Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Thai Airways offers ‘semi-commercial’ flights to 7 international destinations

    Thai Airways offers ‘semi-commercial’ flights to 7 international destinations

    After a major slowdown in both international and domestic travel due to coronavirus travel restrictions, Thai Airways is now offering flights to and from 7 international destinations over the next 2 months, according to the airline’s chief executive Wiwat Piyawirot.

    These flights are “semi-commercial.” Wiwat says return flights are intended for Thais returning home from overseas, those with families in Thailand, those traveling to Thailand on business, students, and travelers with connecting flights.

    Departures in November and December

    • London – Sundays
    • Frankfurt – Fridays
    • Copenhagen – Sundays
    • Hong Kong – Wednesdays (expect November 11 and 25)
    • Tokyo – Wednesdays and Saturdays
    • Taipei – Fridays and Wednesdays
    • Sydney – Sundays (Must inform the Australian Embassy in Thailand)
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  • JV arrives to create US$7.9bn Chinese pharmacy giant

    JV arrives to create US$7.9bn Chinese pharmacy giant

    China’s Laobaixing and Yixintang Pharmaceutical Group are in advanced talks to create the country’s biggest drugstore chain via a share swap, three people familiar with the matter said.

    Laobaixing’s founders, Xie Zilong and Chen Xiulan, are expected to have a bigger stake in the merged firm than Yixintang’s founder Ruan Hongxian, said two of the people. Shanghai-listed Laobaixing, formally known as LBX Pharmacy Chain Joint Stock Company and which boasts Tencent Holdings as a backer, has a market value of around US$4.4 billion, while Shenzhen-listed Yixintang is valued at about $3.5 billion.

    The talks have been ongoing for more than three months, the two people said. One person said the firms are aiming to finalize and announce the deal in the coming days, adding that Laobaixing would remain the listed entity.

    The sources declined to be identified as the discussions were not public. Laobaixing, Yixintang did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Tencent, which took a 1-per-cent stake in Laobaixing to become a strategic partner this year, has endorsed the merger and is planning to work with the combined firm to speed up implementation of a “smart retail” strategy, according to two people.

    The tech giant is looking at helping with the integration of their online and physical store businesses and will help drive traffic through its messaging service WeChat as well as other platforms, said one person.

    Laobaixing, also backed by private equity firms FountainVest Partners and Primavera Capital, had 6.7 billion yuan ($1 billion) in revenue for the first half, while Yixintang had 6 billion yuan, filings show.

    Together they exceeded the 8.6 billion yuan in first-half sales for a current industry leader, state-backed Sinopharm Holding Guoda Drugstores. Their combined number of stores at around 13,100 would also be more than double Guoda’s.

    China’s drugstore market is, however, highly fragmented. According to market research firm Qianzhan, Guoda had a market share of 2.9 percent last year, ahead of Laobaixing with 2.6 percent and Yixintang with 2.4 percent.

    Both Laobaixing and Yixintang sell pharmaceuticals, traditional Chinese medicine, nutritional supplements, and medical equipment. They also complement each other geographically with Laobaixing strong in central and eastern China while Yixintang has focused on the southwest of China, particularly it’s home province of Yunnan.

    Laobaixing, established in 2001, is 33-per-cent held by its founders. For years it counted EQT as a key backer but the Swedish private equity firm sold its 25 percent stake to FountainVest and Primavera for $557 million a year ago.

    Yixintang, founded in 1981, is 31-per-cent owned by founder Ruan.

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  • Asia underpins stable and strong Estee Lauder result

    Asia underpins stable and strong Estee Lauder result

    Estee Lauder Cos reported better-than-expected quarterly results on Monday, as people confined to their homes bought more of its skincare products online and sales improved in its Asian markets. The M.A.C brand owner has ramped up investments in its online business and seen growth in demand for its skincare products as customers opted for serums and moisturizers instead of make-up items during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “Before, online was mainly the destination of younger people. Now it’s for everyone. Everyone is online,” CEO Fabrizio Freda told analysts on a call.

    The company’s shares rose as much as 8.3 percent to a record high on Monday as online sales soared 40 percent in the first quarter.

    Its sales in the Asia-Pacific market rose 9 percent on the back of strong growth in South Korea, with demand at the company’s duty-free shops in China getting a boost from the government’s move to raise the annual tax-free shopping limit for tourists in the southern province of Hainan.

    Total sales at the company’s duty-free shops were flat year over year, after dropping roughly 30 percent in the previous quarter due to widespread restrictions on air travel.

    Total net sales fell 9 percent to $3.56 billion but exceeded analysts’ expectations of $3.46 billion, Refinitiv data showed.

    Estee forecast net sales to decline between 3 and 5 percent in the second quarter, compared with estimates of a near 5 percent decline.

  • LG Electronics starts eco-friendly clothing line with Net-A-Porter

    LG Electronics starts eco-friendly clothing line with Net-A-Porter

    LG Electronics has unveiled an eco-friendly clothing line in collaboration with British online fashion retailer Net-A-Porter as the South Korean tech giant pushes marketing for its clothing-care appliances.

    The appliance maker said it joined with the premium online fashion marketplace to launch a limited-edition range named LG X Net-A-Porter Sustainable Collection.

    The two partners cooperated with global fashion brands, including Le Kasha of France, Mara Hoffman of the US, and Bondi Born of Australia, to release 13 types of environmentally friendly apparel.

    LG Electronics said the launch of the new clothing line is part of its “Care for What You Wear” global campaign that aims to protect the environment by reducing fabric waste.

    It added that the clothes from the new brand can be easily managed through its clothing care appliances, including the Styler, LG’s steam closet that keeps clothes fresh and deodorized without dry cleaning.

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  • Pomelo roams from fashion label to multi-brand environment

    Pomelo roams from fashion label to multi-brand environment

    Thai-based omnichannel fashion platform Pomelo has launched a redesigned version of its online platform which features multiple brands.

    Besides offering in-app exclusive live streaming, the new app houses more than 100 brands on its Thai version, including Vans, Converse, L’Occitane, and local brands such as Rally Movement and Matter Makers.

    But the company told Inside Retail Asia it will continue to design and release its own Pomelo range as well.

    Pomelo, which is building a footprint across Southeast Asia, plans to expand its expanded multibrand selection into other markets next year.

    The new app has a feature called Tap Try Buy, previously called Pomelo Pick Up, which allows customers to order items online through the app or website, select a store or partner location to try on their selected items, and only pay for only what they choose to keep. Tap Try Buy orders already make up almost half of the retailer’s online orders, a percentage that has grown during the Covid-19 crisis.

    Overseeing the new multi-brand direction is Alexandra Schonfrucht, newly appointed former Zalando and JD Sports executive, who is now Pomelo’s global head of third party brands.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Alexandra to the Pomelo team as we enter this next phase of growth as a multi-brand platform,” said David Jou, CEO, and founder of Pomelo. “We’re continuing to build a diverse brand portfolio to provide the best omnichannel experience for our users.”

    The new app also incorporates Pomelo’s new branding elements including a refreshed logo.

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  • 7-Eleven Malaysia appoints CEO team

    7-Eleven Malaysia appoints CEO team

    7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Bhd has appointed CFO Wong Wai Keong and executive director Tan U-Ming as the co-CEOs for the company, effective Dec 1, 2020. Wong will also be appointed as an executive director of the company, effective Nov 1, 2020.

    They will jointly succeed Colin George Harvey, who will relinquish his post as executive director and CEO effective Dec 1, 2020 for health reasons. Harvey will continue with the company in his new capacity as an advisor and consultant.

    7-Eleven Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Embong said Wong and Tan’s combined 15 years of experience with the company will provide the strength and stability needed to weather through the uncertain economic conditions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Wong was appointed as CFO of the company in March 2018. Prior to joining 7-Eleven Malaysia, he was the group finance director of SyAqua Group Inc overseeing the Asian markets and Florida, USA where he was involved in the organization expansion and was instrumental in transforming the group into an integrated functional business. He has previously held management roles in Avon Cosmetics, KFCH Marketing, Ayamas Food Corp, Abbott Laboratories, and Wyeth. He was also a lead application consultant with JD Edwards.

    Wong is also a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountant, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, and the Chartered Global Management Accountants.

    Tan was appointed as a director of 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd in 2008, where he was responsible for overseeing the merchandising, supply chain, procurement and marketing functions. He was appointed to the position of executive director in 2011. Tan was appointed to the board of 7-Eleven Malaysia in August 2013. He currently holds directorships in other private companies of various industries.

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  • Bukalapak Establishes Strategic Partnership with Microsoft to Enhance Indonesian E-commerce

    Bukalapak Establishes Strategic Partnership with Microsoft to Enhance Indonesian E-commerce

    Microsoft and Bukalapak, one of Indonesia’s leading e-commerce platforms, have formed a strategic partnership to reshape how e-commerce is conducted in the country. Kicking off the collaboration between the two companies, Bukalapak will adopt Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform and Microsoft will make a strategic investment in Bukalapak.

    The partnership will leverage Microsoft’s expertise in building a resilient cloud infrastructure to support Bukalapak services for more than 12 million micro, small and medium enterprises, and 100 million customers.

    “This partnership signals a deep collaboration with Microsoft on an array of technology projects that will transform the technology-driven commerce solutions and operations solution and operations in Indonesia,” said Rachmat Kaimuddin, CEO of Bukalapak. “As a global technology leader, Microsoft’s confidence with Bukalapak highlights our position as the leading homegrown technology player in Indonesia and our continued objective to create a positive impact on our country and customers.”

    Through this partnership, Bukalapak and Microsoft will collaborate on key initiatives including:

    • Building resilient infrastructure – Bukalapak will adopt Microsoft Azure as its preferred cloud platform to support its more than 6 million online merchants, 6 million offline merchants and 100 million customers.
    • Bridging the digital gap – The companies will explore opportunities to help make the digital world relevant for every individual daily.
    • Skilling – Providing digital skills training for Bukalapak employees and their merchants.

    “Bukalapak and their services have had real and enduring impact on Indonesian society, and their innovation mindset in a rapidly changing market will create new opportunities for merchants, businesses and consumers,” said Haris Izmee, President Director of Microsoft Indonesia. “We are excited to empower Bukalapak with a trusted cloud, that allows them to scale their customer experience on Microsoft Azure. Through this partnership, merchants and consumers will have a more efficient and reliable buying and selling experiences, which in turn, creates business resilience and helps in accelerate growth in the Indonesian digital economy.”

    As a leading e-commerce platform in Indonesia, Bukalapak was founded with the singular mission of empowering Indonesia through digital technology. The company also offers financial services and payment options for its users, including but not limited to, gold and mutual funds’ investments, bill payments and credit services. They aim to transform the economy beyond e-commerce, by digitalizing traditional warungs (mom and pop kiosks) so every business in Indonesia has access to the online economy.

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  • Japanese Eyewear Brand Owndays expands India presence

    Japanese Eyewear Brand Owndays expands India presence

    Japanese eyewear brand OWNDAYS, one of the largest players in the fashion eyewear space, is now expanding its India footprint. The company announced the launch of a new store at Inorbit mall, Mumbai, others being in Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh.

    Currently, the company has a global presence of 350 stores spread across 12 countries including Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia. OWNDAYS’ India presence is in collaboration with GKB Opticals, which is a big name to reckon with in Indian Eyewear Industry already.

    Owndays will offer a range of around 1,500 styles from basic to functional, stylish, and fashionable eyewear for men and women starting at Rs. 2,990. With 24 brands under the parent company, Owndays offers eyewear for children, young adults, millennials, and the elderly.

    Established in Tokyo, Japan in 1989, Owndays Co., Ltd has redefined the world of optics by following Simple Pricing, Quick Servicing, and Value. With more than 1,500 designs of frames ranging from basic and functional, to stylish and fashion-forward.

    Owndays outlets have a list of a unique set of pointers to grab your interest:

    • State of the art Japanese eye testing equipment, that helps complete the process in almost half the time the regular testing process takes.
    • The company has a unique 20-minute process feature with over 2,000 lenses stocked in the store which allow glasses to be processed within 20 minutes after the eye check.
    • Pricing is simple and uncomplicated with price of best suitable lenses (minus customised ones) included with the frame

    Speaking on the launch Sanjay Malhotra Business Head – India, Owndays said, “We are thrilled to be opening yet another outlet in India as the demand for quality eyewear at affordable price is increasing considerably and our product has been loved by Indian customer’s youth and matured alike. The fact that we are even opening during the Covid environment shows that we are bullish about Indian market as we have been received exceptionally well in the country”.

    OWNDAYS Outlets in India:

    BANGALORE: Indiranagar & Phoneix Marketcity Mall

    CHENNAI: Palladium Mall

    HYDERABAD: Sarath City Capital Mall

    KOLKATA: South City Mall

    CHANDIGARH: Elante Mall

     

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  • Hermes Logistics Technologies teams up with the IT University of Copenhagen and dnata for machine learning trials

    Hermes Logistics Technologies teams up with the IT University of Copenhagen and dnata for machine learning trials

    Hermes Logistics Technologies (HLT) is working with researchers at the IT University of Copenhagen (ITU), Denmark, and dnata Australia to explore new machine learning models aimed at delivering predictive business analytics.

    The Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms will run data from dnata Australia’s new Hermes Digital Ecosystem, which has a full Datalake infrastructure that captures and stores all of dnata’s Hermes New Generation (NG) Business Intelligence events.

    The machine learning models will enable dnata to make predictive business process decisions providing key insights on efficiencies, costs, and new services.

    “Machine learning is part of HLT’s digital agenda and our datalakes are a fantastic source of events and data, which are always up to date and ready to inform and train AI models in the Hermes Cloud,” said Alex Labonne, Chief Technology Officer at HLT.

    “Successfully trained models will form new predictive functionalities for dnata and help them refine an already competitive cargo handling offering.”

    The ITU team, headed by Professor Philippe Bonnet and working with HLT, will create, test, and develop the predictive models over the coming months to explore the design of cloud-native enterprise machine learning solutions.

    “This is the future of enterprise machine learning envisaged by cloud providers, where any enterprise can incorporate data-driven predictions into their business processes,” said Prof. Bonnet.

    “Collaborating with HLT and dnata is a unique opportunity for us to explore the capabilities and limitations of cloud-based enterprise machine learning.”

    dnata recently went live with HLT’s H5 Cargo Management System (CMS) at six airports across Australia in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, and Brisbane.

    “dnata is looking forward to using predictive modelling to enhance our cargo planning and operational processes. This data science not only benefits our interaction with customer airlines, it enables us to anticipate the demand patterns in advance for more efficient operations,” said Terence Yong, Cargo Development Director, Asia Pacific, dnata.

    The dnata machine learning prototype is part of HLT’s digital agenda to deliver value added services using Big Data analytics.

  • Azimut Benetti Group Shines in the Asia-Pacific Area

    Azimut Benetti Group Shines in the Asia-Pacific Area

    The Asia-Pacific Area continues to play a strategic role in terms of Azimut Benetti Group sales. Thanks to its longstanding presence in key countries in the area, the company has an excellent reputation and unparalleled reach across the region. Reporting total sales worth over 150 million euros (the two brands’ results for the last 12 months), the Group is at the top of an ideal ranking of best performers in the area.

    Despite the complexities caused by the global pandemic, Azimut Benetti has put in a particularly good performance, reporting a 10% increase in the results posted for this area last season with Benetti alone nearly doubling the number of units sold.

    This result, which takes into account all of the most important markets in the region, including Hong Kong, Singapore, mainland China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, is driven by orders for boats over 24 meters, a segment in which the Group excels throughout the world.

    In more detail, Azimut Yachts has sold and delivered eight yachts in the brand’s flagship Grande Collection (four 32 Metri, two 27 Metri, and two 25 Metri) with 5 more units in the same Collection in delivery in the next six months; Benetti has sold five units.

    With regards to Azimut Yachts, significant contributions to achieving these excellent results were made by Marine Italia, the dealer for Hong Kong, Macau, Guangdong, and Taiwan, and by the new Australian dealer D’Albora, which has established a considerable presence in the region in the space of a single year, as well as opening up new markets on the country’s western coast.

    Turning to Benetti, it is no surprise that Asia-Pacific owners have focused their attention on the new projects and on the Oasis 40M, a glamorous yacht of which a remarkable 12 units have been sold to date.

    “For years Azimut Yachts has been leading the APAC market for a range of 34-120 foot yachts, supported by a very good network of local dealers, to strengthen the Azimut brand and to make sure that each customer feels valued and well looked after. We are especially proud of the results we have achieved this year. The sales results were especially positive in the range between 60 and 80 feet yachts and Grande Collection is clearly a beloved yacht in Asia. The glowing results were achieved with sales covering the whole Region from South East Asia to Oceania and with considerable sales in mainland China. Clients clearly recognized and rewarded the strengths of our products: an Italian design, the cutting-edge technology intrinsic to our boats, and of course, a solid family-owned group.” Says Enrico Chiaussa, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa Area Manager of Azimut Yachts

    “APAC continues to be a key market for Benetti and we are pleased to see our efforts to constantly innovate and improve on the quality of our products and processes, along with the hard work of our employees and local partners, has paid off in a year that has provided unique challenges. As we move into the new season, we remain optimistic that demand for our luxury yachts will continue to soar and that the new aggressive production schedule and the new model introductions we have planned over the next 18 months will further strengthen our position as an industry leader in this exclusive market sector.“ Says Peter Mahony, APAC GM of Benetti Yachts.

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  • Kerry Logistics Network honoured with Bloomberg Businessweek ESG Leading Enterprises

    Kerry Logistics Network honoured with Bloomberg Businessweek ESG Leading Enterprises

    Kerry Logistics Network Limited (‘Kerry Logistics’; Stock Code 0636.HK) has been honored as the recipient of the ESG Leading Enterprises 2020 Award (the ‘Award’), organized by Bloomberg Businessweek/Chinese Edition and co-presented by Deloitte, for the second year in a row. Kerry Logistics won in the category of enterprises with a market capitalization of over HK$20 billion.

    Inaugurated in 2019 by international business publication Bloomberg Businessweek/Chinese Edition in collaboration with Deloitte, the Award aims at recognizing exceptional enterprises that thoroughly integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (‘ESG’) goals and activities into their development strategies with remarkable business performance and growth. The Award comprises two categories, namely, the “ESG Leading Enterprises” Award and the “Leading ESG Initiative” Award.

    William Ma, Group Managing Director of Kerry Logistics Network, said, “We are delighted to receive the award, which is a recognition of our persistent commitment to upholding ESG governance standards. As a socially responsible global company, Kerry Logistics values our ESG performance in the way our company is run and in our operations around the world. ESG issues now form part of our essential considerations when we devise our development strategies, and we have been actively following the ESG systems in place in key business decisions. We will continue to play our part in contributing to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility in our pursuit of long-term business growth.”

    Kerry Logistics strives to make its operations greener through managing emissions, optimizing the use of resources, and protecting the natural environment and ecosystems that we all rely on. It continues to strengthen the sustainability of its supply chain performance by building a collaborative and “win-win” relationship with suppliers.

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  • AirAsia awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline & Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew at World Travel Awards 2020

    AirAsia awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline & Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew at World Travel Awards 2020

    AirAsia has been awarded Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline for the eighth consecutive year at the World Travel Awards (WTA) – one of the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programs commemorating excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality.

    AirAsia emerged top in the category having received the highest votes from travel professionals and industry players from around the region, ahead of regional players such as Scoot, Nok Air, VietJet Air, Jetstar and Firefly to win the top low-cost carrier awards – Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020 and Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2020.

    Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia Group said, “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020 Award for the eighth consecutive year. Winning the award this year is more important than ever and is of profound sentimental value as the industry is going through the most turbulent times. Our gratitude goes to every one of our over 600 million guests for their continued support and faith in us since day one, and their understanding as we weather through the most difficult period in AirAsia’s history. Most importantly, this award is dedicated to AirAsia’s Allstars (staff), including those who have left us recently through no fault of their own. I thank every Allstar for their commitment, perseverance and dedication  as we navigate our way through this incredibly challenging year.”

    AirAsia Group Head of Cabin Crew Suhaila Hassan said, “This pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, and the journey has been far from easy. Despite the crisis, I can say with confidence that our dedicated crew has risen to the challenge to show their service excellence and hospitality, adapting to the constantly changing rules and regulations. Our focus is to safeguard the wellbeing, health, and safety of each guest. And this award is a testament to our hard work and passion.”

    World Travel Awards Founder Graham E Cooke said, “Despite the unprecedented challenges faced by the aviation industry this year, AirAsia continues to lead the way in low-cost aviation in Asia and beyond. Its strive for excellence remains unrivaled and I am delighted that it has been acknowledged by both the travel trade and the public by being voted ‘Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline 2020’ and ‘Asia’s Leading Low-Cost Airline Cabin Crew 2020’.”

     Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards, one of the most prestigious and noteworthy awards programs in the global and tourism industry, acknowledges and celebrates excellence across key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality. The World Travel Awards brand is globally recognized as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence.

    Despite the incredible challenges faced by the aviation industry over the course of 2020, this year’s World Travel Awards program saw record month-on-month voting numbers from the all-important tourism consumers, whilst the official website continues to receive more search traffic than in any previous year. Organizers say, this indicates that the hunger for travel and tourism is as strong as ever, providing encouraging signs to all in the aviation and tourism industries.

  • 100 Million Loyal Watsons Members Reached

    100 Million Loyal Watsons Members Reached

    Watsons, the flagship health and beauty brand of A.S. Watson Group, has reached the phenomenal milestone of 100 million loyalty members in Asia. Having grown rapidly since its launch, the Watsons membership program is now available and well-established in 14# markets worldwide, connecting beauty and wellness lovers and helping them to Look Good Feel Great.

    This is a strong global community of 100 million beauty and wellness enthusiasts, and Watsons is dedicated to introducing a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. By always staying connected with the members, Watsons strives to inspire them to do good, feel great together as a powerful movement.

    Customer relationships and connectivity are at the heart of Watsons’ strategy and its loyalty program was established in 2008 to reward and connect with customers. Member insights are used to better anticipate customers’ needs and to offer a personalized shopping experience, both online and offline.

    Watsons keeps evolving its offering to further cement its position as Asia’s no.1 brand loyalty program. In 2018, Watsons launched an Elite VIP Members program adding an additional tier for its most loyal customers, and in July 2019 Watsons One Pass© was launched, allowing members to enjoy cross-border shopping benefits at Watsons stores globally.

    Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia and Europe), says, “Today, Watsons reached a major milestone of connecting 100 million beauty and wellness lovers in Asia. We’re now growing at roughly one million new members every quarter. This isn’t just a big milestone for us; it’s also an important one for all of our members who form a community that inspires each other to look and feel good inside and outside. The COVID-19 pandemic has created stronger bonds between us and our members and we have been able to stay in touch and share relevant contents during this challenging time. We want to thank every one of you, our 100 million members, for making this milestone happen. Our mission as a community is to Look Good and Do Good for ourselves, the people we love and society.”

    Watsons understands that customers care about the social purpose of businesses, and they want to shop with brands that share their values and take sustainability seriously. The brand has been striving to make a positive impact on its customers, communities and planet through its “Do Good Feel Great” initiatives. Watsons has extended the ban of microplastics in all rinse-off cosmetics and personal care products this year. In June, the Group became the first health and beauty retailer to sign-up to the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment to reduce plastic waste and took membership with the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil to help address the environmental impact of palm oil.

    Improving customer wellness is also one of Watsons’ key initiatives. The “Smile Inside-out” campaign was launched to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, encouraging a positive lifestyle to the customers as well as colleagues. Watsons will continue to look for new ways to do more to create a healthier and more sustainable world with its community.

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  • AirAsia offers UNLI Flight pass for a limited time only

    AirAsia offers UNLI Flight pass for a limited time only

    The tourism industry is slowly recovering, starting with the re-opening of Boracay to leisure travelers. More flights, accommodations, and tours are resuming operations to accommodate excited travelers after being stuck at home for so long! With travel restrictions gradually being lifted in the Philippines, AirAsia introduces a unique product that will allow people to travel as many times as they want around the Philippines. Yes, you read it right!

    Filipinos are known to always seek the best deals: Buy-one, take-one, 50% off, and unlimited offers on Korean BBQ, rice, and call and text promos, but have you heard of unlimited flights? AirAsia is offering the UNLI Flight pass for a limited time only!

    What is the AirAsia UNLI Flight Pass?

    UNLI Flight Pass offers a travel bundle so you can fly as many times as you want to any AirAsia domestic destination available on airasia.com or AirAsia’s mobile app for a fixed price of only PHP 4,999. The promo covers flights from AirAsia’s domestic hubs (Manila, Cebu, Clark) to your favorite island destinations such as Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, Davao, Bacolod, Zamboanga, General Santos, and so much more. The UNLI Flight Pass is perfect for both leisure and business travelers alike, especially those who are frequent flyers who aim to get a good deal.

    The UNLI Flight Pass is valid for a year, so you can plan and plot your trips ahead of time. Scratch your travel itch and grab your very own AirAsia UNLI Flight Pass available for purchase on airasia.com, through the ‘Unlimited Deals’ tile. The pass purchase period will start from November 2 until November 8, 2020, wherein flights can be redeemed from November 9, 2020 until October 16, 2021, and be used to travel between November 23, 2020 and October 30, 2021.

    How to Purchase UNLI Flight Pass?

    • Log in to your BIG Member account. If you haven’t, register already. It’s for free!

    • Click the AirAsia UNLI Flight Pass bundle

    • Purchase and pay. Only Credit and debit cards will be allowed.

    • Receive your confirmation voucher via e-mail

    How to Redeem Flights using the UNLI Flight Pass?

    • Log in to your BIG member account on Airasia ‘Unlimited Deals’

    • Select your purchased UNLI Flight Pass, confirm your full name (upon first redemption only), and click “Redeem”

    • Search dates and choose flights labeled ‘100% OFF’

    • Enter your passenger details

    • Pay any add-ons, taxes, and other fees

    • Receive your flight itinerary in your e-mail

    Disclaimer: Flights redeemed with the Unlimited Pass are subject to government taxes and fees, add ons, and other applicable charges. Seats are subject to availability. Embargo dates and other terms and conditions apply.

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  • Starbucks to open its first coffee store in Laos

    Starbucks to open its first coffee store in Laos

    Starbucks is to make Laos debut next year with its first store opening in the capital city of Vientiane.

    Laos will become Starbucks’s 17th market in Asia, with the first store scheduled to open in the third quarter of next year.

    Starbucks Laos will be managed by Coffee Concepts (Laos) Limited, part of Maxim’s Caterers Limited, a part-owned subsidiary of Dairy Farm International. Through Coffee Concepts, Starbucks operates more than 800 stores across Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand.

    According to Starbucks US, the launch is part of its strategy to expand its network across the region.

    “We’re excited to bring the Starbucks Experience to Laos, which has a rich history of coffee production and thriving coffee culture,” said Michael Conway, executive VP at Starbucks International Licensed Stores.

    Michael Wu, chairman and MD at Maxim’s Caterers, added: “We look forward to continuing to deliver the unique Starbucks Experience to customers in the market to earn the trust and respect known by customers around the world.”

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