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Global Markets

A guide to unlocking opportunity in emerging and frontier fashion markets.

South Korea, Climbing the Ranks of Asia's 'A League'

What South Korea’s fashion market lacks in scale, it makes up for in influence, thanks to the continuing cool factor of both Korean brands and ‘Brand Korea.’


Alibaba Freezes Hiring as Ma Says Company Needs to Be Efficient

Billionaire Jack Ma said he is freezing all hiring at Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. because the e-commerce company is expanding too quickly.


China to Reduce Import Tariffs to Boost Domestic Spending

China will reduce import tariffs on some consumer goods by the end of June to help boost domestic spending and support the slowing economy at a time when record numbers of cash-rich Chinese tourists are splurging overseas.


Gulf Tourists Flock to Munich’s Luxury Lifestyle as Paris Fades

Munich — thanks to the city’s medical facilities and array of luxury boutiques — has helped Germany race past France and Britain to become the European destination of choice for tourists from the Gulf states.


JD.Com Rises to Record as Chinese E-Commerce Stocks Gain in U.S.

JD.com jumped to a record as Chinese e-commerce companies advanced in New York amid speculation they’ll continue to benefit from growth in online sales in the country.


Yoga Wars: Start-up Yogasmoga Shakes Up Activewear Market

In a little more than two years, Yogasmoga has made a case for itself as Lululemon 2.0. The company shares many attributes with the latest crop of nascent e-commerce darlings: a slick and colour-saturated web store, high-end US manufacturing, and opulent products with price points in the sweet spot between the Gap and Prada.


Marks & Spencer, Gentle Giant

The reputations of most high street fashion retailers are tainted by the staggering human costs of making the products they sell. How has Marks & Spencer managed to be a gentle giant?


L’Oreal Sales Gain as Weak Euro Compensates for Sluggish Growth

L’Oreal SA, the world’s largest cosmetics maker, reported a 14 percent increase in first-quarter sales as a weaker euro helped compensate for “sluggish” growth in western Europe.


Chinese Tourists' Luxury Spending Soars in Europe

Chinese tourists spent a record amount on luxury goods last month, helped by shopping sprees in Europe as the weak euro made items cheaper than at home.


Burberry May Follow Chanel Narrowing Europe-China Price Gap

Burberry signalled that it may cut prices in Asia and raise them in Europe, following the likes of Chanel in responding to a growing pricing differential between the regions caused by the weakness of the euro.


Under Fire From US Group, Alibaba says Fighting Counterfeit Goods

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd said it had a range of measures to fight counterfeits on its websites - remarks that come after a trade group requested US government help in prodding the Chinese e-commerce giant into action against fake goods.


From Film to Fashion, Dubai Bids to be Creative Capital for Arab World

Dubai is launching a drive to become one of the Arab world's top centres for art, design, film and fashion - areas that have traditionally been dominated by old Arab cities outside the Gulf.