Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.
Pre-Owned Certified Gaining Traction
September 20, 2009
Secondhand Luxury Helps BMW, Mercedes Dealers Lure U.S. Buye | www.bloomberg.com
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and all are seeing a glut of pre-owned vehicles on the market. This is partially fueled by lease returns, but bank repos and early trade-ins due to high, unaffordable payments are a major contributor.
Zale-Management's Last Chance?
September 19, 2009
UPDATE 1-Zale to restate 2008, some 2009 results | cn.reuters.com
Zale says it will won't report FY 2009 numbers until October 29. Ninety days late and effectively six months since shareholders have seen any numbers for a company expected to lose millions. Obviously, Zale is betting good first quarter news will make everything alright. Maybe so, maybe not. But if management is wrong, look for more changes in the executive suite. Here's more.
French Connection: possibly the first steps only
September 18, 2009
French Connection posts loss | www.retail-week.com
Closing stores and trimming overhead are appropriate and time honored steps for retailers to make in response to the current economic climate. Given that the weakness is primarily in the US and wholesale channels, it's not clear that this is addressing any underlying causes as opposed to trying to stop the bleeding.
Toyota's California Plant Exit Makes Sense
September 17, 2009
Toyota Will Shut California Plant in First Closure | www.bloomberg.com
Toyota has faced criticism from California lawmakers, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Commerce and local government officials over its decision to close its California assembly plant. However, from Toyota's perspective, the decision makes sense.
Why Kraft is Making the Wrong Acquisition
September 17, 2009
Kraft Under Pressure as Bid Value Slips | www.flex-news-food.com
Kraft is attempting to buy a company that essentially is a company deriving the majority of its business in Europe and North America. At the present time Cadbury's sales percentage in emerging markets are; 19% in Asia Pacific, 8% in South America and 7% in Middle East and Africa. It grew its top line by 7% in an industry that is growing at 6%.Now that Kraft has shown its hand, it most likely will pay a premium to essentially buy sales. What can Cadbury bring to Kraft that can be defined as Strategic Growth?
Innovation and Size Cannot Overcome Economic Realty for Major Suppiler Bosch
September 17, 2009
Bosch to cut 10,000 jobs this year | europe.autonews.com
Bosch' strategy focus on innovation is a good one. However, the realities of the downturn in their major markets and the competition in Asia will take time to respond and adjust to. Their major business is in Europe and North America.
Carrefour en Russie Une erreur, le hasard Une UNE, opportunité
September 17, 2009
Carrefour Says Looking at Acquisitions in Russia | www.flex-news-food.com
Bonjour,AYANT passé quelques temps en Russie pour le grand groupe compte d'un allemand de la distribution, je pense Qu'il est particuli risqué aujourd'hui pour Carrefour de pénétrer le marché russe ...
Pop Up Retail Can Prop Up Retail Results
September 16, 2009
For Toys 'R' Us, Holidays Are Open and Shut | online.wsj.com
Whether it's for a week or for a season, Pop-Up stores can be one of the most efficient and exciting ways to extend brand reach, relevancy and access, generating both immediate direct response sales and long term brand building. While it’s not a new concept, with lots of available retail space and motivated landlords anxious to boost occupancy and traffic, it is particularly timely for creative and opportunistic companies looking to gain mind share and market share.
Is Blockbuster Going the Way of Hollywood Video?
September 16, 2009
Blockbuster Closing Up to 960 Stores by End of 2010 | blog.retailtrafficmag.com
Blockbuster just announced an increase in store closing from 685, ( the number announced on September 15th, 2009 ) to 960. While this is not a fatal blow, it certainly is a leading indicator of some serious problems that the GLG reader should be aware of.
Other IFF Plants Likely to Close
September 16, 2009
International Flavors Mulls Plant Closures | www.flex-news-food.com
Flavor and Fragrance Companies such as IFF, are seeking to justify plant capacity and capabilities based on demand and location. Asia and South America will gain in the process.
Toyota's California Plant Exit Makes Sense
September 17, 2009
It's Possible Berkshire Hathaway Could Help Kraft Acquire Cadbury
September 10, 2009
California's Impact on the Las Vegas Strip, City Center & the port of LA
September 8, 2009
Toyota Will Feel The Heat Of California Lawmakers In NUMMI Plant Closing
September 1, 2009
US Hotel Industry Recession Enters New Rate Erosion Phase
September 1, 2009