Apple Shops

The Apple shop-in-shop concept, called Apple Shops [not to be confused with Apple Stores - Apple's own retail outlets], is growing strongly around much of Europe. Right now, the number seems to be about 75. Going by Apple's various country web sites, there are four Apple Shops in Austria, three in MSH group stores, and one in a Cosmos store; there are two Apple Shops in Denmark; there are eighteen Apple Shops in France, all in FNAC stores; there are twelve Apple Shops in Germany, all in MSH group stores; there are eight Apple Shops in Italy; there are four Apple Shops in The Netherlands; there are nine Apple shops in Spain, six in El Corte Inglés stores, and three in FNAC stores; there are two Apple Shops in Sweden; and there are sixteen Apple Shops in the UK, all in PC World stores.

Indian Dell

Infiniti Retail is a subsidiary of Tata Sons, part of The Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates. Croma is a national chain of consumer electronics retail outlets, launched by Inifiniti Retail some 18 months ago [in partnership with Australia's Woolworths]. About a week ago, Dell announced that it is planning to sell its laptops and desk tops through Croma. This is similar to the arrangement that Dell set up some six months ago in China with Gome, the country's biggest electronics retailer. This follows on from Dell's recent adventures in retail in the US and in Europe.

Apple Stores in Europe

Apple's largest retail store in the world is in London. This month, Apple opened two more stores in the UK - one in Milton Keynes, and another in Cambridge. But what about Continental Europe? About one year ago, Apple opened a store in Rome, but so far that's it. The UK's 15 stores, plus this one store in Italy are the sum total of Apple's retail store interests throughout Europe. There are, however, rumours of new store openings later in the year in Munich, Geneva and Zurich. But as the company only publicises new store openings a couple of weeks before they actually happen, we'll just have to wait and see.

SPLS bids for CXP #2

One month on from their initial offer, Staples has reiterated its desire to acquire Corporate Express. And Corporate Express has once again rejected their offer. This means that Staples is expected to follow Dutch law formalities and submit an 'offer memorandum' to the AFM [Autoriteit Financiele Markten] by mid-May, while completing whatever competition law regulatory filings are deemed necessary.

Office Depot Revolt

Back in 1996, Office Depot was the largest office superstore chain in the US with sales of around $6.1bn, while Staples was No.2 with sales of around $4bn. In 1997, Staples attempted to acquire Office Depot, but this was challenged by the FTC, and eventually Staples' bid was thwarted. Since then, Office Depot has been on something of a roller-coaster ride, which, for a while, seemed to be in safe hands when Steve Odland was appointed CEO some three years ago [arriving after some success running US auto parts retailer, AutoZone]. Now, it would seem, there are those who would like Mr Odland's head, suggesting that under his leadership, Office Depot had lost its vision and competitive standing...

FNAC in the UK?

PPR's FNAC chain is supposedly looking for any entry point into the UK market. More news and opinion on this soon...