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The article shares insight on the practice of retailers of locking up products and how it broke shopping and the brick-and-mortar retail system. It attributes the decision of retailers to lock products to the rise of organized crime rings that resell goods stolen from brick-and-mortar stores. It discusses the industrywide problem with understaffing that makes it difficult to keep theft rates lower, as well as the negative impact of lockup systems on sales and retailers' brand.

Hungary's industrial output has experienced a significant decline, with a 6.4% decrease in December due to reductions in manufacturing in key sectors. Retail sales also stagnated, growing only 0.1% from the previous year. Despite climbing out of recession in the fourth quarter, the economy is struggling to gain momentum, impacting Prime Minister Viktor Orban's growth plans before upcoming elections. The forint fell against the euro, and industry woes were attributed to Germany, Hungary's main export market. The government is hopeful for a 3.4% expansion this year, but uncertainties in the German economy are casting doubt on Hungary's growth prospects. [Extracted from the article]

Sweden's core inflation rate unexpectedly rose to 2.7% in January, surpassing all estimates and the Riksbank's projection of 2.4%. This unexpected surge in inflation has dampened expectations of further interest rate cuts by the Riksbank, with analysts now predicting a delay in any rate cuts until the second quarter of 2025. Despite this, the Swedish economy is showing signs of recovery, with analysts suggesting that the Riksbank may hold rates at 2.25% for the foreseeable future. [Extracted from the article]

Hungary's industrial output declined by 6.4% in December, with manufacturing in the car sector and electronics equipment contributing to the decrease. Retail trade also stagnated, growing only 0.1% from the previous year, with a 1.2% decline compared to the previous month. Despite exiting a recession in the fourth quarter, Hungary's economy is struggling to gain momentum, posing challenges for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's growth plans before upcoming elections. [Extracted from the article]

In January, South Korean inflation rose to 2.2% from a year earlier, exceeding expectations due to higher energy and food costs. The Bank of Korea anticipates inflation will stabilize around its target of 2% as oil and agricultural prices slow down. Policymakers are concerned about weak private spending, a struggling export sector, and political instability, prompting expectations for further rate cuts by the central bank. [Extracted from the article]

Estée Lauder Cos. is undergoing a significant corporate restructuring, with plans to cut between 5,800 to 7,000 jobs as part of a turnaround strategy led by the new CEO. The company is facing challenges in its duty-free business in Asia and a decline in sales in China and Korea. The CEO aims to focus on high-end cosmetics, faster product launches, and cost-cutting measures to revive the company's market position. Wall Street is eager to learn more about the CEO's plan, named "Beauty Reimagined," and how it differs from previous strategies. [Extracted from the article]

South Korea's consumer inflation increased to 2.2% in January due to higher energy and food prices, surpassing economists' expectations. The Bank of Korea is expected to conduct its third interest-rate cut in response to concerns about economic growth, exacerbated by political turmoil and global trade threats. The country's consumption and retail sales have been impacted, prompting policymakers to consider further easing measures to support the economy. [Extracted from the article]

Liberated Brands, formerly managing popular retail brands like Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom, has filed for bankruptcy due to increased competition from fast fashion retailers. The company plans to close its North American operations, sell its international businesses, and has laid off nearly 1,400 employees. The bankruptcy filing follows a period of growth in revenue attributed to the Covid-19 pandemic, but a shift in consumer spending habits and rising interest rates led to financial challenges for the company. [Extracted from the article]

Asda Group Ltd. lost a significant ruling in a £1.2 billion equal pay dispute, with a UK court determining that jobs held by female employees were of equal value to those of their male counterparts. The ruling allows for a final hearing where Asda must justify the pay difference to avoid the estimated payout. This case is part of a larger legal battle involving several supermarket chains contesting equal pay claims, with potential implications for other retailers facing similar challenges. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future equal pay disputes in the UK. [Extracted from the article]

Australian retail sales in December fell by 0.1%, less than the expected 0.7% decline, following four months of growth. The Australian Bureau of Statistics attributed the slight decrease to promotional activities and the boost from Cyber Monday. The Reserve Bank is expected to begin an easing cycle on Feb. 18, as recent data shows easing price pressures and a positive outlook for household spending. Retail sales account for over half of the country's GDP, and the government is anticipating at least one rate cut before the upcoming election. [Extracted from the article]

Vacheron Constantin, a renowned Swiss watchmaker, is celebrating its 270th anniversary with the release of the Historiques 222 stainless-steel sports watch. Despite being known for luxury and innovation, the brand's latest offering is a simple yet elegant timepiece. The watch, priced at $32,000, features a blue dial, white-gold hands, and a high-precision automatic mechanical movement. Vacheron Constantin has seen significant growth in recent years, climbing to the 8th largest Swiss watchmaker by revenue in 2023. [Extracted from the article]

Howden, a major insurance broker, is currently in discussions to acquire Risk Strategies, a large US broker backed by private equity firm Kelso & Co. Howden, owned by firms like General Atlantic and Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, has been considering an initial public offering. If the deal goes through, it would signify Howden's entry into the American retail market. This potential acquisition is part of a broader trend of consolidation in the insurance brokerage industry, with recent deals including Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.'s purchase of AssuredPartners and Marsh McLennan's acquisition of McGriff Insurance Services. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the new Aston Martin Vanquish, which features a 5.2-liter V-12 engine, contrary to the trend of hybridization in the luxury car market. Priced at $429,000, the Vanquish offers impressive performance and styling, appealing to enthusiasts who value traditional driving experiences. However, customization options can significantly increase the cost, making it comparable to a Rolls-Royce in price. The article highlights the unique features and driving experience of the Vanquish, positioning it as a high-end luxury vehicle for those willing to pay a premium. [Extracted from the article]

The economies of Poland and Hungary are showing signs of improvement after a slowdown in mid-2024 due to decreased demand from eurozone trading partners. Hungary's GDP grew by 0.5% in the fourth quarter, while Poland saw annual growth of 2.9% last year. Both countries are facing upcoming elections, with economic performance playing a significant role in political discourse. Hungary's economy is reliant on exports and is hoping for growth from new local plants, while Poland is concerned about high interest rates affecting economic acceleration. [Extracted from the article]

In Sweden, retail sales saw a significant increase of 2.9% in December, the highest monthly gain since 2019, indicating a recovery in household spending. This unexpected rise in sales has led to the central bank's decision to hold off on further easing measures. The data, adjusted for seasonal variations and excluding cars and fuel, supports the view that the economy is showing signs of improvement, following a period of stagnation. Governor Erik Thedeen and other policymakers are considering halting the easing campaign, depending on continued positive economic signals. [Extracted from the article]

The Hungarian economy emerged from recession at the end of last year, but growth remains sluggish, posing challenges for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's goal of achieving strong growth before upcoming elections. Factors such as a decline in export demand and high inflation have impacted economic performance. The government is hopeful for a turnaround, with expectations of annual economic growth around 2.5% this year, although this falls short of the government's forecast of 3.4%. Orban's party faces tough competition in the upcoming elections, limiting his ability for extensive spending as in previous campaigns. [Extracted from the article]

Jaguar Land Rover's quarterly profit dropped by 17% to £523 million due to foreign exchange revaluations and potential US tariffs, with the US being its largest market. The company is engaging with the UK government to address the tariff threat, as President Trump campaigned on raising tariffs. Tata Motors, JLR's parent company, also reported a 22% decrease in net income, attributed to economic challenges in China and a slowdown in India's consumption. [Extracted from the article]

Tata Motors Ltd., the Indian parent company of Jaguar Land Rover, experienced a 22% decrease in quarterly profit due to a consumption slowdown in India affecting car and commercial vehicle sales. Despite a 2.7% revenue increase, the company fell short of analyst estimates, with costs rising by 3.8%. The company is facing economic challenges in China, where weak demand and consumer preference for electric vehicles are impacting sales of traditional luxury cars. [Extracted from the article]

The EU is considering forming a "coalition of the willing" to advance its capital markets union plan and bridge a trillion-euro investment gap, according to the bloc's financial services chief, Maria Luis Albuquerque. This approach deviates from the previous strategy of seeking full agreement among all 27 member states. The EU's efforts to create vibrant capital markets have been hindered by disagreements over issues like supervision and taxation, prompting calls for reforms to boost bank lending and facilitate cross-border investments. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the significant increase in coffee prices, which has impacted demand in major markets, including the US and Europe. Emerging economies, such as Vietnam and Indonesia, are also experiencing a decline in consumption due to high prices. The shift towards consuming more coffee in producing countries is causing concern for the industry, with potential impacts on demand. Additionally, China, a growing market for coffee, has seen a slowdown in shipments from Brazil, raising questions about future consumption trends. [Extracted from the article]

Starbucks Corp. is undergoing a reorganization of its executive ranks under CEO Brian Niccol's leadership to enhance customer experience and boost sales. The company is implementing a new retail operations model with a focus on store performance and customer solutions. Key executives, including Sara Trilling and Arthur Valdez, are leaving the company, while new leaders from Taco Bell are being brought in to drive change. Starbucks is aiming to reverse declining sales and improve the in-store experience through these strategic moves. [Extracted from the article]

Starbucks Corp. is undergoing a reorganization of its executive ranks under CEO Brian Niccol's leadership to enhance customer experience and boost sales. The company is implementing a new retail operations model with a focus on store performance and accountability. Key executives, including Sara Trilling and Arthur Valdez, are leaving, while new hires from Taco Bell are joining to lead store development and customer solutions. Niccol's restructuring efforts aim to address declining sales and improve the overall in-store experience for customers. [Extracted from the article]

Mexico's largest private retailer, Coppel, is investing heavily in brick-and-mortar stores, with plans to open 100 new locations and renovate 66 existing ones in 2025. The company targets low-income shoppers, offering credit options for items like sofas and iPhones. Despite the rise of e-commerce, Coppel is focusing on expanding its physical stores and online sales to cater to Mexican consumers' preferences. The company's growth and success are attributed to its in-house bank and strategic moves in the retail market. [Extracted from the article]

Argentina's wealthier neighbors, such as Uruguay and Chile, are visiting the country less due to President Javier Milei's currency policies, which have made Argentina more expensive for tourists. Tourists from Uruguay spent $780 million in Argentina last year, a significant drop from previous years, leading to a tourism deficit of $2.1 billion for Argentina in 2024. As a result, Argentines are now flocking to Uruguay's beaches, reversing previous trends and boosting local businesses in Uruguay. [Extracted from the article]

Jason Buechel, the current chief of Whole Foods Market, has been appointed as the vice president of worldwide grocery stores for Amazon.com Inc. This move gives him oversight of Amazon's entire grocery business, including Whole Foods' 535 stores and Amazon Fresh-branded mainstream grocery stores. Buechel, who joined Whole Foods in 2013, faces challenges such as expanding Amazon Fresh locations, integrating technology into the industry, and addressing labor activism, including a union vote at a Whole Foods store in Philadelphia. [Extracted from the article]

Arabica coffee futures reached a record high of $3.5555 a pound before fluctuating due to trade tensions, particularly a short-lived US tariff threat against Colombia. The spike in prices was fueled by harvest shortfalls in major coffee-producing countries like Colombia, Brazil, and Vietnam, leading to tight supplies and a surge in futures prices. The potential impact of import tariffs on coffee from Latin American countries could affect retail prices in the US, with Colombia being a significant coffee exporter to the US market. [Extracted from the article]

Arabica coffee futures reached a new high following a brief US tariff threat against Colombia, which was later rescinded. The threat raised concerns about coffee supply disruptions in a market already facing tight global supplies due to harvest shortfalls in major coffee-producing countries. The potential impact on coffee prices in the US was highlighted, with experts suggesting that import tariffs could lead to higher retail prices. [Extracted from the article]

Burberry Group Plc experienced a surge in its shares due to increased demand in the US, leading to better-than-expected retail sales results. The company's new CEO, Joshua Schulman, aims to revamp the brand by focusing on its high-end outerwear, such as its iconic trench coats. Despite signs of improvement, Burberry remains cautious about the uncertain economic environment and ongoing transformation efforts. Other luxury brands, like Chanel, are also facing challenges in the current market. [Extracted from the article]

ING Groep NV's CEO, Steven van Rijswijk, emphasized the importance of potential acquisitions that would help the lender scale domestically or expand its product capabilities. ING aims to diversify its operations to reduce reliance on interest-driven income and increase total income by 4% to 5% annually through 2027. The bank is focusing on tailoring its offerings to different customer segments in retail banking and investing in corporate finance and capital markets in wholesale banking. Van Rijswijk also highlighted the need for consistency in banking supervision across Europe to foster competition. [Extracted from the article]

Oil prices are set to decline for the first time this year, following President Donald Trump's comments on trade wars and crude prices. Despite Trump's remarks, Brent crude prices rose slightly on Friday due to his softer stance on tariffs towards China, which weakened the dollar and made commodities more attractive. Trump's actions have caused fluctuations in oil markets since taking office, with futures in London heading for a 3% weekly drop but remaining higher for the year. The president's focus on lowering oil prices aligns with his past calls for OPEC+ to reduce prices, and he has also declared a national energy emergency to boost domestic production. [Extracted from the article]

Burberry Group Plc experienced a surge in shares following a rise in US demand, indicating a potential recovery in the luxury market. Despite a 4% decline in retail sales, Burberry outperformed analyst forecasts, with sales in the Americas increasing unexpectedly. The company's new CEO aims to refocus on iconic outerwear, such as its signature trench coats, after previous attempts to move the brand upmarket. The positive performance of Burberry and other luxury brands like Cartier owner Richemont suggests a possible stabilization in luxury demand post-pandemic, although economic uncertainties remain. [Extracted from the article]

Burberry Group Plc experienced a surge in its shares due to increased demand in the US, leading to better-than-expected sales results. The company's retail sales fell by 4% on a comparable basis, outperforming analysts' expectations of a 13% drop. Chief Executive Officer Joshua Schulman aims to revamp the brand, focusing on its iconic trench coats, with hopes that the positive holiday season performance will offset earlier losses. Despite the positive results, Burberry remains cautious about the uncertain economic environment and the ongoing transformation process. [Extracted from the article]

Burberry's sales decreased by 4% in the last quarter, which was less than the expected 12.9% decline. The company's CEO, Joshua Schulman, aims to revamp the brand and focus on promoting its classic trench coats. Despite challenges in the luxury market, Burberry is hopeful that second-half results may offset first-half losses, especially with positive holiday sales. Other luxury brands like Richemont and Chanel are also facing difficulties, indicating a broader trend in the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Hedge funds have seen significant gains in the South Korean stock market, particularly with the success of Samyang Foods Co., known for its spicy instant noodles. The popularity of Korean culture globally is driving exports of various goods, including food products like Samyang's noodles. Analysts are optimistic about the company's future growth potential, with expectations of continued success in international markets. [Extracted from the article]

Canadian consumers showed strong spending at the end of the holiday season, with retail sales likely jumping 1.6% in December, the highest in nearly two years. Factors such as falling interest rates, a federal sales tax holiday on various items, and slowing price gains contributed to this increase. Economists anticipate that the Bank of Canada may reduce rates by 25 basis points at its next decision, following consecutive 50 basis-point cuts. [Extracted from the article]

Associated British Foods Plc, the owner of Primark, has reduced its sales growth guidance for the discount fashion retailer due to weak consumer sentiment in the UK. Primark's like-for-like sales in the UK dropped by 6.4% during the critical holiday season. The company attributes the decline to various factors, including higher costs and concerns about the economy. Despite these challenges, AB Foods does not plan to raise prices or close stores, and it expects Primark's full-year profit margin to remain stable. [Extracted from the article]

Associated British Foods Plc, the owner of Primark, has revised its sales growth guidance for the discount fashion retailer due to weak consumer sentiment in the UK. Primark's like-for-like sales in the UK dropped by 6.4% during the critical holiday season. The company expects Primark's full-year adjusted operating profit margin to remain flat as it manages costs. The challenging retail environment in the UK, coupled with tax changes and increased costs, has led to a decline in AB Foods' shares and a gloomy outlook for the industry. [Extracted from the article]

Amazon.com Inc. has decided to close all warehouses in Quebec, resulting in the termination of approximately 1,900 permanent and seasonal workers. The company plans to shift to a third-party delivery model to enhance customer service and cost savings. The decision comes after negotiations with a Quebec union and is not related to unionization efforts. Impacted employees will receive a severance package and transitional benefits. [Extracted from the article]

Polestar's CEO, Michael Lohscheller, sees an opportunity in Elon Musk's controversial political involvement, which has alienated some Tesla customers. Lohscheller aims to attract disgruntled Tesla owners to Polestar, a rival EV maker, as the company seeks to boost sales following a disappointing year. While acknowledging Musk's success with Tesla, Lohscheller strongly condemns Musk's support for the far-right Alternative for Germany party, calling it "totally unacceptable." [Extracted from the article]

The UK's buy-now, pay-later market has experienced significant growth, reaching $27 billion in activity last year, driven by international firms like Klarna, PayPal, and Afterpay. However, as competition increases, industry margins are being squeezed, especially with impending government regulations. The sector faces challenges such as thin margins, increased scrutiny from regulators, and the potential for consolidation among smaller players. Despite the growth opportunities, the market's future is uncertain due to regulatory changes and the need for compliance with consumer protection measures. [Extracted from the article]

US industrial production exceeded expectations in December, with a 0.9% increase in factories, mines, and utilities, the largest since February. Manufacturing output rose by 0.6%, driven by the resolution of a strike at Boeing Co. and increased production of consumer goods and construction supplies. Despite manufacturing struggles in 2024, the ISM's Supply Chain Planning Forecast indicates optimism for manufacturing growth in 2025, with executives expecting faster growth in the second half of the year. Capacity utilization at factories reached a three-month high of 76.6%, indicating potential output being used efficiently. [Extracted from the article]

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves believes that regulators are hindering the UK government's efforts to boost the economy, urging them to focus on growth by removing regulatory barriers. Reeves is facing pressure to address Britain's weak economic performance and restore investor confidence after a market slide and negative economic news. The Financial Conduct Authority has outlined steps to spur growth, including potentially lifting transaction limits and simplifying mortgage rules to support home ownership. Reeves is emphasizing fiscal responsibility and pro-growth reforms to address economic concerns and regain market trust. [Extracted from the article]

Traders in the UK are now predicting three interest-rate cuts from the Bank of England this year due to weaker-than-expected retail sales data, leading to a boost in UK bonds. The pound fell after the release of the data, reflecting concerns about the economy. While inflation worries persist, recent data showing a deceleration in inflation and weakening growth have prompted investors to anticipate more cuts in the future, supporting bonds. The prospect of further easing may negatively impact the pound, which has already experienced a significant decline in value. [Extracted from the article]

Traders in the UK are now predicting three interest-rate cuts from the Bank of England following weaker-than-expected retail sales data, leading to a boost in UK bonds. The pound fell and gilts rose as a result of the news, with the economy facing setbacks and fragile investor sentiment. The combination of weak growth and persistent inflation has caused a selloff in UK markets, but the bond market is showing signs of improvement. [Extracted from the article]

The pound experienced a significant drop following disappointing UK retail sales data, leading to speculation about potential interest rate cuts by the Bank of England to stimulate economic growth. Traders are now anticipating multiple quarter-point reductions this year. The unexpected decline in retail sales during the crucial Christmas period has added to existing concerns about the UK economy, contributing to a recent selloff in UK markets and driving government borrowing costs to historic highs. [Extracted from the article]