Chinese electronics retailer Suning has announced plans to open 78 stores in December, including 41 new stores and 37 that will be reopened after renovations.

With the approval of China Post, a speciality postage stamp shop has been opened in Changsha, Hunan.

Wal-Mart China is said to have begun a program to optimize the structure of its middle level management.

Department store retail group Parkson has announced that it plans to close two outlets in Beijing and Changsha, citing retail area and lack of sales.

The French male apparel brand AutaSon has opened a flagship store at the Maison Mode Changsha, marking the overall opening of all the stores on the first floor of the department store.

Jiang Yong, vice president for Suning Appliance, said at a meeting held in Changsha, Hunan that the company would maintain a rapid and stable growth in 2009 by opening at least 200 new stores across China, of which at least 10 out of the 200 stores would be located in Hunan.