Following its acquisition of the Japanese electronics retailer Laox, the Chinese electronics retailer Suning has announced plans to introduce more Japanese-made products through its outlets, starting in Shanghai.

According to reports in local media, China's Gansu province plans to build and renovate 3,000 rural retail chain stores in 2010.

Jiangsu-based computer retailer Hisap has announced plans to raise up to CNY1.4 billion by a private issue of new shares to fund the opening of additional chain stores.

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.

International sports apparel maker Nike has announced plans to invest USD99 million to build a new distribution center in the Taicang Economic Development Area, Jiangsu, to reinforce its future development in China.

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.