Retail bankruptcies just hit an all time high

There were no fireworks to greet it – and no media session due to the coronavirus – but as Hong Kong residents were celebrating the arrival of 2021 in muted fashion, the city welcomed its first baby of the new year at the stroke of midnight at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The infant boy weighed 3.38kg and was his parents’ firstborn. The second baby of the year followed just moments later, when a 3.49kg girl was born at 12.01am at another hospital in Sha Tin. Unlike in years’ past, public hospitals did not arrange interviews with parents due to the city’s ongoing battle with a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections – which also saw the annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Victoria Harbour cancelled – but the private Union Hospital did make the parents of the second baby of 2021 available. The baby girl’s mother said she had not expected to deliver her daughter on the first day of the new year. “It was a surprise, as her expected birthday should have been [January 2],” mother … [Read more...] about Hong Kong’s first baby of new year born at stroke of midnight – just in time for coldest January 1 since 2005

PARIS: The total number of deaths from the coronavirus in France reached a new high on Saturday (Apr 5) as the government included more previously unreported deaths in nursing homes. The health ministry reported 441 new deaths from COVID-19 in the country's hospitals on Saturday - less than the high of 588 reported on Friday - for a total hospital death tally of 5,532. For the third day in a row, the ministry also reported the cumulative tally of deaths in nursing homes since the start of the epidemic in early March, which were previously unreported. This added another 2,028 deaths to the national tally for a total death toll of 7,560, an increase of 1,053 on the cumulative figure reported on Friday. Previously unreported, nursing home deaths now make up nearly a third of total coronavirus deaths. "This pandemic is totally unprecedented. It is imperative that people respect confinement, now is not the time to ease up," health ministry director Jerome Salomon said at a daily … [Read more...] about French COVID-19 death toll hits new high as nursing home tally swells

LAKE CHARLES — At first glance, there might not be a huge difference between the top-seeded Lafayette Christian girls basketball team and fifth-seeded St. Charles when the two meet in the Division III semifinals at noon Wednesday at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles. Listen to LCA coach Errol Rogers and St. Charles is strong at the point guard spot and in the post. And actually, his Lady Knights have an elite ball handler in freshman Jada Richard at 20 points per game and a force in the lane in senior Monique Patterson (11 points per game, 10 rebounds). That, however, might be where the comparisons start to go in different directions. St. Charles (12-5) will be making its first trip to the semifinals. On the other hand, LCA (17-5) has won three state titles and was a runner-up over the past four seasons. Add that the Knights seem to be hitting their stride again and Rogers is confident heading into the state tournament. “We had a stretch where we didn’t play for about 3½ … [Read more...] about Lafayette Christian girls hit hot streak at the perfect time

LOS ANGELES: Fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 Inc filed for bankruptcy late on Sunday (Sep 29), joining a growing list of brick-and-mortar companies that have succumbed to the onslaught of online sellers such as Amazon.com Inc and ever-changing fashion trends. Forever 21, which popularised trendy and inexpensive clothing, has fallen out of favour with shoppers due to strong competition from other retailers such as H&M and Zara. Adding to its problems, younger and more environmentally conscious shoppers are now choosing brands that ethically source garments instead of retailers that use cheap fabrics to make T-shirts that are snapped up for US$5. "The brand (Forever 21) has lost much of the excitement and oomph, which is critical to driving footfall and sales," said Neil Saunders, managing director of retail research firm GlobalData Retail. Commentary: Consumerism is hitting a crisis - millennials staying away from shops ​​​​​​​ Forever 21, which has 815 stores in 57 … [Read more...] about Forever 21 files for bankruptcy, no plans to close Singapore store

AUCKLAND: So you finally hit the shops and cafes after weeks of lockdown. After disinfecting your hands, following the arrows around the shop or to your table, taking care to avoid others where possible and, in some cases, providing your contact tracing details – how enjoyable was the experience, really? The return to shopping and eating out has certainly come as welcome relief in those countries lucky enough to be opening up. The malls are open! You can book your favourite restaurant! Goodbye home cooking, hello table service! READ: Commentary: Contact tracing holds key to eliminating COVID-19 in post-lockdown New Zealand And for the retail and hospitality industries, among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, the return to trading couldn’t come fast enough. The return to normal trading, however, could still be a way off. The new economic reality will have a profound impact on retail. Some of the routines developed during lockdown, such as cooking and baking … [Read more...] about Commentary: Coronavirus has turned retail therapy into retail anxiety