Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Expansion plan for Longchamp Asia

    Expansion plan for Longchamp Asia

    Luxury French brand Longchamp sees Asia as a major contributor to the brand’s global growth in coming years.

    Jean Cassegrain Longchamp CEO Caterina di Orgi via TwitterCEO Jean Cassegrain says 25 per cent of the brand’s business now comes from Asia – and 50 per cent of its customer base is Asian.

    In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times in Singapore last week, Cassegrain, grandson of the brand’s founder of the same name, described its Southeast Asian customer base as a “mature luxury shopper” and confirmed an expansion of the brand’s activity as it boosts its presence across the region.

    Part of the Longchamp Asia expansion plan will include a doubling in the size of the Singapore store at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands late next month, to better showcase its ready-to-wear collections.

    “Customers [in Singapore] are well educated on luxury, perhaps more so than in China and Taiwan, where luxury consumers are more in discovery mode,” he told The Straits Times.

    “It just shows the enormous opportunity Southeast Asia still holds for us to grow our business. We are far from reaching our potential in Asia.”

    Longchamp remains family-owned in an era when most high-profile luxury brands have been swallowed up by corporate giants in Europe, or private equity investors.

    Since its foundation 68 years ago, Longchamp has grown to a network of some 300 directly-operated retail stores in 24 countries, with franchise partners expanding that reach to 80 markets.  Sales topped 566 million euro last year, (US$621 million).

  • Binggrae opens Yellow Cafe flagship

    Binggrae opens Yellow Cafe flagship

    Korea’s Binggrae, famous for its signature banana-flavored milk, will open a banana-flavored milk themed Yellow Cafe.

    The new concept store will be located in the Dongdaemun branch of Hyundai Outlet Store.

    It marks Binggrae’s first foray into the cafe market. Beverages such as lattes and milkshakes, and desserts such as ice cream, pudding, and tarts made with banana-flavored milk will be sold alongside accessories and souvenirs inspired by the beloved product that started it all, Binggrae’s iconic banana-flavored milk.

    The interior design of the store is also inspired by the product, as well as the tableware used to serve food and beverages at the store.

    Binggrae’s move to open a flagship store in the Dongdaemun area is perceived by retail analysts as a bid to get ahead in a commercial area that’s on the rise.

    Yellow Cafe stoee

    Dongdaemun is an area popular among tourists, with its numerous fashion shopping malls, cultural assets and Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). The area holds potential to grow even more with Doosan’s duty free store expected to open soon.

    Binggrae hopes to promote its products by introducing them to more domestic and foreign consumers.

    “Based on the resources the area holds, Yellow Cafe will provide a space that can provide opportunities to consumers so that they can experience our products,” a company spokesman said.

    Since its launch in 1974, banana-flavored milk has stood at the top of the domestic market for processed milk, a reign of more than 40 years. The friendly color of the product and unique bottle shape are loved by consumers of all ages.

  • Electronic payments boost economies, said Visa

    Electronic payments boost economies, said Visa

     

    Electronic payments boost household spending on goods and services as well as boost GDP, according to a study commissioned by global payments technology company Visa.

    Moody’s Analytics investigated the impact of electronic payments on economic growth across 70 countries between 2011 and 2015, finding that the increasing use of credit, debit and prepaid cards added US$296 billion to GDP, while raising household consumption by an average of 0.18 per cent a year. The countries in the study make up almost 95 per cent of global GDP.

    Moody’s economists also estimated that another effect was the creation of 2.6 million jobs on average annually over the five-year period as a result of increased use of electronic payments.

    “Countries that saw large increases in card usage also saw larger contributions to overall growth in their economies,” says chief economist Mark Zandi.

    Purchasing is more convenient and efficient for consumers, and merchants can manage their businesses better and benefit from higher sales.

    Electronic payments also benefit governments and contribute to stable and open business environments, says the study, The Impact of Electronic Payments on Economic Growth. Also, electronic payments help minimise the “grey economy” – economic activity that is often cash-based and goes unreported. This means that electronic payments provide a higher potential tax revenue base for governments, while also bringing the added benefits of lower cash-handling costs, guaranteed payment to merchants and greater financial inclusion for consumers.

    “This research suggests that the right public policies can create an open, competitive payment environment, and contribute to economic growth and job creation,” says Visa CEO Charlie Scharf.

    Two countries stood out for their large gains in employment, stimulated by fast-growing productivity and increased use of cards – China (427,000 jobs added) and India (336,000 jobs).

    As with GDP gains, job gains were not uniform across regions. North America had the highest average job gains per year (69,000), followed by Asia (62,000).

    Some emerging economies have also experienced notable increases in productivity. For example, increased card penetration raised GDP in Vietnam by 0.14 per cent, and Vietnamese labour productivity rose by 18 per cent, resulting in about 75,000 jobs gained each year.

    As consumption growth is, on average, faster in emerging economies, those countries also have more to gain by increasing card usage, says the study.

    Moody’s found that every 1 per cent increase in usage of electronic payments could produce, on average, an annual increase of about $104 billion in the consumption of goods and services. But expanding electronic payments alone do not necessarily increase a country’s prosperity – this needs the support of a well-developed financial system and healthy economy. Countries need to promote policies that minimise unneeded regulation and create a robust financial infrastructure.

    Because of the somewhat lower penetration, card use added 0.06 per cent to GDP a year in Asia.

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  • Philippine retail sales surge

    Philippine retail sales surge

    Philippine retail sales soared 6.3 per cent in the last quarter of 2015 – more than three times faster than the same period a year earlier.

    According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, the retail trade growth was more than three times the rate of the same period of 2014, when sales rose 1.9 per cent.

    Thus, the retail sector has significantly contributed to the growth of overall trade in the country.

    Wholesale trade also accelerated to 9.0 per cent compared with the 8.9 per cent growth a year ago.

    The industry group that includes wholesale and retail trade accelerated to 7.0 per cent growth in the fourth quarter of 2015 from the 3.4 per cent posted in 2014.

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  • Hyundai Ioniq Recalled in South Korea over Rolling Backwards Problem

    Hyundai Ioniq Recalled in South Korea over Rolling Backwards Problem

    The South Korean manufacturer launched the Ioniq in its home market two months or so ago, yet Hyundai had to recall the electric drive hatchback after a video was published on YouTube. That particular video can be found at the end of this story. Just skip to the 4-minute, 4-second mark and observe what happens.

    Let’s put into words what occurred there. The driver took the Ioniq on an uphill parking exit. He brings the car to a stop while still on the exit ramp. After that, the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal, expecting the hill start assist system to keep things under control. But it doesn’t. He then pumps the throttle pedal repeatedly, only to find out that the Hyundai Ioniq doesn’t do a hill start.

    After the car had started rolling backwards, a firm press of the brake put an end to this dangerous incident. The South Korean motoring media took notice of the incident and Hyundai paid attention, prompting an internal investigation. And as expected, the company decided to recall all Ioniq vehicles made until March 14 for a software update. The Ioniq Hybrid, Plug-in, and Electric made after March 14 have been given the updated software, so they’re not included in this campaign.

    Slated to debut in the United States of America later this week at the New York Auto Show, the Hyundai Ioniq arrives just in time for the 2017 model year. The Ioniq Hybrid will be the first model to hit dealerships nationwide, followed by the Ioniq Electric and the Ioniq Plug-in variants by the end of the calendar year.

    Pricing information for the U.S. market isn’t available at the time of writing, yet don’t expect Hyundai to sell the Ioniq Hybrid for more money than Toyota is selling the fourth-generation Prius. More specifically, the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid could hold a suggested retail price of under $25,000 sans destination.

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  • China’s 361 Degrees Net Profit Up 30.2% In 2015

    China’s 361 Degrees Net Profit Up 30.2% In 2015

    Chinese sportswear maker 361 Degrees Group published its financial report for 2015 in Hong Kong, stating that its turnover reached CNY4.459 billion in 2015, a year-on-year increase of 14.1%; its gross profit was CNY1.823 billion; its gross margin was 40.9%; and its net profit attributable to shareholders was CNY518 million, a year-on-year increase of 30.2%.

    Meanwhile, by December 31, 2015, the company had distribution in 7,208 stores.

    The company said their children’s wear business showed strong performance. Since its launch in 2009, 361 Degrees’ children’s wear business achieved profit in six consecutive years. In 2015, its performance saw a year-on-year increase of 16% to nearly CNY600 million, accounting for 13.2% of the total operating revenue of the group. The number of children’s wear stores increased to 2,350.

    361 Degrees will continue to cooperate with the Finnish top outdoor brand One Way and promote three product series, which are for cycling, skiing, and outdoor adventure. At present, One Way has 47 owned stores in 23 Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

    In the e-commerce sector, 361 Degrees is gradually improving the diversity and uniqueness of its e-commerce products. The e-commerce platform has also become an important channel for the company to launch smart products like smart shoes. So far, 361 Degrees’ online products and traditional store products each account for half of the business.

    In addition, 361 Degrees is actively developing new businesses and expanding overseas markets. By December 11, 2015, the company had 116 sales sites in America, 415 sales sites in Brazil, and 30 sales sites in Europe. Ding Wuhao, president of 61 Degrees, revealed that as an official partner of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, the company will fully expand the overseas markets with this opportunity.

  • HAGL launches second phase of Myanmar Centre

    HAGL launches second phase of Myanmar Centre

    Vietnamese developer Hoang Anh Gia Lai has started building the second phase of its landmark Myanmar Centre, which will include two office towers and five residential towers including serviced apartments and units for sale.

    The first phase of the US$440 million project included a shopping centre called Myanmar Plaza, which opened at the end of last year, and a hotel operated by Spanish chain Melia.

    The second phase, which is due for completion by 2018, broke ground at a ceremony on March 19. It will include a shopping mall with retail space, a cinema, an entertainment centre and a gaming zone.

    It will also include two serviced apartment towers with 360 units and two office towers. The total commercial leasing area across retail and office will be 93,742 square metres, according to a company spokesperson.

    Also part of the second phase, three 32-storey residential apartment towers known as The Lake Suites, with a total of 674 units, have already gone on sale.

    The units vary in size. One bedroom units are 68 sq m, two bedroom units are 88 sq m and 3 bedroom units are 119 sq m. Apartments are on sale for K300 million to K600 million each, with prices rising for higher floors.

    A representative for the Association of Vietnamese Investors in Myanmar (AVIM) said that the past six years have seen strong growth in investment relationships and cooperation between Myanmar and Vietnam.

    In 2010, Vietnamese foreign direct investment into Myanmar was worth $23.65 million. By December 2015, there were 73 Vietnamese enterprises invested in Myanmar with 10 projects approved by the Myanmar Investment Commission, worth a total of $691.6 million, he said.

    Bilateral trade between the two countries was worth $66 million in fiscal year 2012-13, rising to $281.02 million in FY2013-14 and $321.36 million last financial year.

    This year between April and August, trade between the two countries was worth $133.41 million, Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development statistics show.

    The Ho Chi Minh City-listed developer signed a $300 million build- operate-transfer (BOT) contract in 2013 with the government, state media reported at the time.

    Last year, the project was valued at $550 million during a joint venture bid by Singapore’s Rowsley, though the deal fell through in April. Rowsley said it had been unable to reach an agreement with HAGL over the details of the investment structure.

  • Thai BJC shareholders approve $6.2 billion Big C buy

    Thai BJC shareholders approve $6.2 billion Big C buy

    Thailand’s Berli Jucker shareholders have voted in favor of a $6.2 billion acquisition of hypermarket operator Big C Supercenter Pcl (BIGC.BK) from France’s Casino Group.

    Some 99.99 percent of voters approved the plan at Monday’s meeting, two financial sources who attended it said.

    Berli, the core retail business of Thai tycoon Charoan Sirivadhanabhakdi’s TCC group, won a hotly contested auction for Casino’s 58.6 percent stake in Big C.

    Earlier, Casino said it was on track to reduce debt as promised after Standard & Poor’s cut the French retailer’s credit rating to junk, citing falling profits, weakness in Brazil and competition at home.

    The Thai group secured $6.2 billion short-term financing deal with 15 banks to fund the Big C acquisition on Wednesday.

    Berli is expected to pay Casino by the end of March and the company will buy the remaining shares from minority shareholders in a tender offer, to be completed by May, one source said.

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  • Apple Stores in India could resemble the iconic 5th Avenue Store

    Apple Stores in India could resemble the iconic 5th Avenue Store

    Apple has stepped up its efforts to tap the Indian market by seeking government approvals for opening Apple Stores and selling and manufacturing refurbished devices in India. Now Apple is already said to be looking for space in key cities such as Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Pune for its first Apple Stores in the country.

    The report further says Apple is planning to replicate its iconic Fifth Avenue Apple Store in New York City, along with smaller outlets in India. Apple’s Fifth Avenue store is popular for its unique glass cube design partly designed by the late Steve Jobs. The large cube encloses the entrance to the main store via an Apple patented glass staircase. The report points out the cube design will be for the flagship stores in India.

    According to the report, Apple is planning to set up 2,000-3,000 sqft stores in India that will also have space for tech support and small workshops — similar to the ones in the US.

    Apple stores are one of the critical elements of Apple’s business model. In fact, Apple leads the US’ retail market in terms of sales per unit area. So far it has 481 retail stores in 18 countries including neighboring China. These stores have helped Apple build itself as a luxury brand as well as giving users a premium experience before making a purchasing decision.

    With its main markets nearing saturation level, Apple has shifted its focus on emerging markets like China and India. Even as it has yet to begin its efforts in retail segment, Apple has already grown a lot bigger in China in the recent years. Apple’s sales to China market along with Hong Kong and Taiwan, grew 14 percent to $18.37 billion, in the December quarter. It now plans to increase its Apple Stores to 40 in China by the end of the summer this year.

    CEO Tim Cook has already revealed India is going to hold key for its success and is one of the most important growth areas for the next decade. It may be recalled that despite the global slowdown, Apple had recorded better figures in India, which has been long considered as a price sensitive market and is currently dominated by budget Android smartphones. According to the recent IDC figures, Apple edged past Xiaomi to grab no. 6 spot in 30 Indian cities.

    Apple Stores are likely to lay the foundation for Apple’s bigger foray into the Indian market, which it had largely ignored for several years. A Fifth Avenue-like store clearly show Apple’s intentions of company’s long-term strategy for the Indian market. We can expect Apple’s smaller outlets to be akin to the ones in the US and may initially target the urban consumers. These outlets are likely to offer uniform design and experience to the customers.

    But does Apple’s new efforts mean cheaper devices in India? Well, highly unlikely. Tim Cook recently said that the company has no intentions of launching a stripped down version of the iPhone to appease emerging markets. Cook added the company’s research indicates users in these markets are now willing to invest more for improved experience.

    But that being said, another interesting thing to watch out from Apple is its plans tosell refurbished iPhones in India. The pre-owned Apple devices are likely to attract price-sensitive consumers. This is likely to help Apple expand its foothold in the mid-range smartphone segment where Android is very huge.

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  • Women now running the stores at Lotte Mart

    Women now running the stores at Lotte Mart

    Lotte Group believes that women know what women want. As a result, it’s moving more women into executive positions.In fact, its retail arm, Lotte Mart, has the largest number – six – which is 30 percent of the 19 women executives in the group: Julia Han, head of the home furnishing division; Kate Song, head of the babies and kids division; Kim Yoon-kyung, head of the marketing division; Seo Hyun-sun of the space merchandising innovation division; Jeong Seon-mee, head of the human resources development division; and Kim Hee-kyoung, head the Gyeonggi Nambu sales division.There’s more “women power” at Lotte Mart than at any other company in the industry, the company said Sunday.

    Decision makers from the beginning of the whole retail process to the end – product selection, marketing, consumer management and on-site sales – are women.

    The idea is that of 53-year-old Lotte Mart CEO Kim Jong-in, who was looking for a unique way to grow sales and profits. While most hypermarkets compete by opening more stores or slashing prices, Kim felt he could bring the level of competition to a new level and ultimately outperform E-Mart and Homeplus.

    “It’s true that we weren’t concerned enough about the major customers of our stores, which are women in their 30s and 40s,” Kim said. “By having women in charge at our company, we will transform from a place people go to for cheaper food products to a place where all sorts of things related to a more enjoyable life await shoppers.”

    The women executives hold a brainstorming session twice a month, dubbed Women’s Pick Cafe, a speedy discussion that deal with more than 10 topics at a time. Conclusions reached at the meeting are implemented in all stores.

    Here are the kind of ideas they come up with:

    Han (Home furnishing) – “When we publish product information on flyers, we should focus on showing actual ‘scenes’ rather than the product itself, so that customers can associate the advertisement with their own homes. Let’s show them a dinner table with food than showing them the food itself.”

    Kim (Marketing) – “When we visited neighbors 10 years ago, we used to bring canned tuna or ham products, but now we bring aromatic candles, wine or flowers. We have to bring that change in custom into our mart as well.”

    Seo (Merchandising innovation) – “What people want these days is not a luxury lifestyle but rather, a cool one. That means the supermarket has to carry a more diversified set of products.”

    Song (Babies and kids) – “For busy working moms, we opened an online version of Toys ‘R’ Us, and in the future, there will be more multibrand shops for men, because these days, men are very lonely.”

    Kim (Sales) – “When I was a store manager, I created separate rest areas for men, and they were really popular. Let’s listen to what employees are having difficulty with and figure out solutions.”

    Jeong (Human resources) – “A leader that works with the passion of a mother can change corporate culture. If more suggestions are conveyed from the bottom up, customer service can only get better.”

    The change to a more women-centered management at Lotte Mart is only three months old, but the impact is already visible. The biggest change is how products are arranged in the store. The layout is transforming as specialized brands are clustered together. Room by Home (home interior shop), Yorihada (home meal solution), Toys ‘R’ Us and Pet Garden (pet shop) are examples of such clusters.

    Even in the fresh food areas, which are pretty much the same at all hypermarkets, Lotte Mart is using lighting to differentiate product displays.

    The flow of people is also being improved in stores. Displays are raised to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) so customers don’t have to bend over.

    Following suggestions that too much information disturbs customers’ shopping, various advertisements that once filled the walls have been cleared out.

    The Yangdeok branch of Lotte Mart in South Gyeongsang, which opened last December and implemented all the listed changes described above, actually saw 40 percent more revenue in home furnishing and 47 percent in fashion accessories through February compared to the Guro branch in Seoul, which is of a similar size.

    Stores in Gunsan, Pangyo and Yeongjong Island have all jumped in sales by 10 to 20 percent year on year after remodeling.

    Lotte Mart plans to renew an additional 30 branches this year. It is also planning to train more than 100 female store managers and actively solicit female customers’ suggestions.

     

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  • DFS partners with Jeju Tourism Organisation

    DFS partners with Jeju Tourism Organisation

    Top DFS and JTODFS Group has signed a new supply partnership with the Jeju Tourism Organization (JTO) ‘to raise awareness and attract international tourism to Jeju Island, South Korea, as well as to provide an elevated retail experience for international tourists’.

    This new partnership has been forged after many months of discussions between the two parties, with DFS agreeing to use its global network and marketing reach to encourage tourism to Jeju. In return, it has also reached agreement to supply international luxury merchandise to JTO’s new duty free store, which is due to open in Jungmun in Southern Jeju later this year.

    Kab-Yeol Choi, President of JTO with Philippe Schaus, DFS

    Kab-Yeol Choi, President of JTO and Philippe Schaus, DFS CEO.

    [DFS says The Jeju Duty Free will open in its second phase by May 2016, with all brands and product offerings in place by the fourth quarter-Ed].

    According to DFS: “The store, called The Jeju Duty Free, will be located in one of the largest 5-star beachfront and gaming resorts in Jungmun and will carry global brands, as well as local offerings. There is scope for the partnership to extend to other channels in future.”

    It adds that its ‘long history’ of working with partners in Okinawa, Bali and Hainan ’is well-suited for this shared vision’.

    Kab-Yeol Choi and Philippe Schaus sign the agreement

    Kab-Yeol Choi and Philippe Schaus sign the agreement.

    Adding his comments, Hee-ryong Won, the Governor of Jeju said: “As a provincial government entity of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, we must elevate Jeju’s value as a tourism destination by bringing high-quality duty free shopping services. We look forward to positively contributing to the development of Korea’s duty free industry.”

    Kab-Yeol Choi, President of JTO added: “We highly respect DFS’ dedication to JTO’s vision in developing Jeju as a preferred destination for tourism. The strategic partnership between JTO and DFS will allow Jungmun to offer the best duty free shopping experience and be of great assistance in attracting more international tourists to Jeju.”

    1 DFS and Jeju

     

    Last, but not least, Philippe Schaus, Chairman and CEO of DFS said the retailer greatly admires JTO’s creativity and foresight in developing Jungmun and the surrounding area as an international tourist destination.

    He added that the company is pleased to be able to contribute to these efforts by providing travellers with a tailored selection of high quality, luxury products.

    As announced by Korean Customs earlier this year Jeju outlets and all other specialist shops (including diplomatic) generated $481.1m in 2015.

    Seongsan-Ilchulbong-Peak

    Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak on Jeju Island – sometimes referred to as ‘the Hawaii of South Korea’.

    GOOD POTENTIAL FOR CHINESE VISITORS

    As DFS notes, Jeju Island is a self-governed province and Korea’s largest island, located south-west of the Korean Peninsula. A leading tourism destination in North Asia, it has been referred to as ‘the Hawaii of South Korea’, renowned for its dramatic natural beauty and boasting three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as offering a wide range of leisure and cultural pursuits.

    Jungmun, in the south of the island, attracts visitors with its beaches, golf courses, high-end resorts and casinos, and an international convention centre.

    Jeju Island is forecast to attract four million visitors in 2016 and has recorded an average 44% growth in foreign travellers per year since 2010.

    DFS says that to further support the growth of international tourism, the Jeju Provincial Government, through the efforts of JTO, has begun a programme of strategic development in Jungmun to further attract ‘discerning overseas travellers’ seeking a combination of adventure and excitement but who also value luxury and convenience.

    DFS added: “In addition to several new large-scale integrated resorts and casinos, a cruise port is planned for completion in 2017 with an estimated handling capacity of one million passengers annually, enabling large cruise liners to dock near Jungmun and alleviating the limited capacity at the current port in Jeju City.”

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  • Korean downtown duty free licence system under review

    Korean downtown duty free licence system under review

     

    In news that rocked the Korean travel-retail and duty-free world last November, Lotte Duty Free and Walkerhill Duty Free lost major downtown licenses to Shinsegae Duty Free and Doosan Group respectively, following a ground-breaking decision by the Korea Customs Service (KCS). But could they be granted a reprieve following a public hearing this week which discussed ways of easing regulations?

    The KCS’ decision to float key licenses—Lotte flagship and Lotte Tower stores, Walkerhill Duty Free’s downtown Seoul shop and Shinsegae’s Duty Free Busan operation—was in line with new regulations introduced in 2013. This meant contracts would expire after five years instead of the previous 10 and competition for licences would be encouraged at national level.

    The new regulations and KCS’ decision to rob Lotte of its invaluable World Tower Licence and SK Networks (Walkerhill Duty Free) of its flagship downtown duty-free operation it had operated for more than 25 years — DFNIonline understands both stores continue to trade until their futures are resolved once and for all— prompted strong criticism in Korea. It was widely believed such developments would hinder long-term investment and perhaps undermine global competitiveness of the country’s duty-free industry.

    During Wednesday’s hearing, The Korea Herald revealed officials proposed the issue of more licenses for duty-free shops in Seoul and return of 10-year expiration terms – previous terms were for five years. According to the publication, under the new proposals, the government could grant more duty-free licensees if the portion of foreigners and money spent at local duty-free shops exceeded 50% over the previous year. It could also do so if foreign visitors increased more than 300,000 in each municipality.

    While the Korean government believes the proposed new measures would make the local duty-free market more attractive compared to competition elsewhere and promote the tourist industry, the new operators do not share the same view. They believe they would only succeed in instigating “excessive rivalry” in a currently saturated market and re-invigorate Lotte and Shilla, which would not do them any favours. DFNIonline understands and appreciates both perspectives but the reality is that changes must be made for the sake of the industry.

    Quoting data released by the Seoul City government, indicating visitor numbers in the capital dropped 10.6 million last year from 11.4 million the year before, the Korean Herald report said: “The number of foreigners entering Korea via Incheon International airport and Gimpo airport also tumbled 5.9% and 11% respectively.

    ”The Korea Herald suggests the likes of Doosan Group, the heavy industry conglomerate, which confirmed to DFNIonline it is due to open its first store at the Doosan Tower in Dongdaemun in May and Shinsegae Duty Free, which already opened its new downtown store in March, believe the government has been “misled” by exaggerated tourism numbers.

    It also quoted an industry insider who commented: “New duty-free operators are set to invest K1.07trn ($896m) and hire 14,200 workers. But if we are going to have more operators even before setting the businesses, this would kill the entire duty-free market.”

    Lotte and Walkerhill Duty Free, however, refuted these claims, indicating the winners had previously urged the government to introduce more operators in the market, only to change their position once securing the licenses.

    Speaking to DFNIonline in December 2015 Lotte Duty Free marketing division managing director Bo Joon Kim said: “The reason why the duty-free market in Korea can be the world’s best is the constant investment and tremendous effort to attract foreign tourists to Korea.

    “However, if the operator changes every five years, the instability of the investment will not only hinder long-term investment, but create increased competition, which will eventually curtail service.”

    Kim also said a repeated change of operators would harm the global competitiveness of tourism in Korea and the duty-free market – Lotte Duty Free directly attracted 1.55 million foreign tourists to Korea in 2014 equating to 10.9% of the total number, he said.

    If local media reports are to be believed, the Finance Ministry will finalise the plan on duty-free operations this month. Do Lotte and Walkerhill really believe they will be granted new duty-free licences and is there a realistic chance these proposals will be implemented? Time will tell, but one thing is certain. Something has to be done.

     

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  • Changi makes it four as World’s Best Airport

    Changi makes it four as World’s Best Airport

    For the fourth year running Singapore Changi Airport has been voted the World’s Best Airport by air travellers at the Skytrax 2016 World Airport Awards, held at the Passenger Terminal EXPO in Cologne, Germany.

    The Skytrax awards are the most comprehensive on the planet, based on 13.25m ‘customer nominations’ across 106 nationalities of air travellers using 550 airports worldwide. The survey evaluates customer satisfaction across 39 key performance indicators for airport service and product – from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration, to departure at the gate.

    Changi Airport was also voted Best Airport in Asia, as well as the Best Airport for Leisure Amenities, with the latter award recognising the airport’s music bar lounges, cinemas, music deck, swimming pool, napping and rest areas – plus its in-terminal Transit Hotel.

    In order, the Skytrax best airport ranking 2016 placed Singapore Changi first, ahead of second placed Incheon, Munich Airport (3); Tokyo Haneda (4); Hong Kong (5); Chūbu Centrair Nagoya (6); Zürich Airport (7); Heathrow (8); Kansai (9); and Hamad International Doha (10).

    Mr Lee Seow Hiang (left), CEO of Changi Airport Group, receiving the World’s Best Airport award from Mr Edward Plaisted (right), CEO of Skytrax. This is the seventh time that Changi Airport has picked up this top title at the World Airport Awards.

    Commenting on the award to Changi, Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: “To be voted by customers as the world’s Best Airport four years in succession is a most remarkable achievement for Changi Airport Singapore, and is clear testament to the airport’s popularity amongst air travellers.

    “Changi Airport continues to innovate in both product and service options for its customers and focus on making the customer experience at the airport as enjoyable and relaxing as possible.

    “To be named by global travellers as the world’s favourite airport for the 6th time in ten years is great reward not only to Changi Airport management, but for staff across every section of the airport who contribute in every little way to Changi Airport operations.”

    Adding his comments, Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Changi Airport Group CEO said: “To be named the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax for the fourth year running is a significant achievement for Changi Airport and a clear affirmation that we continue to hit the right notes in our pursuit of service excellence.”

  • The 11th Edition of Eco Expo Asia set for October in Hong Kong

    The 11th Edition of Eco Expo Asia set for October in Hong Kong

    Celebrating its 11th edition this year, Eco Expo Asia, the preeminent trading platform for green businesses in Asia, will gather industry experts and leading-edge products and solutions at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong from 26 to 29 October 2016. The annual show is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organised with the Environment Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.

    A networking luncheon for the show was held on 17 March at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which welcomed representatives from the international government and business sectors. These guests shared insights into the emerging green market in different countries.

    Four key focuses for Hong Kong environmental protection policies

    Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government, delivered the keynote luncheon speech. Mr Wong praised Eco Expo Asia as an exceptional platform for promoting environment protection in Hong Kong as well as for representatives from different countries to exchange their views and set common objectives.

    Mr Wong highlighted the achievements Hong Kong had made in environmental protection in recent years. For example, in July 2015, the government introduced a new regulation which requires all ocean-going vessels to switch to low-sulphur marine fuel for berthing in the port of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is the first Asian city to implement such a measure, and it has improved the air quality around the Kwai Tsing Container Terminals and surrounding berths significantly.

    He added that the government will also set up an inter-departmental committee on climate change to formulate more progressive policies towards meeting emission reduction targets.

    Mr Wong elaborated: “Hong Kong has identified four key focuses for its environmental protection policies, including cleaner air supply, building energy efficiency, green transportation and waste-to-energy conversion. Related measures will be taken to address the major pollution issues of Hong Kong and to transform the city into a low-carbon, low-waste and energy-efficient one.”

    Green solutions to seize market opportunities

    Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, noted that the theme of this year’s Eco Expo Asia, “Green Solutions for a Changing Climate”, echoed the mission of the government’s environmental protection policies.

    He not only pinpointed that business viability and environmental awareness are equally significant in promoting green technology in Asia, but also stressed the importance of having the local community’s support. He said: “The community’s involvement is an essential part of promoting sustainable development and environmental protection measures. As with previous years, we will extend the invitation to participate from trade professionals (on the first three days of the fair) to the general public on the last day, free of charge.”

    Ir Prof Daniel M Cheng, Chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and President of the Hong Kong Environmental Industry Association, pointed out that, since the inaugural Eco Expo Asia, which featured 128 exhibitors and drew close to 5,000 buyers, the fair has grown considerably and attracted 320 exhibitors and more than 12,000 buyers in 2015.

    Prof Cheng further explained that many major environmental protection projects have been launched in Hong Kong over the past 10 years, including the establishment of sludge treatment facilities, the EcoPark WEEE Recycling Centre and integrated waste management facilities. Apart from these large-scale projects, the Environmental Industries Council also encouraged small- and medium-sized enterprises to bring innovative ideas into the environmental protection space, and to capitalise on market opportunities. He said: “Climate change is not necessarily a challenge that is impossible to handle. We need to understand its impact and be flexible in our strategies in order to seize various market opportunities.”

    World-class expo promoting international cooperation

    Wilfred Mohr, Consul General of the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, also complimented Eco Expo Asia for being an excellent platform for green businesses. For the past two years, the Netherlands Consulate General has organised a national booth at the expo. It not only facilitated exchange between companies from the Netherlands and Hong Kong, but it also promoted cooperation with the Chinese mainland. From this came the establishment of sewage treatment plants by the Government of the Netherlands, in Guangdong Province. In view of this, the Netherlands Consulate General has arranged for several more Dutch enterprises from different sectors of the green industry to exhibit at the 2016 Eco Expo Asia.

    Also speaking at the luncheon, Jason Cao, Senior General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, thanked all the guests for their support for Eco Expo Asia. He encouraged the cooperation of more organisations from around the world that are interested in promoting geen development in Hong Kong and throughout Asia to capture valuable opportunities available in the Asian markets.

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  • Thailand’s Robinson makes online push

    Thailand’s Robinson makes online push

    Major department store operator Robinson said it was turning its focus to online sales and enhancing in-store services — offering anything from ear-piercing to eye tests — rather than opening new stores this year as the economy remained sluggish.

    President Alan George Thomson said that sales from its online platform will contribute 5-7% of overall sales by 2020, from the current 1%. In that time, its online business will become Robinson’s largest segment in terms of sales, exceeding its flagship Rama 9 store in Bangkok.

    Adding to the conventional online shopping service, special kiosks will be set up in stores where customers can make orders online. Items will be delivered to the shop as soon as the next day. Customers in rural areas can thus buy items that would otherwise only be found in the cities.

    “We are transforming Robinson from a department store to a retail company,” Thomson told reporters on Wednesday. By 2017, the company will have spent 2.5 billion baht to renovate 20 of its major department stores.

    Robinson will introduce services such as ear-piercing, eye tests, smartphone-charging stations, coffee stands and even fitness centers. “We want to make retail more than just shopping,” Thomson said.

    But sluggish domestic consumption has meant that the company will open just two stores this year, down from the four or five in the past few years.

    “The economy is definitely much slower now,” Thomson said. Sales in 2015 increased a mere 5% on the year to 2.15 billion baht, underperforming its initial target of a 15% growth. “Getting sales in Thailand is not easy,” Thomson said. “We will slow down our expansion but get better profits from existing shops.”

    To improve efficiency, it will introduce centralized cashiers in its stores.

    Robinson is a part of retail giant Central Group. While Central’s flagship Central department stores target the mid- to high-income customer, Robinson’s focus is on the mass market and a younger customer base. Many of the Robinson department stores are in the Central Plaza shopping malls operated by the group’s development arm Central Pattana.

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