to this move.
Worries of a global trade conflict ramped up pressure on crude, which extended Friday's big tumble, while the evergreen buck rebounded from a 3-week maximum versus the safe haven yen.
MSCI's index of Asia-Pacific stocks lost 0.4%, demonstrating its lowest reading since May 31.
In Hong Kong and China, financial markets were unavailable due to Dragon Boat festival holiday. Besides this, South Korea's Kospi index went down 0.5%, while Australian equities lost 0.1%.
Japan's Nikkei slumped 0.9% because concerns over soaring protectionism outshone greater-than-anticipated export results.
In the USA, E-mini S&P futures headed south 0.5%.
On Friday, Trump rolled out duties on $50 billion of China’s imports, coming up with a list of over 800 crucial imports from this Asian country, which would be subject to a 25% duty starting on July 6, without vehicles.
China told that it would roll out duties of the same strength scale. According to some sources, China is about to impose 25% duties on 659 American products.
By the way, China's retaliation list was extended, but the overall value was kept at about $50 billion. It’s because a number of high-value items, including commercial aircraft were excluded.
A great number of market watchers are assured that there’s still room for compromise. It seems to them Trump's announcement turned out to be a mere negotiating tactic to get faster rebates from China.
Experts tell the direct impact of the duties might be quite limited, in particular for the American economy that is currently in a good condition.
Equities of Japanese construction equipment manufacturers Komatsu Ltd as well as Hitachi Construction Machinery dived respectively 3.7% and 3.4%.
The US-China trade war escalates
More tariffs were introduced
Stocks of technological companies fell, pay attention to earnings
Yesterday, the US Justice Department announced a broad antitrust review ...
Futures head south after China data points to decelerating retail sales
On Wednesday, American stock index futures headed south because dismal data out of China affected market sentiment, while traders waited for more developments related to the US-China trade conflict…
Crypto assets decline as OECD demands global ICO regulation
On Monday, crypto assets tumbled due to the fact that the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development drew attention to the necessity of the global regulation of initial coin offerings…
German exporters don’t care about stronger euro
German exporters demonstrate ascending optimism as for their business prospects because growing demand from other euro zone countries helps to compensate worries regarding the strengthening currency, as the Ifo economic institute told on Wednesday…
Japan's October machinery orders tack on
In October, Japanese machinery orders rebounded with a faster soar than anticipated, thus re-affirming the resilience of capital spending, which is a major driver in the Japanese economy's almost two-year expansion…


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Brokers in the Black Sea city of Burgas report mass sales of apartments and retail outlets by the sea. Most of the listings for sale are by Russian owners, who years ago bought homes on the Black Sea coast, Nova TV reported.
Burgas saw in the new year with quite a number of closed outlets that are for sale or rent. In the seaside city there are more than 15 listings of iconic sites in the center – among them a piano bar, restaurants until recently working, cafes, sweetshops. Experts of the guild expect that private bailiffs will put for sale hotels and even a private clinic in Sunny Beach resort because of bankruptcies.
“The sales of retail outlets, hotels and restaurants including, are definitely on the rise”, says broker Nikolina Dimitrova.
However, there are no buyers for these sites, industry reports. The Russians who bought properties on the Black Sea coast are now selling their homes en masse. Their withdrawal, however, is not because of the coronavirus, but for economic reasons, brokers say.
“Some of these people took loans at home to buy here. And when you calculate the loan’s worth through ruble-euro ratio it becomes unprofitable. And Russians are somewhat deluded thinking that with these apartments here they will be able to profit”, says Petya Simeonova, resident of Pomorie.
Nearly 90% of the apartments are currently locked and are for sale, and a probable reason for the ebb besides the lockdown is the collapse of the Russian ruble.
“Over 5,000 apartments were purchased by Russian citizens, but in this situation an ebb is evident as the Russian citizens are already announcing their apartments for sale. But more importantly, there is interest from Bulgarians who want to buy property in Pomorie, because the town, apart from the sea, sun and sand beaches, has something else that you cannot find anywhere else, it is the healing mud”, says Mayor of Pomorie Ivan Alexiev.
However, while Russians are withdrawing from the real estate market, Bulgarians with savings invest in properties with confidence. Experts in the real estate industry see serious interest in buying spacious housing in urban areas and even more inland plots by the sea near the city.
“On the Black Sea coast, I would say that Burgas is the most popular city among prospective buyers. This is the city that is in demand almost everywhere. They may be foreigners, they may be from Haskovo, they may be from Yambol from wherever they are, the city is nice, it is advantageously located between the southern and northern Black Sea coasts. So, I would say that if we look at the Black Sea coast the greatest demand is for Burgas”, says broker Velina Vasileva.
Bulgaria‘s expected entry into the Eurozone has prompted many Bulgarians to invest precisely in property. Although 80% of home purchases are with a mortgage loan the interest is still high.
“The demand was mainly for realty in Sozopol, but we do not rule out the transactions that took place in Pomorie or in Nessebar,” brokers say.
“Some make the investment to rent out their new property in the future. Because property is such a commodity that never loses its value, same as gold,” the experts say.
They also noted the lack of Britons, who traditionally bought rural properties in Strandzha. In recent months, only one German citizen has purchased a house in Sozopol. But the interest of people from Turkey, whose desire to buy property in Europe is mostly related to business, makes special impression.
Many Bulgarians are seriously concerned about devaluation of their money and prefer to put their savings in real estates.


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Japanese companies have been continuously shifting their global business coping with the ever-changing business environment: rise and fall of the global economy, a sudden change in politics, an advent of disruptive technologies, and unpredictable quick changes in the market. These changes are obvious when we look past. But quite difficult to see when in present. In this article, we will look into some of the signs of change in the Japanese global business which may give you a hint for your new business in Japan and beyond.
Shifting Production back to Japan
More than 10% shifted production back to Japan in past 1 year
In past 1 year, more than 10 percent of Japanese companies have shifted their production base back to Japan, according to the survey of Japanese companies conducted by METI. This is the third year in a row that the figure passes 10 percent line. METI believes it’s becoming a stable trend.
METI: Ministry of Economic, Trading, and Industry
Among the countries shifted from, 66 percent of the shifts were from China and Hong Kong, followed by 6 percent from Thailand, and 5 percent from Indonesia. In 2016, the pace of production shift “from China to Japan” has outpaced the shift “from Japan to China”.
Reasons behind the change
The survey reveals several reasons for the change. It indicates some crucial signs of altering Japanese global business.
Reason#1: Devaluation of Japanese Yen
An overwhelming decline in Japanese yen was the top reason for the shift.
Japanese yen went as high as $1=¥75.54 in October 2011: the highest level in the history of Japanese yen. However, it started to decline steeply in the 4th quarter of 2012 after Prime Minister Abe introduced Abenomics, a multi-pronged economic program to improve Japanese economy. In 2015, it reached the level of $1=¥125.85: a devaluation of more than 66 percent from the peak.
This significant change of exchange rate caused disruption in cost structure. Manufacturers who sought to import products from their assembly factory in China faced a sharp increase in the costs. As a result, they were forced to bring back production to Japan.
Reason #2: A surge in labor costs in China
Another crucial reason was a surge in labor cost in China. Exchange rate could be a temporary issue but the sharp rise in wages could be a permanent matter. In the past decade, labor costs in China have increased significantly. In Beijing, the average monthly wage of a factory worker was $152 in 2000, which rose double to $379 by 2010. The level of monthly wage in Beijing is now two times higher than Jakarta (Indonesia: $257) and three times higher than Hanoi (Vietnam: $181).
A sign of structural change?
For decades, Japanese companies have shifted their production to China to win competitive edge in a globalized economy. Now, the tide may be changing. The global business environment has changed drastically in past few decades. The globalization gathered manufacturing to China. Now the same globalization seems to make the manufacturing diversified and localized.
See the article on localization in Japan: How to take advantage of localization in Japan?
Aggressive export business
What affected negatively on one side benefited the other. Weak Japanese yen provided a huge advantage for Japanese export business by helping them sell products globally at a competitive price.
Now, Japanese companies are becoming much aggressive in expanding export businesses. This trend is also true for SMEs. More than 80 percent of SMEs are now planning to expand their export business in coming few years, according to the survey done by JETRO.
One of the changes we are seeing is increased diversification. China still has the most interest, but there are growing interests in other countries. The large corporations tend to prioritize countries such as Indonesia and India higher, a large market but less sophisticated, while SMEs prioritize countries like EU, matured but less dynamic.
This may reflect the contrast in resources and capacity they hold. Large companies have the capacity to take risks and resources to mitigate them. On the other hand, SMEs, with limited capacity and resources, have to play more conservative, which may lead to preferring relatively matured market.
[Percentage of Japanese companies selecting a country as a priority ]
Expansion in business abroad
Apart from export, there are also rising interests in entering and expanding business abroad.
One area to check closely is the move of SMEs. Traditionally, Japanese SMEs have been conservative when it comes to international business. For a long time, they have built their business within the domestic market. Feeling safe and stable being part of the larger companies’ supply chain, they didn’t feel any urgency to go out of Japan.
However, their business environment has changed drastically. They find their market shrinking and large companies are not so reliable anymore. On the other hand, they think more opportunities are growing beyond Japanese market.
According to JETRO’s survey, more than 50 percent of the SMEs are now willing to expand their business abroad. However, it is not so easy for Japanese SMEs to deal with market out of Japan. To support these SMEs, many initiatives have started by the Japanese government. Although still early to tell how it goes, this trend will likely to continue.
Here we are seeing the diversification happening as well. China has been the top country for years but the interests in the other countries are growing. Countries such as Philippine, Myanmar, and Bangladesh have newly joined the list. Instead of everyone heading to China, Japanese companies are gradually putting their eyes on other countries.
Japanese global business is coming to a new phase
Diversification is a key
“Diversification” is the keyword to understand the current global strategy of Japanese companies. They are more open to new opportunities and willing to take risks. But the progress has just started and there are many challenges to overcome. Dealing with the new country and market is not easy for any company, especially for those used to do business within the domestic market.
Japan has been known as a difficult place to start a business for foreigners. However, as the mindset of Japanese companies is gradually changing, foreign investors and entrepreneurs may find more opportunities to work together. Although nothing is easy, there are signs of improvement.
More opportunities for business alliance
Another keyword is “business alliance”. As the market and production become diverse, a business collaboration between Japanese companies and global partners is essential. Combining the strength and covering the weakness, there shall be more win-win collaboration in global businesses.
In order to promote the global collaboration, there needs to be a better way to search, find and evaluate the potential business partners. This is especially true for SMEs. A better platform for communication, transportation, and finance is also necessary. We need to think and test various ideas to find ways to connect the unconnected.
Although TPP was rejected by Trump administration, we still see FTA (Free Trade Agreement) progressing between many countries. We saw EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) between Japan and EU has come to final stage this month (July 2017).
Each sign is subtle and small. But it does show progress. Be ready to see a breakthrough in Japanese global business.
- White Paper on Manufacturing Industries (Monozukuri) 2017 (METI): English Version not available yet
- Survey on Japanese Corporation’s Progress in International Business 2017(JETRO): Engish version not available yet
- EU and Japan reach agreement in principle on Economic Partnership Agreement: European Commission-Press Release
- Trade deal makes Japan a land of rising opportunities: Independent.IE (July 16, 2017)
Tokyo Fabhub is a network of more than 50 factories in Tokyo, Japan. We facilitate international collaboration for business development in Japan and beyond in manufacturing products and parts.


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Bitcoin payroll provider Bitwage has begun offering employees a way of receiving wages paid in cryptocurrency, but without the volatility.
Announced Wednesday, company clients can now sign up to the Bitwage platform in order to pay their workers using the USD Coin (USDC) stablecoin, which is linked to the price of the U.S. dollar. Salaried workers or freelancers can also sign up to receive wages from employers in the coin.
The move comes at a time when global markets have been in turmoil resulting from the ongoing uncertainty relating to the recovery from coronavirus-affected communities, and many national currencies have lost value against the dollar.
USDC is a fiat-collateralized stablecoin that was launched in October 2018 by the CENTRE consortium, comprising of a partnership between P2P payments fintech firm Circle and U.S.-based crypto exchange Coinbase. The consortium was formed to develop price-stable crypto assets and network protocols.
The stablecoin is issued as an ERC-20 standard token on the Ethereum blockchain and is backed by corresponding USD held in accounts, subject to regular public reporting of reserves.
The ability to pay employees in cryptocurrency isn't new as Bitwage has been engaged in crypto-related wage activity since at least 2014. In addition to bitcoin (BTC) and bitcoin cash (BCH), it started offering payments in ether (ETH) last June. Employees and freelancers are able to choose a percentage distribution of their payments in crypto or fiat.
Using stablecoins for payments is a relatively recent but fast-growing trend. They remove the risk to earners' salaries from the volatile movements of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin and ether, meaning workers won't risk having lost a percentage by the time the funds have arrived and been exchanged.
The fiat-backed tokens are, according to Bitwage, becoming more popular in South America, where inflation has severely impacted the value of government backed fiat currency in some nations.
The Venezuelan bolivar, for example, has depreciated significantly since June of last year and is down by more than 3000% against the dollar, opening up the potential for USD-backed stablecoins to provide more stability for communities.
“During our testing, we have seen a lot of interest in the Latin American communities around stablecoin wages. We are excited to see how this will improve the lives of communities with struggling financial systems around the world,” Jonathan Chester, Bitwage CEO, said.
Bitwage is headquartered in San Francisco, with payroll service operations in the U.S., Europe, Latin America and Asia. Bitwage recently launched a company-sponsored bitcoin 401k with Leading Retirement Solutions, Gemini and Kingdom Trust.
CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


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The sign says it all: The massive Cella Luxuria is closing both of its locations on Chestnut Street, and hosting a massive liquidation sale of its stock of rustic, contemporary, and midcentury modern furniture to boot.
Yesterday, two large signs hung from its two buildings at 1214-16 Chestnut Street that read, “Store closing up to 80%.” The store also posted a notice of the liquidation sale on its Facebook page.
A store employee told Curbed Philly that there is no official closing timeline for Cella Luxuria, but estimated that it will probably be in about four to six weeks.
There are no plans for the store to re-open in a new location.
The furniture stores’ closure will make way for two restaurants: Porta and Brickwall Tavern, according to the Inquirer, which first reported about the restaurant openings in late March.
Cella Luxuria recently made Curbed Philly’s list of top design and furniture stores. The massive two-story store first set up shop on Chestnut Street in 2013 and advertised itself as having “rustic and chic” furniture offerings. It then expanded to the property next door, opening a 12,000-square-foot Cella Luxuria Domus that catered to more modern and contemporary furniture. A third location on South Street opened in 2015, but has since closed.
The closing of Cella Luxuria, while unfortunate, doesn’t leave the neighborhood without any furniture options. West Elm and Luxe Home are down the street on the 1300 block of Chestnut, and soon the Design Center will open within the massive East Market development.
- 22 best furniture and design stores in Philadelphia [Curbed Philly]


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Level-5 wary of expansion into China
CEO unsure about Asia and China market but plans to develop games for North American market.
GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.
With Level-5 already establishing an office in California, USA, last year, one can assume that the company behind the Professor Layton series has plans to expand into other regions. When asked about the company entering the Asian and Chinese markets by Nikkei Trendy (translated via Andriasang), CEO Akihiro Hino stated that it may be difficult.
He said that while the Chinese market is huge, there are many barriers to selling games there. He said that he "would rather worry about creating interesting games and in all honesty does not have the desire to tackle a [difficult market]." His company aims to focus on their current markets, which consist of Japan, North America, and Europe.
Speaking of North America, the CEO revealed that their California studio would be developing and releasing its own titles under the Level-5 brand. Hino stated that they have currently "five staff members at present" who are "mostly Japanese." However, the company is planning on using a style of development where they collaborate with staff members native to the US.
Hino also hinted at the possibility of releasing their North American-developed titles as downloadable titles for both consoles and smartphones like the iPhone.
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PS3 Price Dropped This Christmas
All the people out there who’ve been contemplating picking up a PlayStation 3 may be happy to know that the console (40 GB version) has now become cheaper by Rs. 2000 so it costs Rs. 22,990 as opposed to Rs. 24,990. Here’s what PlayStation India’s head honcho Atindriya Bose had to say: "We are excited t ...
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T-Mobile (NASDAQ: TMUS) says it’s the first major wireless provider to launch LTE coverage in the Gulf of Mexico, changing the game for offshore businesses and consumers alike.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana’s first medical marijuana products are one step away from pharmacies, with final testing planned for this week.
This will be the only story in this edition devoted solely to health care. But it’s all over the paper.
U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-Baton Rouge, will speak to the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce 9-10 a.m. Aug. 30 at The Petroleum Club of Morgan City.


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LONDON — British multibrand fashion retailer Machine-A plans to open its first international outpost in Shanghai, WWD has learned.
The Shanghai store, spanning around 2,640 square feet — which is 3.5 times bigger than the London one — will be located at 66 Yuyao Road in Jing’an District.
Originally scheduled to open in early June, the opening time was delayed as the city went into a two-month strict lockdown to contain the Omicron outbreak. Now as the city recovers from the lockdown, the construction of the new store has been resumed and the aim is to open its doors around early September.
Stavros Karelis, founder and buying director of Machine-A, said the Shanghai store will be a hub for cultural and fashion exchange between London and Shanghai, as China has been a key market for Machine-A since the very beginning.
He revealed that Chinese consumers now represent more than 60 percent of the business. The store began to accept WeChat Pay and Alipay in 2018 and later launched official accounts on WeChat and Xiaohongshu to better serve its Chinese-speaking clientele.
“For me, it’s almost a natural step for Machine-A to open the first international store outside of the U.K. in Shanghai. I want it to be perceived as an appreciation of the support our Chinese audience has shown all these years,” Karelis said.
He added that while the aesthetic of the Shanghai space, which is converted from an old industrial factory, is slightly different from Machine-A London, the storytelling, in terms of the brands and the designer, will be presented in a similar manner.
There will be no separation between men’s and women’s offerings. A good number of Chinese emerging talents such as Louis Shengtao Chen, Steven Ma, Vii Victor x Wang, Samuel Guì Yang, Pronounce, Yueqi Qi and Windowsen will be mixed with global brands big and small including Raf Simons, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela, Lemaire, Peter Do, Kiko Kostadinov, Martine Rose, Kusikohc, Goomheo and Nensi Dojaka.
The bigger space will also give Machine-A Shanghai a lot more flexibility to run special projects, installations and parties in the store.
“In London, due to physical space limitations, we have to run a lot of projects and events outside of Machine-A. The idea with the Shanghai space is to have everything under one roof, and to be able to showcase all the beautiful works from each one of the designers we select to work with, whether they are local or coming from the international stage,” he added.
When asked about potential challenges, Karelis acknowledged that the multibrand market in China, especially in Shanghai, is very competitive, with prominent players such as I.T., Lane Crawford, Labelhood, Le Monde de SHC, ENG, The Bálancing, Assemble by Réel and Looknow all courting the city’s young and affluent customers.
Global players historically have not been able to perform well. For example, 10 Corso Como shut its seven-year-old 27,000-square-foot Shanghai store in 2019 due to stiff competition and poor management, while Maria Luisa’s China expansion ambition in partnership with Hong Kong-based Mazly Fashion Group derailed after the retailer passed away in 2015.
“I know that a concept store is not unique anymore, especially in Shanghai, where multibrand stores are booming. But based on our experience in London, I think we can still offer something that is going to be different from what exists there,” Karelis said.
He believes that Machine-A Shanghai can coexist with the others, “especially with what we do, which is about supporting emerging talents. The more retailers that we get behind an emerging brand, the more chances that the brand has to become successful. I believe that there is great potential synergy with a lot of different places to do something truly special,” he added.
The store will launch with a series of exclusive collaborations, with the most prominent of them being the opening of Raf Simons’ first shop-in-shop in Shanghai, designed by Glenn Sestig, a close collaborator of the Prada co-creative director.
Bianca Quets Luzi, chief executive officer at Raf Simons, said the new space will increase the brand’s visibility in China.
“We too have a huge fanbase in China. Stavros is not the kind of person who likes collections based on commercial pieces. It’s always show-related. A selection for Machine-A is different than the other shops that we are working with. The feedback we will be getting once the store is open will be super valuable for us to better the Chinese market,” she added.
It’s understood that the Machine-A Shanghai store will operate independently, with support from its parent company Tomorrow Group, which took a majority stake in the retailer in 2020.
Stefano Martinetto, CEO and cofounder of Tomorrow Group, said, putting Machine-A’s first international freestanding store in Shanghai is a logical decision, after observing how the market has shifted due to the pandemic.
“The world has changed in the past two years. We came to accept that rather than one unified global market, there are very large regional markets, especially the Chinese one, which are operating by a different set of rules and restrictions, and consumer consumption patterns inside the borders.
“When we invested in Machine-A, it was always working with the intention to expand the retail store, both physical and online. Our role is to support Stavros’ vision and to make Machine-A Shanghai what it is in London. It’s a point of reference for the youth culture, with both emerging and established international brands, but also a strong selection of local talents, who are becoming extremely relevant internationally,” Martinetto added.
With Machine-A Shanghai, he hopes that it can bring the Chinese market “a unique point of view on the relevance of insurgent brands.”
While the Shanghai store will carry some of Tomorrow’s brands, Martinetto made it clear that it’s an independent decision from Karelis and the team when it comes to what brands land on the shop floor.
Giovanni Pungetti, managing director of Asia at Tomorrow Group, will lead the local operation from Shanghai. Prior to joining Tomorrow in 2021, Pungetti served as CEO at OTB Group Greater China. Before that, he was the CEO of Maison Margiela for 15 years.
“What we are trying to do is to translate the London experience in a very respectful way. Machine-A has a sizable following in China. Many in the local creative industry have followed the Machine-A journey from the early days. That’s why we also want to explore this meaningful connection and work on creative projects with our local community to expand the Machine-A experience,” Pungetti said.
He also pointed out that Machine-A is trying to create a new retail destination for the city. A short walk away from Shanghai’s luxury retail center Plaza 66, the up-and-coming area of Yuyao Road has a few fashion and lifestyle offerings but is not yet as well known as other trendy neighborhoods such as Anfu Road, Julu Road and Xintiandi in the city.
Pungetti believes that with Machine-A opening there, the store can disrupt Shanghai’s retail landscape as it did with the London store. Since the opening of Machine-A on Soho’s Brewer Street in 2014, a slew of fashion labels and retailers, including Palace, Wood Wood and Fiorucci, have followed and opened grand flagships nearby, making Brewer Street a new destination for fashion lovers.
Tomorrow Takes Majority Stake in London Concept Store Machine-A
London’s Machine-A to Launch Pop-up in Labelhood Shanghai
London’s Machine-A Unveils Vintage Retail Project Machine-B With Byronesque


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Did you attend the ladies shopping event at the Inn At The Park Hotel? Check out our latest photo gallery to see if you’ve been featured.
Five world-class illusionists will bring their show Illusion Impossible to Aberdeen.
A tattoo convention is set to return to the city next spring.
A north-east activity centre is hosting a festive paintball game this week.


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Appleys Wednesday’s settlement with the Federal Trade Commission is an extension of its existing program to refund in-app purchases made without a parental consent.
Apple last year settled a civil lawsuit in California brought after children ran up large bills from spending on in-app purchases. In that settlement, Apple agreed to refund any in-app purchases made by children without a parent’s permission.
The company said it sent out e-mails to every customer who had made an in-app purchase in a game designed for children. It said it has received 37,000 claims and is in the process of reimbursing those customers.
The full Journal story is here.
Here is the company’s full statement about Wednesday’s settlement:
Protecting children has been a top priority for the App Store from the very beginning, and Apple is proud to have set the gold standard for online stores by making the App Store a safe place for customers of all ages. Today’s agreement with the FTC extends our existing refund program for in-app purchases which may have been made without a parent’s permission.


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The latest wave of the FSA’s Food and You 2 survey found that 90% of respondents were confident that the food they eat is safe.
Almost three quarters (73%) reported that they had confidence in the food supply chain, while most respondents (87%) reported confidence in farmers.
‘Challenging couple of years’
FSA chief executive Emily Miles said: “It’s interesting to see that public trust in food safety, authenticity and the food supply chain remains strong despite a challenging couple of years for the food industry.
“All parts of the food system have been forced to adapt to the impact of COVID-19 and food supply shortages, so it is noteworthy that the public remain confident the food they buy is safe and what it says it is.”
While most respondents had no concerns about the food they eat (80%), the most common among those that did were the amount of sugar in food (63%) and food waste (63%).
The survey also found that 84% of respondents checked the use-by date when buying food, while 82% said they checked the best-before date. More results from the survey can be found in the box below.
“Our priority will continue to be to keep food safe and maintain trust in our food system,” Miles added.
“As we move into a new year the FSA will continue to support the COVID recovery, while also looking at how we can contribute our insights and skills to the government’s agenda for a healthier and more sustainable food system.”
Meanwhile, up to a third of UK consumers are willing to try lab-grown meat and a quarter would try insects, according to research by the FSA.
Top of the list of consumers’ concerns surrounding alternative proteins such as lab-grown meats and insects was food safety. Assurances of the safety of these types of protein would encourage more consumers to try them, in the same way they have received assurances of the safety of plant-based proteins.
Food and You 2 survey results
Confidence in food safety, authenticity, and the food supply chain
- 90% reported that they were confident that the food they buy is safe to eat and 83% said they were confident that the information on food labels is accurate
- 73% reported that they had confidence in the food supply chain
- Respondents were more likely to report confidence in farmers (87%), shops and supermarkets (83%) than in take-aways (56%), and food delivery services (41%)
Concerns about food
- 80% had no concerns about the food they eat
- The most common prompted concerns were the amount of sugar in food (63%), and food waste (61%)
- Food security levels were comparable across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Over three quarters of respondents were food secure (i.e. had high or marginal food security) in England (85%), Wales (82%) and Northern Ireland (84%). Approximately 1 in 6 respondents were food insecure (i.e. had low or very low food security) in England (15%), Wales (18%) and Northern Ireland (16%)
Food shopping and labelling
- 83% reported that they often check the use-by or best before (82%) date when buying food
- 83% who go food shopping and take into consideration a person who has a food allergy or intolerance were confident that the information provided on food labelling allows them to identify foods that will cause a bad or unpleasant physical reaction
- 52% of respondents had ordered food or drink via on online ordering and delivery company and 30% had ordered via an online marketplace
- Fewer respondents had ordered food or drink via social media (14%) or a food sharing app (for example Olio, Too Good To Go) (8%)
Food-related behaviours and eating habits
- Eating habits had changed for most respondents in the last 12 months
- The most common changes related to what and where respondents ate (57% eaten out less, 55% eaten at home more, 50% cooked more at home, 39% eaten fewer takeaways)


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Taco Bell, Starbucks appeal to diet conscious eaters
Even at the fast-food joint, nutrition matters.
Two of fast-food's biggest names — Starbucks and Taco Bell — on Tuesday separately announced nutritional moves aimed at luring consumers concerned about calories.
Starbucks announced plans to post calorie information for beverages on menu boards at all company-operated stores beginning June 25. And Taco Bell unveiled plans for a "Power Protein Menu" — entrees under 450 calories with more than 20 grams of protein — that it also will begin testing on June 25 at its locations in Dayton, Ohio. Taco Bell also will test two additional zero-calorie beverages.
The moves come at a time when Americans are demanding more healthful options, even as they eat out more often. Americans amass about a third of their calories from eating out — roughly twice as many as in the 1970s, says Margo Wootan, director of nutrition policy at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
"When people didn't eat out as much, it didn't matter as much," says Wootan. "But nutrition now matters in a way it didn't in the past."
For Taco Bell, the Power Menu is the first product line where the key driver behind it is balanced nutrition, says Missy Schaaphok, nutritionist and product manager for the fast-food chain. The products include a Power Portein Chicken Burrito, with 400 calories and 24 grams of protein. And a Power Protein Chicken Bowl, with 270 calories and 23 grams of protein.
"They fill you up without weighing you down," she says. If the product test is a hit, the line will go national, she says, but Taco Bell isn't divulging when.
Taco Bell also says it will test two zero-calorie beverages in Dayton: SoBe Life Water Yumberry Pomegranate and Brisk No Calorie Peach Iced Green Tea.
Also Tuesday, Starbucks said beside posting calories for beverages on menu boards it will add calorie tags in pastry cases. Calories for its sandwiches and salads already are posted on the products in refrigerated cases.
Since 2% milk is the "standard" used to make Starbucks beverages, that's what the posted calorie counts will be based on, says spokeswoman Lisa Passe. Each beverage is fully customizable, she says, so consumers can save calories with non-fat milk or sugar-free syrup.
"Menu labeling is yet another step to extend our commitment to wellness," says Mary Wagner, senior vice president of global research and development at Starbucks.
Starbucks is not the first major chain to do post calories on menu boards — McDonald's, Panera Bread and Au Bon Pain already do — but it is still ahead of the curve, says Wootan.
The federal government plans to eventually mandate such calorie posting nationally, but the Food and Drug Administration's proposed regulation for menu labeling is not expected to take effect until the end of 2014, says Wootan.


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Big Y donates $3,772 to TBBCF
Big Y donates $3,772 through their Partners of Hope and reusable shopping bag campaigns
By ELLEN SWERCEWSKI
Big Y has donated $3,000 to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation as part of its annual Partners of Hope Campaign, and another $772 for the Big Y reusable shopping bag campaign.
On Feb. 14, 2020, Big Y store managers, Tom Socha (l) and Gary Dziekan (r), presented a check at the Groton store to TBBCF director of development and outreach, Amelia Caster.
Every October, the Massachusetts-based Big Y raises money to support breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from the campaign are donated to 32 breast cancer support groups in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
During the 2019 Partners of Hope campaign, the nearly 80 local Big Y stores raised the money, in part, from portions of proceeds from sales in the floral and produce departments, the butcher shop, and through the sale of some Big Y labeled foods. The pharmacy and wellness center also donated $5 for every flu shot given out, and $1 for every Big Y pink reusable, earth-friendly shopping bag that was sold.
“Breast cancer affects thousands of women and more men each year,” Big Y President and CEO Charles D’ Amour said in a press release. “Through our Partners of Hope campaign, we want to not only promote breast cancer awareness but also save lives through early detection and care.’’
Big Y, which is headquartered in Springfield, MA, was founded in 1936 and is family owned with more than 11,000 employees. Since 2007, Big Y has raised more than $2 million to support local breast cancer initiatives.
TBBCF is a non-profit based in New London, Conn., that directs 100 percent of gross fundraising dollars to breast cancer research. Administrative costs are sponsor supported or volunteer provided. Since 2006, when the foundation was established, it has awarded nearly $5 million in grants to researchers.


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Toys r us is the latest failure of financial engineering, albeit one that could portend a potentially more ominous outlook for private equity in the digital era most buyouts tend to work. 'toys 'r' us inc has won a lawsuit against amazoncom inc that will allow the toy seller to set up its own web site and end an agreement to sell products on amazon's site' wait a second - did you get that. But ultimately, with wal-mart, with target, with amazon, there are a lot of different ways to fill in that void that toys r us may very well leave hill: that's true, although this will be one to. Wowwee's fingerlings, sold at toys r us, amazon, walmart and target are a hot toy this holiday season here's the story behind the toy in october, wowwee filed a federal lawsuit against 165. Toys r us will go before the highest court in massachusetts monday, to appeal a $20 million award a jury awarded the money to the aleo family, who sued the toy company after their daughter was.
In may 1996, the commission filed an administrative complaint charging toys r us with using its dominant position as a toy distributor to obtain agreements from toy manufacturers to stop selling to warehouse clubs the same toys that they sold to toys r us after an administrative trial, the. The toys r us consumer's first focus typically was never price, it was choice and quality as the tru stores wound down, these same consumers had to find alternatives. Amazon considers christmas toy catalog for a toys r us-free world just because amazon was one of the key forces to the demise of geoffrey the giraffe, that doesn't mean the retailer does not. Amazoncom has settled its longstanding lawsuit with toys r us and will pay the toy company $51 million, amazon said in a regulatory filing friday the two companies formed a major ecommerce.
The tag line toys r us used, part of its catchy jingle, was the world's biggest toy store now that the last of its stores has closed, a number of other companies want to fill the void, but few. Amazon is all grown up, but it still remembers what it was like to be a toys r us kid the retail giant is planning to publish a printed holiday toy catalog this year, reports bloomberg insiders. The collapse of toys r us in bankruptcy was, put simply, a disaster for its suppliers in the retailer, toy makers had an engaged partner in marketing their product that was dedicated to the. Daimler trademark lawsuit alleges that amazoncom doesn't do enough to prevent infringement and counterfeits the seller was toys-rus not toys-r-us there are lots of those out. Nostalgia over the loss of toys r us may have boosted toy sales in the beginning of the year, but it won't be enough heading into the holiday season » read more morgan stanley says buy amazon.
Amazon began to allow other toy vendors to sell on its site in spite of the deal, and toys r us sued amazon to end the agreement in 2004 as a result, toys r us missed the opportunity to. The parent company of toys r us and babies r us agreed to pay nearly $180,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging that the retailers overcharged southland shoppers, according to the los angeles county. Toys r us's bankruptcy underscores the pressure building on retailers from cut-price rivals like amazon according to reuters, more than a dozen notable retail chains have filed for. For the 2018 holiday season, to step in and fill the void toys r us left, amazon will print a holiday toy catalog of its own for the 2018 holiday season, to step in and fill the void toys r us.
1 toys r us had a very good argument they paid 200 million dollars to be the only toy seller on their site if this agreement had been upheld then both site would have made a lot of money. Toys r us began selling toys online with the launch of toysruscom in 1998 in 2006, toys r us successfully sued amazon the company was awarded $51 million. Amazon - the e-commerce giant is already a popular destination for toy buyers, and this month reports emerged that it might be offering its own holiday catalog, picking up where toys r us left off. Toys r us says a 'perfect storm' killed the toy chain — and it blames amazon, walmart, and target these companies will be the biggest winners when toys r us closes its stores.
The corporate brain trust at toys r us has discovered the ancient retail secret of yuletide deals and rival amazon is looking to match through december 10 (and until supplies last at amazon. Consumers should immediately take the recalled pacifier clips from babies and return the product to babies 'r' us or toys 'r' us for a refund. The lawsuit was over a partnership that gave toys r us exclusive rights to supply some toy products on amazon's site wayne, nj-based toys r us claimed amazon violated the partnership by letting.


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Executives see improvements in marketing and sales efforts, and market share gains as a result of well-planned campaigns
C-suite executives are increasingly convinced of the benefits of engaging with their customers on social media platforms. A February 2012 survey of 329 senior executives in North America by management and digital consulting firm PulsePoint Group and the Economist Intelligence Unit found that the vast majority of companies who had invested in social media saw a positive shift in their bottom line as a result.
Executives who said their companies had established an extensive social media presence reported a return on investment that was more than four times that of companies with little or no social network engagement activity.
The benefits of social media were especially pronounced in a few select areas. Fully 84% of executives polled said that social media campaigns had increased the effectiveness of marketing and sales efforts, while 81% said a social media presence had helped their companies increase market share.
Companies should use social media to create spaces for consumers to have meaningful conversations with employees and other stakeholders. Almost seven in 10 respondents said they had seen a spike in their sales by letting customers talk about their brands on social media platforms, even if some of that dialogue was negative. This kind of approach builds trust and credibility with consumers, potentially transforming them into brand advocates whose value is immense, if difficult to measure.
Despite these positive signs for social media campaigns, assessments of their effectiveness remain largely subjective. Almost half of executives said that the major impediment to social media campaigns was the lack of a standardized metric that can measure a return on investment. While measuring followers and Facebook “likes” provides marketers with a hard number, no one yet knows how those numbers translate into a quantifiable return for brands.


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Al-Jazirah Vehicles expands network with second Riyadh showroom
Al-Jazirah Vehicles Agencies, the Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer in Saudi Arabia, has inaugurated its second showroom in the capital city of Riyadh, as part of its future expansion plans for the Kingdom.
The 1,500-square-meter showroom, which can accommodate up to 25 vehicles, is the first of a number of facilities the company plans to launch this year to serve more customers throughout Saudi Arabia.
Headquartered in Riyadh, Al-Jazirah Vehicles Agencies is the sole distributor of Ford and Lincoln products throughout Saudi Arabia, with showrooms in Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Al-Madinah, Abha and sixteen sub-dealers covering the rest of the Kingdom. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
- Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies expands into Jazan
- ajva announce winners of 2 million riyals campaign
- Ford accelerates new product introductions, expects to close 2010 with an impressive 40 per cent growth in Saudi Arabia
- Ford expects impressive 40 per cent growth in Saudi Arabia
- AlJazirah Vehicles Agencies Company


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Latest Diet soda Stories
Women who drink two or more cans of soda pop per day are nearly twice as likely to show early signs of kidney disease, a recent study has found.
The number of U.S. adults consuming sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft drinks, fruit drinks and punches has increased dramatically, researchers said.
With childhood obesity increasing, school administrators and public health officials are reducing availability of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in schools.
By Bokaie, Jemima Stevia, a South American plant used to create natural sugar substitutes, is set to be the next major battleground for Coca-Cola and Pepsi, with both brands launching their own natural sweeteners using the non-calorific herb.
By Kuzemchak, Sally How to retrain your taste buds-plus, the truth about gauging your weight-loss success. Q Is it true that if you give up fatty or sugary foods you'll eventually stop wanting them? A Yes, provided you do it properly.
Although sweetened fruit drinks promise a healthier alternative to non-diet soft drinks, researchers say they are just as likely to cause weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes.
Reed's, Inc. (NASDAQ:REED) announced today that it has launched a new diet version of its Virgil's cola line. Virgil's Diet Real Cola, which is currently offered through select natural food accounts, is expected to launch nationwide to over 1,000 supermarket accounts.
Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/bc8bff/nonalcoholic_beve) has announced the addition of the "Non-alcoholic Beverages: The Consumer in the United States 2008" report to their offering. This report is the second in a two-part series on the beverage market.
Sugar, sorry to say, can make us sick. The most popular alternative, artificial sweeteners, have long posed health concerns and may lead to weight gain. Enter stevia, a calorie-free herb said to be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
Sugar, sorry to say, can make us sick. The most popular alternative -- artificial sweeteners - have long posed health concerns and may lead to weight gain. Enter stevia, a calorie-free herb said to be up to 300 times sweeter than sugar.
- a meat pie that is usually eaten at Christmas in Quebec


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New regulations requiring anyone travelling to New Zealand to self isolate for 14 days has come as a shock to the tourism industry.
The restrictions came into effect at midnight on Sunday, March 15, and people travelling from the Pacific Islands to New Zealand are the only exceptions, unless they show signs of the virus.
As of midnight Saturday, March 14, no cruise ships will dock in New Zealand either.
“The Prime Minister’s announcement has dramatically affected the visitor economy and inbound tourism for the next few months," says Tourism Export Council NZ chair Anna Black.
"The government’s decision was a shock. We were expecting further travel bans on more countries but not a complete blanket call for all visitors and New Zealanders entering the country to be required to self-isolate.
TECNZ accepts the government’s decision is in the best interests for the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders and visitors and appreciate the decision is not just about the tourism sector.
"We support the decision. However, no visitor that has booked to travel to New Zealand from March 15 – 31 will commence travel knowing they will have to self-isolate on arrival."
"The average length of stay for most long-haul visitors is 13-21 days and for short-haul Trans-Tasman visitors, two to five days. The travel restriction impacts on either all or most of a person’s planned New Zealand itinerary. This is the biggest decision we can recall in more than 40 years in business that has such a major impact on the future of tourism in New Zealand," says Anna.
“Our primary concern regarding this decision is the impact on viability for some businesses. Cashflow is tight and businesses were holding off redundancies, in case there was a prospect of getting an uplift in visitors over the next six weeks. That opportunity is now gone.
“Our members are now waiting anxiously on the announcement of government’s wage subsidy and business support program. Those decisions cannot come quickly enough.
"A lot of businesses are facing significant losses as fixed costs continue and revenue streams have been non-existent since February 1, 2020. There is now a very real chance a number of our inbound tour operators, accommodation, activity/attraction and transport operators may have to close their doors. We hope the government’s support package will be substantive enough to help businesses through at least the upcoming six months and until the COVID-19 event settles around the world and normal visitation patterns resume in spring and summer.”
“TECNZ wishes to be solution-orientated and work with government as proactively as we can to help retain New Zealand’s reputation as a great visitor destination, and be part of re-engagement strategies for markets (countries) when they are ready to reopen borders to travel," says Anna.
"Our inbound tour operators operate on a business-to-business basis with offshore tour wholesalers and are able to generate economic activity quickly when travel restrictions are lifted.”


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Centerprise International has signed up as Vendor Category Partner for the 2014 PCR Awards.
This category consists of the following awards: Business/Utility Software Publisher, PC Games Publisher, Peripherals Vendor, Components Vendor, Computing Vendor and Networking Vendor.
Richard Austin, Group Marketing & Communications Director at Centerprise, told PCR: "We are delighted to be the Vendor Category Sponsor at the PCR Awards this year. The awards are a great opportunity to recognise the successes in the industry over the last 12 months.”
Emma Loveless, Distribution Operations Supervisor, added: “It’s a fantastic event to get together with customers and vendors to celebrate everyone’s great work over the last year with a few drinks. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on the night.”
You can check out the full list of Awards finalists here.
Centerprise joins Entatech – Platinum Partner of the event – as well as VIP Computers (Drinks Reception Host), Exertis Micro-P (After Show Party Host), Hannspree (Photo Booth Partner), Wescoast (Frontline category partner) and Smithie UK, Intel and AOC (Gold Partners).
A committee of 100 industry experts will vote on the winners before the event, which takes place on Thursday March 13th, 2014, at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington.
You can keep up to date with all updates on the PCR Awards 2014 by bookmarking www.pcr-awards.com.
For ticket and table enquiries please contact Sara Mather on email@example.com or call 020 7354 6001.


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The Google Phone: Coming Soon
Even as Verizon's Droid phones hit the US market, buzz is building, yet again, about a Google-branded phone. Originally, the plan was to have the Google phone on the market by the holidays, but that timeframe has been pushed back to early 2010, and will be available directly from Google as well as from retailers. As for manufacturing, the latest rumor is that LG or Samsung will be building the handset, which will be to Google's specifications, and not to those of a specific mobile service provider.
Most of our sources have unconfirmed information, which we describe below. But there are a few things we have absolutely confirmed: Google is building their own branded phone that they’ll sell directly and through retailers. They were long planning to have the phone be available by the holidays, but it has now slipped to early 2010.


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Tania Chee has been named as Xbox Category Lead, Australia & New Zealand, Xbox Australia & New Zealand today announced.
“Having been part of Team Xbox for ten years and working on the Australian business for the past seven, I could not be more excited about taking on this new challenge and leading the team,” Chee said. “It is a truly exciting time to be working in gaming at Microsoft, and I look forward to driving our business efforts with partners as well as continuing to engage and delight Xbox fans.”
Chee will take over duties previously held by Jeremy Hinton, the former Xbox Business Lead, Australia. Hinton, now Director, Gaming Category, Asia, will work to “further his focus on the Asia Region,” Xbox ANZ confirmed.
“I am thrilled that Tania will now be leading the Xbox ANZ business, continuing to accelerate our growth after an incredible year in 2017,” Hinton said. “Tania has been such an integral ingredient to our success across Australia over the past seven years, and I could not be happier she’s stepping into this new role.”
Congratulations to both Chee and Hinton on their new roles.


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Mergers & Acquisitions
SAN DIEGO, CA (BRAIN) — Competitor Group Inc. confirmed Monday that it has been sold to Calera Capital, as reported by several news sources including BRAIN last week.
SAN DIEGO, CA (BRAIN) — Falconhead Capital, the owner of Competitor Group Inc., has sold the company to another venture capital group, Calera Capital Partners according to reports.
PHILADELPHIA, PA (BRAIN) — Versa Capital Management LLC has purchased New Hampshire-based Eastern Mountain Sports, a 69-store retail chain.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia (BRAIN) — LTP Sports Group Inc., the new distribution arm of Norco Bicycles, has taken over ownership of Norco dealer John Henry Bikes, a fixture on Vancouver’s North Shore for 20 years, following the retirements of owners John Henry and Willie Cromack.
ALMERE, the Netherlands (BRAIN) — Pon Holdings continues its buying spree with the addition of Union Bicycles to its fast-growing Pon Bicycle Group division.
SAN DIEGO, CA (BRAIN) — Emilio De Soto has recently bought back shares in the privately held De Soto Clothing, Inc. from one of last remaining original shareholders, giving the company's founder full control of the brand.
The last original shareholder was triathlete Dan Neyenhuis.
BETHEL, CT (BRAIN) — Easton Cycling is licensing carbon spoke intellectual property from Topolino for some new products to be introduced next year, the companies announced Tuesday. Topolino is ending sales of its bike wheels to focus on its wheelchair wheels.
MARIN, CA (BRAIN) — Rob Reedy of Echos Communications has purchased Dirty Dog MTB, maker of aftermarket laser-etched mountain bike brake rotors, stems and cable guides, and rebranded the company Moment Industries.
CLOPPENBURG, Germany (BRAIN) — Pon Holding on Tuesday said it would pay the last shareholders of Derby Cycle 31.56 euros per share to buy out the remaining 5 percent interest in the company.
OGDEN, UT (BRAIN) — Scott USA and Garmont USA will merge U.S. distribution operations, the companies announced this week.
LAS VEGAS, NV(BRAIN) — Showers Pass co-president Ed Dalton has sold his interest in the Portland-based cycling apparel maker to business partner and co-president Kyle Ranson, the company announced Tuesday.
MENDHAM, N.J. (BRAIN) — The owner of Van Dessel, a small bike brand best known on the East Coast for it cyclocross bikes, is looking for an investing partner or a buyer.
LAVAL, Quebec (BRAIN) — A significant announcement relative to Guru Bicycles’ future will come at next week’s Interbike show, and several sources close to the company expect the news to be about a new owner for the Canadian custom frame and fit system manufacturer.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (BRAIN) Thursday June 7 2012 12:30 PM MT—Outdoor supplier Black Diamond has agreed to buy POC Sweden, a protective gear manufacturer whose product line includes bike helmets.
AUSTIN, TX (BRAIN) Wednesday June 6 2012 11:15 AM MT—Endurance event and media company Competitor Group Inc. and running retailer The Running Speciality Group are among the partners in a new $9 million investment in the fitness app company MapMyFitness.
HEERENVEEN, Netherlands (BRAIN) Wednesday May 23 2012 8:47 AM MT—Accell Group N.V. has completed the purchase of all issued shares in Raleigh Cycle Limited, the company announced Wednesday.
World Triathlon Corporation, the owner of the Ironman events and trademark, has sold its two-year-old magazine to a group of investors that includes WTC executive and former Triathlete magazine owner John Duke.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (BRAIN) Wednesday May 9 2012 5:59 PM MT—Serotta has entered into a partnership agreement with financial services firm Bradway Capital to accelerate the handcrafted bike manufacturer’s research, design and production.
BLOOMINGTON, MN (BRAIN) Thursday May 3 2012 12:18 PM MT—Steve Flagg and Mary Henrickson have acquired a majority stake in SmartEtailing, developer of websites and software for more than 1,000 U.S. specialty bike dealers.
CHATTANOOGA, TN (BRAIN) Tuesday May 1 2012 3:38 PM MT—Peter Hurley, currently CEO and president of American Bicycle Group, has acquired a majority interest in the company, ABG announced Tuesday.


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Cultivated protein processor Meati Foods has appointed Phil Graves to be its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Graves will oversee the capital expenditures the company says are needed for continued omnichannel expansion. Meati will also lean on Graves’ experience helping deliver positive environmental and social impact alongside profit, the release from the company stated.
Graves joins Meati after serving two years as CEO of meat processor Wild Idea Buffalo Co. Prior to that, he had been chief sustainability officer and foundation president at Bass Pro Shops, and vice president of corporate development at Patagonia, among other positions.
Tyler Huggins, CEO and co-founder of Meati Foods, said the move builds on a “tremendous inaugural year establishing MushroomRoot as a new, profoundly nutritious and sustainable protein,” and that Graves can contribute to the success of the company right away. Graves pointed out his experience at Wild Idea taught him that prioritizing sustainable practices didn’t automatically mean gloom and doom for the company’s financial bottom line.
He joins Meati in the midst of a year of significant growth and expansion of the product line’s distribution to more than 3,600 retail locations nationwide, including Whole Foods Market, Meijer, Cub Foods, Sprouts Farmers Market, The Giant Co., and a host of other grocery stores.
In addition, a year ago, Meati opened its “Mega Ranch” processing facility in Thornton, Colo., and in October 2023, the company received a patent on the MushroomRoot base composition of matter containing Neurospora crassa.


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Vandergriff Toyota Previews the New Avalon
The Avalon has long been Toyota's signature luxury sedan. Offering top-notch interior features, excellent safety amenities and fantastic fuel economy, it is consistently chosen by those looking for new sedans near Dallas. Shoppers will find that the 2016 Toyota Avalon in Arlington sports a whole new trim level this model year, as well as new front-end styling, increased fuel economy on its hybrid model and upgraded suspension tuning. For all the latest details about the 2016 Avalon, keep reading our full review below.
New standard features for the 2016 model year include a sporty new grille design on the Avalon that now boasts LED daytime running lights and LED headlights. There is also a new XLE Plus trim on the sedan that gets an upgraded version of Toyota's Entune Audio system. Several 2016 Avalon reviews have been very impressed with the sedan's retuned suspension on its Touring trim, which helps increase its driving agility, making it even more comfort oriented.
New additions to the 2016 Toyota Avalon in Arlington don't stop there. The premium sedan also gets new super chrome 18-inch alloy wheels on its Limited trim, as well as more optional safety features, such as forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control. Finally, new exterior paint colors have also been added, including Parisian Night Pearl, Ooh La La Rouge Mica and Sizzling Crimson Mica.
Many 2016 Toyota Avalon reviews have also praised the sedan's exceptional powertrains. Available in both gas and hybrid, shoppers can choose either a 268-hp, 3.5-liter V6 on the gas model or a 200-hp, 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder on the hybrid that works with a high-torque electric motor.
For more information about the 2016 Avalon, continue to browse our full 2016 Toyota Avalon review below. To take the popular sedan for a test drive, visit Vandergriff Toyota today and speak with one of our friendly and experienced sales associates.


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Qatar’s luxury hotel market is developing strongly following the opening of another high profile property earlier this year
Standing on the terrace looking out over the Olympic-sized swimming pool and beyond the beach to the aquamarine sea, it could be a scene from one of Dubai’s swankier resorts.
But this is Doha, emerging business centre and until not long ago, Qatar’s sleepy and undeveloped capital.
The luxury St Regis brand, more closely associated with the glitz and glamour of New York or Paris than a nouveau riche Gulf capital, is the latest big name hospitality company to beat a path to the tiny state’s shores. And from a purely business perspective, it is something of a no brainer – consecutive years of double digit economic growth driven by massive natural gas exports, and one of the world’s biggest sporting extravaganzas on the horizon has precipitated a dramatic spike in commercial activity and development.
The project’s backers, led by the Al Fardan Group, a successful local family which holds the dealerships for prestigious car makers including Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Maserati, BMW and Range Rover – have demonstrated their faith in the brand by pumping about QR2 billion ($549 million) into the hotel.
“They [the owners] understand the value of a prestigious brand, and believe in St Regis’ philosophy,” says Tareq Derbas, the hotel’s general manager. “It is now our responsibility to ensure a good return on investment,” he adds.
In this respect if early performance indications are anything to go by the waterfront property has made a reasonable start since its doors opened in March this year. According to Derbas, the hotel has already achieved the highest average room rate per night in the city, suite occupancy is “very high” (a night in the lavish Presidential Suite costs QR60,000 (about $16,500) per night and its facilities – including two restaurants bearing the signature of controversial British Michelin-starred TV chef Gordon Ramsay – have attracted the attentions of some of the city’s movers and shakers, having already hosted royal weddings and other high profile nuptials.
St Regis enters a rapidly developing local luxury market defined by an influx of top hospitality names in recent years. As of 2012, Doha has a total of 112 hotels offering almost 17,000 rooms. This fact, says Derbas, is dramatically changing market dynamics.
“Even 10 years ago there was very little choice [of luxury hotels] in Doha,” he says. “Where once hotels called the shots, customers are now in the driving seat, because they have a choice,” he notes.
Nevertheless there appears to be plenty of business to go around. According to figures from the QTA, five-star hotel revenues surged dramatically in Doha in the first quarter of 2012, compared with the same quarter of 2011, reaching approximately QR32 million.
Average hotel occupancy, said the QTA, reached 64 per cent in the first quarter this year against 68 per cent in the first quarter of 2011, and revenues of four and five star establishments stood at QR734 million, an increase of QR32 million compared to the same period in 2011.
Meanwhile, the average number of Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) visitors to Doha increased 22 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2012, the QTA reported.
“We expect boom years over the next five to six years as mega projects in Qatar trigger an inflow of companies, contractors and consultants. The 2022 World Cup is also about so much more than just building stadiums,” Derbas says.
The country’s elevated profile around the world since the World Cup announcement is a marketer’s dream, even though the country has a long history of hosting international tennis, golf, athletics and football championships. The World Cup has out the country onto another plane.
Now, in the travel trade is talking about Qatar as a destination in a way promotional budgets could probably not, says Derbas.
“Since then [December 2010 announcement] we have seen a distinct change in attitude around the world towards Doha as a destination,” Derbas explains.
“We have attended trade shows as far afield as Shanghai, Paris and South America and Qatar is the name on everybody’s lips,” he adds.
While much of the credit for Qatar’s raised profile lies in the determination of its ruling family and government, the long-term success of the leisure industry in the country, reckons Derbas, will depend upon the ability of the industry’s key players and decision makers – including the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), which as recently as May conducted a promotional roadshow in six GCC cities to promote the country’s MICE (meetings, incentive, convention, exhibitions) industry, and national airline Qatar Airways and the hotels – to work together to capitalise on the elevated profile.
“The QTA and government have played a key role in directing inward investment into the hospitality industry. But there is no doubt the best is yet to come – with the World Cup announcement the country is now on the path towards the big league as a leisure destination,” he says.
While there are obvious benefits to a booming leisure industry – more jobs, a more diversified economy – hotels like St Regis face a challenge very specific to the Gulf states: getting more locals into the sector, in line with national policy.
“A big challenge is the perception of the service industry itself,” says Derbas. “You need to do a lot of PR, a lot of outreach to schools. It often boils down to money, too. The simple fact is that other sectors of the local economy pay more.”
With Ramadan and the traditional summer lull in full swing, this is a useful time of reflection, reaction and fine tuning of service for Derbas and his staff of more than 700 from 52 countries in advance of what he hopes will be a busy autumn.
“In the early days of a hotel opening you prepare for the best but have to expect to encounter the good, bad and ugly in terms of reviews from the market. It is a learning experience and how you react to feedback which defines success,” Derbas says.
Looking ahead, the general manager is adamant the St Regis Doha will grow into its new home market.
“The hotel will mature in terms of occupancy levels – we have contracts signed with 150 local companies who will use St Regis Doha to accommodate guests and staff,” he concludes.


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After the biggest debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford continues to impress. According to the latest reports, Blue Oval already sold out the 2021 Ford Mach-E First Edition model. It is one of the trim levels that obviously caught the most attention. Ford is allowing the customers to pre-order new electric crossover, and the manufacturer will build around 50,000 units.
As its name suggests, the First Edition model will be the first trim level to roll out of the plant and hit the roads. First Edition Mach-E stands out from the rest of the trim levels thanks to the numerous unique features. Let’s find out what First Edition model has to offer.
2021 Mach-E Trim Levels
The lineup of trim levels includes five different models. The 2021 Ford Mach-E First Edition is just one of them. The rest of the trims are Select, Premium, Carolina, Route 1, and GT. First Edition model slots between the Route 1 and GT trim levels.
It looks like a limited edition, and we still don’t know how many units of the First Edition will be made. Speculations are heating up, and some reports are saying that the First Edition Mach-E will be present for certain amount of time. After that, Ford will remove this unique trim level and continue with four Mach-E models.
What First Edition Has To Offer?
As its name implies, the 2021 Ford Mach-E First Edition will be the first model to enter the production. Moreover, it will arrive before the rest of the trim levels. For those who paid the pre-order for this premium crossover, this is what you will get. First Edition stands out from other trims thanks to numerous unique features.
For a start, it comes with red brake calipers and brushed aluminum caps. Moreover, accelerator pedals and contrast stitching are offered as standard. First Edition also adds more high-quality materials inside the cabin, and that includes more upscale upholstery and additional chrome accents.
Thanks to the pair of electric motors, the upcoming 2021 Ford Mach-E First Edition will produce 333 horses and 417 lb-ft of torque. This crossover will use an all-wheel-drive system as standard, and it can travel up to 270 miles. These figures are better than on the standard Select trim level. On the other hand, GT trim is offering 460 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque. Moreover, GT comes with a range of 250 miles.
How to Order 2021 Ford Mach-E First Edition Model?
Blue Oval said the 2021 Ford Mach-E First Edition model is sold-out. Right after the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, Ford opened up the reservations for its model. Each customer that ordered the First Edition variant will have to pay $59,000 for it. Now, here’s the catch. You can still order it, but not for the same price.
The First Edition Mach-E has been sold out nine days after its reveal. No one knows how many units will Ford build. First reports suggested around 50,000 units. However, thanks to such huge interests, Blue Oval could build and sell more than that. As we mentioned, the price will be higher than the starting $59,000.
How Much For Other Trim Levels?
The entry-level Select will start at $44,000. On the other hand, the range-topping trim level Mach-E GT will cost around $60,000. We still don’t know where the First Edition will slot in terms of cost.
Many experts believe the First Edition model won’t be in the offer in the near future, and Mach-E will continue with four trim levels instead current five.


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Although we’re not expecting to see any new hardware for the AirPods Pro 2 this year – the lesserand other improvements in 2024 but the next AirPods Pro refresh isn’t reportedly planned until 2025 – it looks like the series could be getting a massive feature upgrade in iOS 18 that could likely upset some existing audio companies.
According to Bloomberg’sas reported by , this year’s iOS 18 upgrade is going to bring a new Hearing Aid Mode to ‘s . We’ve suspected something like that would be coming for some time now after Gurman said last year that a was in the works alongside other .
Many have already found AirPods to be– in fact, here’s a breakdown of – as current models have audio features like a Live Listen mode, which can better focus on individual speakers, and Conversation Boost mode, which amplifies the sound of the person in front of you. Those features already compare very well to some existing hearing aids.
This new Hearing Aid Mode will apparently go much further, although as yet Gurman doesn’t have any specific details. But it’s a very interesting development for anyone whose hearing could do with a boost.
Why a hearing aid mode could be a really big deal
Hearing aids are ruinously expensive, but at heart they’re not very complicated technology. And that means the industry is ripe for the tech industry to come in and improve. But until very recently the tech industry couldn’t do that, because in the US hearing aids were classed as medical devices and regulated by the FDA. As we reported last year, “that adds cost and complexity that simply doesn’t apply to regular earbuds, and it has a side-effect of keeping competition out”.
That changed in 2022, with the FDA allowing over-the-counter hearing aid sales. Apple reportedly hired engineers from existing hearing aid firms, and of course it already has years of audio experience through its AirPods division. So it was always a question not of if Apple would come for the hearing aid market, but when.
By combining Apple’s excellent AirPod integration with more traditional hearing aid features, it could create audio aids that are really compelling. That’s good news for Apple, because it means it’ll sell more AirPods. But it’s also good news for us, because it should massively bring down prices. You know a market has been protected for too long when Apple prices look like the budget option.
Such AirPods would also fit nicely with Apple’s long-term goal of helping its customers live better, healthier lives – and of making AirPods more than just earbuds by adding additional health tracking features too. That’s a long-term goal rather than something we’ll see this year, but the arrival of a hearing aid mode in iOS 18 is a shot across the bows of existing manufacturers that they’ll hear very clearly.


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by Paula Stromberg, Contributor
An Abbotsford doctor recently took part in a Health Information Sharing Day for garment workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Dr. Chris Whittington listened to textile workers detail their health problems such as muscle weakness, headaches, skin rashes and respiratory infections and outline the remedies they had found, including the use of traditional plant medicine.
The workers piled a table with fresh herbs, diced bark, powdered vines, flowers and tree leaf clippings.
In response, Whittington, who is a clinical associate professor in the department of family practice at the University of B.C., commented on each plant remedy and questioned the efficacy of some local remedies.
“I was interested in the women’s use of the Neem tree, or Sdao as it is called in Cambodia, as a viable alternative for treating simple medical concerns such as yeast infections and tooth cleaning. I also learned that the leaves are tasty in salad or fried and sprinkled over rice,” Whittington said.
“It may be useful to keep an open mind and collaborate with people who have difficulty affording first-world medicines as they find ways to treat simple conditions.”
Whittington then gave a talk on nutrition and symptoms of vitamin deficiencies, and answered questions.
Garment workers who sit for long hours on hard factory benches were particularly interested in a sample “donut” cushion they could use to help alleviate hemorrhoids.
As a small-business idea, they were reminded that they could produce and sell their own versions of the cushion.
The Health Information Sharing Day was held by the Workers’ Information Centre, a women’s association that promotes empowerment and human rights in Cambodia.
Ninety per cent of garment workers in Cambodia are females under 30.
They earn just $80 a month minimum wage, and have been protesting for a basic living wage of $160 monthly.
Unable to afford enough food each day, the workers are undernourished, stressed both mentally and physically, and suffer from a variety of ailments.
When they get sick, they can’t afford medical visits or prescription medicine, and they rely on plant remedies.


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With a new year and a new decade just around the corner, soon we can turn the page on 2019.
The year brought plenty of challenges, including record precipitation that delayed and even prevented planting crops, and made the harvest season a nightmare for many farmers, as corn averaged 23% moisture. As of Dec. 1, only 66% of corn for grain and 86% of soybeans in Wisconsin had been harvested.
Not all bad
But a number of good things happened in 2019. Crop farmers continued to receive trade aid. All farmers benefited from continued low interest rates. Dairy farmers saw a reprieve from low milk prices with the November Class III milk price climbing to $20.45 — the highest in five years. Milk prices in 2019 are on pace to average $2.30 per cwt higher than during 2018. While the Class III price is expected to average $17.50 the first six months of 2020, that’s $4 per cwt higher than it was last February. Milk prices are predicted to average $1 higher per cwt in 2020 than in 2019.
The continued reduction in the number of U.S. milking cows and moderate increases in the average production of milk and milk solids per cow have been important supply-side contributors to higher milk prices. Good domestic demand growth and improved cheese exports have also been positive. These developments more than offset a 1% drop in overall dairy exports, some recent softening of U.S. butter prices, and deteriorating dry whey prices thanks to China’s swine fever epidemic and the continuing U.S. trade war.
The Dairy Margin Coverage program offered reasonably priced protection to dairy farmers when the difference between the all-milk price and the average feed cost fell below a certain dollar amount selected by the farmer. Dairy farmers earned more than $300 million from the program in 2019.
While many farmers will have more money in their pockets in 2020 than they have had in a few years, I think they should put off spending money and focus on tackling debt and paying off bills. Nobody knows how long higher prices will last, so use the opportunity in 2020 to catch up on bills and pay ahead on farm loans, if possible.
You can always replace the old pickup truck or update your milk house or machine shed, or take a much-needed family vacation in 2021 instead. Your vet, feed mill, seed dealer, bull stud, farm equipment dealer and your lender will appreciate your efforts, and your financial future will be that much brighter.
Here’s to a prosperous and happy new year!
Comments? Email email@example.com.


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No longer the bridesmaid, Drupal is now favored for cryptomining attacks
Drupal has always been the bridesmaid to WordPress, the bride of content management systems. Now, Drupal has finally become popular, but for the wrong reason: It has become the favorite CMS of cryptomining hackers.
The latest range of attacks targeting Drupal, which seems to be perpetually in the news for yet another security issue, targets CVE-2018-7600 and CVE-2018-7602, two vulnerabilities that had a fix in the form of a patch issued last month that most Drupal websites haven’t yet applied.
According to a post by security researcher Troy Mursch Saturday, at least 350 websites running Drupal, some highly notable such as the San Diego Zoo, the National Labor Relations Board and the Turkish Revenue Administration, have been hacked and are running cryptomining scripts. And that number appears likely to rise rapidly.
The hackers have injected Coinhive script that uses the central processing unit chips of computers visiting an infected website to mine for Monero. That cryptocurrency that has become popular among cryptocriminals because it’s nearly impossible to trace, unlike transactions on better-known cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and Ethereum.
“This is yet another case of miscreants compromising outdated and vulnerable Drupal installations on a large scale,” Mursch wrote. “If you’re a website operator using Drupal’s content management system, you need to update to the latest available version ASAP.”
The Drupal-focused cryptomining attack detailed by Mursch may not be alone. Security firm Imperva on May 2 detailed another group attacking Drupal installs for cryptomining installations they dubbed a “Kitty campaign” for “Crypto Me0wing Attacks.”
That attack involved the installation of a PHP-based backdoor on Drupal-running servers. Although a specific number on how far that attack had spread wasn’t provided, it could easily be in the thousands.
A message from John Furrier, co-founder of SiliconANGLE:
Show your support for our mission by joining our Cube Club and Cube Event Community of experts. Join the community that includes Amazon Web Services and Amazon.com CEO Andy Jassy, Dell Technologies founder and CEO Michael Dell, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger and many more luminaries and experts.
We really want to hear from you, and we’re looking forward to seeing you at the event and in theCUBE Club.


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A Flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creates a market of 1.3 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion. A reported 81% of goods can start being traded under preferential terms while approx. 20% continue to be negotiated with plans to conclude by July 2021.
As African Nations begin to walk the journey towards a zero tariffs zone, what does the road to implementation look like?
Join us for a briefing with the Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, H.E. Wamkele Mene on:
- Progress and steps for trading under the AfCFTA;
- Priorities & expectations on timelines towards zero tariff trading; and
- Policy/regulatory changes preceding successful implementation of the AfCFTA.


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India will not charge duties on VN steel
India’s Ministry of Finance has decided against imposing safeguard duties on cold-rolled flat stainless-steel products imported from Viet Nam and some other countries, according to the Viet Nam Competition Authority.
The World Trade Organisation’s website reported that the Directorate General of Safeguards, under India’s Ministry of Finance, had decided to halt the investigation being conducted since September 2014 and avoid imposing safeguard measures against products imported from Viet Nam, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and China, as well as the United States, Mexico and the EU, the Viet Nam Competition Authority said.
The reason for its decision is attributed to the lack of persuasive evidence in favour of applying safeguard measures, including considerations of increasing imported products from investigated firms and facing heavy losses or threats of serious losses in the domestic production sector, it said.
The investigation was conducted following a request from India’s Jindal Stainless Steel, which accounts for more than 85 per cent of the total volume of cold-rolled flat stainless-steel products in India.
The company asked the Directorate General of Safeguards to impose safeguarding measures on products imported from certain countries after the investigation into steel products imported by India in the period from April 1, 2011, to March 31, 2014.
Over the past three years, Vietnamese steel products have faced numerous anti-dumping, anti-subsidy and safeguard duties from major importers.
For example, last year, the United States conducted anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations on steel nails, while Canada and Australia launched investigations on oil country tubular goods and zinc-coated steel, respectively.


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Integrate Baltimore partnered with the AVIXA Foundation to create the "InfoComm Challenge" and fund grants for all-expenses-paid trips to InfoComm 2019.
disguise (booth 521) will showcase the latest in its software integrations for the U.S. market at InfoComm 2019, and will preview its new gx 2c server and introduce its vx 4 server.
At InfoComm 2019, Riedel will showcase its latest innovations for communications and real-time signal distribution for a broad range of audiovisual application.
Matrox Graphics is launching Aggregator Mode—a multi-system control feature available with Matrox Extio 3 IP KVM extenders—at InfoComm 2019.
Adder Technology will showcase its ADDERLink Infinity 4000 Series (ALIF4000) at InfoComm 2019 in Booth 2569.
Premier Mounts has teamed up with AVIXA to host the InfoComm 2019 Young AV Professionals Reception and to recognize the young AV talent of the future.
XTEN-AV will launch its cloud-based platform—designed to transform how AV system integrators design and execute their projects—at InfoComm 2019 in Booth 4347.
Visix (booth 2321) will launch the latest release of its AxisTV Signage Suite digital signage software at InfoComm 2019.
Kramer Electronics (booth 2929) will provide demonstrations of its latest VIA Connect PLUS collaboration platform throughout InfoComm Orlando.
Draper's new Multi Display Wall is a modular solution designed to make exact alignment of the screens easy, and it will be on display at InfoComm 2019 in Booth 1342.


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BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) CEO John Chen once again promoted his turnaround plans, saying that he is in it for the “long haul.” On Monday, Chen posted on LinkedIn that when he joined BlackBerry there were some major challenges, but he went on to develop a culture by focusing on turning things around and finding solutions rather than focusing on problems.
BlackBerry outlook improving
Chen posted that the cost that surged two-fold was pulled down to narrow the losses and support profits. The CEO of the Canadian smartphone company noted, “We still have a few water buckets on hand. But no one is cooking our funeral dinner on the flames, because we took action.”
Q2 2022 hedge fund letters database is now up. See what stocks top hedge funds are selling, what they are buying, what positions they are hiring for, what their investment process is, their returns and much more! This page is updated frequently, VERY FREQUENTLY, daily, or sometimes multiple times a day. As we get new Read More
John Chen entered BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY) (TSE:BB) as executive chairman last year in November under a larger plan designed by shareholder Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd. As per the plan the company was helped with a $1 billion in cash from the sale of convertible debentures. Fairfax shelved its plans to take the company private for $4.7 billion.
Chen is known for his extraordinary turnaround savvy, and he has already proved his mettle by turning around enterprise technology company Sybase Inc and then selling it to SAP AG for $5.8 billion in 2010. The outlook of BlackBerry has also improved since Chen became the CEO, with latest quarterly numbers coming in better than expected. Revenue was, however, below estimates, which made analysts cautious.
Experts agree with Chen’s strategies
The BlackBerry CEO has taken some quick and solid steps over the past year such as outsourcing its production to Foxconn and re-launching QWERTY keypad devices such Passport. Chen is determined and is eying long-term strategies rather than identifying the right or perfect solution for every problem. He believes that careful implementation and hard work will outperform any individual poor decision over the long-term.
Glenn Rowe, the Paul MacPherson Chair in Strategic Leadership at Western University’s Ivey Business School, said that Chen is known for helping a company get out of a difficult situation. Rowe, who agrees with Chen’s tactics of encouraging employees to take risks and tackle problems, believes good CEOs are the one who create a problem-solving culture.


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Travel in ’23, For voyagers, the year 2022 brought some truly necessary relief as the world opened up after a long pandemic-incited break.
While the previous year was about retribution and recovery in the movement scene, 2023 is supposed to see vacationers going further into these encounters.
As we set up our lists of must-dos for the year, industry specialists take us through the movement drifts that are supposed to get far superior:온라인카지노
The pandemic has prompted a reestablished center around eco-cognizant travel.
“Supportability will be one of the fundamental models for 2023.
Voyagers might be roused to design trips that insignificantly affect the planet, its assets, and may book eco-
accommodating facilities while settling on practical methods of transportation,
” states Elia San Martin, VP and senior supervisor of APAC at KAYAK.
Vivid travel, which includes getting drenched in the way of life and lifestyle of a local area, is likewise expected to overwhelm the movement scene.
Consolidating work with excursion is one more pattern that is supposed to acquire fame going ahead —
drove further by the work-from-home or cross breed models that have been taken on at a few working environments.
Pallavi Agarwal, pioneer and Chief, goSTOPS, says, “There has been an expansion in the length of stay of the
voyager over the most recent two years because of the crossover work model.
In this way, workations are digging in for the long haul permitting individuals to investigate more current objections while working.”
Taking care of oneself is probably going to keep being really important for explorers,
making wellbeing withdraws an undeniably appealing choice.
“This might incorporate exercises, for example, yoga and contemplation retreats, wellness and sustenance
centered get-aways, and spa and unwinding excursions,”
says Arun Ashok, territorial supervisor of Extravagance Breaks, India and the Center East.
The act of completely drenching oneself in the neighborhood culture and lifestyle of an area, is supposed to proceed.
Ashok adds, “These incorporate chipping in, broad agendas, and social in addition to legacy visits,
as well as types of the travel industry that attention on encountering the neighborhood culture direct.”
Culture and religion have forever been significant attractions with regards to travel, particularly in India.
Aditya Gupta, senior VP, Lodgings and Occasions, Yatra.com, says this will keep on being a pattern in 2023.
“India has a rich and enhanced the travel industry potential, and the strict legacy gives a one of a kind the travel industry opportunity.
Different plans sent off by the Indian government, alongside drives, have permitted explorers to satisfy their strict lists of must-dos,” says Gupta.
Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Shirdi in Maharashtra, are well known homegrown spots.
Going with your accomplice:
“Post-pandemic, there has been a spike in the couple travel pattern as they like to enjoy special encounters.
We are guessing this pattern to keep on developing as individuals are as yet anticipating all the more once in a blue moon trips,” he adds.카지노사이트
“Individuals will consider facilities found at the core of the objective as well as in the vicinity (inside 50km) of the primary objective.
While venturing out to Darjeeling, for example, sightseers will investigate choices in Kalimpong,
Kurseong and Mirik,” illuminates Vipul Prakash, COO, MakeMyTrip.
Topical occasions over traditional schedules: He additionally adds,
“The idea of heartfelt occasions will clear a path for subject drove occasions,
for example, ‘imperial a legacy’, ‘untamed life safari and experience’ and more in the approaching year.”
Retribution the travel industry will proceed: “
The year 2023 is good to go to see ‘vengeance the travel industry’ at its best with individuals holding back
nothing and more stunning experiences,”says Sandeep Arora, Head of Brightsun Travel Private Restricted.
End of the week away:
Heading out for the end of the week for a fast escape consolidates the delight of a get-away with an excursion.
“In 2022, in a range of 10 months, around 61% of Indian vacationers visited close by end of the week places to get-away,”
says Sharad K Upadhyay, senior supervisor, Crowne Square More noteworthy Noida, adding,
“We will see an ascent in this pattern of heading to local locations.”
Worldwide outings: “We have seen pre-appointments for global flights that are 30% higher when contrasted with the last year.
The increment is because of the repressed interest because of Coronavirus, prompting vengeance travel,
as well as more travel interest,” says Rikant Pittie, fellow benefactor EaseMyTrip.온라인카지노사이트