Jollibee opens in Florida, Australian businesses prepare for Amazon’s arrival

Jollibee, the largest Asian restaurant company, has arrived at Jacksonville, Florida, the home of the largest Filipino-American community in the state. Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) currently operates in 14 markets, with a total of 3,254 stores globally. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, local retailers are preparing for Amazon’s arrival in Australia.

Australia

Australian retailers are working on enhancing their delivery capabilities ahead of the arrival of Amazon this year. Rob Hango-Zada, co-founder of online logistics startup Shippit, said the threat of the e-commerce giant to “destroy” the local retail industry by undercutting prices to 30 percent is only part of the picture, News.com.au reports.

US

Small businesses in the US declare a drop in revenue, while others say they see rise in sales as the nation experiences a warmer winter. Ted Puzio's plumbing and electrical company in Roanoke, Virginia has lesser work this season because there are not much frozen and burst pipes. Jason Askins' pool remodelling and repair franchise, on the other hand, was benefited with an 80 percent increase in revenue.

Canada

Starbucks Canada announced Wednesday that it will give jobs to 1,000 refugees over the next five years. "Given the critical role Canada plays in welcoming refugees, we are resolute in our commitment to provide opportunities for employment so that these newcomers can successfully integrate and create a better future for themselves and their families," Rossann Williams, the president of Starbucks Canada, said in a statement.

Europe

In the United Kingdom, a new report shows that nearly half of small British businesses would rather trade with the US than other major international markets if barred from European Union after Brexit. Britain's Federation of Small Businesses released its findings March 21, stressing the significance of establishing a new trade deal between the UK and US.

Africa

A spokesperson for World Food Program said Africa is facing the world’s largest humanitarian crisis since 1945. “Any cuts at this time are extremely significant, not just for us but for any UN agencies and any aid organisation,” David Orr, WFP’s Africa spokesman, said at a media briefing in Johannesburg Tuesday.

Asia Pacific

Bayer Pharmaceuticals declared a sales increase of 8.6 percent for its Pharmaceuticals Division in the Asia-Pacific region in 2016. “With our robust performance in Asia-Pacific, we expect the positive development to continue in 2017 as our innovative products continue to serve the growing healthcare needs in the region,” Claus Zieler, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Division Asia-Pacific’s senior vice president, said.