What is unquestionable is the deep ambition of Asian retailers to create a significant physical footprint in the U.S. and Europe, bolstered by their breakneck expansion rates to date, proving that they can do it just because they’ve done it.
The Chinese Are Coming Read More »
Last month, Prada reopened its flagship boutique in Hong Kong in Alexandra House in Central. This is after years of downsizing and store closures, both for the Italian luxury giant and Hong Kong retailers overall. Prada’s relaunched boutique is now its largest in the region—reportedly some 14,000 square feet over three floors.
What Does Hong Kong’s Quiet Comeback Mean? Read More »
Will 2026 see a continuation of the volatile tariff swings of 2025 and will the U.S. stop importing from. China? And the answer is: It is unlikely that tariffs will stabilize into something more predictable—not free trade, but a stable managed relationship where some doors close while others remain strategically open, especially when it comes to a pragmatic relationship with China.
Why We Can’t Quit China Read More »
If I were sitting in the CEO chair at a major retailer — whether a mass merchant like Macy’s or Target, or a discretionary-driven specialty brand — I wouldn’t be betting on a boom. But I also wouldn’t be bracing for collapse.
Retail in 2026 Faces Political Headwinds — But Not a Freefall Read More »
India’s consumer ecosystem is entering a defining decade, fuelled by a young, digitally fluent population, an expanding middle class and the rising economic influence of Tier II and III cities, which now account for over 60 percent of ecommerce transactions.
India’s Retail Frontier Read More »
Political leaders pull retailers into their orbit because brands are visible and relatable in a way that institutions and policies are not. And that makes retailers uniquely vulnerable to being pulled into national conversations they never intended to join.
When the Checkout Aisle Becomes a Ballot Box Read More »
The numbers are staggering: 85 to 90 percent of all artificial Christmas trees and holiday décor, including ornaments, come from China. Countries like Cambodia have become larger suppliers of holiday lights, but plenty still come from China. China is also responsible for some 40 percent of all the wrapping paper used in the world, a third of the cardboard used in packages and as much as 87 percent of all the tinsel.
O Tannenbaum…O Tannenbaum: Where Art Thou? Read More »
Cyndi is an entrepreneur and CEO of Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems and uses her secret power of determination and patience to run a business to solve a global problem. She adds that building a textile recycling business that aims to drive an industry that doesn’t quite yet exist means you have to have vision and conviction.
Cyndi Rhoades Leads for Global Change Read More »
The Swiss government knows tariffs can impact its lucrative, signature businesses, and it has been trying to intervene. In a recent effort to placate the administration, as part of a trade negotiation, Switzerland is offering to help reduce the U.S. trade deficit by increasing its investment in American industries, including gold refining.
Swiss Watch Brands Hit by Tariffs Read More »
The consumer experience is no longer defined by stores but by expectations shaped elsewhere thanks to the speed, convenience and frictionless service of digital platforms. The question we always ask is: What desire can we fulfil? It’s about experiencing electronics, not just completing a transaction.
Chinese JD Moves West Into Europe Read More »
