China is the second latest economy in the world, every significant brand's future is impacted by its growth (or collapse!); but who's got the time?! Here's a weekly potpourri of ten reads that will make you look like a keen China observer during any conversation about China. This week: Home Depot, dark side of the mooncake, Nike, H&M, branded WeChat, Chengdu Gangnam Style, brand-sponsored pole dancing, and more...Continue reading...

Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan invited celebrity chefs Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, Jamie Oliver and other professional foodies to help kick off the retail brand's food-themed holiday windows this year, in a bid "to prove that fashion and food are not exclusive."Continue reading...

Italian coffee maker Illy is hoping Americans infatuated with coffee culture, but burned by Starbucks’ roast will pause for a taste of Italy.

Illy is increasing its profile in the United States through a stealth campaign in independent coffee shops, signing agreements with 28 independent cafes to exclusively brew the Italian roast, allowing Illy to intervene in order to assure quality control.

The coffee maker launched the program three years ago in Italy: "Artisti del Gusto," or Artists of Taste. In the US, Illy is currently found in high end grocery stores, restaurants and hotels. The new partnerships will raise the brand's profile as cafes adopt Illy-branded merchandise: espresso machines, artwork, ceramic mugs and red stand umbrellas.

The “Artists of Taste” program offers benefits to the cafes, and a chance to compete with local Starbucks shops. Café owners, like Sean Lupton-Smith, find value in offering Illy as a “consistent experience to our customers," and sees it as a "strong enough [brand] to stand up to the Starbucks around the corner.”Continue reading...

Berkshire acquires remaining stake of Burlington Northern. [WSJ]

Sony Ericcson unveils first Android smartphone, on sale early next year. [NY Times]

Starbucks dumps "Gold" loyalty program in favor of "My Starbucks Rewards." [Business Insider]

Lloyd's and RBS agree to sell assets for further federal aid. [NY Times]

UBS expects further client hemorrhaging. [NY Times]

Year-for-year sales at Toyota decline. [WSJ]

Carmakers grapple with pronounciation of "2010." [NY Times]

Embattled Liz Claiborne CEO renews contract for three years. [WSJ]

(More headlines: Peets, Illy, Starbucks, Vegemite iSnack rises).Continue reading...