PARLEZ-VOUS FRANCAIS? RETAILERS IN QUEBEC MANDATED TO APPLY FRENCH SIGNAGE TO CANADIAN STOREFRONTS

The government in Quebec announced a proposed modification to the province’s sign rules that would require businesses ibn Quebec to add French to their outdoor signage. They did agree to retailers not having to alter their registered trademark names or logos. These retailers would be required to add a French word, description or slogan to their outdoor signage. The French words are not required to be larger than the non-French trademark name.

The government is requesting public feedback on the new proposed regulations for the next 45 days. WalMart’s regional president, Xavier Piesvaux, said the regulation “gives our companies the flexibility to communicate in French while keeping the integrity of our brand”. In 2014 major retailers, such as WalMart, Costco, Best Buy, Gap, Old Navy, Guess and Toys ‘R’ Us won a court battle ruling that storefront signs with their trademark in English does not contravene the Charter of the French Language.

Source: CBC CA NEWS

2016 Retail Store Closings Planned

Macy’s announced it would be closing 35-40 underperforming brick and mortar retail stores in the 2016 calendar year, making room to open its discount stores. Other retailers also announced plans to close doors in 2016, including Office Depot, Walgreens, The Gap and Barnes & Noble.

While retailers are usually reluctant to announce store closures because of the uncertainty it can create with investors and analysts, it also can be viewed favorably as a company’s ability to change quickly in such a competitive retail environment.

Retailers who have announce the highest number of store closures include: Office Depot/Office Max (400 closures), Barnes & Noble (223), Children’s Place (200), Walgreens (200), Aeropostale (175), American Eagle (150), Chico’s (120) and Pier One (60).

Source: about money.com