Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Lancome flagship unveiled in Paris

    Lancome flagship unveiled in Paris

    The French luxury beauty brand Lancome has launched its first flagship store on the prestigious Champs-Elysees in the heart of Paris.

    The new Lancome flagship store occupies a 300sqm area and spans two floors. From the entrance, Lancome’s customers will experience exhibition space called Joy Of Now which features a triple-height ceiling and decorated with hanging rose petals, that recreate the essence of the Lancome world.

    An illuminated pink floral wall is the backdrop for the diverse catalog of Lancome Perfumes displayed side by side. A floor-to-ceiling crystal chandelier was hung at its center, above a round table arrangement of newest-launched fragrances.

    “We’re proud to see the Lancome flagship come to life: this new home for Lancome offers a unique and elevated customer experience,” says Francoise Lehmann, global president at Lancome.

    “This new venue is a true home of beauty and happiness, where our guests are invited to experience and delve into what the brand has to offer in terms of beauty products, services, personalization, gifting and technology. Most importantly of all, we want them to leave feeling happy. We want this flagship to become a “must-see” and an iconic beauty address for Parisians and tourists of the world alike.”

    The Lancome flagship store features a wide selection of products including the brand’s limited editions, skincare and makeup products, perfumes, souvenirs, accessories, and others. Lancome will also organize masterclasses given by the brand’s makeup artists in this place.

    Before leaving, customers are invited to pick a present and have it personalized in the gift room at the end of the ground floor.

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  • Cebu Pacific offers discounted fares for some local

    Cebu Pacific offers discounted fares for some local

    Cebu Pacific is offering fares as low as P99 for local flights originating from Cagayan de Oro, Cebu and Clark, the airline announced Saturday.

    The so-called seat sale for domestic flights begins Saturday, Nov. 23, and runs until Monday, Nov. 25, with travel period between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2020.

    For international flights, the promo ends on Wednesday, Nov. 27., for travel between Dec. 10, 2019, and May 31 next year.

    The P99 price point is offered for flights departing Cebu for cities such as Bacolod, Boracay (Caticlan), Cagayan De Oro, Clark, Coron (Busunaga), Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, and Puerto Princesa, and more.

    The cheapest flights coming from Manila are P499 heading to Bacolod or Iloilo.

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  • Hong Kong Customs seize $2m in fake goods in prime retail strip

    Hong Kong Customs seize $2m in fake goods in prime retail strip

    Hong Kong Customs raided an upstairs showroom in the heart of the city’s prime retail precinct this week, seizing about HK$2 million worth of fake goods.

    They arrested a 71-year-old man on site who was allegedly in charge of the counterfeit retailing business.

    A Customs spokesperson said the showroom had been operating in “a low-profile mode” and mainly served foreign visitors to Hong Kong. Typically in these businesses, tourists are approached by individuals and invited to see luxury goods in hidden-away ‘stores’.

    Customs had earlier discovered an upstairs showroom in Causeway Bay selling suspected counterfeit goods and after an investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, officers took enforcement action on Wednesday. After raiding the showroom they seized about 1700 items including handbags, belts, watches and sneakers.

    “Famous brands were involved and the goods available for sale had a high degree of resemblance,” said the spokesperson.

    Customs says it plans to step up investigations into the sale of counterfeit goods and enforcement of the law in the coming weeks as Christmas approaches.

    The spokesperson reminded traders to be “cautious and prudent” in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offense. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

  • APAC Anti Ocean Plastic Fund Raises Over $100 Million

    APAC Anti Ocean Plastic Fund Raises Over $100 Million

    Circulate Capital, investment managers dedicated to ocean plastic prevention, raised $106 million in its venture capital fund aimed to clear the waters in Asia.

    The fund will invest in companies and infrastructure that prevent ocean plastic in South and Southeast Asia through a model that blends concessionary funds with investment capital. It has identified more than 200 potential investment opportunities with the first targets for capital deployment earmarked for 2019-end.

    Founding investors of the fund include PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Dow, Unilever, Coca-Cola Company, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and Danone.

    Asia is the leading contributor to the crisis, with 60 percent of ocean plastic originating from the region, according to a release. A recent Ocean Conservancy report found financing gaps of $28-40 per ton of plastic waste collection in the top five ocean polluters – China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

    «The good news is that we are able to reduce nearly 50% of the world’s plastic leakage by investing in the waste and recycling sector in Asia, and even more if we invest in innovative materials and technologies,» said Rob Kaplan, CEO of Circulate Capital.

    «This is why we are here in Singapore – a strategic hub of Southeast Asia – to prove that investing in this sector is scalable for the region and can generate competitive returns while moving closer to solving the ocean plastic crisis.»

    Corporate Returns

    In addition to investment returns, its founding investors could make gains from the actual activities engaged by firms. For example, ecosystems to support plastic recycling could result in astronomical long-term returns for companies involved in large scale packaging by potentially creating a «circular economy».

    That’s why at Coca-Cola we have invested in Circulate Capital and have committed to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle and can we produce by 2030, said Matt Echols, vice president of communications, public affairs and sustainability, Coca-Cola Asia Pacific.

    Packaging does not need to become waste. By investing in the waste collection and recycling sector in this critical region, beverage packaging can become a valuable material used again and again – a step closer towards a circular economy.

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  • Adairs acquires online-only homewares brand

    Adairs acquires online-only homewares brand

    Adairs has entered into a binding agreement to acquire pure-play homewares retailer Mocka for approximately $80 million.

    Mocka operates across Australia and New Zealand and will continue to run as an independent business with the existing management team leading its operations and strategy.

    All product design, development, sourcing, and marketing is done in house across two teams operating out of Brisbane and Christchurch.

    The acquisition is to be funded through Adairs’ group term debt facilities, as well as the issuing of 3.2 million ordinary shares to Mocka, and is expected to be completed in mid-December.

    The new shares issued will be escrowed to until the release of Adairs’ FY21 results, while the total amount will be paid over the next two to three years.

    According to Adairs chief executive Mark Ronan, the acquisition will be highly complementary to the homewares retailer.

    “We have shared DNA in that we are both design-centric with in-house product design and development which allows us to offer our customers high quality ‘design-led, value for money’ differentiated product,” Ronan said.

    “Importantly, this also means we have significant control of the vertical supply chain and in-market pricing. Finally, we are each highly customer-centric organization, with a passion for great service.”

    Ronan also said the acquisition gives Adairs a stronger foothold in the online space – with online sales growth for 17 percent of the business to almost 30 percent with the acquisition.

    “We see many opportunities for Adairs to add value to an already successful business,” Ronan said.

    “Our knowledge and experience of the home market will allow us to help management further develop the Mocka brand, especially in Australia, and support the Mocka team to continue to deliver growth.”

    Adairs also offered revised guidance for the business into FY20, taking into account how the addition of Mocka will affect sales and EBIT for the year.

    Sales are expected to reach $419 to $435 million over the course of FY20, while earnings before interest and tax is expected to hit between $54.5 and $58.7 million.

    This compares to the retailer’s initial guidance given for FY20 of between $377.7 to $393.4 million, and an EBIT of between $45 and $48 million.

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  • La Mer opens flagship boutique in Singapore

    La Mer opens flagship boutique in Singapore

    Luxury skincare brand La Mer has opened its first flagship boutique in Marina Bay Sands.

    Occupying a 375sqft space, the new store features gold, cream and forest green as theme colors. The marble floor resembles the sea that “forms the bedrock of the brand’s formulations”.

    Beside its skincare products, the Marina Bay Sands La Mer flagship also offers a wide range of makeup products including foundation, concealer, powder and brushes, all displayed via a consultation area.

    La Mer’s customers can experience a beauty session with different personalized services and treatments in a private facial cabin with the full range of La Mer’s makeup and skincare offerings.

    Owned by the Estee Lauder Group, La Mer has been a solution for those in need of an anti-aging arsenal as its products employ fermented ingredients, sourced from the sea, to rejuvenate and enrich the skin.

  • Panerai opens its first airport boutique – in Hong Kong

    Panerai opens its first airport boutique – in Hong Kong

    Florentine luxury watchmaker Panerai has opened its first-ever airport boutique, at Hong Kong International Airport.

    The new store is the sixth opened in the Hong Kong area and joins existing locations in Canton Road, Landmark Prince’s, IFC, Times Square and Tsim Sha Tsui Centre.

    The new 27sqm boutique stands out for its blend of tradition and future, inviting clients to discover the Maison’s heritage, craftsmanship and technical expertise.

    The brand says the concept of the design and materials used, such as the oak wood and burnished brass, are a reminder of the sea and the heritage of the brand whose roots lie in the history of the Italian Navy.

    Panerai now operates 126 boutiques throughout the world.

  • New dining experiences at Hong Kong International Airport

    New dining experiences at Hong Kong International Airport

    Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has become a “foodie destination” after welcoming seven new restaurants and outlets together with a revamped East Hall Food Court.

    Seven new culinary concepts include the debut of the Californian-inspired restaurant, Wolfgang Puck Kitchen, where customers can enjoy Wolfgang Puck’s pizzas cooked at an open kitchen, along with American-style foods such as Chicken Pot Pie or Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf.

    British chef Gordon Ramsay has opened his very first airport-based restaurant in Asia at HKIA. Gordon Ramsay Plane Food To Go offers British-style cuisine, created exclusively for HKIA.

    The Michelin-starred restaurant Jardin de Jade opens at HKIA, featuring authentic regional Chinese and Shanghainese dishes along with an airport apron view.

    Following the successful launch in Hong Kong’s Central, Cantonese restaurant Duddell’s opens its doors at the airport, offering a casual and approachable dining concept.

    The fifth restaurant to open is Sushi Saito’s sister brand, Sushi and Sake Bar Taka, featuring fresh sushi sourced from the Yamayuki group.

    Another Japanese restaurant arrived HKIA called Bari-Uma, the largest ramen chain in Hiroshima, while SinsaEat Korean Kitchen brings further diversity to HKIA’s revamped new food court experience with authentically spicy Korean delights.

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  • Panda Express will open its first Philippines restaurant next week

    Panda Express will open its first Philippines restaurant next week

    US-based Asian dining concept Panda Express will open its first Philippines restaurant on December 12.

    Located at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, the first Panda Express will offer the same menu as those in the US, including its signature dish orange chicken in sweet spicy sauce.

    Panda Express Philippines is a 50-50 joint venture between Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) and Panda Restaurant Group.

    “Based on the consumer enthusiasm for the upcoming opening, we’re encouraged that the local market will love this food concept, a boost to JFC’s roster of restaurant chains,” said JFC founder Tony Tan Caktiong.

    Panda Express joins the portfolio of brands JFC operates including Chinese dim-sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan, American fast-casual hamburger chain Smashburger and coffee chain Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

    Founded in 1983, Panda Express is a privately owned restaurant company with more than 2000 outlets in the US and a presence in 10 international markets including Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico and now the Philippines.

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  • Cafe chain Gloria Jean’s heading to India

    Cafe chain Gloria Jean’s heading to India

    Australian retail coffeehouse Gloria Jean’s is set to launch in India with its first outlet in Bengaluru.

    The franchise is being taken to India by recently-appointed CEO of Jay Jay Capital & Investments Rohit Malhotra. Jay Jay is planning multiple investments in launching brands new to India in the cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels and resorts, fashion, retail and entertainment sectors.

    Jay Jay subsidiary GJC Hospitality is the master franchise holder for Gloria Jean’s Coffees in India.

    The company has not said how many stores it is planning, but the first will act as a test of the concept enabling the company to finetune its offer for the local market.

    Malhotra says the company will be focusing on quality.

    “At Gloria Jean’s, we take our coffee very seriously, so not only does it taste great, but we also make sure we buy from suppliers that look after both their workers and the environment,” said Malhotra.

    “Our coffee beans are sourced from all over the world and from many different farms of all types and sizes – large plantations, co-operative groups and tiny family farms. This means that there is no one size fits all approach to buying responsibly, but we are focused on promoting sustainable farming and a better outcome for all”.

    Originating in the US but now Australian owned, Gloria Jean’s Coffees has about 760 coffee houses in more than 55 countries.

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  • Big C reveals expansion plans at home and abroad

    Big C reveals expansion plans at home and abroad

    Thai supermarket business Big C is planning to spend THB6.5 billion (US$214 million) on expansion both domestically and internationally next year.

    While the majority of the funds earmarked for growth will go towards development within the brand’s home territory, THB500 million ($16.5 million) will be set aside for overseas expansion. The brand has just launched its first 8000sqm Big C in Cambodia, and has designs on a launch in Laos next year.

    The firm’s domestic thrust is focused on small retail outlets – branded Mini Big C – designed to facilitate its reach to more customers in Bangkok and beyond. It is also investigating 3000–5000sqm hypermarkets as a “town centre” concept.

    “We are committed to investing in Thailand next year because we are confident in the country’s economic foundation,” said Big C’s CEO Aswin Techajareonvikul. “From next year, we will pay more attention to expanding our retail business abroad, focusing on Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, where the economies are strong.”

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  • Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market head to Singapore

    Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market head to Singapore

    The world-famous Bangkok Chatuchak Market is set to open in Singapore, drawing an expected 600 Thai vendors.

    A 40,000sqft pop-up market will be open from February 4 to May 3 at The Grandstand on Turf Club Road. Between 30 and 50 Thai vendors will participate at the market each week on a rotational basis alongside local vendors, operating up to 272 stalls vending handicrafts, fashion and other items.

    It is the first time the Chatuchak Market has been convened outside of Thailand.

    Thai street food will be sold at the market for visitors seeking an authentic Chatuchak Market experience, complete with the snacks.

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  • Asia will account for 45 per cent of global retail sales next year

    Asia will account for 45 per cent of global retail sales next year

    The world’s retail market is expected to slow down next year, but Asia will account for 45 percent of global retail sales, according to a new report from economic and business research group The Economist Intelligence Unit.

    In terms of volume, sales growth will slow compared to this year, but in US-dollar terms growth will accelerate. This divergence will reflect differing regional trends in demand, pricing and exchange rates, with developing markets outpacing developed ones.

    “It’s a mixed picture for global retail sales in 2020,” said The Economist Intelligence Unit consumer goods analyst Shveta Sharma. “Although there will be areas of opportunity, particularly in Asia, there are several threats to the industry.

    “The US-China trade war, Brexit and the protests in Hong Kong will all take a toll, while some retailers will also struggle to keep up with the continued shift online. We expect more store closures and job cuts.”

    Online retail will continue to undermine the competitiveness of brick and mortar stores next year, she said. Growth will be driven by social media apps such as TikTok and Instagram, as well as better digital payment systems. Retailers and consumer goods producers will need to adapt quickly to changing local conditions, shifting suppliers and closing stores as demand patterns change.

    The EU, however, is leading a backlash, scrutinizing the marketing tactics of online players as well as their efforts to avoid taxes. The scale of job cuts will also prompt more scrutiny in the US, in the run-up to November’s presidential election.

    The group’s full report on global retail sales is available for download here.

  • Hong Kong retail ‘will recover’ says analyst

    Hong Kong retail ‘will recover’ says analyst

    The Hong Kong retail industry – hammered by declining visitor numbers from the mainland will recover, says leading analyst Pascal Martin, a partner at OC&C Strategy Consultants.

    As reported earlier this week, Hong Kong retail sales in October plunged by 24.3 percent year on year – the largest decline since records began. That followed a revised fall of 18.2 percent in September and several retailers have told Inside Retail Asia they expect November’s figures to be even worse.

    But Martin has a positive spin: “The Hong Kong market will recover, as it always does. As soon as Chinese tourists are reassured about the safety and convenience of visiting Hong Kong, they will come back.”

    However, he cautions than the recent events have accelerated “a structural trend” that Hong Kong is not as attractive a retail destination as it used to be.

    “There are a variety of reasons contributing to this trend – among them the lower China taxes and duties, and brands’ global pricing structures that have become much more homogeneous and harmonized, with smaller price differences across markets because of the transparency created by the Internet.

    “Additionally, Chinese travelers also have a greater diversity of shopping destinations beyond Hong Kong, with Japan, South Korea, France, and Italy becoming increasingly popular.”

    Martin says many brands that have built extensive retail footprints in Hong Kong on the assumption that Chinese tourist numbers and spending power will continue to grow without limit will have to adjust their presence in Hong Kong.

    “The impact of this trend will not be felt immediately, but gradually, as brands reach the renewal date of their stores, one store at a time, over the next few years. There will be adjustments in the number of stores, and adjustments in rent levels.”

    Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association this week predicted Hong Kong retail will experience a “low double-digit drop” in sales for the full year.

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  • Maiden Uniqlo store opens in Ho Chi Minh City

    Maiden Uniqlo store opens in Ho Chi Minh City

    The first Uniqlo Vietnam store opened its doors today, marking the Japanese fast-fashion brand’s sixth market in Southeast Asia.

    Setting its foot in one of the fastest-growing economies in the region, parent Fast Retailing hopes to strengthen its presence in both the country and the region at the same time as Vietnam becomes a manufacturing hub in the face of the ongoing US-China trade war.

    “I think Vietnam has massive potential and will be one of the biggest consumer markets in the world,” said Tadashi Yanai, chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing prior to the opening.

    Yanai described Vietnam as the key market in the region and an important part of the group’s development strategy.

    He said Uniqlo is now producing US$3 billion worth of products in Vietnam annually and plans to increase that even further. However, this does not mean that Vietnamese consumers will experience lower prices for Uniqlo products.

    “We implement a medium- and long-term pricing strategy to ensure revenue and profit for each store… We want to compete with high quality, sustainable products at reasonable prices, not [by] discounting,” said Osamu Ikezoe, Co-CEO of Uniqlo Vietnam.

    Uniqlo is already planning its second store in the country, which will be located in the capital city of Hanoi.

    “We are not talking about 100 stores in Vietnam,” said Yanai. “Much more.”

    The company says it is focusing on physical stores, with no plans to deploy an e-commerce sales channel as yet.

    Located opposite stores of rival fast-fashion chains H&M and Zara, Uniqlo Vietnam’s first store in Ho Chi Minh City is also its largest outlet in Southeast Asia to date, with a gross floor area of 3107sqm across three storeys.

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