Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • TSMC’s AI Chip Capacity Challenges Offer Samsung A Pricing Advantage

    TSMC’s AI Chip Capacity Challenges Offer Samsung A Pricing Advantage

    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a global leader in chip manufacturing, is reportedly struggling with production constraints for its advanced AI chips. These bottlenecks are primarily linked to the intricate Chip-on-Wafer-on-Substrate (CoWoS) packaging technology, which is critical for high-performance computing components used in artificial intelligence.

    This production challenge at TSMC presents a strategic advantage for its main competitor, Samsung. With demand for AI chips surging and TSMC’s capacity limited, Samsung finds itself in a stronger position to negotiate higher prices for its competing memory products, particularly High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). HBM is a vital component often bundled with AI chips.

    Market Dynamics and Pricing Power

    The current situation highlights the intense competition and intricate supply chain dynamics within the semiconductor industry. As AI development accelerates, the ability to produce these complex chips and their associated components at scale becomes a major determinant of market leadership. TSMC’s temporary hurdles with CoWoS packaging could give Samsung a window to capture a larger share of the lucrative AI hardware market, at potentially more favourable pricing. This rivalry extends beyond just the foundry business into memory and packaging, where both companies are significant players.

    Implications for Asia’s Electronics Supply Chain

    For Asia’s electronics and consumer tech sectors, this dynamic is crucial. Many consumer devices, from smartphones to smart home hubs, increasingly rely on AI capabilities, which in turn depend on advanced chips and memory. A shift in pricing power or supply availability from major manufacturers like TSMC and Samsung can ripple through the entire supply chain, affecting component costs and product development timelines for brands across the region. RetailNews Asia tracks how such foundational shifts in manufacturing impact the availability and pricing of critical components for major electronics brands and, ultimately, the consumer market.

  • Digital Payments Now Comprise over 64% of Philippines Retail Transactions

    Digital Payments Now Comprise over 64% of Philippines Retail Transactions

    Digital payment methods have significantly surpassed traditional cash transactions in the Philippines, now representing 64.7 percent of all retail transactions by volume in 2025. This figure is a notable increase from 57.4 percent in the previous year, demonstrating a rapid adoption of electronic payment channels across the archipelago.

    The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that this growth has exceeded its target of 50 to 54 percent. The central bank credits its efforts towards interoperability, ensuring that a broad range of businesses and service providers operate within a unified payment system. This integration enhances the value proposition for all participants, including consumers, businesses, banks, and e-wallets, by expanding the network’s reach and utility.

    Accelerated Digital Shift in Retail

    The rise of digital payments in the Philippines has been dramatic, climbing from just 20.1 percent of retail transactions in 2020. The share grew to 30.3 percent in 2021, 42.1 percent in 2022, and 52.8 percent in 2023, before reaching the current level. This sustained momentum underscores a fundamental change in consumer behavior and retail operations across the country.

    Key drivers behind this acceleration include a 69.4 percent increase in digital payment accounts and a 36.3 percent expansion in the number of merchant locations accepting digital payments. QR Ph transactions, the national QR code standard, surpassed both debit and credit card transactions for the first time in 2025. A total of 2.47 billion QR Ph transactions, valued at P1.16 trillion, were processed during the year, reflecting a growing preference for interoperable, account-based payments among Filipinos. This wider adoption generates network externalities, where the convenience and value of electronic payment channels increase as more entities join the ecosystem.

    Broader Financial Inclusion and Future Outlook

    Beyond retail transactions, the push for digital payments aligns with the BSP’s broader goal of deepening financial inclusion. The number of basic deposit accounts reached 27.9 million as of March, up from 27.6 million at the end of 2025, with 177 banks now offering these accessible accounts. The central bank has also welcomed initiatives by several banks to reduce or waive interbank digital transaction fees, anticipating that lower costs will make electronic fund transfers more affordable and accessible for households and small businesses.

    For retailers and consumer brands operating in the Philippines, this trend necessitates continued investment in digital payment infrastructure and smooth integration of various e-wallet and QR code solutions. The rapid adoption seen in the Philippines mirrors similar patterns across Southeast Asia, where countries like Indonesia and Vietnam are also experiencing significant shifts towards cashless economies. This transformation offers opportunities for businesses to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and reach a wider, digitally-savvy consumer base.

  • Philippines Under Pressure to Close Vape Tax Loophole Hurting Retailers, Boosting Illicit Trade

    Philippines Under Pressure to Close Vape Tax Loophole Hurting Retailers, Boosting Illicit Trade

    Consumer advocacy groups in the Philippines are pressing Congress to revise the nation’s vape excise tax system, asserting that its current design encourages illicit trade. They contend that the significant tax disparity between nicotine salt and freebase nicotine products creates opportunities for misdeclaration, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the government and unfair competition for legitimate retailers.

    Under the existing tax framework, a 10-milliliter nicotine salt vape product incurs a tax of P602, while an equivalent freebase product is taxed at P69.46. This P532.54 difference, where nicotine salt products are taxed almost nine times higher, provides a strong incentive for operators to misdeclare their goods. This issue has been brought to the attention of the House Committee on Ways and Means, which is reviewing several bills aimed at amending excise taxes on tobacco and vapor products.

    Tax Disparity Fuels Illicit Market

    Representative Miro Quimbo, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, has noted a concerning disconnect between rising vape consumption and declining tax collections, pointing to a growing illicit market. Orlando Oxales, convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines, stated that the problem stems not just from weak enforcement but from a tax system vulnerable to manipulation. Products that appear and are used similarly but are taxed differently based on characteristics difficult for regulators to verify on-site become prime targets for misdeclaration, transforming it into a business opportunity for unscrupulous players.

    Several legislative proposals before the committee suggest replacing the current two-tier system with a single excise tax rate for all vapor products, irrespective of their nicotine formulation. These bills highlight the risks of mislabeling and misdeclaration inherent in the existing framework. Marc Gamboa, convenor of Progreso Para sa Bayan, emphasised that simpler regulations would allow enforcement agencies to concentrate their resources more effectively on combating actual tax evasion. He noted that the Philippines’ specific tax distinction between nicotine salt and freebase formulations is unusual internationally, adding complexity and potential loopholes.

    Unified Rate Proposed For Fairer Trade

    Support for a unified vape tax rate has also come from key government agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs, and the Department of Trade and Industry. These bodies cite enforcement difficulties and potential revenue leakage as major concerns under the current setup. Oxales stressed that tax systems should aid enforcement, not create avenues for illicit operations, arguing that regulatory complexity makes abuse easier.

    While advocating for simplification, the groups acknowledge that different product categories may warrant varying tax treatments. Their primary goal is for Congress to establish a system that is easy to administer, resistant to manipulation, and aligns with broader fiscal and regulatory goals. A streamlined tax regime would not only help stem the flow of illicit products but also create a more level playing field for legitimate retailers and brands operating within the Philippine vape market. Other Southeast Asian nations are also grappling with effective taxation of novel products like vapes, with varying approaches to product classification and excise duties often impacting market dynamics and the prevalence of illicit trade.

  • SABECO Boosts Consumer Engagement at Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026

    SABECO Boosts Consumer Engagement at Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026

    SABECO, the Vietnamese beverage giant behind Bia Saigon and 333 Beer, plans to significantly enhance its consumer engagement initiatives at the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival in 2026. This strategic move aims to connect directly with a large audience, reinforce brand loyalty, and expand its market reach within Vietnam.

    The company, known for its extensive portfolio of beer brands, regularly participates in major cultural and sporting events across the country. Its involvement in the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival provides a platform to show products, create memorable brand experiences, and gather direct feedback from consumers.

    Building Brand Presence Through Local Events

    Participating in large-scale public events like the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival allows SABECO to integrate its brands into local cultural celebrations. This approach helps the company build a stronger emotional connection with consumers, moving beyond traditional advertising. These festivals attract both local residents and tourists, offering a diverse demographic for brand interaction.

    For consumer brands operating in Southeast Asia, local festivals and events are critical channels for market penetration and consumer relationship building. Such engagement strategies are particularly effective in markets where community and cultural ties play a significant role in purchasing decisions. This is a common strategy for F&B companies across the region, from ThaiBev in Thailand to San Miguel in the Philippines, as they aim to embed their brands deeply within national identities and local traditions.

    SABECO’s Market Strategy in Vietnam

    SABECO continues to be a dominant force in Vietnam’s competitive beverage market. Its consistent presence at key national events underscores a long-term strategy to maintain market leadership and respond to evolving consumer preferences. These engagements often include interactive booths, product sampling, and branded entertainment, designed to create a positive association with its beer brands.

    The company’s focus on consumer engagement at events like the Khanh Hoa Sea Festival also reflects a broader trend among regional consumer goods companies. They are increasingly investing in experiential marketing to differentiate themselves and foster deeper brand loyalty in a dynamic retail environment. This direct interaction helps gather insights that inform future product development and marketing campaigns.

  • Xiaomi SU7 Electric Vehicle Surpasses Half Million Deliveries Amid Strong EV Sales

    Xiaomi SU7 Electric Vehicle Surpasses Half Million Deliveries Amid Strong EV Sales

    Xiaomi’s SU7 electric vehicle has reached a substantial delivery milestone, with over 500,000 units now in the hands of customers. This achievement underscores the robust growth in electric vehicle (EV) sales and signals the increasing influence of technology companies in the automotive sector.

    The SU7’s rapid adoption reflects a broader trend of accelerating EV demand, especially within the Asia-Pacific region. As traditional automakers face heightened competition, new entrants like Xiaomi are quickly capturing market share with their tech-integrated vehicles.

    Accelerating EV Market Penetration

    The half-million delivery mark for the SU7 demonstrates Xiaomi’s successful entry into the highly competitive EV market. The company, initially known for its smartphones and consumer electronics, has used its brand recognition and technological expertise to quickly establish a presence in automotive manufacturing. This pivot highlights the convergence of consumer tech and mobility, a trend reshaping retail and consumption patterns across Asia.

    Strong sales figures for the SU7 contribute to the overall surge in electric vehicle adoption globally, with China remaining the largest market. Consumer preferences are shifting towards sustainable transportation options, driven by environmental concerns, government incentives, and advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure.

    Broader Implications for Retail and Tech

    Xiaomi’s performance with the SU7 provides a clear example for other tech companies considering expansion into new hardware categories. The success in automotive highlights the potential for brand diversification beyond core products, particularly in high-value consumer goods. This move also forces traditional automotive retailers and brands to adapt their strategies, focusing on digital integration, advanced features, and a smooth customer experience that tech-savvy consumers expect.

    The competitive market in Asia’s EV market is intensifying, with both established brands and new startups vying for dominance. RetailNews Asia has been tracking similar moves by companies like Sony, which is also exploring mobility solutions, indicating a strategic shift among tech leaders to diversify their product ecosystems and tap into lucrative automotive opportunities.

  • Mom’s Touch Sees Strong Singapore Debut with Sales More Than Doubling

    Mom’s Touch Sees Strong Singapore Debut with Sales More Than Doubling

    Korean fast-food chain Mom’s Touch has reported strong initial performance for its first store in Singapore, with opening sales more than doubling its target. The outlet, located on South Bridge Road in Singapore’s Central Business District, launched last Friday and attracted over 200 diners on its opening day.

    This Singapore debut marks the first venture under a master franchise agreement between Mom’s Touch and FairPrice Group, Singapore’s largest retailer. FairPrice Group operates a diverse portfolio including supermarkets, food outlets, convenience stores, and pharmacies. Despite having a capacity of 90 seats, the store has maintained queues before opening each day, consistently exceeding its daily sales target by more than twofold during its first five days of operation.

    Local Adaptations and Expansion Plans

    Mom’s Touch dedicated over two years to developing ingredients, sauces, and a supply chain to meet halal dietary requirements and cater to local tastes in Singapore. The company ensured its signature items, such as the Thigh Burger, maintained their quality equivalent to those offered in Korea. The Singapore menu features market-specific items, including a spicy pepper-sauce burger, a fish fillet burger, and a burger with Australian Angus beef, egg, and cheddar cheese. Morning options like egg toast were also introduced to suit the store’s office district clientele. Prices for menu items range from 3.95 to 6.95 Singapore dollars.

    Dennis Quek, General Manager for Mom’s Touch Singapore and General Manager of FairPrice Group’s Kopitiam division, highlighted the aim of offering local customers a distinctive dining experience. Following this successful launch, Mom’s Touch plans to open a second store in a residential area of Singapore later this year, with broader expansion across the country slated for next year. The brand has been actively expanding its international footprint, having entered Thailand in 2022 and subsequently establishing a presence in Japan, Mongolia, Laos, and Uzbekistan. The company aims to operate 220 overseas stores by 2027.

    Asia’s Growing Fast Food Market

    Mom’s Touch’s strategic entry into Singapore, partnering with a retail giant like FairPrice Group, reflects a common approach for international brands seeking rapid market penetration and local relevance in Asia. Other global and regional fast-food chains have similarly adapted menus and forged local alliances to succeed in diverse Asian markets. RetailNews Asia has observed this trend across various F&B sectors, where localization and strong distribution partnerships are key to overcoming operational challenges and appealing to distinct consumer preferences in a competitive landscape.

  • Filipinos Tighten Belts as Financial Pressures Mount, Study Finds

    Filipinos Tighten Belts as Financial Pressures Mount, Study Finds

    Filipino households are exercising greater caution in their spending habits, as global and political instability intensifies pressure on family finances. This trend is leading consumers to prioritize cheaper products and purchase smaller quantities, according to the Shopperscope 2026 study by Worldpanel by Numerator.

    The study indicates that Filipinos anticipate a decline in their financial and socioeconomic conditions over the next year. This marks a reversal from 2025, when there were indications of improvement. Many households are now concerned about simply covering daily expenses.

    Shifting Consumer Sentiment And Spending

    Laurice Obana, Worldpanel’s shopper insights director, noted that Filipinos are reverting to a state of financial constraint after a brief period of improvement. This pressure is widely felt across various financial segments: those who are comfortable may see their buffers shrink, managing households could face shortfalls, and struggling families may fall deeper into debt. This increased caution is already evident in consumer spending, with the local fast-moving consumer goods sector showing no growth from March to May compared to the previous year.

    To manage their budgets, consumers are actively looking for promotions and discounts, opting for more economical items, and reducing the size of their purchases. Shopping behaviors are also adapting across different retail channels. Discounters are seeing increased sales of frozen meats and non-sweet snacks, while online platforms are key for baby diaper purchases. Convenience stores, however, experienced double-digit growth in sales of snacks, ice cream, and bread.

    Retailers Must Adapt To New Demands

    For retailers, mere proximity is no longer sufficient to retain customers. Shoppers are now carefully evaluating a store’s product range and the value it offers. This shift necessitates a deeper understanding of how and why Filipino consumers make their purchasing decisions for essential goods.

    Retailers across Southeast Asia frequently encounter similar shifts in consumer sentiment during periods of economic uncertainty. Tracking these changes in purchasing priorities and channel preferences is vital for brands and operators in markets like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia, which often show parallel trends in consumer resilience and adaptability. Understanding these local nuances allows for more targeted strategies and product offerings.

  • Japan Households Brace for Further Price Hikes Amid Weak Consumer Spending

    Japan Households Brace for Further Price Hikes Amid Weak Consumer Spending

    Japanese households are expected to face increasing financial strain as companies across the nation plan to raise prices for goods and services. These hikes, set to begin this summer, are a direct response to persistently high crude oil prices and other rising operational costs. This development is likely to further dampen consumer spending and could impede economic growth.

    Inflationary Pressures Mount

    The impending price adjustments come at a challenging time for Japan’s economy. The gross domestic product (GDP) for April-June recorded a modest 0.3% quarter-on-quarter growth, translating to an annualised rate of 1.1% after price and seasonal adjustments. However, this growth was not fueled by domestic strength. Both private consumption and corporate capital investment declined during the period, highlighting a significant weakness in Japan’s internal demand. The economy’s expansion was primarily supported by external factors.

    Impact On Retail And Consumer Sectors

    The anticipated price increases are poised to directly affect the purchasing power of Japanese consumers. With households already managing existing cost pressures, new price hikes on essential goods and services will likely lead to a further tightening of budgets. This situation poses a challenge for retailers and consumer brands operating in Japan, as cautious consumers may reduce discretionary spending. Companies will need to strategize carefully to navigate this environment of rising costs and potentially constrained consumer demand.

  • Minecraft Workshops Reconstruct Pre-Atomic Bombing Cities in Japan

    Minecraft Workshops Reconstruct Pre-Atomic Bombing Cities in Japan

    University students in Japan are using the popular video game Minecraft to educate children about the appearance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki before the atomic bombings of August 1945. These workshops aim to help participants grasp the scale of loss and destruction caused by the nuclear attacks.

    Misaki Katayama, a 27-year-old graduate student at the University of Tokyo specializing in peace education, initiated these two-day workshops in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2023. The program targets elementary school students from fourth to sixth grade, tasking them with digitally rebuilding the pre-bombing cityscapes.

    Rebuilding History Through Gaming

    Participants utilize historical maps, photographs, and video footage to reconstruct significant areas within Minecraft, a game renowned for its block-building virtual environment. For instance, a workshop held in Hiroshima on August 4 and 5, 2023, saw students meticulously recreate the district where Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park now stands, including a temple and a kindergarten that were once part of the bustling neighborhood.

    Katayama’s inspiration for the project arose six years ago after an atomic bomb survivor (hibakusha) recounted an elementary student’s comment, “It was lucky that the atomic bomb was dropped on a park.” This statement highlighted a critical gap in understanding, as the student was unaware that the park site was once a vibrant, densely populated area. Katayama noted that as time passes, it becomes increasingly challenging for people to visualize the pre-bombing cities.

    Understanding Loss and Reality

    The workshops are structured to offer a comprehensive learning experience. On the first day, students gather historical information, plan their reconstructions, and build the cityscapes in Minecraft. This activity allows them to experience how long it takes to build a city and how quickly it can be destroyed. The second day transitions to a more somber reflection, where participants view images of hibakusha immediately after the bombing and listen to survivor testimonies. This segment helps them understand the stark reality of the attacks and their transformative impact.

    While digital technology can significantly broaden understanding of historical urban environments, Katayama acknowledges the challenge of ensuring participants remain focused on the educational objective rather than merely the game’s building aspect. She mitigates this by beginning workshops with a moment of silence for atomic bomb victims, emphasizing the gravity and respect required for the subject matter. Katayama believes these digital tools can stimulate imagination and encourage deeper reflection on the atomic bombings and the lives affected.

  • Indonesian Consumer Confidence And Retail Sales Impacted By Job Market Concerns

    Indonesian Consumer Confidence And Retail Sales Impacted By Job Market Concerns

    Consumer confidence in Indonesia has been negatively impacted by widespread concerns regarding job security and reduced purchasing power, according to a recent report by The Jakarta Post. This sentiment has led to a significant decline in the retail sales index for June.

    Bank Indonesia, the nation’s central bank, observed a sharp decrease in its retail sales index during June. Despite this downturn, the bank projects a potential improvement in retail sales figures for the subsequent month, suggesting a possible rebound in consumer activity.

    Questions & Answers

    What factors are primarily impacting Indonesian consumer confidence?
    Consumer confidence in Indonesia is primarily being affected by worries about job security and a perceived decline in spending power among the populace.

    How did these factors reflect on retail sales recently?
    These factors led to a sharp drop in Bank Indonesia’s retail sales index for June, indicating a reduction in consumer purchasing activity during that period.

    What is Bank Indonesia’s outlook for retail sales in the near future?
    Despite the June decline, Bank Indonesia forecasts an improvement in retail sales for the following month, suggesting a potential recovery in consumer spending.

  • Orang Tua Group Apologises For Quran Recitation-For-Liquor Promotion In Indonesia

    Orang Tua Group Apologises For Quran Recitation-For-Liquor Promotion In Indonesia

    Indonesian consumer goods conglomerate Orang Tua Group (OT Group) has issued a public apology after a promotion at a Jakarta music event sparked widespread condemnation. The promotion reportedly offered alcoholic beverages as prizes to individuals who could recite a chapter from the Quran, leading to protests and the initiation of a police investigation.

    Handoko, OT Group Operations Director, conveyed the company’s sincere apologies to the Muslim community on Friday. His statement was made in front of hundreds of protesters from the local community organisation Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR), who had gathered outside the company’s office in Rawa Buaya, West Jakarta.

    “I sincerely apologise, especially to Muslims, over the alleged religious blasphemy,” Handoko stated to the assembled protesters. He also confirmed that law enforcement agencies are currently handling the case and urged all parties to await the conclusion of the legal proceedings.

    Questions & Answers

    Which company issued the apology and what is its primary business?
    Orang Tua Group (OT Group), a consumer goods company based in Indonesia, issued the apology. Its primary business involves manufacturing and distributing various consumer products.

    What specifically caused the controversy and led to the apology?
    The controversy arose from a promotion at a music event in Jakarta where alcohol was reportedly offered as a prize for participants who could recite a chapter from the Quran. This promotion was perceived as religious blasphemy.

    What immediate actions has Orang Tua Group taken in response to the protests?
    OT Group Operations Director Handoko publicly apologised to Muslims in front of protesters. He also confirmed that the case is now under investigation by law enforcement, and the company urges all parties to await the legal outcome.

  • Australian Bakery Director Fined for Obstructing Inspectors, Targeting Visa Holders

    Australian Bakery Director Fined for Obstructing Inspectors, Targeting Visa Holders

    Legal proceedings have been initiated against Sinamon Pty Ltd, an Australian bakery chain, and two of its directors, including co-director Hui, by the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO). The allegations include obstructing fair work inspectors and breaching Australian workplace laws, with a specific focus on the treatment of visa-holder employees.

    The FWO has accused Hui of physically preventing an inspector from accessing a back office during an unannounced inspection in October 2022. This incident occurred during an investigation that began after a Japanese visa holder sought assistance regarding their employment at Sinamon’s Victoria Park and Mount Lawley outlets.

    Allegations Include Obstruction and Misrepresentation

    Sinamon, which operates stores in Victoria Park, Mount Lawley, and Fremantle, and previously at Curtin University, is also alleged to have failed to comply with a Notice to Produce, as well as breaching record-keeping and payslip requirements. Former director Ahmed El Sayed Imam is separately accused of misrepresenting workplace rights to another visa holder, who was employed at the Curtin University outlet for less than a week in 2023. Imam allegedly told this worker that wages could be deducted to cover damages after their departure.

    Sinamon allegedly failed to comply with a Compliance Notice issued in August 2024. This notice followed the FWO’s belief that the company had underpaid two visa holders under the Fast Food Industry Award 2020 and Restaurant Industry Award 2020, with Hui and Imam allegedly involved in these breaches.

    FWO Prioritises Visa-Holder Protection

    Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth stated that intentionally obstructing inspectors is unacceptable conduct. She highlighted the FWO’s priorities: protecting visa-holder workers and improving compliance within the fast food, restaurant, and cafe sectors. The FWO is seeking significant penalties, up to A$93,900 per breach against Sinamon, and A$18,780 per breach against Hui and Imam. They also seek an order for the company to comply with the Compliance Notice and rectify outstanding entitlements, superannuation, and interest.

    A directions hearing is scheduled for September 4 in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Perth. Hui and Imam have a history of previous penalties, having been fined over A$135,000 in three prior legal actions under Western Australian employment laws. The FWO has filed 171 proceedings involving employers of visa-holder workers in the eight financial years leading up to June last year, securing A$39 million in penalties from these cases.

  • Miniso Unveils First Miniso Friends Concept Store in Indonesia

    Miniso Unveils First Miniso Friends Concept Store in Indonesia

    Miniso has opened its first Miniso Friends store in Indonesia, introducing its expanded, IP-centric retail concept to the Greater Jakarta area. The new outlet is situated at Summarecon Mall Bekasi and occupies approximately 1500 square meters across two levels.

    The ground floor of the store features collectibles, including blind boxes, plush toys, and various licensed products. The lower level provides a broader selection of lifestyle, home goods, and everyday items. According to Miniso, roughly 60 percent of the merchandise consists of exclusive, first-launch, or limited-edition IP products. Initial offerings include items from One Piece 3.0, Persona, and the Sanrio Racing blind box series, alongside products featuring Sanrio, Disney, Harry Potter, and Spider-Man.

    Interactive Retail Experience

    This new store format integrates retail with interactive elements, allowing Miniso more space to present its growing portfolio of licensed and collectible goods. The opening coincides with a YoYo-themed exhibition, titled ‘YoYo’s Holiday Fun Starts at Miniso’, held in the mall’s central atrium until August 23. This event marks the character’s debut in Indonesia.

    Regional Expansion Strategy

    The launch in Indonesia follows Miniso’s strategy of expanding its larger-format stores across Asia. Last month, the retailer opened its first Miniso Land store in Macau, which represents a more premium format, as it continues to grow its IP-driven retail network throughout the region.

  • Prolonged Rains Slow Philippine Retail, Construction, and Logistics Sector

    Prolonged Rains Slow Philippine Retail, Construction, and Logistics Sector

    Extended monsoon rains are anticipated to negatively affect the third-quarter operations of consumer-facing companies and the construction sector in the Philippines. Logistics and mining firms may also experience higher costs and delays due to the persistent wet weather.

    Toby Allan C. Arce, head of sales trading at Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc., noted that the prolonged monsoon is likely to exert a moderate but discernible drag on corporate activity during the third quarter. The severity of the impact will depend on how long the challenging weather conditions last and if they cause significant damage to infrastructure or supply chains.

    Recent heavy rainfall and widespread flooding have disrupted transportation in Metro Manila and Luzon, leading to road closures and suspensions of work and classes.

    Retailers Face Reduced Foot Traffic

    Retailers, mall operators, and restaurants are likely to see a decrease in customer traffic as heavy rains discourage travel and discretionary spending. Companies like SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Robinsons Land Corp., Ayala Land, Inc., SM Investments Corp., Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., and Puregold Price Club, Inc. Are among those that could experience softer physical sales.

    Large destination malls and retailers selling non-essential goods are more susceptible to consumers postponing visits. Supermarkets and essential retailers, however, tend to be more resilient as purchases are necessities and consumers can adjust their shopping times rather than cancel them entirely.

    John Tristan D. Reyes, President of BDO Securities Corp., confirmed that retailers could face weaker foot traffic and sales. Transportation issues could also disrupt store operations. Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) reported that same-store sales at some 7-Eleven branches dropped by up to 20% on particularly rainy days recently, though overall sales momentum for July remained strong, partly thanks to the 7-Eleven Day promotion. The geographic diversity of 7-Eleven stores helped cushion the impact, with reduced traffic in some areas offset by activity in residential locations.

    Restaurants might see fewer dine-in customers, although delivery and takeout services could offer some mitigation. Food manufacturers are less exposed in the short term, as consumers continue to buy staple products. However, prolonged heavy rainfall could affect agricultural output, potentially leading to higher raw material costs and impacting food manufacturers and restaurant operators.

    Construction And Logistics Suffer Delays

    The construction and property development sectors are facing more direct operational challenges. Persistent rainfall reduces the number of workable days, which can delay project completion and property turnover. Outdoor activities like excavation and concrete work are particularly affected, and flooding can hinder worker access and material deliveries.

    Companies such as Ayala Land, SM Prime, Megaworld Corp., Filinvest Land, Inc., and Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. Could experience project delays. While this might not result in permanent revenue loss, it could shift revenue recognition to later periods. Infrastructure contractors and construction material suppliers face similar timing risks, with fewer workable days impacting project progress and third-quarter billings. Extended delays could strain companies that still incur fixed costs despite slower construction activity. In the long run, severe weather might also create demand for repairs, drainage, and flood-control projects.

    Logistics companies are also seeing increased operating expenses. Flooding and traffic congestion prolong delivery times and boost fuel consumption. Disruptions at ports and airports can also temporarily delay the movement of goods. For retailers and consumers across Asia, such weather-related disruptions highlight the critical need for resilient supply chains and diversified retail strategies to mitigate the impacts of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns.

  • Thai Shoppers Cut Spending as Retail Confidence Declines

    Thai Shoppers Cut Spending as Retail Confidence Declines

    Retail confidence in Thailand saw a notable decline in July, with the nationwide Retail Sentiment Index (RSI) falling 4.9 points to 46.6. This dip was primarily attributed to a sharp reduction in the amount shoppers spent per visit, a trend indicating weakening household purchasing power across the country.

    While consumers maintained their shopping frequency, visits edged down by only 0.4 points, the spending-per-bill component experienced a significant 8.1-point drop, moving from 55.1 in June to 47.0 in July. This divergence suggests that while people continue to visit stores, their spending habits have become more constrained. Confidence in month-on-month same-store sales growth also decreased by 6.4 points to 46.2. All three key metrics now sit below the 50-point threshold, which typically separates expansion from contraction in sentiment.

    Household Spending Under Pressure

    The reduction in basket sizes reflects a broader trend of households limiting purchases to essential goods and cutting back on less necessary items. Consumers are increasingly opting for cheaper brands or private-label products, avoiding discretionary and lifestyle purchases. This behavior points to financial strain rather than a simple shift in preferred shopping channels. Despite government stimulus programs, such as the Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40 scheme, the underlying weakness in household income has not been fully offset. The majority of subsidised spending in July was directed towards fast-moving consumer goods, food, and beverages, leaving little personal spending power for other retail categories.

    Heavy rainfall and localized flooding in July further dampened retail activity by reducing visitor numbers at larger shopping centres. Elevated household debt and high living costs continue to restrain spending on non-essential items like fashion, electrical appliances, and home décor. These categories are crucial profit drivers for department stores, where sales remain subdued. While some recovery has been noted in department stores and lifestyle retailers, their confidence indices are still below 50, with improvements largely concentrated in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces.

    Regional Performance Varies

    Retail formats such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores received some benefit from the government’s stimulus program. However, even these segments experienced lower sales in provincial areas due to reduced customer spending per visit. Construction materials, home improvement, and maintenance retailers saw their confidence recover to 45-48 points after a significant dip earlier in the year, though this sector remains volatile due to its reliance on government budget disbursements and a slow property market.

    Tourism provided a limited boost to confidence in certain regions. Foreign visitors supported the southern Gulf coast and eastern provinces, while domestic travel during holiday periods aided the North and Central regions. Despite these localized improvements, retail confidence remained below the 50-point benchmark across all regions. The Northeast, in particular, faced additional pressure with a fourth consecutive month of declining tourist numbers. RetailNews Asia has observed similar pressures on discretionary spending in other Southeast Asian markets this year, as consumers grapple with inflation and economic uncertainty. The outlook for Thailand’s overall RSI remains cautious, with forecasts for the third quarter of 2026 placing it between 47 and 50, indicating continued hesitancy among retail operators.