Nanjing-based supermarket chain Suguo has announced that its sales increased by 10% to CNY33 billion in 2009, despite the global economic crisis.

According to Masaaki Kanai, the CEO of Ryohin Keikaku, despite the gloomy global economy the company plans to increase the number of its Muji stores in China to 30 by the end of 2010.

According to reports in local media, 70 retail enterprises and 200 suppliers recently gathered in Beijing and signed the "Proposal for Fair Cooperation and Promotion of Retailers and Suppliers".

Chinese sportswear giant Li Ning has started its comprehensive distribution network in South Asia with the opening of a flagship store in Ion Orchard, Singapore, and it plans to open up to 100 badminton supplies stores in this area before the end of 2009.

The health and beauty products retailer Watsons has opened a new concept store at U-town Lifestyle Center in Beijing.

Swedish furniture retail giant Ikea has announced that it will close its trade offices in Chengdu, Wuhan, and Xiamen and employees in these three offices will be dismissed.