Marks and Spencer gives China boss the boot

Less than three months after the much-touted launch of its four-level store in Shanghai, Marks and Spencer has sacked Richard Sweet, its top man in China. According to Malcolm Moore of the Daily Telegraph, even twenty years of experience opening stores in India, Russia and the Middle East did not prepare him for China -- much of his stock were impounded at Shanghai customs and as a result, rows and rows of shelves were left bare during the opening. Apparently, the 40,000 sq ft store was also deserted during the Christmas season. A quick check by Shanghaiist last Friday evening found the store similarly devoid of shoppers, in spite of an ongoing Spring Festival sale which sees items going for as much as 50% off.