Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

Harley-Davidson Hong Kong opens new flagship
Harley-Davidson Hong Kong has unveiled a new showroom in Chai Wan as part of its expansion plan in the city.

The new showroom, covering about 9000 sqft (840 sqm), showcases the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles, clothing and related services and products. Harley-Davidson Hong Kong is intended as a lifestyle concept store that “fully presents the value of the brand” to its customers, according to its principal, David Neilsen.

The company describes the new outlet as “unlike any motorcycle dealership yet built in Hong Kong in quality and design”.

“Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities in the world,” said Neilsen. “It was an exciting opportunity for us to bring Harley-Davidson’s authentic full service to the community. We believe that there is great potential, especially in the affluent youth market, for this legendary brand here in Hong Kong.

“We are already looking for the right moment to introduce Harley-Davidson’s new Black Label line which the company has developed to suit the taste of the young generation. We believe that the new line is a great fit for the Hong Kong market and in line with the company’s global expansion plan,” Neilsen concluded.

InvestHK advised and assisted Harley-Davidson Hong Kong with its expansion in the territory.
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February 8, 2016
Foodpanda India ‘likely to close’

Foodpanda India appears likely to be shut down after parent Rocket Internet failed to find a buyer at a bargain basement price.

It’s the latest chapter for the increasingly troubled Asian operations of Foodpanda which last monthgave up in Vietnam after failing to win market share off rivals and in Hong Kong axed its upmarket spinoff brand Foodora, merging the two businesses into one.

India’s Economic Times reports Foodpanda is “desperately searching for a buyer” for the troubled Indian business, despite setting the price tag at just US$10 – $15 million.

“Both Zomato and Swiggy have been approached for a buyout, besides one larger horizontal company. But Rocket is yet to garner keen interest from possible suitors for Foodpanda,” another source told theTimes of India.

At the end of December, Foodpanda India laid off 300 staff , about 15 per cent of its local workforce, as it faced increasing competition from Zomato. The company said the redundancies were the result of achieving near 98 per cent automaticon of its ordering process.

The Economic Times reports Rocket’s problems in India are not restricted to Foodpanda.

“The Samwer brothers-led Rocket Internet’s interest in its Indian portfolio has been waning with most of its flagship firms, including FabFurnish and PrintVenue, being put on the block,” the newspaper said.

It concluded that if a buyer for the sites cannot be found the company would simply close them.

February 8, 2016
McDonald’s China plans 250 new stores in 2016

McDonald’s China is shifting its focus from tier 1 and 2 markets to smaller cities as it expands its footprint in the mainland.

The US fast food operator plans to open 250 new stores in the lower-tier cities in 2016 which represents its biggest expansion plan in any international market.

Phyllis Cheung, CEO of McDonald’s China, says the company will target third and fourth tier cities, along with developing digital ordering and offering customised burgers.

Cheung says 150 stores in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou will have self-service kiosks introduced this year allowing customised ingredients. The build-your-own concept is called My Burger and has already been introduced in some Asian markets, including Thailand.

“Within two to three years, we hope mobile ordering and other digital capabilities would cover all of our restaurants in China, and we will also launch our proprietary smartphone application for ordering by the end of this year,” Cheung said in an interview.

The Us chain opened its ‘Experience of the future’ flagship restaurant in Beijing’s Wangfujing St this week which features table service for customers who order using the WeChat app.

McDonald’s China boasts more than 2200 stores already.

February 8, 2016
Alibaba Group conquers China slowdown
Going into this quarter the main concern for Alibaba was that a slowdown in Chinese economic growth would damage its performance.

Fortunately, this has not materialised with very solid uplifts in its Chinese retail marketplace proposition underpinning a respectable 32 per cent rise in overall revenues.

Some of this uplift was undoubtedly aided by the company’s very strong performance over the Singles Day shopping festival in November. During this time, it attracted over 115 million visitors to its marketplaces and processed some 467 million orders across all of its platforms during a 24-hour period. The fact that its systems and infrastructure coped well with this volume, which is around 10 times more than the usual daily average, is a testament to Alibaba’s technological prowess, especially in areas like cloud computing.

This focus on technology is also helping Alibaba to understand the habits and preferences of Chinese consumers as they browse and navigate the group’s various sites, news feeds, and entertainment options. This understanding puts Alibaba in a prime position when it comes to helping Western brands expand into China. In many ways Alibaba and its marketplaces are the ideal conduit through which foreign retailers can target and reach appropriate audiences. In our view this remains one of the main sources of commercial advantage for the company.

Despite its success at home, Alibaba has struggled to gain traction in already established markets like the US. While this was once a stated ambition, and perhaps remains a long term goal, it is clearly not the main agenda for the year ahead. Indeed, over the latest quarter the proportion of revenue from international operations shrunk by 1 percentage point and the growth rate of 17 per cent, while respectable, was well below that of the Chinese operation.

As much as this will no doubt come as a relief to many Western retailers, it is the right decision. Despite its dominance in the country, Alibaba’s growth potential in China remains enormous – especially as it expands operations into more rural areas. As such, chasing lower margin, profit eroding international gains for the sake of vanity makes little sense.

That noted, over the longer term Alibaba would like to become more international. The route it will take, however, is likely to be one of investing in, and partnering with, local players in order to grow its share and presence. The company clearly has the financial muscle to undertake such corporate activity and we expect to see more of this in 2016 and the years beyond.
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February 8, 2016
Index Living Mall plans ASEAN expansion
Home-furnishing retailer Index Living Mall has announced its 2020 vision to continue its push beyond Thailand into other ASEAN countries.

With franchised stores already trading in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, the company believes the region’s urbanisation has shifted consumers toward a more modern lifestyle, including the way they buy and use home-furnishing products. It also notes a rise in the number of middle-income earners throughout the ASEAN Economic Community.

MD Kridchanok Patamasatayasonthi says the company aims to double the present 5 per cent contribution to its total revenue from AEC markets by 2020. The company’s total revenue of Bt9.5 billion (US$264.8 million) last year was 5 per cent up on 2014.

“Our market expansion through international franchisees is the result of growth in the home-furnishing and accessories sectors among ASEAN member countries,” says Kridchanok. “Other positive factors, including the bustling economic outlook, rising gross incomes and similar customer behaviour, helped accelerate our decision to look for investment opportunities in new markets.”

She says the company has appointed VinDS, the retail investment arm of Vietnamese commercial property developer Vingroup, as its franchisee to tap into the home-furnishing and accessories retail market in that country. The first Index Living Mall under that partnership had a soft opening last month in Ho Chi Minh City, occupying 7000 sqm in Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien. Costing more than Bt200 million, the store is expected to achieve Bt350 million in sales in its first year.

Index Living Mall has had a store trading in Ho Chi Minh for more than four years, effectively testing the market. Now with VinDS it expects to open 10 more stores in major cities in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Da Nang, within five years.

“Economic growth indicators show that the Vietnamese retail market is number two in Asia, after only China,” says Kridchanok.

“During the first half of last year, the Vietnamese economy posted 6.28 per cent growth, the highest since 2008. With a population of 90 million, this will continue to grow, thanks to per capita income rising more than 10 per cent over the past decade.”

Kridchanok says it is expected that the number of Vietnamese earning a median income of 15 million dong ($673) a month will grow to 33 million by 2020.

Index Living Mall’s director for international business development Ekaridhi Patamasatayasonthi says the company’s venture into Vietnam highlights its marketing direction to tap into emerging CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam) markets, aimed at strengthening its leadership position in the home-furnishings and accessories retail market in the ASEAN region.

Ekaridhi says the company plans to open store in Manila in September via a joint venture with SM Retail, a Philippine business conglomerate involved in shopping mall, property development, banking and retailing. Index Living Mall has a 30 per cent stake in the venture.

In Malaysia, Index Living Mall opened its first home-furnishing store in Putrajaya last year in a joint venture with AEON. Three more stores are planned for Malaysia this year – in Kuala Lumpur in March, Kota Bharu in April and Johor Bahru in the fourth quarter.

Ekaridhi says there are six franchised stores in five countries – Malaysia, Russia, Maldives, Nepal and Vietnam – as well as dealers in Laos and Myanmar. In its home country, the company has 25 stores in 17 provinces, of which nine are in Bangkok. It plans to invest Bt470 million this year to open two stores, in Nakhon Pathom and Chachoengsao.

Index Living Mall expects to post Bt10 billion in revenue this year and to grow its annual sales by 10 per cent over the next five years.
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February 8, 2016
Siam Paragon innovative strategy to bait customer

Discounts of up to 80 per cent and a chance to win prizes – including gold bullion – are key elements in a Chinese New Year campaign at Siam Paragon and Siam Center in Bangkok.

Running from February 3 to March 13, the Siam Prosperous Chinese New Year 2016 campaign is offering 7.5 million baht ($200,000) in prizes for lucky shoppers. The aim of the event is to attract both locals and international tourists to the two malls, which feature fashion and lifestyle brands.

A feature of the campaign is a free daily performance of The Magic of Seven Animals of the Gods by Hong Kong performance troupe Lok Chee Fu, at the Parc Paragon events space, where the celebrations will be officially launched on February 4.

Marketing executive Chanisa Kwewruen of Siam Piwat, which runs the two centres, says the annual festival attracts more tourists each year, especially from China, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan.

“Tourists of Chinese descent comprise nearly 50 per cent of the foreign tourists who visit the two shopping centres.

“Also, this Chinese New Year marks the first time the ASEAN Economic Community is officially involved.”

Shoppers will receive a lucky-draw coupon for every 2000 baht they spend. The main prizes at stake include gold bullion worth 1 million baht (one winner), a model of the Royal Barge Suphannahongmade of 99.9 per cent yellow gold by Prima Art (two winners) and eight propitious trees made of 99.9 per cent yellow gold by Prima Art (20 winners). The 24 top spenders of the week will each win a 100,000-baht treatment from The Scarlett Clinic.

Privileges are also offered for holders of participating credit cards.

Meanwhile, the Siam Chinese New Year Sale from February 3 to 14 offers discounts of up to 80 per cent on leading brands. Special Siam Ang Pao (also known as Siam red envelopes) are also given away to shoppers from February 6 to 8, enabling them to win gift vouchers and discount cards.

Ten Siam Paragon customers who spend 300,000 baht on February 8 will each receive a TWG hamper worth 10,000 baht.

February 8, 2016
Celebrate Chinese New Year at the EM District with a giant flying dragon
Ever wondered what would happen if you combined Chinese New Year with Game of Thrones? The EM Disctrict did, and the result is the world’s first 40 meter long flying dragon hovering over EmQuartier. Come gasp at its 10 meter tall head. Go gape at its humongous mirrored body.

The majestic dragon, along with a Thai Hanuman monkey god, comes to life in performances of light, color, music and sound every day at 7pm and 8pm from Friday February 5, 2016 to Monday February 8, 2016.

Legend has it that whoever lays eyes on the dragon will have good luck. (Good luck, more money, more shopping.) And good luck will come in handy indeed with all the giveaways going on.

Spend 2,000 THB at participating stores, or 1,000 THB at the Dining Hall, and you could win 1 kilogram of gold. There are 9 kilograms to be won worth a total of 1.2 million THB. And with a Platinum M Card and True You membership you have an even bigger chance of winning.

Be one of the first 1,000 people to spend 1,000 THB at restaurants at Emporium and EmQuartier and you’ll receive a special Fortune Cookie and a chance to win even more cash and vouchers.

Plus, each day, the first 30 people will be eligible for a special fortune telling session with the famous Ajarn Han and Ajarn Panupong.

As part of the celebration, the ground floor of EmQuartier has been turned into a chic and bustling Chinese Outdoor Market. Here you’ll find delicious Chinese food and snacks and all the CNY merch you could ask for. Stock up on special dishes and Chinese goodies. And with the cold weather we’ve been having it will feel even more like an open-air market in Hong Kong of Shanghai.

Be sure to take a lucky selfie and EmQuartier’s lucky waterfall while you’re there. Ok it’s just a normal waterfall but it’s a great selfie spot anyway.

Feeling lucky yet? Head on over to experience the Chinese Chronicle 2016 at EmQuartier and Emporium during the entire month of February. Don’t miss the Flying Dragon performances though. The show starts at 7pm and 8pm and will only go until Monday February 8, 2016.

For more information check out The Em Disctrict’s Facebook page.
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February 8, 2016
Indonesia to host 30th IAPH World Ports Conference 2017
Indonesia will host the 30th World Ports Conference of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) in 2017, the spokesperson of the state port operator PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) III Edi Prayitno noted here on Friday.

“In 2017, Pelindo I, II, III, and IV will be active IAPH members to host and hold the biannual conference that will take place at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center on May 7-12, 2017,” Edi stated.

The conference would serve as a platform to share experiences and common interests on certain issues faced by port officials globally.

Currently, Pelindo I, II, and III are holding a preparation meeting in Bali, which is being attended by more than 1.5 thousand members and delegations from around the world.

“Pelindo, a state-owned enterprise involved in the management of Indonesian ports, must actively play an important role in local and global port activities, one of which is by participating in the IAPH,” he pointed out.

The conference is considered as one of the measures to deepen business relations with other port officials in the world in addition to improving and updating their knowledge.

“This conference is expected to be a potential forum for Indonesian seaport businesspersons to mutually promote ideas and products along with serving as a means of promotion and learning about port management in the country,” affirmed Edi.

The IAPH, established in 1955, represents more than 200 ports in 90 countries, with total cargo being serviced reaching 60 percent of the global trade by sea, as well as nearly 80 percent of the flow of containers around the world.

In addition, individuals and organizations that are interested or are involved in a variety of port and maritime businesses in this organization are the associate members.

“The IAPH is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan,” Edi added.
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February 8, 2016
Japan retail sales tumble
Japan retail sales fell more than expected in December, with data suggesting that sluggish household spending will keep fourth-quarter economic growth subdued.

While analysts expect the Bank of Japan to hold off on any more monetary easing at its latest rate review, the weak data is expected to keep policy-makers under pressure to do more to help the fragile economy recover.

Retail sales fell 1.1 per cent for the month compared with the previous December to mark the second straight month of declines, trade ministry data shows.

“It seems households are tightening their purse strings because of rising food costs,” says SMBC Nikko Securities chief economist Junichi Makino.

Japan’s economy has emerged from recession, but growth remains subdued with sluggish demand and a slow rate of growth rate for wages.
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February 8, 2016
Wyndham Hotel Group Introduces Days Inn brand to Indonesia
Continuing its robust expansion in South East Asia, Wyndham Hotel Group today announced the opening of its first Days Inn® hotel in Indonesia, the 119-room Days Hotel & Suites Jakarta Airport.

Located in the capital of Jakarta at the site of the former Padjadjaran Suites, the hotel is the eighth property to open under the Days Inn® brand flag in South East Asia and the Pacific Rim region. It is owned by PT Graha Bandung Sentosa, an affiliate of the Sun Motor Group, and managed by PT Wyndham Hotel Management, an Indonesian subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group. The hotel is the second to be opened by Sun Motor Group and Wyndham in Indonesia in just over a month, the first being the 271-room Ramada Bali Sunset Road Kuta.

Said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim, “We are looking to introduce more affordable business hotels in prime locations across the region and Days Hotel & Suites Jakarta Airport will be a valuable addition to our portfolio in Indonesia targeting business travellers and leisure makers on transit. Indonesia represents a tremendous opportunity for Wyndham, with its growing middle class who have demonstrated an increased demand for globally-known and value-driven brands such as Days Inn.”

Situated just 5.3km from Soekarno-Hatta Intl Airport in the Cenkarang district of West Jakarta, the Days Hotel & Suites Jakarta Airport is a full service property catering to business and leisure travellers. The hotel will undergo light renovations to offer tastefully designed guestrooms and suites complemented with an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge and bar, as well as eight meeting rooms with banqueting services.

Additional facilities include a rooftop pool, a spa and wellness centre, high speed Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel and complimentary airport shuttle bus transfers.

Hartono Hosea, Director at the Sun Motor Group commented “Wyndham Hotel Group’s extensive global distribution, flexibility and management expertise will definitely help to solidify our position as a market leader in Indonesia. The hotel will greatly complement our Bali property and will set the standard for hospitality in Asia.”

Days Inn® is a globally recognised brand with nearly 1,800 economy to upper-midscale hotels located around the world. Most offer free Wi-Fi, complimentary DayBreak® continental breakfast, meeting rooms, banquet facilities, copy and fax services, fitness centres and more. All Days Inn hotels in Indonesia participate in Wyndham Rewards®, the simple-to-use, revolutionary loyalty program from Wyndham Hotel Group that offers members a generous points earning structure along with a flat, free-night redemption rate.
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February 8, 2016
Telkom Indonesia Blocking Netflix For Pornographic Content
At CES earlier in the month, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings announced that the popular streaming service was being made available in over 130 countries around the world – essentially in every country except China. The Wall Street Journal said the block came “after concluding that Netflix didn’t have a permit to operate as a content provider in Indonesia”. Either way, the situation has brought forth more questions about how the company will regulate content provided by Netflix.

News of the service’s entry was quickly embraced by social media by Indonesia’s young and urban population who were familiar with the service due to pop culture references, as well as Netflix’s award-winning productions.

Netflix has indicated that it is willing to adhere to Indonesia’s laws and regulations, but it believes that it doesn’t have to follow the same procedures as cable networks.

Be that as it may, it’s hard to imagine that the decision wasn’t also influenced by a desire to protect the company’s own business interests. Uber argued that it does not own any vehicles, but eventually said it will set up a subsidiary to better comply with local regulations.

Regardless, many worry that Telkom’s move suggests that a blanket ban on Netflix is imminent.

Some Telkom competitors were capitalising on the ban Thursday, promoting their Netflix packages in a bid to lure Telkom customers angered by the move. The ministry now monitors websites and blocks content on a case-by-case basis.

Arif Prabowo, Telkom’s vice president for corporate communications said in a statement that Netflix needed to adjust to Indonesia’s regulations-namely a 2009 film law. With technological advancement comes both increased access to tools such as virtual private networks, and the debate on censorship.

On the other hand, Netflix is also posing a threat to Telkom’s pay TV business, which is jointly operated with an Indonesian conglomerate.
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February 8, 2016
Catch the Thrilling Action at Singapore Airshow 2016
The Singapore Airshow will once again feature spectacular flying displays, and also one of the widest range of business, commercial, and military aircraft at the static aircraft display area that will captivate and thrill visitors at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) during its public weekend on 20 and 21 February 2016.

In addition, there will also be a host of fun activities for fans of all ages and interests, while cosplayers in their fantastic costumes, and the Singapore Airshow’s official mascots, Captain Leo and his best friend Captain Leonette, will be on hand to greet visitors and have their photos taken.

Breathtaking Aerial Stunts

One of the key highlights in the aerobatic flying display will be the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s integrated aerial display team, comprising an F-15SG fighter jet and an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter. They will perform three integrated and eight solo manoeuvres, demonstrating power and agility. Their routine includes the Vertical Punch, a new manoeuvre that is being performed for the first time: The Apache AH-64D attack helicopter will pull up to the skies, and flip around as if performing an aerial ballet, before meeting the F-15SG flying in from the opposite direction. The F-15SG fighter jet will then punch through the clouds in a spectacular vertical climb.

The exhilarating line-up for this year’s aerobatic flying display will also see the return of the Black Eagles from the Republic of Korea Air Force, known for their jaw-dropping aerobatic stunts. The Black Eagles will be looking to surpass their breathtaking performance in 2014 by bedazzling the crowds at Singapore Airshow 2016 with 3 more manoeuvres added to their repertoire.

In addition, some of the magnificent aircraft that will take to the skies include the French Air Force’s Dassault Rafale, the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster III and F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, and the Su-30MKM from the Royal Malaysia Air Force.

Get up close and personal with the latest aircraft

The Republic of Singapore Air Force Black Knights will showcase one of their F-16C aircraft, in its gleaming crescent and stars livery, at the static aircraft display. Aviation fans should not miss this rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the aircraft. Other key highlights of the static aircraft display include two USAF F-22 stealth fighters and the Airbus A400M – a modern military transport plane using the latest fly-by-wire flight control system – all of which will be taking part at the Singapore Airshow for the first time. Visitors can also look forward to some of the latest luxury business jets from Bombardier, Embraer and Gulfstream as well as other new aircraft and helicopter models such as Airbus H145 and Bell 505, all also appearing for the first time at the Singapore Airshow.

Young and aspiring pilots will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the men and women who have chosen a career in the skies at the Meet-the-Pilots sessions. In addition, The Captain’s Den, a new e-store which offers a wide range of Singapore Airshow memorabilia has been launched. The popular Captain Leo and Captain Leonette plush toys, Singapore Airshow’s official mascots, and an expanded range of Singapore Airshow-themed gifts including model planes, umbrellas, mugs and caps is available for purchase at The Captain’s Den, and on-site during the Singapore Airshow.

Mr Leck Chet Lam, Managing Director of Experia Events, said: “The Singapore Airshow has always been an exhilarating experience that offers something for fans of all ages and interests. We are putting the final touches on this year’s public day activities to provide even more engaging moments and look forward to welcoming returning and new visitors alike to the Singapore Airshow.”

Ticketing and Event Information

Tickets to Singapore Airshow 2016 can be purchased through the official agent, SISTIC, at www.sistic.com.sg, via the ticketing hotline at 6348-5555 or at any SISTIC authorised outlets. Group packages can only be purchased from the SISTIC website or via its ticketing hotline. Ticket sales will not be available on-site at Changi Exhibition Centre during the Singapore Airshow. Public day ticket holders are advised to visit www.singaporeairshow.com for the latest updates on the event, including traffic and transportation arrangements.
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February 8, 2016
Amazon sales hits $100 billion
With total revenue growth of 22 per cent during its final quarter, Amazon has emerged as one of the clear winners in the battle for holiday spend.

Even in its more mature home market, Amazon sales rose by 24 per cent, making it responsible for 22.6 per cent of all online retail spend in the US over the final quarter of the year.

These impressive figures are accompanied by another achievement: Amazon has now comfortably passed the $100 billion annual sales mark. Taking some $107 billion in its latest fiscal year confirms Amazon’s status as an online behemoth.

Fortunately for Amazon, this stellar topline performance has been joined by a continued improvement in profitability – something that has previously eluded the group. Across the year as a whole operating income was up by an impressive 1154 per cent, which helped turn a net loss of $241 million in the prior year into a net profit of $596 million this time around.

That noted, by comparative retail standards Amazon’s level of profitability is still painfully weak. For every dollar the company takes, it makes just 0.75 of a cent in profit. However, this is a conscious decision by a company that uses a large chunk of its revenues to invest back into generating future growth. Clearly this is a strategy that is working, and it is one that is accepted by the market. That it is, makes life much more challenging for traditional players like Walmart which are much more constrained in terms of the degree to which they can erode profitability in order to boost their own online operations.

Once again, one of the standout areas for Amazon has been Prime, where membership continues to grow strongly. In addition to the direct revenue it brings via the associated membership fees, Prime has also proved to be an important way of locking in customer loyalty. This is important because while Amazon is still a destination of choice for many online shoppers, it faces increasing levels of competition from both traditional retailers moving more aggressively into eCommerce and from new online startups. This is something underlined by the fact that despite its strong growth, Amazon’s share of all eCommerce sales in the US has fallen over the past five years.

Creating an ecosystem of services and benefits, which include free delivery and access to special discounts and promotions, keeps Amazon top of mind by making it an integrated part of consumers lives. Arguably it also gives the company a whole host of ways in which it can increase its share of wallet from consumers, including via the sale of digital content and services.

Despite its high share of online across many of the geographies in which it is established, Amazon’s actual share of many individual categories remains fairly low. This is especially so for areas such as grocery where, in share terms, Amazon remains an extremely small player. This demonstrates the extent to which Amazon has significant future headroom for growth, especially as it deepens its expertise and offer across key products.

The warning for other retailers is that even as it passes the $100 billion milestone, Amazon is still only getting started.
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February 8, 2016
The guy who built the Kindle is leading Amazon’s retail plans
Amazon’s long-time executive Steve Kessel is in charge of running the company’s new retail business, according to a report by Re/code’s Jason Del Ray.

Kessel joined Amazon in 1999 and was part of the team that built the original Kindle. He’s known to be close with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, as he was one of the 10 people who directly reported to him before leaving for a sabbatical in 2012.

In early 2015, Kessel returned to Amazon, but his role has been unclear until now. Re/code says he’s been working on this project secretly for a long time.

Amazon’s retail ambitions were first revealed in November 2015 when it opened its first brick-and-mortar bookstore in downtown Seattle.

Aside from the bookstore, Kessel’s team is also planning to open physical stores that sell things other than books, although it’s unclear what they will be. Another idea it’s testing is a store without a payments gateway, allowing the customer to pay with a smartphone app instead.

Amazon is planning to open a new bookstore in Southern California, based on the job listings spotted by Re/code. One of the jobs says it’ll be in La Jolla or San Diego, the report said.

The news comes on the heels of a report that said Amazon could soon open 300 to 400 additional bookstores. Although the mall CEO who made those statements backpedaled Wednesday, saying his comments were “not intended to represent Amazon’s plan,” it’s seems clear that Amazon is getting serious about the retail space.
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February 8, 2016
DHL launches S$10m innovation centre in Singapore
DHL launched its Asia Pacific Innovation Centre (APIC) in Singapore, its first innovation centre outside of Germany.

Located at DHL’s Supply Chain Advanced Regional Centre building at Tampines LogisPark, the S$10 million facility is also the company’s first dedicated centre for innovation logistics services in the Asia Pacific region.

APIC showcases technologies that will transform logistics operations, such as driverless shuttles for faster and more efficient transportation, and drones for the delivery of time-critical goods such as medicines. It was launched with the support of the Economic Development Board (EDB), the company said.

Additionally, APIC also serves as a regional platform for collaborative innovation between DHL and its partners. The centre will also drive research initiatives that focuses on emerging trends in Asian logistics and economic activity. For instance, DHL’s Chief Commercial Officer Bill Meahl cited growing opportunities in e-commerce as well as growth in markets like India and China.

There are also guided tours, innovation workshops and forums available for visitors to the facility, it added.

Said Mr Lee Eng Keat, Director, Logistics and Natural Resources at EDB: “The launch of the APIC is another important step towards enhancing Singapore’s value-adding role in the realm of global supply chain solutions.

“With DHL as a strategic partner in this journey, Singapore is well positioned to serve the needs and harness the opportunities presented by the dynamic supply chain landscape and emerging technology and trends globally.”
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February 8, 2016