Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Tumi Opens a New Travel and Lifestyle Shop

    Tumi Opens a New Travel and Lifestyle Shop

    TUMI, purveyors of premium luggage and travel, business and lifestyle essentials, has opened its third London boutique

    Calling all fans of luxury travel, TUMI has opened a new boutique in London’s Covent Garden. Visit the store to browse the range of high-end bags, luggage, travel, business and lifestyle essentials.

    The stylish, 103sqm store showcases the latest TUMI products, including the new Latitude range of premium luggage.

    The design of the premier retail space is line with the chic aesthetic that TUMI is famous for.

    Sophie Ellis Bexter performed in-store at an event to celebrate TUMI’s third London opening – and fourth standalone store in the UK.

    Damien Mignot, TUMI’s General Manager Europe, hosted the party, during which guests enjoyed a menu inspired by first-class travel.

    Guests on the night included Lorraine Pascale, Pietro Boselli, Oliver Proudlock, AJ Pritchard, Neil Jones and Annaliese Dayes.

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  • Auntie Anne’s is celebrating 30th birthday with Free Pretzel Party

    Auntie Anne’s is celebrating 30th birthday with Free Pretzel Party

    Auntie Anne’s is celebrating its 30th birthday with a twisted freebie. The world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise is hosting a Free Pretzel Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at participating stores nationwide.

    “We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate 30 years than by giving pretzel fans a Free Pretzel Party,” Heather Neary, the president of Auntie Anne’s, said in a statement. “We’re thankful to have received more than a million RSVPs and hope to see each and every one of our fans enjoying a free Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel.”

    No coupon or purchase is needed to get the freebie.

    But be prepared for big crowds during the four-hour event.

    Nearly 4 million dough devotees RSVPed to attend the party on the company’s special birthday site, far more than the 1 million needed to “unlock” the party.

    As an added bonus, party participants will get a buy-one-get-one free coupon to use through March 31, while supplies last.

    Want more free pretzels?

    With the My Pretzel Perks smartphone app, you can get a free birthday during your birthday month. Plus, get specials throughout the year with the free loyalty program.

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  • Costa Coffee takes the cream as Britons wake up to coffee

    Costa Coffee takes the cream as Britons wake up to coffee

    Converting a nation of tea drinkers to coffee will be a tough job. But it has been done before. In 1995, when UK conglomerate Whitbread bought CB Costa Brothers Coffee from Sergio and Bruno Costa, tea was the UK’s favourite hot drink. “At home, people drank instant. If you were lucky, you’d get a filter coffee or a shot from a Rombouts machine in a pub or restaurant,” said Bob Tyrrell, who did extensive market research at the time. Costa had just 41 shops then, turning over £55m. Whitbread thought the market might be worth £600m a year, and paid about £20m for Costa. Two decades later it has more than 2,000 outlets, making it the UK market leader by some distance.

    Total revenue from the country’s 24,000 coffee shops and cafés is estimated by Allegra World Coffee Portal at more than £9bn. This week, Whitbread bowed to pressure from two activist investors and confirmed it would demerge Costa from its other activities — but not before it has set the company up for a big push into China, another country with a long tradition of tea-drinking. Costa aims to have total annual sales of £2.5bn by 2020, with a third of them coming from overseas. Drinking good coffee became a preoccupation of the connoisseur British consumer of the late 1990s. “It wasn’t so much keeping up with the Joneses as keeping away from them.

    People wanted to consume things they could talk about,” said Mr Tyrrell. Other factors were at work, too: disposable incomes were growing, low-cost airlines meant more people were experiencing “proper” coffee in mainland Europe and workers were starting to abandon breakfast in favour of food on the go.

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  • BreadTalk Q1 net profit plummets

    BreadTalk Q1 net profit plummets

    The absence of a one-time divestment gain dented results for BreadTalk Group in its first quarter.

    Net profit plunged 89.1 per cent to S$10.8 million from the previous year, the group said in a Singapore Exchange filing on Thursday evening.

    BreadTalk had in the first quarter of 2017 recognised S$9.3 million in capital gain from the sale of its investment in TripleOne Somerset.

    In the first quarter of this year, it also brought forward the early closure of eight bakery outlets in China and one food atrium outlet in Hangzhou.

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  • 7-Eleven fights back with new format stores

    7-Eleven fights back with new format stores

    Convenience chain 7-Eleven is investing in innovation to ensure its network of franchised and corporate stores stays ahead of the game, according to its CEO Angus McKay. Describing the retail landscape as “brutal”, McKay said agility is an essential element of today’s retail scene.

    “We’re investing in becoming better retailers,” he told.

    “We want people to have a business that’s healthy and makes money.

    “You have to be patient and really be on your game and know what the customer wants, and be prepared for them to change their minds.”

    A try and fail attitude is now central to the brand’s development, said McKay.

    Actions include turbo-charging the food on the go offer, doubling its coffee output to an average 500 cups a day per store under the Coffee 500 project banner, adding daily fresh bakery items, introducing a parcels locker service, trialling digital payment options and providing a fuel value proposition.

    This equates to giving customers choice with a range of fuels, quick access to pumps with a well-maintained forecourt, the fuel app to lock in low prices when they are available,being able to redeem the savings offer, and the ability to grab a coffee or meal on the go.

    “We have a huge opportunity to lift our fuel game,” McKay said.

    “Our vision comes back to what makes life easier for customers and easier for store operators,” reiterates McKay.

    A different retail experience

    According to McKay, consumers today want a different retail experience from the traditional convenience purchase.

    With 32.1 per cent market share on the eastern seaboard, up 2.1 per cent from 2017, 7-Eleven claims to be the fastest growing convenience store chain in Australia.

    Fuel retail has accounted for more market share, up 8.5 per cent, with like for like year to date up 2.3 per cent.

    Merchandise has risen 10 per cent with like for like sales up 5 per cent.

    Strong customer growth has seen transactions rise by 5 per cent.

    But there are challenges ahead. McKay pointed out the categories likely to cause the chain some future challenges: tobacco, sugar and fuel.

    “We need to be faster and thinking further ahead. As much as I value confectionery in stores it’s not now all the customer wants. Whether it’s healthy or a treat you have to offer a range.

    “It isn’t about price. We need to offer good value and good service.”

    New compact store model

    In stark contrast to the white, bright decor of a traditional 7-Eleven store, a new-look fit-out is being rolled-out with a much darker hue for a more upmarket feel and, according to general manager retail operations, Braedon Lord.

    “It’s about the customer sensory experience,” said Lord. Typical sites to be refurbished will include those non-fuel outlets in high transit areas such as universities and transport hubs.

    The convenience chain aims to provide the value for money options that today’s customers are seeking and to infill these smaller footprint stores in areas not serviced by 7-Eleven.

    There are now eight of these refurbished stores and the plan is to transform all similar outlets by the end of the fiscal year 2019. The chain expects to have about 110 CBD style outlets.

    The traditional offer in larger stores will remain, perhaps with the space-greedy parcel locker service adding income opportunities. A nearby small 7-Eleven outlet will take on the new mantle and offer a pared-down merchandise selection of 900 SKUs rather than the traditional 1600 SKUs.

    Network expansion

    Lord says the transformation has been successful, with stores picking up an extra 300 shoppers from their base of 700 customers.

    The transformed stores have reinvigorated franchisees he adds and the cost of refurbishment has been covered by the franchisor.

    Across the network there are about 90 corporate stores. “We want every one of our stores to be profitable. There’s nothing that we do not share from corporate stores to franchisees , to make lives easier and more profitable.”

    There are 42 new stores opening bringing the total Australian 7-Eleven network to 685 outlets by June 2018.

    The business is moving further into regions and into Western Australia, which McKay admits will be a test of the company’s supply chain.

    McKay highlighted the innovations the chain has invested in now but added a call-out to suppliers for more fresh ideas.

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  • Tory Burch opens Hong Kong boutique for Elements

    Tory Burch opens Hong Kong boutique for Elements

    Tory Burch Hong Kong has opened a boutique at Elements in Kowloon, its eighth retail outlet in the colony.

    Its facade features orange lacquer doors, a signature detail of the US fashion designer, and large windows. The interior has travertine floors in a basketweave pattern, oak panel walls and brass etageres.

    An eclectic mix of furnishings adds colour and texture throughout the store, from lotus lamps and banquettes with a floral covering inspired by Burch’s home in the West Indies, to leopard rugs and mocha-striped drapes.

    The boutique will carry Tory Burch ready-to-wear clothing, handbags, shoes, eyewear, watches, accessories and fragrance.

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  • Changi International Airport expands retail offer

    Changi International Airport expands retail offer

    Changi International Airport has broadened its range of retailers and restaurants, including new brands.

    In the transit areas, I Love Taimei has opened its first shop in Terminal 1, offering Taiwanese snacks and drinks, while luxury retailer Ted Baker has opened its first Changi outlet in Terminal 2 (T2) offering apparel, footwear and accessories.

    At the transit areas in terminal 3, Harry’s Bar & Dining has opened its second Changi outlet with Western and Asian food options, while Tip Top, which offers traditional curry puffs, and doughnut brand Krispy Kreme have both opened second outlets.

    Also in T3, Maison Christian Dior has launched its first Asia-Pacific boutique, offering fragrances and soaps, while British retailer WH Smith has added two outlets, taking its presence to 10 stores.

    In the public areas, self-service mini-karaoke/kiosk concept M-Bar has launched four booths in T3’s basement 2. Next to it, Boarding Gate has opened its first Changi Airport store, carrying travel goods.

    In T2, American Tourister has opened at the departure check-in hall with its luggage options.

  • Esprit to close down Australia and New Zealand stores

    Esprit to close down Australia and New Zealand stores

    Esprit is to close its Australian and New Zealand stores after years of mounting losses. The Esprit Australia and New Zealand network comprises 67 directly managed retail stores, including 38 concessions in department stores and 13 discount outlets.

    The announcement came just a few hours after the embattled fast-fashion retailer warned shareholders its third-quarter performance was “well below expectation” and several days after it announced it would not renew the lease on its Causeway Bay flagship store.

    In a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Florence Ng Wai Yin, Esprit’s company secretary, said divesting the ANZ operations will allow management to concentrate efforts and resources in developing other markets in Asia, singling out China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, “with profitable growth opportunities for the future” and avoid incurring further losses in Australasia.

    In the year to June 30 last year, Esprit Australia and New Zealand reported sales of HK$297 million, (US$37.8 million) which works out at a weekly per-store average of just US$10,850.

    It accounted for less than 2 per cent of the group’s total global revenue.

    Esprit says closing the stores down will cost between HK$150 million and HK$200 million.

    Executive director and group CFO of Esprit Holdings in Hong Kong, Thomas Tang, said the company had undertaken “intensive efforts” in past years to turn the Esprit Australasia business around, to no avail.

    Stephen Newnham, director of Esprit Australia and New Zealand described the group’s decision as “unfortunate but unavoidable”.

    The company expects to close all of its stores by the end of the year and will continue to honour gift cards until then.

    Strategy to be sped up

    The closure marks just one step in a promised acceleration of a strategic plan to improve top-line sales and reduce running expenses.

    “Given the challenging sales performance in the first nine months of the fiscal year, the group remains cautious about its expectations for the rest of the year,” said company secretary Florence Ng Wai Yin in a stock exchange filing.

    Group-wide sales in the nine months to March 31 were down 10.9 per cent year on year, to HK$11.8 billion (US$1.5 billion). The retail selling space was rationalised by 9.2 per cent over the same period.

    More worryingly, Esprit’s sales fell 13.8 per cent in the three months to March 31.

    Offline retail sales totalled HK$1.404 billion during the quarter, down 17.1 per cent, while online sales fell 11.4 per cent to $1.09 billion.

    Yin said the offline sales drop was the result of fewer sales points and unseasonably cold weather in Europe which aggravated the decline in customer traffic to stores.

    Online revenue in Asia Pacific declined due to management’s decision to reduce discounting in order to enhance profitability.

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  • Donut King beats Muffin Break With Best Customer Satisfaction

    Donut King beats Muffin Break With Best Customer Satisfaction

    Donut King has unseated Muffin Break as the number one chain for coffee and doughnut customer satisfaction in Australia, according to a Roy Morgan survey.

    Donut King has broken through for its first monthly customer satisfaction victory for Roy Morgan’s Customer Satisfaction Annual Award for coffee/doughnut stores since July 2015 with a rating of 87 per cent in March 2018.

    Muffin Break, the customer satisfaction annual award winner for the past two years, was third on 83. 5 per cent, experiencing its biggest fall since March 2017 at 6.6 per cent.

    Michel’s Patisserie is at second place with 83.8 per cent, up from 5.9 per cent from a year ago and was the only leading coffee/doughnut store to improve customer satisfaction over the past year.

    Gloria Jeans takes fourth spot with a customer satisfaction rating of 79.9 per cent.

    Michele Levine, CEO, Roy Morgan, says despite media questioning of Retail Food Group’s franchisee model in recent months, the performance of Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie and Gloria Jean’s underlines a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.

    “The business model of franchisor Retail Food Group has been under scrutiny in recent months and the company recently announced the closure of up to 200 under-performing outlets around Australia and spread across several brands,” Levine said.

    “However, today’s latest customer satisfaction ratings show leading RFG outlets Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie and Gloria Jean’s clearly satisfying their customers.

    “All three are rated in Australia’s top four coffee/doughnut stores early in 2018 and represent clear value satisfying often hard to please consumers in a competitive retail market.”

    Roy Morgan’s customer satisfaction awards tracks customer satisfaction, engagement, loyalty, advocacy and NPS across a wide range of industries and brands.

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  • Indonesia’s Matahari buoyed by closing down of losses

    Indonesia’s Matahari buoyed by closing down of losses

    New leadership taking over the helm of troubled Indonesian hypermarket retailer Matahari Putra Prima (MPPA) have been presented with an improved set of trading figures.

    While sales were down in the first quarter of the new fiscal year, so were expenses, leading to a slight narrowing of the company’s losses.

    Net sales of Rp2.9 trillion (US$208 million) were lower than at the same time last year, despite a 3.9 per cent increase in the number of customer transactions.

    The company said that reflected a lower-price strategy and signals “positive traction and improved engagement with our customers”.

    “The company will continue to put forward customer-centricity as its focus in driving its business,” it said in a statement.

    Efficiency measures put in-place last year saw general and administrative expenses fall 28.4 per cent, resulting in a net loss of Rp159.8 billion ($11.47 million) for the quarter, a marginal improvement on the Rp176.7 billion ($12.68) loss of the first quarter last year.

    Early last month, MPPA reported a loss of US$86.8 million, and just days later named new people in the roles of CEO and president, along with announcing plans to raise IDR800 billion (US$58 million) in fresh capital.

    This week, the company says it remains “optimistic” for this trading year.

    “The upcoming Lebaran season as well as the major events happening in the second half of the year, including the nationwide regional election, Asian Games and the World Cup will be one of the catalysts that drives demand growth for the retail business in Indonesia,” MPPA said in a statement.

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  • AEON Shares Double Happiness at 18th Money Expo Bangkok

    AEON Shares Double Happiness at 18th Money Expo Bangkok

    AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Company Limited is preparing to offer a variety of promotions at the 18th Money Expo Bangkok. AEON will be on hand to provide products and information on a variety of financial services, including Personal Loans; Your Cash; AEON Auto Loan; Cash Advance, AEON member applications and the special promotion with Honda motorcycle installment plans, with 0.89% interest rate for 48 months or a gold installment loan with 0% interest rate for 6 months. In addition, AEON shares double happiness to customers who spend according to the conditions. 1st Happiness is a chance for instant win, round trip Thai Airways ticket from Bangkok to Japan for 2 persons or a 1 Baht/15.16 grams gold necklace valued 20,020 THB, 2nd Happiness is Big C gift vouchers, Harry Handed doll pillow, Valentino Rudy summer bags and much more.

    There will also be performances from famous singers on all three days, led by Khun Tom Room 39,Khun Ice Saranyu and Khun Kong Saharat joining the promotion-packed at 18th Money Expo Bangkok from May 10-13 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, 2-3 Challenger Hall.

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  • Lotus Launches The New Exige Sport 410

    Lotus Launches The New Exige Sport 410

    With a stunning combination of raw speed and real-world ability, the Lotus Exige Sport 410 joins a line-up like no other to complete the Exige family of peerless sports cars.

    Starting with the revised Exige Sport 350, the comprehensive Exige range now includes the new Exige Sport 410 and culminates with the extreme Exige Cup 430: each at a distinct price point, performance level and degree of motorsport focus.

    Developed directly from the track focused Exige Cup 430, the Exige Sport 410 is designed to be the ultimate road drive, unrivalled in its class.

    This latest addition to the Exige range packs the advanced chassis, suspension and powertrain set-up from its more powerful stablemate, the track focused Exige Cup 430, with a recalibrated engine producing 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lbft) on tap from 3,000 rpm to 7000 rpm. The high-performance 3.5-litre, supercharged and charge cooled V6 engine combined with a dry weight of just 1,054 kg (lightest possible dry) delivers a class-leading power to weight ratio of 389 hp / tonne, and makes the Exige Sport 410 the lightest V6 Exige ever.

    Capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, it records fierce in-gear acceleration before reaching a top speed of 180 mph / 290 km/h (Coupe configuration) – equal to the range-topping Exige Cup 430.

    The Exige Sport 410 has been developed to generate 150 kg of downforce, sharing design cues from the Exige Cup 430, adopting a visually arresting revised lightweight front clam panel incorporating wider grilles and carbon fibre air curtains and front splitter.

    As with all Lotus cars, the Exige Sport 410 has outstanding handling and lightweight agility engineered into its very DNA. Conveying an extraordinary level of tactility and precision, it’s developed to perform at its very best with maximum enjoyment and driver feedback on the road.

    Jean-Marc Gales, CEO, Group Lotus plc said, “With every new Lotus we look to move the bar higher and apply technology and development ideas drawn from top-of-the-range models. Our agility as a company means that the lessons learnt today can quickly be incorporated into the cars of tomorrow and the Exige Sport 410 is a perfect example of this. We have taken the Exige Cup 430, the ultimate track-centric Exige, and developed it into the perfect road orientated sports car, ensuring that we stay ahead of rivals when it comes to cars that deliver a truly engaging analogue driving experience.”

    Completing the update to the entire Exige range, the new front clam design also transitions across to the Exige Sport 350, giving a visual refresh to the entry-level model in the Exige line-up.

    Both the Exige Sport 410 and Exige Sport 350 are available in Coupe and Roadster configurations, with the Roadster having a lightweight black removable soft-top which can be easily stowed within the car for open-top driving. The Roadster configuration is not available for the Exige Cup 430.

    The Exige Sport 410 – forged through development

    Reflecting its Sport nomenclature, the new Exige Sport 410 treads the fine balance of cars that retain their focus on road driving yet remain supremely responsive and agile. Whilst Lotus’ Cup variants are developed with circuit driving at heart, the Sport models are tuned to provide the perfect balance of performance, agility and power delivery for the road.

    Working from Lotus’ standpoint as the leader in lightweight design, every gram has been justified, from the standard lightweight carbon front splitter and access panel at the front to the carbon side pods, tailgate and wing at the rear.

    Distinctive in its appearance, thanks to wider aperture grilles in the new front clam panel, the Exige Sport 410’s revised aero configuration provides total downforce of 150 kg (60 kg at the front and 90 kg at the rear); developed through extensive CFD modelling and wind tunnel testing in order to preserve the car’s handling balance and high-speed stability.

    The front splitter helps separate and speed airflow under the car, and the inclusion of air curtain elements into the front clam panel efficiently moves air through to the front wheel cavities to help reduce turbulence and drag created by the front wheels. In addition, the enlarged front clam panel openings, with wider radiator apertures, aid cooling. At the rear, the extended Aluminium diffuser, combined with the new high-mounted wing all contribute to the Exige Sport 410’s enhanced downforce.

    The Exige Sport 410 uses the Exige Cup 430’s 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine with supercharger and water-to-air charge cooler, calibrated to generate 410 hp (416 PS) at 7,000 rpm and 420 Nm (310 lbft) of torque from 3,000 rpm to 7,000 rpm. The latest addition to the range also employs the oil cooler configuration and larger clutch from the Exige Cup 430, perfectly matched to the close-ratio, six-speed manual transmission with exposed-gear-change linkage.

    Befitting an industry benchmark, the Exige Sport 410 takes the chassis, suspension and dampers from the Exige Cup 430, re-tuning the three-way adjustable Nitron dampers for a road bias and to suit the car’s revised aerodynamic set-up. These can be customised to the driver’s precise requirements (rebound and low and high-speed compression) along with the Eibach adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars, fitted as standard, which complete the car’s class-leading chassis set-up.

    The Exige Sport 410 is fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres (285/30 ZR18 rear and 215/45 ZR17 front), 20 mm wider at the rear deliver improved traction and work in harmony with the car’s ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels, which are available in either black or silver. Braking is courtesy of AP Racing, with forged, four-piston calipers and performance two-piece J-hook brake discs. With a higher thermal capacity and improved bite, these discs have better debris clearance and impart consistent pedal feel with greater stopping power.

    Performance options for the Exige Sport 410 include a full exhaust system in titanium, removing 10 kg from beyond the rear axle, and a number of high-gloss, visible weave carbon fibre components including instrument binnacle, sill covers, barge boards and roof. A host of motorsport-centric options are also available including electrical cut-off and fire extinguisher controls, airbag deletion, a non-airbag steering wheel, 4-point harnesses and a dealer fit FIA compliant roll cage.

    Centre of attention in the cabin is Lotus’ acclaimed open-gate manual gearshift design giving quick and precise changes. The fine detailing continues with an Alcantara® steering wheel and Lotus’ own carbon fibre sports seats trimmed with either a combination of Alcantara® and leather or optional full leather, both featuring contrast stitching.

    The optional Interior Colour Pack (in a choice of four colours) provides contrasting surrounds to the transmission console, HVAC surround, carbon seat eyelets and electric window bezels. As standard, the centre console and dashboard are trimmed in Alcantara® with the door cards, a combination of Alcantara® and leather. Air conditioning and an integrated entertainment system including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality can also be specified.

    Lotus Exclusive

    The new Exige Sport 410 can be personalised through the popular Lotus Exclusive programme. Combining traditional British craftsmanship with modern design, the service inspires customers to spend time tailoring the character of their Lotus with a comprehensive array of options.

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  • Don Chicken Vietnam adding more restaurants

    Don Chicken Vietnam adding more restaurants

    Don Chicken Vietnam is planning to expand its Hanoi portfolio through franchising.

    There are two branches of the Korean fast-food chain in the capital, one in Vincom Royal City.

    As a first move for its expansion in Hanoi and the north, Don Chicken has launched an event to find partners experienced in the dining sector, and will offer franchisees training and marketing support.

    Founded by Apgujeong Group in 2007, Don Chicken has 400 stores across Korea and has also expanded into China and Thailand.

    Don Chicken opened its first store in Vietnam in 2015, in Ho Chi Minh City. It started franchising from 2016 and now has 13 stores nationwide.

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  • Amazon opens another fulfilment centre in Sydney

    Amazon opens another fulfilment centre in Sydney

    Amazon is opening a second fulfilment centre to speed up delivery to customers across Australia, as the US-based company expands its e-commerce business Down Under.

    The 43,000sqm fulfilment centre in Moorebank, South West Sydney, is planned to start operations in the second half of 2018.

    “We are thrilled to be establishing our next fulfilment centre in Sydney and working with incredible people in the local community around Moorebank,” said Robert Bruce, Amazon Australia’s operations director.

    “Sydney represents another important development for our growth strategy in Australia, following a steady and progressive increase in customer demand.”

    Together with Amazon’s Dandenong South fulfilment centre, which opened in December 2017, the second warehouse, located within easy access to the M5 and M7 motorways, will allow Amazon to handle current and future customer demand and speed up delivery to customers across the country.

    “This investment will benefit both customers and the local economy by generating new jobs and providing small and medium sized Australian businesses who sell on amazon.com.au and use our Fulfilment by Amazon program, with an opportunity to more easily access millions of customers across the country,” Bruce said.

    Amazon will begin recruiting immediately for a range of roles including operations, support and technical specialists, adding to the more than 1,200 people it currently employs in Australia.

    Since launching its online retail offering in Australia late last year, Amazon has since released new products into the market, including Alexa and Amazon Echo, Amazon Music Unlimited as well as Fulfilment by Amazon, which allows Australian sellers to outsource their pick, pack and shipping process to Amazon logistics.

    Amazon Prime is expected to launch in Australia in mid-2018.

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  • AirAsia takes flight with AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 as official supporter

    AirAsia takes flight with AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 as official supporter

    AirAsia has partnered with AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 to become the official supporter of the football competition for the first time. Its sponsorship comes at a time when the tournament will undergo changes to its format, in a bid to drive greater fan engagement and offer players with more exposure in their home countries.

    Among the list of sponsors and supporters include title sponsor Suzuki, official sponsors Men’s Biore and Yanmar, as well as regional supporter Grand Sport. According to AirAsia’s group CEO Tony Fernandes, football is the people’s game and AirAsia is the people’s airline. “We look forward to supporting the sport in ASEAN in a meaningful way and hope one day soon, we will have an ASEAN club championship to raise the game here further,” Fernandes said.

    His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, president of the ASEAN Football Federation, said With AirAsia’s support, it is confident that this year’s AFF Suzuki Cup will be one of the “most successful” and engaging for fans across the region.

    “We are proud to partner such a strong and established brand like AirAsia whose reputation as an innovative, value-driven, and high-performing carrier dovetails with Southeast Asia’s crown jewel football tournament,” he added. A+M has reached out to AirAsia for additional details.

    This comes after the ASEAN Football Federation recently unveiled a new visual identity for the competition, which contains four colour schemes – magenta (depicting passion and energy), cyan (represents a fresh beginning), green (the vibrancy of a football pitch) as well as blue (topography of the region). AFF’s long-term commercial partner, Lagardère Sports, managed the overall process of creating the new tournament visuals.

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