Samsung supply chain in danger zone?
Whether it is for liquid-crystal display panels, cell phones, memory chips, or semiconductors, nearly every technology company relies on Samsung’s robust supply chain. With its headquarters located in Suwon, South Korea, just 35 miles from the North Korean border, many are left to wonder how heavy of an impact a war in Korea would have on the high-tech supply chain. Experts are saying, however, that there is no cause for concern at this point as Samsung and its numerous suppliers located within South Korea are well protected from the potential upheaval. Furthermore, it is believed that with its over 211,000 employees worldwide, Samsung is in a position to be able to properly cope with any potential disruption at its South Korean headquarters.
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Cold weather puts a freeze on retail sales
The recent bad weather has left fashion retailers in the midst of a crisis. According to reports, as the temperatures dropped below zero, demand for spring clothing plunged 3.4% compared to the same period in 2012. With just 6 weeks until new summer ranges are due to hit the shelves, some outlets have requested suppliers to delay deliveries in order to prevent a mass overstock situation. But given the limited storage space, even retailers with the leanest supply chains could be left with exceptionally large levels of redundant spring stock. However, every cloud has its silver lining as the extended winter has given outlets plenty of opportunity to clear winter clothing with sales of some thermal clothing up as much as 300%.
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Unhappy Amazon workers in Germany
On April 9th, over 500 Amazon employees from a central depot located in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, went on strike. News sources site a desire for better contract negotiation conditions and pay increases as the driving forces behind the protest. The strike in Bad Hersfeld may only be the beginning as other German depots continue to plan future walk-outs. This is not the first time the working conditions for Amazon depot workers have been called into question. In 2011, several workers at a US depot were hospitalized after reportedly having to stack boxes in 38°C (100°F) temperatures. Amazon may need to make some serious changes to its working conditions in order to avoid a major supply chain disruption.
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Have a great weekend!