China to ban public purchases of ‘High-End’ alcohol and cigarettes

Chinese government pledged to ban the use of public funds to buy cigarettes and “high- end” alcohol. “Corruption is the biggest danger facing the ruling party,” Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said, according to an official statement. “If not dealt with properly, the problem may change the nature of, or terminate, the political regime.” Wen Jiabao, … Read more

French organic vineyards: “For us, it’s not marketing, it’s our philosophy”

Chateau Guiraud 2011 awarded the official biological farming (AB) logo French organic vineyards doubled between 2007 and 2010 and then increased again 28 percent between 2009 and 2010 to reach 50,268 hectares (124,214 acres). These vineyards were run by 3,945 producers, up by 30 percent between 2009 and 2010, who made some 322 million euros … Read more

Neiman Marcus invests $28 million in Chinese e-commerce luxury market

Top U.S. luxury retailer enters Asian e-commerce market in partnership with Glamour Sales Holding (HK) Top U.S. Luxury Retailer Neiman Marcus Group announced a non-controlling strategic investment in Glamour Sales Holding (HK), a privately held e-commerce company.  This will be the company’s first move into the fast-growing luxury retail market in China. “We are taking … Read more

2LUXURY2 e-Magazine will be launched in PARIS during 1.618 Paris, the Sustainable Luxury Event

ARE YOU PART OF THIS NEW WORLD ?   2LUXURY2, the International magazine of a new LUXURY, is proud to announce its PARIS launch during 1.618 Sustainable Luxury Event – 1.618-paris.com. From March 29th to April 1st, you are invited to discover our vision of this new luxury world at the “Cité de la Mode … Read more

Four Seasons, Hilton and Marriott top second annual Digital IQ Index: Hotels

A brand’s site remains hotels primary revenue generator. Hotel brands indicated they would spend 34 percent of their 2011 online budgets on site redesigns and optimization; however, the second annual L2’s “Digital IQ index: Hotels” research demonstrates that the industry is slow to adopt best practices. Four Seasons, Hilton and Marriott Top the Digital IQ … Read more

Booming luxury markets helped Hermes to report record profits

Hermes luxury handbags and silk scarves were sold in 2011 like hotcakes. Hermes reported a record year in 2011 with a 40.9-percent rise in net profit which helped push up its shares 3.01 percent in early trading, informs AFP. Hermes reported record sales, and a net result of 594.3 million euros ($787 million). The luxury … Read more