Posts Tagged ‘small’

"Come as you are"

August 21, 2011 - 7:52 am Comments Off

In May 2010, McDonald's France was a sensation with a TV spot in which a teenager going on a phone call to her boyfriend before having lunch with his father, who explains that, as he did at that age, it could be a 'real card with the babes. " Advertising has been around the world. In the original French with subtitles in English, it even triggered a controversy in the United States. The conservative Fox News channel has even made a field day. Sacrilege: great American brand in the gay friendly side!

In this spot, designed by BETC Euro RSCG, is not known if the son ends up coming out to her.But the statement by McDonald's, which has declined in all genres, is very clear that you're straight or gay, black or white, young or old, rich or poor, we do not judge, "just like you are. "

Before, we criticized the pub not to be representative of "visible minorities", not to be sufficiently "black-blanc-beur". Today, the debate has shifted to the "non-visible minorities" and still gets carried away on the issues of communalism, which are still taboo in France.

10% of "non-white"

The proportion of ads depicting characters perceived as "non-white" compared to the total advertising (TV, press and poster) distributed and reviewed by the Regulatory Authority's professional advertising (ARPP) reached 7% in 2008 against 3% in 2005, and this share has increased further since then, around 10%."Racial minorities are now represented quite rightly, said Ingrid Zerbib, image editor for the magazine Strategies, who viewed all the ads that come out in France. The next step is in progress. Homosexuals, the disabled and the sick are increasingly visible. "

McDonald's campaign has been emulated. Krys posted Orangina or gays in their pubs. Personalities with disabilities such as Down syndrome Pascal Duquenne for the virtual mobile operator Simyo, or the blind Gilbert Montagne, for heating specialist camera, turned in spots. Diseases are also commonplace."You can be sick without stigma," said Anne Ramon, communications director of the National Cancer Institute (INCA), the last campaign "I am a person, not a cancer," conducted by the agency La Chose , seeks to change social perceptions of one of the most widespread diseases in France.

In another, more commonplace, but also an affirmation of reality: that of the Community consumption, with the campaign launched last year by the brand halal Isla Delight "Proudly halal." On the occasion of Ramadan, for the first time in France, the brand was as diverse a reference food, free of any cliché. "This campaign is a marker, decrypts the marketing consultant Jean-Jacques Urvoy.The brand was treated as the French leader Charal. "On a halal market estimated at over 5 billion euros – and therefore highly competitive – the whole trick of the ad was to challenge the EU labeling, while displaying a rooster and a Charolais beef! A war of images in a way.

Debts: Socialists argue their solutions

July 17, 2011 - 11:04 pm Comments Off

While European leaders are working on the Greek crisis to find a solution by Thursday, the Party of European Socialists (PES) advance his proposals. In a joint statement, Martine Aubry and 12 other European socialist leaders have agreed on a roadmap. The Socialists are in power in particular Spain and Greece.

The PES associated himself with the idea of ​​Eurobonds. Concretely, this would be to issue bonds to 17 common European states in the euro area. According to this roadmap, this mechanism would allow to pool risks and protect the weaker states.

In an article published in The Journal of separate Sunday, the candidate for the primary PS Francois Hollande also defends the system of Eurobonds. "They are an effective way to raise money at lower cost," said he.He added that this could be used to "buy Greek debt delisted and to speculators at their own game", the latter focusing on a bankrupt country.

Buy Greek bonds, which are worth more thing: this last idea was put on the table by Germany, reports the magazine Der Spiegel to be published Monday. This technique would save 30 billion euros.

Mutual guarantees

European Socialists also advocate a system of mutual guarantees of European debts to "help the countries attacked by speculators" and would help them "to the costs of stabilization." The PSE also blames rating agencies, criticized for their very recent decisions concerning Greece and Portugal. The party wants to "limit their power" and forbids the creation of a European rating agency.

François Hollande, who associated himself with the JDD many of the proposals of the PES, also calls for merging the functions of president of the European Council (now Herman van Rompuy) and President of the Commission (José Manuel Barroso) to take the head of a real "economic government" of Europe.

"Dangerous" statements

The budget minister Valérie Pécresse denounced statements Socialist Sunday morning, "Francois Hollande and Martine Aubry are engaged in a dangerous competition of statements on the euro that are likely to undermine efforts made by all European and France primarily to protect the euro area ".

ALSO READ:

"Euro area: stop the panic before August

"SPECIAL – Europe, States facing bankruptcy

French banks pass the "stress tests"

July 15, 2011 - 9:48 pm Comments Off

Eight European banks have failed the tests of resistance imposed on 91 banks on the continent to test their strength in the event of economic shocks, said Friday in a statement the EBA (EBA) responsible for these tests.

ABB said that the banks needed a total of 2.5 billion euros to strengthen. She did not initially detail the name or nationality of the banks that failed the exam, each institution concerned and the national regulators with priority to communicate about it.

According to announcements made simultaneously in each country by banks and regulators, five Spanish banks and a German bank failed.Two banks failed still missing the call, the regulators have not yet communicated all.

ABB said that the results of only 90 banks had finally been taken into account, without further explanation.

All Italian banks, French, Portuguese, Irish and British passed the test.

Pixmania combined with Carrefour to boost online sales

July 1, 2011 - 10:52 pm Comments Off

Carrefour is a step forward to catch up on e-commerce. The group signed an agreement with Pixmania to develop a site selling non-food products in several European countries. Pixmania will be responsible, through its subsidiary e-merchant, to develop the site of the distributor. Some, or perhaps the entire catalog of Pixmania, which sells "everything" according to its CEO, but mainly electronic products, will also be sold under the Carrefour brand and sold in stores in the group.

If both partners remain discreet about the financial terms of the transaction, the aim is to bridge the gap of the distributor, outpaced by the site e-Commerce Casino, Cdiscount, the site recorded 6.8 million visitors Unique in France in May, according Médimétrie / NetRatings.At the same time, there were 7 guaranteed unsecured personal loan.4 million in Cdiscount and the two leading general commercial sites, Amazon and PriceMinister 8.9 and 7.8 million respectively.

"This new partnership is a major step in the development of Carrefour's multi-channel strategy," said Lars Olofsson, CEO of Carrefour, said in a statement. Jean-Emile Rosenblum, vice president and cofounder of Pixmania, the site of Carrefour should quickly catch up with the "technology platform and logistics products" of his group of e-commerce. "There are huge market share to conquer the Internet and that have in the physical world," he adds, citing for example the articles bazaar and sale of televisions.

More notoriety for Pixmania

Steve and Jean-Emile Rosenblum, founders of Pixmania. DR.

Baroin replaces Christine Lagarde at Bercy

June 30, 2011 - 3:28 am Comments Off

As announced in Le Figaro on Wednesday morning, it is Baroin which eventually succeeded in Christine Lagarde Minister of Economy. Valérie Pécresse was appointed to the Department of Budget and is also the holder parolat government. Bruno Le Maire remained in agriculture.

The combination has changed from what was planned Tuesday night after a political blackmail fully assumed by Baroin. The latter has resigned in the balance when he knew that the decision to appoint Bruno Mayor for Economic Affairs was in the process of being confirmed.

The Minister of Agriculture was preferred by Xavier Musca, the secretary general of the Elysee, but also that of Alain Juppe, which saw Nicolas Sarkozy about it this weekend. But it is ultimately a more logical policy that took her.The other entrants were the centrist UMP Marc-Philippe Daubresse for Research, Francois Sauvadet, the chairman of the New Centre in the National Assembly, which would become Secretary of State for Planning.

Other changes of this redesign, Laurent Wauquiez retrieves the portfolio Valérie Pécresse and became Minister of Higher Education and Research. He leaves European Affairs Jean Leonetti. The centrist Francois Sauvadet becomes him, Minister of Public Service while Thierry Mariani became Minister for Transport. Finally, David Douillet became Secretary of State of French nationals abroad (see the complete list of nominations of the new government).

"The president gives in to every whim"

This new combination of government will leave its mark in the quadrants of the majority.The mayor was outraged to find that enough of a nervous breakdown of his former friend Baroin to patterns established by the head of state to be thrown to the basket. Tuesday evening, he suddenly refused the ministry's budget that he proposed in François Fillon consolation prize, saying he had "no special skills to make on the job," says a close associate of Minister of Agriculture.

As for Baroin, he was forced Tuesday to discover his true ambition: to enter at all costs in the round of presidential candidates. This calculation has not escaped François Fillon, who sees as his advantage by supporting the budget minister, he knows he drives a wedge between two lifelong friends: Jean-Francois Cope and Baroin.One thing is certain in any case: the dinners of the quadrants, which gathered around the ambitious Cope from the right will be an opportunity to explain some friends or former friends. "It seems that the president gives in to every whim," says one familiar from the Elysee.

ALSO READ:

"The match of the quadrants to succeed Lagarde

Growth will reach 2.1% this year

June 25, 2011 - 8:24 pm Comments Off

The year 2011 will be marked by beauty "jolts", it should nevertheless result in an increase of 2.1%, according to forecasts released yesterday by INSEE. A figure that – even if it is the thickness of the line – is widely expected to satisfy the government, including the forecast for this year is 2%. It is rare that the institute of statistics is more optimistic than Bercy!

This year has been marked by "shock," said he notes in the introduction of its quarterly. The first months left on the ground running, with a 1% growth in first quarter – "supported in part by exceptional factors, including the effects of catch-up following the strike last fall," and a phenomenon stock, is the INSEE.Industrial production was then greatly accelerated.

This is another backlash that explains the strong slowdown in the spring: the end of the scrapping a car that plunged household consumption, in the face of any support in the international environment.

But after that, the momentum for two years and would resume its place in the third and fourth quarters, growth would return to a rate of 0.5%. Households would resume eating, companies continue to invest and trade would not weigh on growth.

Peak inflation to 2.5% in October

In this context, improving on the employment front would continue. Job creation in the private sector would be of about 106,000 in the first half, then 73,000 the second 100% free credit score.The unemployment rate should fall back and to 9% in mainland France by the end of the year, "still above its pre-crisis", said Insee, however. This improvement, along with higher wages, could have played very positively on the wallets of the French. Especially since the Insee estimated that 1 billion the amount that could be injected by companies to employees by the end of the year (an amount that does not damage their margin, the precise INSEE) for the "premium against dividend" – a device that must still be approved by the Senate.

But did not count on the rise in inflation resulting from higher commodity prices. In October, a peak would be reached, with inflation reaching 2.5% year on year.As a result, gains in purchasing power would be only "moderate" in 2011, and they increase by 1%, after 0.8% in 2010.

The savings rate, which had increased significantly during the crisis, should remain at a high level, 16%.

Insee warns in conclusion that several uncertainties surrounding this scenario. On the negative side, the weakness of the U.S. economy could be more sustainable envisioned the restoration of the Japanese economy may be slower. Conversely, "face to improve the labor market, the French could break with the precautionary behavior they adopted during the crisis," and consumption grow more strongly than anticipated.

Balances to thwart price increases

June 22, 2011 - 1:36 pm Comments Off

Just arrived in the summer, here are the summer sales. From Wednesday, the clothing retailers will offer discounts of 30 to 50% of their collections. This is for them to attract consumers who shun fashion for nearly two years. If an improvement was seen in the spring, it could be threatened by an inevitable increase in prices of clothing, the impact of rising costs of raw materials, labor and transportation.

"We are all faced with rising production costs that we have at least partly reflected in our prices, and this will be even bigger in the fall and winter," says Antoine Brieu, director of C & A France. Its sign, high image discount, is not doing too badly at the moment, because in inflationary times, consumers fall back on cheap brands.C & A has found "a significant increase in its turnover and sales volumes" in March, April and May

"Buy smart"

In general, the industry experienced a beautiful spring, after a bad first quarter. Sales in April and May were supported by good weather, before a lull since early June due to weather and to wait before a traditional balances. "We have no signs of a recovery in the consumption of textiles in France, contrary to what one can see in some countries of northern Europe, says Gildas Minvielle, head of the center of economic French Institute of fashion. And in times of crisis, it is difficult to raise prices too much.The increases will be applied in a differentiated way for this to be as painless as possible. "

Aware of the issue, the French will then engage in a hunt for "buying smart", as they have done since the beginning of the economic downturn. This time, the scope is relatively narrow. As traders have sold quite well in early spring, the stocks available for sales are less important than the past seasons.

Distinguish the goods to the risk of missing

In addition, professionals, stung by the decline in demand were far more modest in their orders. "Companies have become very conservative for two years.They would rather miss sales than remain with unsold inventory, "said Jean-Marc Genis, president of the National Federation of brands of clothing.

If, as always, a rush is expected at the start of the period, the effect balances the risk of falling fast enough. "We usually sell 50% of our total sales the first week and then is divided by two every week," said Antoine Brieu C & A.

So, after two to three weeks, the goods to stand out may be missed. This will allow retailers to quickly implement the fall-winter season.With price increases all the more important that the parts are more "heavy" coat material includes more than a T-shirt.

ALSO READ:

"Sales: € 259 costs envisaged

"Hugo Boss response methods of Zara

"The fragrance for help fashion houses

Renault: not high end by the end of 2014

June 21, 2011 - 11:04 am Comments Off

It will still wait to see Renault to build a new high-end model. The next generation of the Laguna and Espace, which is currently working on the group, "come out from the end of 2014," said Jerome Stoll, the commercial director. Replacement of the Vel Satis, ie the launch of a large luxury sedan, however, is not expected at this time, unlike what was envisaged in the fall in 2 to 3 years.

Frozen during the crisis, the renewal of Renault's high-end drags on. Originally planned for 2010-2011, the output of the successor of the space has continued to be shifted. Last September, the group was a sale of this vehicle in 2013-2014.

Yet it is urgent. The manufacturer has stopped production of its Vel Satis end of 2009. Last year it sold just 53,700 17,000 Laguna 3 and 4 space, two models from 2007 to 2002."As a carmaker, it is vital for Renault to be present on the high end" in order to have an offer modern hotel located above the Scenic MPV, Jerome Stoll said. Another issue this type of product takes the image of the entire line up.

PSA on the offensive

The subject was presented recently to the agenda by the government, major shareholder of the manufacturer, who insists that Renault acquires a high-end product in France high quality business cards. The next Laguna and Espace, however, could also be manufactured abroad, to markets outside Europe, according to an internal source.

The weakness of Renault on the high end is more apparent than his rival PSA increases the offensive in this niche. Citroën has introduced the DS4, the second model in its distinctive range DS. And Peugeot marketed earlier this year its 508.Originality of the approach, the 508 and the future DS5 will be manufactured and sold in both Europe and China, to amortize development costs.

If he wants to go upmarket, Renault will be faced with the difficulty of having to do the splits. For the same time, the group intends to accelerate the development of its low-cost Dacia brand, to bring it to 2% market share in Europe in 2013. Counting models of this type sold under the Renault brand internationally, this range could be up to 30% of sales of the manufacturer in this horizon.

ALSO READ:

"The gap between Renault and Peugeot Citroën

"Renault unveils strategic plan" more realistic "

Wall Street expected to open in the balance

June 17, 2011 - 2:44 pm Comments Off

The U.S. stock markets would open again on Friday in a small increase. Future of Standard & Poor's 500 and Nasdaq 100, respectively, in fact advance of 0.20% to 1266 points and 0.18% at 2199.50 points. Thursday, Wall Street has ended in a disorganized, fears shared by more and more vivid on the outcome of the crisis of public finances in Europe and reassuring indicators from the United States who came to end a series of bad news on the macroeconomic level.

Note, in this session, the VIX implied volatility index, also called fear index, rose 6.6% during the session at 22.73 and just reacted to what is wanted "reassuring "European officials.

Greece still under surveillance

The situation in Greece is also likely again to engage the attention of investors before the publication of a new round of macroeconomic indicators expected on Friday. Originally scheduled Thursday, the redesign part of the Greek government has intervened in the morning. In a final attempt to resolve the political crisis gripping the country, Prime Minister George Papandreou announced the formation of a new government. The name was the most anticipated of the new finance minister.This will be the former Defence Minister Evangelos Venizelos, who is also Vice-Premier, announced Friday a spokesman of the Greek government.

Efforts that do not seem to convince the Fed chairman, Alan Greenspan, who said in a television interview Thursday night that a lack of Greece was to him "almost certain".

On the foreign exchange market, the euro is falling against the dollar. To 11 hours in Paris, the single European currency was worth 1.4189 dollars against 1.4209 dollars on Thursday night. Oil prices also retreated during the session. A barrel of Brent North Sea crude for August delivery was trading at 112.72 dollars on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) in London, down $ 1.30 from the close of Thursday.In electronic trading of the New York Mercantile Exchange, a barrel of "light sweet crude" (WTI) for delivery in July let go $ 1.54, to 93.41 dollars. It fell earlier to 92.12 dollars, its lowest level since late February.

United States, on the macroeconomic front, investors will monitor the indices of consumer sentiment and leading indicators that will be announced in mid-afternoon.

RIM, in line with expectations

The side of values, the U.S. bank Capital One said Thursday after the close of Wall Street that it would buy the Dutch bank insurer ING's U.S. subsidiary of ING Direct online bank for $ 9 billion in cash and shares.Under the agreement, ING Capital One pays $ 6.2 billion in cash, together with some 55.9 million shares of Capital One, estimated at about $ 2.8 billion.

The Canadian group Research in Motion (RIM), listed on Wall Street, manufacturer of BlackBerry smart phones, said Thursday after market close a net profit of 695 million U.S. dollars, in line with expectations, but sales below market expectations for its first quarter.

Also note, the U.S. Treasury said Thursday it planned to recover about 36 million in bringing to market some 2.85 million shares of Bank Central Pacific Financial held.

Orders for medium-haul aircraft should carve out the lion's share at Paris Air Show, in particular the re-engined Airbus A320, whose commercial success increases the pressure on Boeing for a decision on the future of 737, the 'best-selling commercial airplane in the world.

The title of the internet radio Pandora Media should still be very surrounded. Thursday, it fell by almost 23.88% for its second day on the stock market, and coast now below its IPO price.

Sixth year of real estate crisis in the U.S.

June 14, 2011 - 4:16 am Comments Off

It's been five years since the U.S. housing bubble deflates, after swelling for fourteen years. The consequences of this reversal are still stopping the economy and financial system of the United States poor credit personal loans.

Click on image to enlarge.