The LA Times reports, “Prompted by a recent surge of prosperity in the Middle East, the giant American beverage companies have engaged in a fierce race to win the soft-drink allegiance of Arabs, especially youth. In the last few years, Coca-Cola Co. and PepsiCo Inc. have recorded more than 10% growth in their annual sales [...]

A fancy watch, luxury car, second home, designer clothes and corner office are no longer enough for today’s super rich. With advanced technology becoming cheaper to produce and distribute by the year, it’s more difficult than ever for the status-conscious consumer to stand out in a crowd. A niche market of super-luxury goods is emerging [...]

Torafu Architects‘ design for the Nike Air Force 1 shoe store in Harajuku, Tokyo, is stunning. The sneakers are displayed all facing the same direction in a double-glass showcase, creating a visual effect similar to a school of migratory fish swimming in an aquarium. The store’s second floor is available by reservation only for die-hard [...]