Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Google thinking to remove the ability to message directly on YouTube

    Google thinking to remove the ability to message directly on YouTube

    Google has confirmed it will kill off another of its obsolete chat service – YouTube messages. The decision is probably related to the fact that not many people are using the ability to message directly on YouTube.

    Although it’s a relatively old feature having been launched back in 2017 after one year of testing, Messages on YouTube will no longer be available after September 18. The announcement mentions that since the feature was launched two years ago, YouTube focused on public conversations with updates to comments, posts, and stories.

    Unfortunately, that was not enough to convince users to take advantage of the feature as often as YouTube would’ve wanted. After re-evaluating its priorities, Google has decided to discontinue the messaging option hidden inside YouTube and start focusing on improving public conversations instead.

    Even though the ability to direct message on YouTube will no longer be available after September 18, you will still be able to share YouTube videos by heading to the video watch page, clicking Share, and then tapping the “social network icon” from which you want to share a video.

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  • Samsung has responses for Android users to send to green bubble haters

    Samsung has responses for Android users to send to green bubble haters

    Apple iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and even Mac users know that when they are using the Messages app to communicate with others using the Apple ecosystem, they are sending and receiving iMessages. This is signified by the blue bubble that the conversations are housed in. And iMessages are encrypted from end-to-end.
    But when someone using an Apple device sees their conversation in a green bubble it means that the person on the other side of the chat is probably using an Android device. The green bubble means that the conversation is being handled as a SMS or a text message. Besides the lack of encryption, the special features offered for those chatting via iMessage (such as Animoji) cannot be used. And that doesn’t sit well with many iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac users.
    If you use an Android device and are sick and tired of getting scolded by your Apple wielding buddies in the middle of a group or individual chat simply because they can’t use iMessage, Samsung has your back. The manufacturer has created a GIPHY page containing more than 30 GIFs that you can use to send back a salvo after taking a hit from a green bubble hater.
    Perhaps one day in the future, people won’t be discriminated against simply because they create a green text bubble instead of a blue one on a device screen. Would Apple ever offer iMessage to Android users? We wouldn’t hold our breathe.
  • 45% People Killed Due To Road Accidents In 2018 In Delhi Were Pedestrians

    45% People Killed Due To Road Accidents In 2018 In Delhi Were Pedestrians

    The Delhi Traffic Police released data of accidents in the capital city in 2018 and it shows that the fatalities in road accidents have gone up from 1584 deaths in 2017 to 1690 deaths in 2018. The report states that in 2018, 6515 road accidents occurred in Delhi in which 6086 people were injured while 1690 people lost their life.

    The fatality rate has increased by 6.69 percent though there has been a total decline in road accidents by 2.36 percent. Pedestrians were the most vulnerable victims. In 2018, 45.86 percent of the total persons killed in road accidents were pedestrians while scooter or motorcycle riders were second-most vulnerable with 33.72 percent killed in an accident.

    The fatalities have been showing a downward trend since 2009 but last year this trend reversed. The data also suggested that vehicles registered in Haryana were responsible for the highest number of fatal accidents in Delhi among other state vehicles. Out of the total 1657 fatal accidents, 150 were caused by vehicles registered in Haryana in 2018. The report also suggests that 743 accidents occurred during the day while 914 occurred during the night. The Traffic Department also identified 110 cluster points as accident-prone zones in Delhi and among the most dangerous stretches are on the Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, GTK Road, Rohtak Road and Grand Trunk Road.

    In 2018, cars/taxis caused 253 fatal accidents accounting for 15.26 percent of total fatal accidents which was the maximum number for a vehicle type.

     

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  • India Has Not Set Deadline To Launch Electric Vehicles

    India Has Not Set Deadline To Launch Electric Vehicles

    The Indian government has not set a deadline to launch electric vehicles or to ban manufacturing of petrol and diesel cars, a government official said on Wednesday.

    The Indian auto industry has been caught in the middle of slowing economic growth that has led to a slump in demand for vehicles, forced plant shutdowns and large layoffs.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working to push electric vehicles in an effort to cut India’s fuel import bill and curb pollution.

    In June, a government think-tank that plays a key role in policy making had recommended that only electric models of scooters and motorbikes with engine capacity of more than 150 cc must be sold from 2025.

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  • AirAsia India to start direct Delhi-Chennai flight from September

    AirAsia India to start direct Delhi-Chennai flight from September

    Budget carrier AirAsia announced a new direct Delhi to Chennai flight. The new flight will be introduced from September 2019. The sale of tickets will begin on 20 September. The tickets can be booked through airasia.com or the AirAsia mobile app.

    “The new daily direct flight between Chennai and New Delhi will help boost our operations in Chennai. We have also increased the frequency between Chennai and various other destinations like Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata,” the airline said in a statement.

    AirAsia will also operate a third daily flight between New Delhi and Kolkata.

    The Bengaluru-headquartered airline is also set to launch additional flights on New Delhi-Kolkata route from 20 September.

    The airline has also increased the frequency and introduced a fourth service on the Delhi-Bengaluru route.

    AirAsia India currently flies to 19 destinations with a fleet of 22 aircraft.

    Air Asia India, which started operations in June 2014, is a joint venture between Tata and AirAsia Berhad. It currently operates 164 flights a day, covering 19 destinations and carrying over 25,000 passengers.

    The budget carrier has already started daily direct flight on the Delhi-Chandigarh route from 1 August onwards. The launch fare on Delhi-Chandigarh route is ₹1,365, the airline mentioned. The flight would leave from Delhi at 10.40 am every day and would reach Chandigarh at 11.50 am.

    The return flight would depart from Chandigarh every day at 12.50 pm and arrive at the Delhi airport at 1.55 pm, the low-cost carrier said.

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  • 7 Ways to Negotiate Personal Loan Interest Rate in the UAE

    7 Ways to Negotiate Personal Loan Interest Rate in the UAE

    If you are in urgent need of money, a personal loan is the way to go. Compared to credit card finance, etc, personal finance is the best option to go for.

    Personal finance will provide you with a higher finance amount, longer repayment tenure, lower interest rate, etc. That is if you are eligible for it.

    However, if you qualify for personal finance, you will want a lower interest rate on the Finance amount. After all, an interest rate is the additional money you pay from your pocket to the bank. And to get that deal, you will have to negotiate with the loan provider.

    Therefore, we have discussed the factors that will help you with the negotiation process. These factors will help you get a better deal on the interest rate.

    Your Credit Score

    A credit score is like a full-body scan of your financial health. It determines whether you are financially capable of repaying the debt.

    Credit scores are marked between 300 – 900 in the UAE. The greater credit score you have, the higher are the chances of you getting a finance amount. Also, if you have a high credit score, you have better chances when it comes to negotiation.

    We have often mentioned the credit score, but do you know how to maintain a good credit score. If you don’t, here is what you should do.

    To maintain the high credit score, you will have to:

    • Stay within the Credit limit
    • Pay your credit card bill on time
    • Avoid paying the Minimum amount of the credit card bill
    • Always pay your bill in full, if possible
    • Manage your debt

    Additionally, you should always keep an eye on your credit score. If you find any suspicious activity in your account, report it immediately. Negligence or procrastination will only damage your credit score.

    Compare the Personal Loan Providers

    Comparing personal finance providers is essential for your financial health. A little effort and research from your end will ultimately benefit you.

    Lenders that provide the lowest interest rate for personal loan in UAE might not always be perfect for you. Make sure to always compare the interest rate, eligibility, repayment tenure, and the finance amount.

    After all, every financial institution has its pros and cons. Therefore: Research. Compare.

    Your Professional Credential

    If your company is listed with the bank and you earn a high income, it makes you a perfect customer. The financial institutions in the UAE consider customers like you a stable candidate. You represent low-risk factors in the eyes of the lender.

    You can definitely use that factor to negotiate a better deal for the personal loan interest rate in uae. Since the lender is assured of your repayment capability, they will offer a better interest rate to seal the deal.

    Healthy Record of Debt Repayment

    Maintaining a healthy record of debt repayment implies that you have always repaid your debt in time. It helps build trust in you, amongst the financial providers. This will end up affecting your credit score in a positive way.

    If you have an unhealthy record in debt repayment, it will cause hesitation amongst the lenders to finance you. Most financial institutions will end up rejecting your application. Even if your application is approved, you will be offered a high interest rate on personal credit.

    Comprehending the Terms and Conditions

    It’s no secret that most customers skim through the fine print due to its length. And that is a big mistake. It is essential that you read and comprehend the terms and conditions associated with the personal loan.

    Reading and understanding the fine print will protect you against any unpleasant surprises in the future.

    Collateral

    It is true that personal credit is collateral-free. However, the lack of collateral affects the interest rate on personal loan. This is due to the fact that the lenders have no way of recovering if the customer is unable to repay the amount.

    Henceforth, you can offer collateral to reduce the interest rate of the personal credit. If the financial institution accepts the collateral, you can enjoy a much lower interest rate, as there is no risk involved.

    Special Offers

    Finance institutions in the UAE often come up with special offers during the festive season. It is due to the fact that many need financial help during the festive season. These offers can often help lift the burden of the festive season in your pocket.

    The special offers during the festive season would often involve lower interest rates in the UAE. Hence why it can be beneficial for you to go for the personal credit during the festive season, if need be.

    Over to You

    If you use the suggestions given above, it won’t be difficult to get a lower interest on the financed amount. Make the most of your privileges. Use the status of your employment and the credit score to score a better deal.

     

     

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  • Wave House moves away from Sentosa after 10 years

    Wave House moves away from Sentosa after 10 years

    Wave House Sentosa is set to celebrate its 10th year anniversary with a line-up of activities and promotions – and a new home.

    Wave House was one of Singapore’s first integrated surfing-and-lifestyle destinations. The facility, which includes an enclosed surfing space, eatery and surfwear store, will be relocating to the main island of Singapore after 10 years on Sentosa.

    Wave House made a splash in Singapore back in October 2009, featuring high-adrenaline flow boarding and 10-foot Flowbarrel wave rides. A large population of local Singaporean surfers, skaters and skimboarders flock to Wave House Sentosa every year.

    “We are proud to celebrate a decade as Wave House Sentosa has always been the top location choice for surfers as well as the ultimate beach front dining, drinks, parties and event space venue in Singapore,” said Wave House Sentosa cofounder Tan Xu Teng.

    “Wave House Sentosa has established a reputation for delivering world-class thrills with a Singapore touch. Over time, it has also evolved into an iconic lifestyle attraction and recreation space for both locals and tourists.”

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  • Kaufland acquires third Queensland site

    Kaufland acquires third Queensland site

    Kaufland Australia is pressing forward with its Australian expansion with the acquisition of its third Queensland site, in a location that may concern local players.

    On Wednesday, the German retail giant confirmed that it has taken ownership of Morayfield Village Retail Centre at 177-189 Morayfield Road, a suburb of Moreton Bay Region in north Brisbane.

    The property listing on the Commercial Real Estate website indicates that the center is next to Morayfield Regional Shopping Centre, which houses major market players including Coles, Woolworths, Target, Kmart and Big W, with an Aldi store and two additional Woolworths supermarkets also situated in the precinct.

    The 16,690sq m site, described as “a well-established, modern, single-level retail center”, includes a 6,939sq m building which is more than enough for a Kaufland supermarket, which generally occupies a total store area of 4,000 square meters.

    Earlier this month Kaufland announced that it was making its first foray into the Toowoomba region in southern Queensland, along with the purchase of a site at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.

    A spokesperson for the retailer said that it is planning to explore further opportunities in the area.

    “We are committed to long term, sustainable investment in Queensland, and we are delighted to be looking at all sites and opportunities that are available, ” a Kaufland spokeswoman said

    “We look forward to continuing to work together with Moreton Bay Regional Council and all key stakeholders with the goal to deliver high quality, great service, and amazing value to the wider region.”

    Kaufland has advised that its supermarkets will be stocked with local, regional and international products at discount pricing, with each store including a bakery, butcher and liquor areas.

    In March, Kaufland Australia received planning approval for its first three stores in Victoria at Chirnside Park, Dandenong, and Epping as well as its Melbourne headquarters and Australia’s largest distribution center to be located at Mickleham.

    The following month, the retailer was granted development approval to build its first South Australian store in Prospect, an inner northern suburb of greater Adelaide.

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  • Lego announces very first Victorian store

    Lego announces very first Victorian store

    The first Lego store in Victoria will be in Westfield Doncaster, according to local rights-holder Alceon Group.

    The announcement follows the opening of Lego stores in New South Wales, as well as the news that more stores will be opened across Queensland and New Zealand in 2019 – with South Australia and Western Australia in 2020.

    “Victoria is home to one of the country’s largest Lego fan communities and, as a result, a strategic priority of our growth,” Alceon Group executive director Richard Facioni said.

    “We look forward to unveiling a truly world-class retail experience at Westfield Doncaster, as the first of a number of Lego certified stores planned for Melbourne.”

    Facioni said recently that the introduction of further stores in key locations would accelerate the reach of the retail concept, and build on the iconic Lego brand.

    Alceon Group is an investment firm that is one of the biggest retail companies in Australia, following its acquisition of Specialty Fashion Group’s Katies, Millers, Autograph, Crossroads and Millers brands, James Packer’s Pretty Girl Fashion group and Pumpkin Patch.

    The company also has a controlling stake in Noni B and recently acquired a stake in ethical fashion brand Ginger & Smart.

  • Domino’s Pizza profit falls on soft Australian performance

    Domino’s Pizza profit falls on soft Australian performance

    While quick-service retailer Domino’s saw revenue and online sales improve over the year to June 30, net profit fell 4.6 percent to $115.9 million, with growth in Australia and New Zealand softer than anticipated.

    However, the business’ efforts in Japan and Europe saw international EBITDA improve to $154.5 million – overshadowing the local result of $127.9 million.

    “Our international operations today account for more than half of our earnings, and they will be the largest driver of our future growth,” Domino’s group chief executive and managing director Don Meij said.

    Global sales grew by 11.9 percent to $2.9 billion, while global online sales grew 18.2 percent over the year to $1.9 billion, processing more than 66 million orders – or more than 2 orders per second.

    According to Domino’s Australia and New Zealand chief executive Nick Knight, in addition to the softer domestic performance the team made some decisions which created short-term headwinds for the business – but which they are confident will result in medium and long-term benefits.

    “We are confident in the progress of our strategic initiatives, including our investment in technology and new marketing campaigns,” Knight said.

    “Our world-first DOM Pizza Checker is already helping to deliver meaningful improvements to the quality of our pizzas, which customers recognize.”

    Australian and New Zealand sales grew 4.6 percent to $1.17 billion, or 2.4 percent on a same-store-sales basis.

    Operations 360, the business’ initiative to deliver performance data to franchisees, allowing the opportunity to learn from mistakes, as well as provide advice and training, has also led to the exit of 22 under-performing franchisees.

    Knight noted that, in some cases, this was due to franchisees having been found to have deliberately underpaid staff.

    Meij said domestic margins were compressed due to an increased number of corporate stores to make up for these exiting franchisees.

    Domino’s is facing a class-action lawsuit from in-store and delivery staff who claim to have been underpaid over a five-year period.

    According to the claim, Domino’s told franchisees to pay delivery drivers and in-store workers under a series of incorrect employment agreements. Domino’s rejects the claim and confirmed in June that it would defend the proceeding.

    While many believe the recent string of retail underpayments are the result of unintentional mistakes, almost 60 percent of the over 200 respondents believe them to be an intentional decision to cut costs.

    Do you think underpayment in the retail and hospitality sector is mostly…

    Domino’s expects same-store-sales growth to grow at a rate of between three and six percent annually over the next three to five years.

    The QSR chain additionally will grow store count by between seven and nine percent annually over the same period,  intending to invest further into the growth of its network.

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  • AS Watson unfolds the power of Generation Z

    AS Watson unfolds the power of Generation Z

    Health and beauty retailer AS Watson has gathered insight from its businesses around the world to compile an overview of what is driving Generation Z customers and how they can be attracted to its retail brands across the globe.

    “Generation Z is shaping up to have great spending power and they are the future of modern retail,” said AS Watson Group COO Malina Ngai. “It’s important to stay relevant to them, not only focusing on the products they want but also the stories and experiences that go with them. To best meet the demand of Gen Z, customer insight plays a vital role in helping us understand their needs, perceptions and even their shopping behavior.”

    This year, Gen Z became the largest consumer segment—now accounting for 32 percent of the global population of 7.7 billion. AS Watson operates more than 15,200 stores under 12 retail brands in 25 markets and using this extensive network the group’s insight shows a 23-per-cent increase in Gen Z’s spending power in last year’s figures.

    This shows that on average 86 percent of Gen Z are beauty shoppers, and more than 70 percent of Gen Z spending is on beauty, the highest among all generation groups. Essentially, Gen Z has become the growth driver of AS Watson’s business, and the linchpin of the firm’s current and future plans.

    While Gen Z is the first generation of digital natives, insight data shows that they prefer in-store shopping and they love the social and experiential aspects of browsing and shopping at physical stores with their friends. ASW’s customer insight shows that 99 percent of Gen Zers shop offline, and they like shopping in “destination stores” – stores in shopping malls and city centers.

    The digital natives spend most of their time on screen and they look for brick-and-mortar shopping coupled with technology, so in-store digital devices are key drivers to sales success. These include the introduction of AR and AI in the store environment, as well as the linking of offline and online experiences through apps and social media.

    Gen Zers choose their beauty products based on the trend, price, and quality and use their phones to read other users’ feedbacks and reviews while browsing in stores.

    Sustainability concerns are a big factor for Gen Z customers. Since 2014, AS Watson Group has banned the use of microplastic in its rinse-off own-brand cosmetics and personal care scrub products, and by the end of this year, this ban will extend to all brands, meaning no microplastic will be found in any rinse-off cosmetics or personal care products sold in the stores.

    “Generation Z is a very different customer to the Millennials that came before them,” said Ngai. “They are reinvigorating the retail industry with their desire for experience and activities, while at the same time helping shape a more sustainable future with their emphasis on the environment and doing good.”

  • Sugarfina plans more store opening in Asia

    Sugarfina plans more store opening in Asia

    Californian luxury confectioner Sugarfina is preparing to open stores across several Asian markets after its second Hong Kong store opens later this year.

    Markets across Asia that Sugarfina is planning for include South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Mainland China.

    Sugarfina’s first store in Asia opened in Hong Kong’s Harbour City mall last year with local partner Upper East Holdings, which launched Lady M in Hong Kong in 2015 and plans to open several Sugarfina stores in the territory.

    “Many brands select Hong Kong as their first outpost in Asia and for good reason – it truly is a window to the entire continent and a city that welcomes newness and innovation,” said founders Josh Resnik and Rosie O’Neill in an interview with Candy & Snack Today.

    “As Hong Kong was our first overseas boutique, we needed to prepare our organization for a new way of doing business. This meant building up our own internal team to support the market but also finding a partner who could help us truly understand and localize our brand for the region.”

    Sugarfina describes itself as a disruptor in the US$200 billion global confectionery market for creating luxury treats for adults, including a cocktail candy collection with Champagne Bears, Single Malt Scotch Cordials, and Rose All Day Bears whose popularity led to a waiting list of more than 18,000 customers in the US.

    The brand is currently designing a new collection for Chinese New Year exclusive for the Hong Kong market, which is expected to include a Dancing Dragon Candy Bento Box as well as new candies inspired by the festivities.

    It has also entered into a partnership with The Coffee Academics to create coffee-infused gummy bears.

  • Korea’s largest retailers forced to think about delivery services

    Korea’s largest retailers forced to think about delivery services

    South Korea’s largest retailers are having to invest in logistics to cope with rising online spending and personalized delivery services.

    South Korean online shopping malls Coupang and Market Kurly have led the paradigm shift in the delivery industry after introducing the early morning delivery service, which has led many to adjust to the new and more convenient ways to purchase goods.

    Large brick-and-mortar retailers can no longer wait for the customers to visit their store.

    Homeplus, a South Korean hypermarket chain operator, said this week it has opened two fulfillment centers, located in Anyang and Suwon, Gyeonggi Province to provide better online delivery services.

    In a 6600sqm logistics center, pickers collect products in a tray to ship them for online orders. A Digital Picking System informs the picker on which tray to use, where the product is located, and the final results of the picking process.

    Homeplus plans to improve 140 stores across the country with enhanced capabilities for online shopping and delivery by 2021.

    SSG.com, Shinsegae Group’s online marketplace, currently runs NE.O, logistics centers for online shopping located in Yongin and Gimpo. NE.O will open its third center in Gimpo later this year.

    SSG.com is also in charge of receiving orders at E-mart’s picking and packing centers as part of a two-track strategy.

    Lotte Mart plans to expand its logistics centers for online shopping to meet the rising demand from the online community.

    Lotte’s signature delivery service is same-day nighttime delivery service. If a customer places an order before 8pm, the product will be delivered before midnight on the same day.

    As such, large offline retailers are now in competition over expanding logistics centers for online shopping, which may turn out to be the only way to outlive the ‘delivery war.’

    But for South Korea’s largest retailers, building separate logistics centers for online shopping may also provide stores with a wider leeway since offline malls are subject to various restrictions, including mandatory business holidays.

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  • Peu a Peu opens new flagship in Hangzhou

    Peu a Peu opens new flagship in Hangzhou

    Hangzhou-based Chinese design firm So Studio has created a retail space for sporting goods brand Peu a Peu featuring a system of pulleys, steel racks, and large metallic spheres.

    The store’s 70sqm interior, which was recently celebrated in a Designboom report, is inspired by the movement and interaction observed on a sports field as well as contemporary pop artist Jeff Koons’ balloon series.

    Peu a Peu, owned by JNBY, a designer brand focused on contemporary apparel, footwear and accessories.

    The retail space shows off metal finishes alongside grey coloured floors and walls, attempting to create a futuristic and industrial atmosphere. The detachable racks serve to divide up the room as well as supporting the metallic spheres that move around the shop area.

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  • Target launches food and beverage house brand Good & Gather in the US

    Target launches food and beverage house brand Good & Gather in the US

    Target US is launching its own in-house private-label food-and-beverage range, called Good & Gather.

    Described as “grounded in guest research”, the flagship brand is offering a range of food and beverage products focussed on taste, quality ingredients ease and value for money.

    Good & Gather will be available in stores and online on Target.com for same-day delivery from September 15.

    “Our guests are incredibly busy and want great-tasting food they can feel good about feeding their families,” said Target’s executive VP and president food & beverage Stephanie Lundquist. “We saw this as a huge opportunity for Target to help. So our team got to work on our most ambitious food undertaking yet, reimagining our owned food brands to serve up convenient, affordable options that don’t cut corners on quality or taste. Good & Gather is our way of helping even the most time-strapped families discover the everyday joy of food.”

    Good & Gather is Target’s largest own-brand launch yet. By the end of 2020, the company expects it will have more than 2000 food and beverage products under the label, including dairy, produce, ready-made pastas, meats, granola bars and sparkling water. The products are developed by Target’s internal team without artificial flavors and sweeteners, synthetic colors or high fructose corn syrup, and will be backed by a money-back guarantee.

    “Over the past few years, Target has been a master of own brand development,” said GlobalData Retail MD Neil Saunders, hailing the launch. “Its labels in everything from fashion to party goods have been well-conceived, nicely executed and, most importantly, have resonated with consumers.

    “They have also helped to differentiate Target from other retailers and have played a role in protecting margins as price comparison is more difficult with exclusive labels,” he said.

    As Target’s flagship food brand, Good & Gather will include a number of product extensions including kids, organic, seasonal and signature lines. Over time, the brand will phase out Target’s existing Archer Farms and Simply Balanced food brands and reduce the number of product offerings under the Market Pantry brand.

    The new own-brand launch builds on the company’s investments in its F&B business to enhance in-store presentation and assortment, increase product reliability and expand fulfillment options, such as same-day delivery.

    The new line also plays an important role in Target’s broader effort to reimagine its owned brand portfolio, further differentiating its assortment. Recent owned brand product launches include Everspring, Auden, Colsie and Cloud Island Essentials. By the end of the year, guests will be able to shop more than 25 new owned and exclusive brands.