The volcanic ash, has created more disruption in Europe for travellers than reported. Having been caught with 2 cancelled flights delays are now the norm. It seems that this uncertainty will remain with us for some time, so if you are travelling to Europe be prepared!
Meanwhile, despite the economic uncertainty with the value of the Euro and the difficulties of the Greece economy, it seems that Poland is very central to the economy of eastern Europe.
Certainly Warsaw has recreated itself and is vibrant. It is undergoing a series of redevelopment projects particularly new residential. Brands like Carrefour, Tesco and Ikea are dominant and some use Poland for a distribution base.
It surprises us that Ikea has almost as many stores in Poland as there are catholic churches, but they still fail to see the NZ opportunity! As for global warming and emissions policies, it doesn’t seem to apply here!
Retail News NZ
Telecom ups ante in battle for broadband
Telecom has launched its first major advertising campaign for its network business, Chorus, as telcos and lines companies pitch for a slice of the Government’s $1.5 billion ultra-fast broadband plan.
Television ads are voiced by actor Temuera Morrison and feature Chorus technicians driving around the countryside and working on the networks while conversing in techno-speak. Print ads will follow.
(Source: NZ Herald)
Airport gets facelift
A conceptualised giant tree projecting images of native flora from the inside out will be the centrepiece of Auckland International Airport’s final stage Rugby World Cup redevelopment.
The airport company has completed the first three parts of its $50 million, four-stage makeover, and has now set to work knocking down the old duty free area to make way for a new airside passenger concourse.
(Source: NZ Herald)
Inner-city stunner thrills design award judges
A shipping container-style Auckland office and retail block, Ironbank on Karangahape Rd, won the country’s top architecture award last night.
RTA Studio got the architecture medal, the country’s highest accolade for a new building.
(Source: NZ Herald)
Retail sales rebound but shoppers still cautious
Retail sales rebounded in March but not as much as expected, adding to evidence that consumer spending remains sluggish.
After a steep fall in February, economists had forecast a rebound in March.
(Source: NZ Herald)
Retail sales lag forecasts, supermarket sales slip
New Zealand retail sales rose less than expected in the first quarter, indicating a tepid level of consumer activity that’s unlikely to spur the central bank into an early increase in interest rates.
Retail sales volume rose 0.2 per cent from the final quarter of 2009, seasonally adjusted, according to Statistics New Zealand.
(Source: NZ Herald)
BMW taking mobile Mini shop concept on the road
Carmaker Mini is trialling a new sales concept from a “pop-up” shop in the heart of Ponsonby.
The pilot scheme moves away from the traditional caryard to a “Mini Garage” – an open-plan two-storey outlet comprising sales staff, an events area, cafe, and interactive kiosks.
(Source: NZ Herald)
Half of Kiwi business owners oppose GST hike
More than half of Kiwi business owners are opposed to a proposed hike in GST mooted in next week’s budget, and many are struggling to understand the current regulatory environment at all.
The latest MYOB business monitor of more than 1000 New Zealand business owners has found 31 per cent are dissatisfied with the Government’s support of their business, with Wellington business owners (31 per cent) showing the most dissatisfaction of any region.
(Source: NZ Herald)
Where NZ spent its Mothers Day dollars
New Zealand eftpos provider Paymark says Kiwi’s spent most on restaurants when it came to Mothers Day this year.
Kiwis spent a total of NZ$52.2 million through the Paymark network at restaurants on Mothers Day and the preceding week this year, an increase of 10.4 per cent on the Mothers Day period in 2009.
(Source: insideretailing.com.au)
New ebook format on offer
Dymocks has launched two new ebook formats on its website in a bid to up its competitiveness int he competitive market of electronic books.
The DNL and ePub formats available from Dymocks are designed to allow ebook readers to download interactive content and access content through more convenient methods.
(Source: insideretailing.com.au)
Harrods creeps closer to Australia
The Qatari royal family’s investment arm is considering whether to open a flagship Harrods outlet in Shanghai after its acquisition of the British store, the Financial Times reported on Monday.
Qatar Holding, which bought the landmark London department store for STG1.5 billion ($A2.47 billion) on Saturday, may target the Chinese city as a suitable site to export the brand overseas.
(Source: insideretailing.com.au)
