Search results for 'Latvia'

The history of the area now known as Latvia dates back to 2000 BC, when the first Baltic tribes settled in the area. German Teutonic Knights arrived in 1201 and between the 13th and 16th centuries, converted them to Christianity. The ‘Amber Road’ trade route led to membership of the Hanseatic League (German-originated trading alliance), establishing Riga as the nexus of an important trade network that dominated the Northern European coast.

This report looks at the travel and tourism market in Latvia and provides an insight into the market characteristics, accommodation and attractions. It also provides an overview of the arrivals and what’s next in the industry.

This market report covers retail within 15 emerging countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Turkey. The countries covered in this report have a population broadly similar to the combined population of the five largest economies in Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK). However, the markets covered in this report lag well behind in terms of development and affluence, potentially offering vast scope for future growth, something that a number of multinational companies have sought to exploit by investing early.

The report looks at the market share and size of retail within this region, in addition to providing a crucial insight into challenges affecting to market and potential opportunities.

Some key points discussed in the report include:

This regular report looks at the European retail market. The handbook includes a synopses of the retail scene in each country, details of opening hours and property regulations and contact points for sources of further information. The statistical information in the Handbook has been derived principally from official national or pan-European sources, while the company data has been obtained either directly from the organisations concerned or through trade press reports and duly acknowledged research bodies. Both have been reinforced by Mintel estimates and projections where necessary and we have made every effort to point out anomalies and differences in methodologies and definitions across the various countries. Company turnover figures exclude sales tax in order to make the data more comparable. In the majority of cases the presentation of the retail sales figures is straightforward, as the official data is detailed and reliable. There are instances, however, where Mintel has had to use its own estimates and projections to produce credible figures. Countries where official data is lacking or unreliable include Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and some of the Eastern/Central European countries. Readers should also note that retail sales figures are presented up to 2010 for all countries and we have also included our forecasts for 2011 for the topline figures. All retail sales figures are stated excluding sales tax.

Insight + Impact - Mintel's commitment to its clients is encapsulated in this simple formula.

Mintel's travel and tourism clients gain global insight into the latest consumer trends, issues and developments in the industry. Our high quality data, meaningful analysis and actionable recommendations always positively impact our clients' business.

Travel and Tourism Analyst is a unique series of 20 reports, designed to keep tourism organisations, tourist boards, leading travel operators, academic institutions and investment houses in touch with global travel trends....

This report provides a snapshot of the leading retailers in Europe. Viewed year on year it also gives a picture of how the European market is changing. The expected recovery in 2010 proved to be more muted than anticipated with trading conditions remaining very tough in many markets. Retailers remain cautious, with a number aiming to cut back on unprofitable operations or putting expansion plans on hold.

We cover the Top 300 European retailers and provide a guide to the hierarchy of the European retail sector. Companies are also ranked by country and by Sector.

Towards the end of 2008, the economic situation in Europe worsened considerably as a result of the global financial crisis. Following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in October 2008, governments across Europe intervened to prevent the financial services sector from undergoing a complete meltdown. However, the crisis has now spread to the real economy and countries across Europe are having to deal with housing market corrections, a sharp fall in global demand and rising unemployment....

This report covers nine markets that we consider to be the emerging markets in Europe: eight in Central and Eastern Europe plus Turkey. Previous editions of this report have also included Slovenia, but we now feel that this is sufficiently developed to no longer be included as an emerging market.

We also looked at including markets such as Ukraine, FYROM and Serbia but feel that it is still too early to include these markets in the same context. However, we will continue to review this....

European Retail Briefing is a monthly briefing providing news and analysis that includes company results, store openings, cross-border moves, M & A activities, executive changes and property developments. Additionally each month, European Retail Briefing focuses on a key issue or specific European retail sector. The month's retail news is then analysed sector by sector, making this an invaluable resource for all with an interest in the European retail industry....

The European Retail Handbook provides demographic and economic data in support of specific and detailed analysis of the retail trade in each country. The retail information relates to sales at national level and on a key sector basis, as well as the structure of the trade in terms of businesses, outlets and employees. Additionally, major retailers and retail groupings are identified with an indication of their size and relative importance. Other useful information includes synopses of the retail scene in each country, details of shop opening hours and property regulations and contact points for sources of further information. The statistical information in the Handbook has been derived principally from official national or pan-European sources, while the company data has been obtained either directly from the organisations concerned or through trade press reports and duly acknowledged research bodies. Both have been reinforced by Mintel estimates and projections where necessary and we have made every effort to point out anomalies and differences in methodologies and definitions across the various countries. Company turnover figures exclude sales tax in order to make the data more comparable....

This monthly report on the European retail market provides news and analysis on the general industry, in addition to developments to the retail landscape covering company moves and openings. The latest marketing and advertising strategies are also outlined, along with a focus on a key issue in the market, or a key retail sector currently impacting the industry.

The economic downturn has had a marked impact on all markets across Europe, particularly the retail market. Forced to support ailing banks and seeing GDP growth fall sharply amidst weak export trade and foreign investment, consumers had to face rising unemployment, lower disposable incomes and rising uncertainty, all of which impacted markedly on consumer confidence and attitudes to the retail market.

The universe of academia and tourism do not seem to have a natural affinity but yet there are connections between the two. The tourism industry has diversified into dozens of niche markets (of which learning holidays are one) while academia has adopted some of the strategies of the corporate world to keep their revenues flowing. The thread that binds them is education and this report examines areas in which these two disparate worlds come together.

Looking at both ends of the age scale – students who travel to European countries to complete their higher education and ‘mature’ travellers who go off on learning holidays – certain commonalities emerge. Business people working for multinational companies who attend language schools to improve their communications skills are also part of the mix.

Students come to Europe from all over the world, attracted by the international reputation of universities such as the Sorbonne in Paris, or Cambridge University. The leading destinations for foreign students are the UK, Germany and France – countries that are also among the most popular venues for international tourists. In 2010, France, which topped the list of most popular destinations among foreign travellers, registered 76.6 million international overnight arrivals.

This report looks at the following key points:

• What is the impact of university fees on country choice?
• What are the top European destinations for foreign students?
• Who are Europe’s senior travellers?
• How are educational holidays faring?
• What’s next for the educational tourism market?

Trading updates from both HMV and Game in the past week would suggest the gaming market in the UK was dying. But looking across Europe Gamestop, the leading retailer, is thriving. Why? What can one learn from the other? The key appears to be in integrating the stores and online offer.

Both Game and HMV have reaped the rewards of their presence in one of the most dynamic and fastest growing retail sectors during the boom years. However, both announced dreadful results this week. Game’s like for like sales dropped 12.2% in the 44 weeks to 4 December with total sales down 14.7%. HMV’s game sales fell 12% in the first half of their 2010/11 financial year. Both may point to the lack of major gaming launches in the year, and it is true that the recent launch of major titles and hardware should help boost trading over Christmas, but both figures are below our own estimates for performance in the market in 2010....

European Retail Briefing is a monthly briefing providing news and analysis that includes company results, store openings, cross-border moves, M & A activities, executive changes and property developments. Additionally each month, European Retail Briefing focuses on a key issue or specific European retail sector. The month's retail news is then analysed sector by sector, making this an invaluable resource for all with an interest in the European retail industry....

European Retail Briefing is a monthly briefing providing news and analysis that includes company results, store openings, cross-border moves, M & A activities, executive changes and property developments. Additionally each month, European Retail Briefing focuses on a key issue or specific European retail sector. The month's retail news is then analysed sector by sector, making this an invaluable resource for all with an interest in the European retail industry....

European Retail Briefing is a monthly briefing providing news and analysis that includes company results, store openings, cross-border moves, M & A activities, executive changes and property developments. Additionally each month, European Retail Briefing focuses on a key issue or specific European retail sector. The month's retail news is then analysed sector by sector, making this an invaluable resource for all with an interest in the European retail industry....