Latest news with #EMEIA
Al Bawaba
13 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Kodak Alaris Launches Next-Gen Scanners and Software to Drive Business Efficiency and Customer Impact
Kodak Alaris today announced the launch of its next-generation KODAK S5000 Series production scanners and the latest version of its industry-leading capture software, KODAK Capture Pro 7.0. Delivering unmatched speed, accuracy and automation, the new scanners process up to 210 sheets per minute and are purpose-built to meet the exacting needs of high-volume, high-stakes industries across the Middle East, including banking, insurance, healthcare, and government.'Across the Middle East, businesses are under intense pressure to digitise operations quickly and accurately to meet rising customer expectations and regulatory demands,' said Naji Kazak, VP EMEIA & APAC at Kodak Alaris. 'By enabling organisations to scan, process and archive vast amounts of information with exceptional speed and precision, the new KODAK S5000 Series and Capture Pro 7.0 help ensure that no critical data is lost and that customer interactions, whether it's a loan application, a medical record or an insurance claim, are handled seamlessly and securely.'At the heart of the KODAK S5000 Series is a powerful 32-core image processor, enabling consistently high throughput even for complex, mixed-batch scan jobs. The scanners' Dynamic Flow technology distributes computing load between hardware and software, maintaining full speed even when producing three simultaneous image outputs per page. This is ideal for organisations needing both archival and optimised files. For example, an insurance company can simultaneously capture a compliant image for audit purposes, an optimised file for workflow, and a colour copy for customer service, all in a single scanners are also designed to handle sensitive and irregular documents with ease, thanks to advanced protection mechanisms including ultrasonic double-feed detection, metal and crease sensors, and intelligent slowdown to prevent jams or damage. This reliability is critical in finance and healthcare, where preserving original documents, while maintaining processing efficiency, can directly impact customer outcomes. The redesigned operator interface features an intuitive touchscreen for faster setup and issue resolution, while real-time monitoring of consumables minimises disruption to critical Capture Pro 7.0 complements the new hardware with a fully 64-bit architecture and an adaptable tile-based user interface, built to manage even the largest and most complex capture jobs. In concert, the hardware and software provide an integrated solution that helps organisations streamline workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and improve turnaround times, ultimately enhancing the customer experience.'These scanners have been designed to unlock productivity at a time when Middle East businesses are under more pressure than ever to operate efficiently,' Kazak added. 'By automating tedious manual steps and ensuring reliable, high-quality output, Kodak Alaris empowers organisations to focus on delivering better outcomes. Our customers are seeing tangible business value, whether that's faster and more accurate claims processing in insurance, or more thorough vetting of loan applications in finance. All this goes a long way in improving customer trust and satisfaction.' The KODAK S5000 Series is available in three models tailored to different performance needs: the S5160 processes up to 160 sheets per minute, the S5180 up to 180 sheets per minute, and the flagship S5210 up to 210 sheets per minute, with tri-stream mode delivering even higher image counts. The KODAK Capture Pro 7.0 software and the entire S5000 Series will be available in the Middle East starting August 2025.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Burberry Stems Sales Declines in First Quarter as Schulman's Strategy Takes Hold
This story was updated at 2:00 p.m. ET on Friday, July 18. — What a difference a year makes. More from WWD Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti to Open a Campus in London Priya Nair Returns to India as CEO, Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever Limited Topshop to Stage Fashion Show in London After Seven-year Hiatus Burberry's focus on simplification, productivity and cash flow helped to narrow the double-digit sales declines of past months, with the company reporting 433 million pounds in retail revenue, a 6 percent drop at reported exchange, and a 2 percent decline at constant rates in the first fiscal quarter. That compares with double-digit declines last summer, when the board brought in chief executive officer Josh Schulman to steady the ship, and initiate a turnaround. Schulman's approach is working, and investors responded with gusto, sending the share price up more than 6 percent to close at 13.27 pounds on Friday, July 18. Comparable store sales were down 1 percent compared with 21 percent in the corresponding period last year, with improvement across all regions, and the Americas and EMEIA region showing positive growth. The Americas region was up 4 percent, followed by EMEIA, or Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa, which rose 1 percent. Greater China was down 5 percent, while Asia-Pacific fell 4 percent in the three months to June 30. The results outstripped expectations, with analysts projecting a 3 percent decline in comparable store sales. Deutsche Bank noted that Burberry shares are up 27 percent so far this year, 'significantly outperforming both larger peers [including LVMH and Hermès] and turnaround peers [Kering and Ferragamo].' The bank added that 'further material growth henceforth will depend largely on the company's ability to replicate the success of its core categories onto noncore segments to drive growth and profitability.' Citi looked farther ahead, speculating that underlying retail sales 'could turn positive' in the second fiscal quarter for the first time in two years. The 'execution is on track, with new [fall and spring] collections and a wider pricing architecture delivered to stores over the next three quarters to reignite brand desirability,' Citi said. Bernstein said 'the sequential improvement in same store sales — against a most difficult environment — suggest that things are starting to work.' The bank added that it expects further improvements in Burberry's second half 'as the full impact of the new marketing vision will become apparent with the fall collection.' It believes that Burberry also has a 'more realistic pricing approach in leather goods,' which should help fuel growth going forward. Schulman said that over the past 12 months, Burberry has moved from stabilizing the business to driving Burberry Forward, its growth plan, with confidence. 'The improvement in our first-quarter comparable sales, strength in our core categories, and uptick in brand desirability gives us conviction in the path ahead. Our autumn 2025 collection is being well received by a broad range of luxury customers as it arrives in stores,' he said. Schulman added: 'Although the external environment remains challenging and we are still in the early stages of our transformation, we are encouraged by the initial progress we are starting to see.' Looking ahead to the full 2025-26 year, Burberry stressed that it's still in the early stages of the turnaround, which has been taking place in a macroeconomic environment that remains uncertain. 'Our focus this year is to build on the early progress we have made in reigniting brand desire as a key requisite to growing the top line,' the company said, adding that in the first half, it will continue to prioritize investment. It plans to deliver margin improvement 'with a continued focus on simplification, productivity and cash flow. We remain confident that we are positioning the business for a return to sustainable, profitable growth.' Best of WWD Harvey Nichols Sees Sales Dip, Losses Widen in Year Marred by Closures Nike Logs $1.3 Billion Profit, But Supply Chain Issues Persist Zegna Shares Start Trading on New York Stock Exchange
Fibre2Fashion
4 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
UK's Burberry sees sequential sales recovery despite Q1 revenue dip
British luxury fashion house Burberry Group Plc has reported a 6 per cent year-over-year (YoY) decline in retail revenue to £433 million (~$580.22 million) in the first quarter (Q1) ended June 28, 2025, down from £458 million in the same period last year. At constant exchange rates (CER), the decline was more modest at 2 per cent, with a 1 per cent dip in comparable store sales and a further 1 per cent drag from store space. However, the brand highlighted signs of early progress in its transformation journey under the Burberry Forward strategy. Comparable retail sales improved sequentially across all regions compared to the previous quarter, supported by increased brand desirability, outperformance in core categories such as outerwear and scarves, and improved customer conversion, Burberry said in a press release. Burberry has reported a 6 per cent YoY drop in Q1 FY26 retail revenue to £433 million (~$580.22 million), though comparable sales fell just 1 per cent. Sequential improvement was seen across regions, led by Americas at 4 per cent and EMEIA at 1 per cent. Key initiatives under its Burberry Forward strategyâ€'including brand campaigns, store upgrades, and cost efficienciesâ€'show early signs of progress. The comparable store sales rose 1 per cent, as strong local spending helped offset weaker tourist demand Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA). Americas registered a 4 per cent increase, driven by growth in new customers. Greater China saw sales decline of 5 per cent, with Mainland China down 4 per cent. Asia Pacific saw decrease of 4 per cent due to a challenging performance in Japan, partially balanced by growth in South Korea. Burberry has launched several initiatives during the quarter to reposition the brand and accelerate growth. A series of monthly campaigns—High Summer, Highgrove, and Festival—celebrated British summer traditions while targeting diverse customer segments. The Autumn 2025 collection, rebalanced under the Burberry Forward vision, focused on fewer, iconic pieces that highlight recognisable brand codes. In-store enhancements included updated visual merchandising and the introduction of a scarf bar pilot, which outperformed the broader store fleet, with 200 installations targeted by year-end. The online growth continued for the third consecutive quarter, supported by improved product mix, universal styling, and enhanced storytelling. Organisational changes were implemented to foster collaboration and agility, and the cost efficiency programme remains on track to deliver £80 million in annualised savings by FY26. Burberry acknowledged that the macroeconomic environment remains challenging and reiterated that it is still in the early stages of its business turnaround. The company plans to prioritise investment through the first half of fiscal 2026 (FY26), with an emphasis on reigniting brand desirability—a key driver for future top-line growth. The company aims to deliver margin improvement in FY26 through continued simplification, productivity, and strong cash flow discipline, with a focus on returning to sustainable, profitable growth. The company also introduced a new regional structure in FY26: Greater China included Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan; Asia Pacific comprised the rest of Asia including Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. 'Over the past year, we have moved from stabilising the business to driving Burberry Forward with confidence. The improvement in our first-quarter comparable sales, strength in our core categories, and uptick in brand desirability give us conviction in the path ahead. Our Autumn 2025 collection is being well received by a broad range of luxury customers as it arrives in stores. Although the external environment remains challenging and we are still in the early stages of our transformation, we are encouraged by the initial progress we are starting to see,' said Joshua Schulman, chief executive officer (CEO) at Burberry. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Burberry ‘encouraged' by turnaround progress amid job cuts
Burberry has said it is 'encouraged' by the initial progress from its transformation plan but highlighted that trading conditions remain 'challenging'. The London fashion house revealed that retail revenues fell by 6% to £433 million for the 13 weeks to June 28, compared with a year earlier, amid a drag from currency rates. However, it reflected a slowdown in the group's sales decline amid efforts to turn around its fortunes after coming under pressure from weaker luxury spending. Last November, the group launched a £40 million cost-cutting programme after first sinking to a loss. In May, the company announced proposals to cut about 1,700 jobs worldwide over the next two years as part of the shake-up. In its fresh update, Burberry said it has made some progress in its transformation efforts but is still in the 'early stages' of the potential turnaround. The company said: 'In the first half, we are continuing to prioritise investment and expect to see the impact of our initiatives build as the year progresses.' It pointed towards efforts to simplify its operations and improve productivity in a bid to improve profit margins. In the latest quarter, Burberry said there were improvements across its main regions, amid strong sales of 'outerwear and scarves'. Comparable retail sales grew by 1% in Europe, the Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) as positive local spending helped to offset declines among tourists. Meanwhile, its Americas business reported growth of 4% for the quarter. However, it said sales in Greater China fell 5% for the quarter, while its Asia Pacific division saw a drop of 4%, driven by a 'challenging performance in Japan'. Joshua Schulman, chief executive of Burberry, said: 'The improvement in our first quarter comparable sales, strength in our core categories, and uptick in brand desirability gives us conviction in the path ahead. 'Our autumn 2025 collection is being well received by a broad range of luxury customers as it arrives in stores. 'Although the external environment remains challenging and we are still in the early stages of our transformation, we are encouraged by the initial progress we are starting to see.' The boss also highlighted that the business was continuing to see weak trading from tourists in London. The firm reiterated recent calls for the Government to consider reintroducing the scheme which allowed foreign visitors to claim back VAT, which was scrapped in 2021. 'In the UK we still continue to have international consumers not shopping in the UK to the extent we would do. And that does link to the lack of a VAT refund scheme. 'We would like to see changes from the Government which would encourage tourism and shopping, and that is a lever they could pull.' Dan Coatsworth, investment analyst at AJ Bell, said: 'Having stabilised the business, there is evidence Schulman is beginning to gain some traction with his turnaround effort. 'Although sales are still declining, the rate of decline has slowed considerably and by more than the market expected. 'The problem is that Burberry is operating against less than favourable market conditions, so it could end up running hard just to stand still. 'It was notable to see the business acknowledge the challenging backdrop and its key Chinese market, in particular, remains under pressure.' Shares in Burberry climbed by 6.4% in early trading.
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Burberry stops the rot in Q1, Americas comps rise, but China is still negative
As Britain's most prominent luxury label, Burberry 's results re always closely watched, but even more so since it started struggling and issuing profit warnings. And on Friday its Q1 figures were in the spotlight. So how did it do in the 13 weeks to late June? It's not back in top form, although there were very clear signs of progress. The company said that its retail revenue fell 6% on a reported basis to £433 million and it was down 2% at constant exchange rates (CER), stripping out the negative impact of currency effects that have been denting a lot of fashion businesses this year. It was trading from a little less space this time too (-1%), so that also weighed on the figures. Its comparable store sales were down 1% and one of the aforementioned signs of progress could be seen from the fact that a year ago that figure was negative to the tune of 21%. OK, it's not yet been able to claw back any of that 21% deficit of this time last year but in the circumstances of an ongoing luxury slump and the company's own turnaround drive, that 1% fall isn't bad. And analysts had been expecting a fall of around 3% so that was more good news. Most importantly though, comparable store sales in two of its key regions tipped into positive territory. In EMEIA, they were up 1% and in the all-important Americas market they rose 4%. Admittedly Asia in general remains an issue for the brand and Greater China comp sales were down 5% while Asia-Pacific fell 4%. EMEIA had been boosted by local spend offsetting declines from tourists; the Americas was supported by new customer growth; the Greater China figure included a drop of 4% from Mainland China; and the Asia Pacific drop came as it saw a challenging performance in Japan, partially offset by growth in South Korea. What it did right In Q1, the company had taken various actions to boost its performance, 'resulting in comparable retail sales improvement across all regions relative to the previous quarter. This was supported by stronger brand desirability, outperformance in outerwear and scarves and improved conversion'. The company has issued a a series of distinctive monthly campaigns such as High Summer, Highgrove, and Festival, 'each celebrating British summertime traditions while appealing to different customer archetypes'. It rebalanced the autumn 25 collection (its first under the Burberry Forward era), 'attracting a broad range of luxury customers, focused on fewer, bigger ideas, hero-ing recognisable brand codes'. Visual merchandising was also enhanced in stores with fixtures to improve product densities. And its scarf bar pilot is outperforming the fleet with 200 targeted by year end. It saw online momentum continuing for the third consecutive quarter, driven by a 'stronger product mix, universal styling and storytelling'. And its organisational changes are 'fostering greater collaboration and agility'. Its cost efficiency programme is on track to deliver £80 million in annualised savings by FY26. CEO Joshua Schulman understandably chose to focus on the positives and said: 'Over the past year, we have moved from stabilising the business to driving Burberry Forward with confidence. The improvement in our first-quarter comparable sales, strength in our core categories, and uptick in brand desirability gives us conviction in the path ahead.' Of course, it's the future that counts and he added that the autumn 2025 collection 'is being well received by a broad range of luxury customers as it arrives in stores. Although the external environment remains challenging and we are still in the early stages of our transformation, we are encouraged by the initial progress we are starting to see'. As for the FY26 outlook, Schulman emphasised that as well as it still being early in its turnaround drive, the macroeconomic environment 'remains uncertain'. Without giving any concrete figures, he said: 'Our focus this year is to build on the early progress we have made in reigniting brand desire, as a key requisite to growing the top-line. In the first half we are continuing to prioritise investment and expect to see the impact of our initiatives build as the year progresses. We will deliver margin improvement with a continued focus on simplification, productivity and cash flow. We remain confident that we are positioning the business for a return to sustainable, profitable growth.' Analyst view The general view of all this from analysts is that the business is going in the right direction but they're aware that there's still much to do and the market remains tough. Nick Sherrard, MD of innovation expert network Label Sessions, said: 'The leadership team at Burberry has done so much right. In fact, in the year since Josh Schulman took over as CEO it has repositioned the brand in a way that shows real vision, and is hugely admired inside and outside the industry. There are tentative signs of why in today's update. 'The work Burberry has done over leaves it well placed to eat into its competitors' market share. Recent brand activations in Ibiza, Glastonbury, and Highgrove show a brand… clear on its strategy. Execute on that and this could be a classic case study of transformation. 'All of that said, 2025 is not a great time to run a luxury brand. The ad campaign reads 'it's always Burberry weather' but in financial terms, at least, there are limits to how fast you can drive revenue recovery in economic conditions like these – particularly in China and the wider Asia Pacific region.'
