Study Group: Experts on Mattress Retail

GLG News^SM Analyses by this Study Group's Leading Experts(?)

Quality from low cost countries - review of implications of recovery

October 27, 2009

Analysis by:Jeremy Waller, Principal,

Analysis of:Toy Recall Shows Challenge China Poses to Partners | online.wsj.com

Quality has been the greatest challenge to buyers in China since the process began its stellar growth in the 80's. The consumer now 'reads the carton' and is better informed than ever before. There is mistrust of imports from developing countries, exacerbated by recalls such as experienced by Mattel, which attract disproportionate attention, in terms of levels of global trade. Buyers need to have extra vigilance as volumes start to recover and cost cutting measures that may have been implemented.

UAE vs China as a furniture market - factors differentiating the two and outlook for both

June 29, 2009

Analysis by:Jeremy Waller, Principal,

Analysis of:Furniture - Dubai market has large export appeal | bit.ly

The UAE and China present furniture manufacturers with different opportunities. Furniture products themselves need to be segmented as they require quite different sales channels and marketing to penetrate these sectors.

WOOLIES....YOUR TIME IS UP!

October 14, 2008

Analysis by:Patrick Kelly, Managing Director,

Analysis of:Woolworths comfortable with finance and cash position | uk.reuters.com

Woolworths is outgunned in every product category by faster, keener and way more effective competitors. Too many stores and too much space plus a story that no one wants to listen to... irrelevance and extinction beckon. Years of under investment and poor management focus have resulted in Woolworths forever finding new lows in performance and valuation. Come in Woolworths your time is up! Time to become a page in the retail history book of the UK under the chapter...No longer required!

Land of Leather no longer in the land of opportunity!

October 9, 2008

Analysis by:Patrick Kelly, Managing Director,

Analysis of:Land of Leather directors defer pay as profits dive 88% | business.timesonline.co.uk

Land of leather's woes herald more than a downturn in the housing market and consumer big ticket jitters. The age of the "disposable" value driven leather sofa has come to an end. Customers were already growing tired of the edge of town shed format occupied by Land of Leather and fellow struggler SCS Frozen credit and significant cost price increases have put paid to Land of Leather's  value USP and the future of furniture retail is going to leave them in the margins if they survive. A new world order of furniture retail is forming with flair and style taking over from pure value in the customer's mindset. This will become more apparent as we come out of this down turn.

Cost increases in China - action importers can take

August 6, 2008

Analysis by:Jeremy Waller, Principal,

Analysis of:The Last Days of Cheap Chinese | www.slate.com

The automotive sector tends to get more than its fair share of commentary. While the impact on autoparts is significant, in terms of materials, labour and currency dynamics, other industries are also affected, which don't always have the leverage of a major automotive producer in the USA. How can the smaller buyers of specialist products cope with the somewhat alarming changes underway, and get a real perspective on the future. What steps can importers in USA and Europe take to manage the increases, and adjust their business model?

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