Category: E-Tailing

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest E-Commerce & Etail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Strawberrynet celebrate its 20th anniversary

    Strawberrynet celebrate its 20th anniversary

    Hong Kong online beauty pioneer Strawberrynet is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Since its launch in 1998, the e-commerce retailer has expanded to sell to more than 200 markets in 38 languages, with 24-seven pick and pack and customer services. The strawberrynet.com site carries more than 800 established international brands from Europe, the US, Japan and Korea, offering more than 30,000 items across a wide range of categories.

    Its 20-year business span makes it one of the longest-running e-commerce firms globally, launching in the same era as Amazon, eBay and PayPal. The site enjoys top rankings for a beauty-focused international platform on Alexa, ComCore and Internet Retailer.

    Strawberrynet began accumulating big data-style tracking since the early days of the science, making it an early adopter in using AI to understand not only its shopper behaviour, but also product trends for every category and region it traded in, allowing it to optimise and personalise offers for a better user experience.

    According to a statement put out by the firm, “Strawberrynet’s partnership with the world’s major platforms gives more shoppers around the globe access to products that are authentic, and offers that range from classic to chic and newly launched items”.

  • Amazon offers Vietnamese products route to global market

    Amazon offers Vietnamese products route to global market

    Amazon is collaborating with Vietnam’s trade ministry to sell the country’s products on its system globally. Vu Ba Phu, director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Trade Promotion Agency, said while announcing news of the collaboration that the U.S. e-commerce company would help especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop their brands on its website.

    It would also train Vietnamese firms in e-commerce and selling on its system, he said. Vietnamese businesses would be able to reach over 300 million users of the world’s largest online retailer by participating in Amazon Global Selling, he added.

    Bernard Tay, Amazon’s regional director for Southeast Asia, said Vietnam is among the top countries in the region in terms of capability to export via Amazon.

    It has strengths in household products, textile, footwear, and handicrafts, items that sell well on Amazon, he said.

    Vietnamese firms need to make products adopted to global trends and improve their English and branding skills, Tay added.

    Phu said Vietnamese SMEs would have to meet the high standards in many markets.

    “Big markets like the E.U., U.S. and Japan all have strict regulations on product quality and origin, and Vietnamese exports will have to comply with them.”

    Last year Amazon had organized a number of training programs for Vietnamese SMEs on how to sell on its system.

    Chinese e-commerce behemoth Alibaba is also interested in Vietnamese sellers. It started looking for sellers on its AliExpress website last July, saying it wanted to enable them to reach over 200 markets around the world.

    Vietnam’s e-commerce market grew by 25 percent in 2017, according to the Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM), which expects this rate to continue until 2020.

  • Vietnamese ecommerce Leflair receives US$7-million investment

    Vietnamese ecommerce Leflair receives US$7-million investment

    Vietnamese e-commerce firm Leflair has raised US$7 million in a Series B funding round from South Korea’s GS Shop and private equity firm Belt Road Capital Management. This investment is the first by GS Group’s online retail subsidiary GS Shop in a Vietnam startup, and is expected to increase the volume of South Korean products in Leflair’s inventory.

    “We are going to use this capital first to leverage as much as possible the strategic partnership with GS. It means investing in hiring the teams that will make this partnership a success and deploying resources in the areas of fulfillment, delivery, and technology,” says Leflair CEO and co-founder Loic Gautier.

    “This year will be one of regional expansion as we progress towards making the world’s best brands accessible to more consumers in Southeast Asia,” Gautier added.

    Founded in 2015, Leflair focuses on premium-branded products for women, men, kids, and homes. Since its launch, Leflair has raised US$11.8 million investment from angel investors and venture capital firms from the US, France, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Cambodia.

    According to a recent EU-Vietnam Business Network report, Vietnam had about 51 million internet users in 2017. Vietnam’s e-commerce sector is forecast to continue growing at 14 per cent annually this year and next.

  • Sunshine department store Penang goes online via Shopee

    Sunshine department store Penang goes online via Shopee

    Penang department store Sunshine has launched on online shopping platform Shopee with expectations of doubling its income. According to Sunshine’s CEO Cynthia Hwang, the move to list initially 1500 products, as well as the brand’s in-house fashion label Iloveasap, on the platform would target 16 million users throughout the country while leveraging Shopee’s free shipping and Super Brand Day.

    “Further expansion into the online realm with the opening of an official store on Shopee will see a bigger contribution to the brand’s revenue growth,” she said.

    “As a whole, it is part of our aspiration to help to grow Malaysia in terms of providing more choices, better and easier accessibility for quality products and enable consumers to purchase from trusted sellers such as Sunshine Online,” added Shopee Malaysia category manager Tan Ming Kit.

  • Ananth Narayanan steps down as Myntra Jabong CEO

    Ananth Narayanan steps down as Myntra Jabong CEO

    Fashion e-tailer Myntra Monday said its CEO Ananth Narayanan has quit, a development that ends months of speculation about his exit following a recent re-jig at its parent group Flipkart. In a statement, Myntra said Narayanan has decided to step down as CEO of Myntra and Jabongto pursue external opportunities. Amar Nagaram has been named as Head, Myntra and Jabong, and will report to Flipkart Group CEO Kalyan Krishnamurthy, it added.

    According to a report, there were speculations that Narayanan would quit after a new reporting structure was put in place when Binny Bansal — the then CEO at Flipkart Group (which owns Myntra and Jabong) — quit the company.

    As a part of the new structure, Myntra and Jabong were brought under Flipkart, with Narayanan reporting to Krishnamurthy.

    “Ananth has played an important role in making Myntra and Jabong into a formidable player in the fashion e-commerce market and steering the company towards sustainable growth,” Myntra said in its statement Monday.

    It added that over the last three and a half years, Narayanan and the management team have built a strong foundation for the company.

    “Myntra and Jabong are an important part of the Flipkart group serving our valuable customers. The company will continue to execute the growth strategy and leverage synergies with Flipkart as appropriate,” it said.

    The strong bench strength and new leadership at Myntra and Jabong will allow the business to continue on its strong and sustainable growth trajectory, the statement added. Nagaram, who recently moved to Myntra from Flipkart, has been working with the group for around seven years.

    “…(Nagaram) has played a pivotal role in making shopping accessible, delightful and affordable on every connected device. Most notably, he led the efforts on revisiting the boundaries of mobile web, making the experience on it as good as native,” the statement said.

  • Tech startup Blinq to focus on Southeast Asia

    Tech startup Blinq to focus on Southeast Asia

    Tech startup Blinq is targeting Southeast Asia with software which allows users to virtually try on and purchase designer apparel and accessories from online luxury and contemporary fashion retailers globally. “Blinq uses AR and algorithmic patterns to provide users with the latest trends and personalised fittings from their digital devices,” explains entrepreneur and Blinq founder Bob Chua.

    “It also allows users to choose how they would like to consume fashion, which may not necessarily be to buy, but to also rent, subscribe, or pay later for latest luxury designs from major and upcoming brands across Southeast Asia.”

    A rental-subscription model provides users the option of renting designer apparel and accessories, while the back-end automated warehousing operation enables brands to fulfil their products throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

    Citing McKinsey’s global fashion report, Chua says the personal luxury market is predicted to grow to US$500 billion by next year, with close to 44 per cent coming from Asia.

    “There is clear retail disruption happening everywhere, and e-commerce adoption in the luxury space is growing at a staggering rate here in Asia. We see a major opportunity.

    “In a way we are fusing the successful models of Asos, Farfetch, Rent-the-Runway and The Real Real into a single platform, while targeting affluent Asians.”

    Chua says the company plans to monetise its platform by white-labelling its virtual changing room AR features to other e-commerce sites, which will ultimately reduce returns and increase purchasing propensity for retailers.

    He says Blinq has secured significant seed funding and is currently en route to a next fundraising round.

  • Zuji Hong Kong goes bancrupt

    Zuji Hong Kong goes bancrupt

    Hong Kong-headquartered online travel agent Zuji collapsed on Friday owing HK$250,000 (US$32,000) to customers awaiting refunds. The firm – which was one of the first online travel agencies in Asia Pacific– failed to have its IATA agency licence renewed due to overdue payments to airlines for tickets sold to travellers.

    “Zuji is no longer a licensed travel agent and cannot continue to operate travel agent business in Hong Kong, but the company has the responsibility to properly handle all booked travel services,” said a spokesperson from Hong Kong’s Commerce and Economic Development Bureau.

    Zuji closed its business in Singapore in late November and shut down its website. But the company has said it will continue operations in Hong Kong. It has announced “technical difficulties” in refunding customers for the time being.

    The company has not explained how it will be able to continue operations without an IATA licence.

  • CASE Singapore warns consumers about LuxStyle International

    CASE Singapore warns consumers about LuxStyle International

    Singapore shoppers have been warned about dealing with LuxStyle International Sales. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has released a consumer advisory notice updating its previous advisory on LuxStyle, reminding consumers that they are “not obliged to make any payment to a business for goods or services that they did not explicitly agree to purchase”.

    The Case advisory follows complaints it had received against the Danish online retailer dating back to 2016. The complainants held that LuxStyle had sent out payment notices to consumers who had not agreed to any purchase. According to consumer reports, site visitors were charged by the firm after having entered personal payment information for the purposes of viewing prices, even though they had not proceeded to make a purchase.

    Case issued a consumer alert against LuxStyle in May 2017, but has received a further 18 complaints against the business since then.

    Some consumers have now been contacted by a debt collection agency asking for payments claimed by the firm. According to the advisory, since contacting the collection agency Case has been assured all related debt recovery action has now been cancelled, and that any consumer who made payments on the matter should be fully refunded.

  • JD.com steps into entertainment industry

    JD.com steps into entertainment industry

    JD.com, China’s largest retailer, has joined forces with Paramount Pictures and global play and entertainment company Hasbro to celebrate the Chinese release of the new TRANSFORMERS movie BUMBLEBEE. On the run in the year 1987, BUMBLEBEE finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers BUMBLEBEE, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.

    JD first partnered with Hasbro and the TRANSFORMERS franchise in 2017, releasing a MISSION RED mini short that showed Optimus Prime and Red Knight – a special JD exclusive TRANSFORMERS character – fighting to protect the energon fuel source. This year’s celebration will be accompanied by a series of three mini shorts featuring Panasonic and Chinese menswear brand HLA in which Red Knight protects energon.

    JD and Hasbro are also bringing Red Knight to life by creating an action figure of this TRANSFORMERS bot. Released on Dec 29, 2018, the exclusive action figure is only available on JD.

    JD also launched a “Super BUMBLEBEE Day” sales promotion to coincide with the Jan 4 premiere of the film in China. During the promotion, JD’s more than 300 million customers were able to purchase BUMBLEBEE movie-themed merchandise from Hasbro, Panasonic, HLA, and more. JD has outfitted multiple delivery vans and delivery boxes across China with BUMBLEBEE-themed designs.

  • Amazon to soon deliver packages right in customer’s garage

    Amazon to soon deliver packages right in customer’s garage

    To enhance its in-home delivery service, Amazon has launched new products and tools within its ‘Key by Amazon’ offering for Prime members, beginning with the US. The online retail giant unveiled ‘Key for Garage’ that will allow customers to monitor and control their garage door via the Key app. “In addition to receiving deliveries at home and in your car, eligible Amazon Prime members will soon be able to get deliveries in their garage,” Amazon said in a statement on Tuesday.

    ‘Key for Garage’ is made possible by integrating Key with CGI’s proprietary ‘myQ-connected’ technology.

    “We started with the idea of in-home package delivery and quickly learned that our customers found peace of mind from the control Key gives them over their most important place – their homes – even when they aren’t there themselves,” said Rohit Shrivastava, GM of Key by Amazon.

    The online retail giant unveiled ‘Key for Garage’ that will allow customers to monitor and control their garage door via the Key app

    Amazon launched ‘Key’ in 2017 and the in-car delivery facility later. The new delivery services are available to Prime customers in some markets at no additional cost.

    Other offerings include the new Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt — the first WiFi-enabled smart lock for Key.

    The smart lock offers an innovative option for any customer who wants to experience the magic of a keyless life without any additional hub or hardware.

    “Even with all the advancements in the category, we recognized there was still a gap in simple, secure, high performance and cost-effective, all-in-one access solutions,” said Lee Odess, Vice President, Solutions Providers Business at Allegion, maker of Schlage locks.

    ‘Key for Business’ is a smart fob for drivers delivering Amazon packages to commercial and residential properties.

    “The technology allows building owners and managers to give controlled access to delivery drivers to drop off Amazon packages to their residents, and eliminate the need for building staff to manually give access each time deliveries are made,” said amazon.

    The Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt is available for pre-order for US$ 249.99 or US$ 299.99 when bundled with an Amazon Cloud Cam. It will begin shipping to the US customers on March 5.

    Key for Garage will be available in the US in the second quarter.

  • Online Marketplaces India: Delivering fashion to the discerning masses

    Online Marketplaces India: Delivering fashion to the discerning masses

    The online fashion space in India is positively buzzing with private labels or brand partnerships. Recently, heritage American denim brand, Wrangler collaborated with Indian e-commerce giant, Flipkart to launch an exclusive sub-brand called Wrangler 20X. Myntra also launched its in-house plus size apparel brand, Sztori as well as House of Pataudi, an ethnic wear brand co-owned by Myntra, Exceed Entertainment and Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan.

    Addressing Consumer Demand

    Wrangler 20X is targeted at the digitally-savvy youth who increasingly shop for fashion online and are seeking the perfect mix of trend and value. Gen Z are increasingly brand-aware and aspire to own brands with flaunt appeal. The denim brand aims to give them a brand that they would be proud to wear at prices they can afford.

    Known for democratising fashion across segments, the launch of both Sztori and House of Pataudi enables Myntra to go a step further and include profiles into the ambit of ‘fashion for all’. It champions inclusivity in fashion, evaluating and emphasising greater attention to styles, trends, designs, fit and fabric for plus sized apparel and fashion conscious consumers, in order to bring out the personality of the person wearing it.

    Sztori has been especially designed to suit a larger range of body shapes and sizes. It is essentially a designer wear in the plus size category, offering consumers the perfect fit and multiple style options. The apparel is made to suit plus size body types rather than prove to be a mere extension in size on existing profiles, thus breaking the existing age-old norm in the Indian market.

    Manohar Kamath, CXO and Head, Myntra Fashion Brands, says, “We are extremely delighted to announce the addition of Sztori to our portfolio of private brands. Plus size clothing is in great demand and it was time we offered something substantial in the category, opening up more avenues and possibilities for our customers.”

    The brand offers a range of products for men and women, including, tees, denims, tops, dresses and more in L to XXXXL (Large to 4 times Large) sizes. Shoppers can choose from over 225 styles and designs at prices ranging from Rs 799-Rs 1,999.

    Myntra identified a space opportunity in this segment and set out to design and develop merchandise under a new brand to cater to the category and make wearers look fashionable with multiple style options at affordable prices and opening new avenues in the industry.

    ‘House of Pataudi’ is a lifestyle brand for men and women that delivers fine taste and refinement to the discerning and the fashion conscious. Each piece not only exudes style but also narrates the rich story and history of the Pataudi heritage. The collection comprises traditional Indian wear, conceptualised inthe form of Rozana, every day wear with a contemporary ethnic touch; Jashn, festive finery with a regal charm; Riwayat, bespoke splendour for the classic Indian wedding; and a Special Edition, comprising collections inspired by the Pataudi trousseau.

    The range includes kurtas, sherwanis and Nehru jackets for men and kurta sets, lehengas and dresses for women. Products from House of Pataudi will be available exclusively on Myntra and Jabong, across a price range of Rs 1,500-Rs 15,000 for men and Rs ,000-Rs 20,000 for women. The brand’s design team has worked closely with Saif Ali Khan; inspired by his own personal style statement and has designed and perfected the line, modelling it on the Pataudi lineage and contemporary fashion preferences, to make it relatable for the modern fashion shopper. House of Pataudi is focused on changing the perception about ethnic dressing being limited only to festivals and occasions and bringing it back to everyday wear.

    Tapping the Market

    “Research estimates that the plus size segment will account for US$ 5 to 6 billion in the US$40 billion Indian online fashion apparel market, by 2020, which is approximately 10 to 12 percent of the overall market, making it an important proposition,” shares Manohar Kamath.

    Flipkart’s has aggressive plans to grow the fashion business and this maps well with Wrangler’s vision of meeting the needs of the young, online shopper. “We are delighted to partner with

    Flipkart on the launch of Wrangler 20X. The brand will be available exclusively on Flipkart and is designed for young, trend-aware digital citizens who aspire to buy Wrangler but are also looking for a more affordable value proposition. We look forward to working with Flipkart to make this a successful sub-brand of Wrangler,” comments Krishna Dorai, General Manager, Wrangler.

    Rishi Vasudev, Vice President, Flipkart Fashion says, “Men’s fashion is one of our fastest growing categories, where we have witnessed a 75 percent Y-o-Y growth, within which denims is one of the most successful categories. Crafted basis an understanding of what fashion shoppers are looking for, we are excited to launch Wrangler 20X, a denim-wear brand, from the house of Wrangler, exclusively on Flipkart Fashion. The range is specifically designed to off er the latest in fashion to the style conscious young men looking for the best in the value branded segment and we are sure, this range will be a massive hit, while it strengthens our men’s portfolio.”

    The Wrangler 20X collection features attractive style elements such as PU detailing on the pockets and belt loops, the shirts embrace printed designs with yarn-dyed fabrics and the tees receive a fresh colourful graphic spin. The sub-brand is currently available only for men.

    Ananth Narayanan, Ex-CEO, Myntra- Jabong, said, “We are clearly focused on a strong customer proposition and currently there is a huge gap in brand offerings in the ethnic wear space, especially for men. House of Pataudi is an ideal fit, being rich on tradition, heritage, design, and offers customers a slice of the world that we believe is lost, at price points that are highly affordable.”

  • eTailAsia, Thriving in the eCommerce Revolution in 2019

    eTailAsia, Thriving in the eCommerce Revolution in 2019

    Year after year, eTail Asia has been a sell-out success story! And it’s back for the 7th edition at Sheraton Towers, Singapore from 5-7th March 2019.

    What is it about you might ask? Simply put its ‘THE’ only destination event for Asia’s leading retail innovators to meet, collaborate and learn about what’s disrupting the industry today and what’ll change tomorrow. eTail Asia is designed to build up the participant’s business and profit by cutting out the fluff and providing content from retail innovators in the trenches.

    Some hot topics which have been cast in to the spotlight include:

    1. Entering and succeeding in China’s $800 billion eCommerce market

    In the notoriously cut throat retail industry, China’s cross-border eCommerce has been growing at an unprecedented rate, poised to top US$1.64 trillion in sales by 2020. eTail Asia addresses the exciting opportunities awaiting brands who want to tap into the Chinese  market, win over Chinese consumers, adapt to local nuances and create a multifaceted digital ecosystem to drive eCommerce sales.

    1. Driving customer engagement and fostering loyalty with blockchain, AR and VR

    Digital transformation is crucial, but focusing on establishing a relationship which is authentic, functional and relatable should be of paramount importance. At eTail Asia, businesses discuss cutting edge technologies which boost connectivity and interaction between brands and customers to optimise the quality of CX.

    1. Achieving a 360-degree customer view thorough AI and Machine Learning

    Achieving a holistic customer report is a trend that will continue to explode in all directions. Brands have to build affinity through personalisation and customisation where communication strategies have to be adapted accordingly to each individual based on their preference. Businesses have to wield marketing efforts around individual customers which helps them resonate with a brand.

    1. m-Commerce and a seamless, simple and intuitive payment channel

    Millennial shoppers are gravitating towards speedy transactions and on-the-go online shopping. Capitalising on this momentum, businesses are streamlining an omni-channel payment method for customers, enduring the relationship across all channels. A flexible experience without hassle will ultimately increase a customer’s satisfaction, to future-proof a customer’s checkout experience.

    The 2-day conference has a curated pipeline of compelling discussions, case studies and presentation anchored around the ‘millennial mind-set’, ‘succeeding as an eCommerce brand in an era of dominant e-tailers’ and ‘embracing globalisation’.

    To view the full agenda or to learn more about speaking/sponsorship/exhibition opportunities at eTail Asia, please visit https://etailasia.wbresearch.com/.

    first appeared on: https://edubirdie.com

  • India’s Rocking Deals plans 500 stores

    India’s Rocking Deals plans 500 stores

    India’s Rocking Deals is planning to launch 500 retail stores within next five years. The move by the online retail electronics marketplace follows the opening of the brand’s first offline store in Agra (Uttar Pradesh) last month, with up to 20 stores planned for the state in the near future. “We have chalked out an all round growth plan, be it online or offline,” said founder & CEO Yuvraj Aman Singh. “With our new retail stores, the company plans to weed out inefficiencies, lack of certified products in the market, and under or overvaluation of pre-owned products.

    “We would like to tap all major markets of smaller towns and cities through our offline market strategy.”

    The company has already signed with 27 retail franchises in various states, including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Punjab and others.

    “The refurbished market is to rise by a compounded 27 per cent over 2019-20, as large players are joining through their existing online marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart, which posted surging growth in annual sales, and we too wanted to significantly capture the market through our organised channel,” added Singh.

    Rocking Deals was founded in 2012 and to date has sold close to 4 million refurbished and pre-owned units in 18 categories to end customers.

  • Carousell Expands Executive Team to Strengthen Operations and Leadership

    Carousell Expands Executive Team to Strengthen Operations and Leadership

    Carousell, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing classifieds, announced the appointment of industry veteran Su Lin Tan as Vice President of Operations, while Colin Bryar has taken on an advisory role. The new additions reflect the company’s steadfast commitment to solidify its market-leading position in the classifieds industry and to continuously improve user experience of our marketplace in the region.

    “We are always on the lookout for world-class talent who shares our values and passion for solving meaningful problems with technology, and we are tremendously fortunate to have found that in Su Lin and Colin,” said Siu Rui Quek, Carousell Co-founder and CEO. “Their collective experience and proven track record in transforming organisations amidst complex digital environments will be invaluable as we power through our next chapter of growth. It is an absolute privilege and I look forward to learning from them as we continue to innovate classifieds in an AI-first world.”

    Su Lin, previously Deputy Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales Strategy and Operations at Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), brings over two decades of leadership experience in digital strategy, marketing and the classified space to Carousell. Having overseen sizable advertising sales and digital organisations and working across complex organisational eco-systems, she was most recently associated with the launch of Singapore’s first and only digital publisher alliance, the Singapore Media Exchange, Su Lin serves as the Vice President of Operations to lead the teams in scaling up operations in Singapore and across the region. In her new role at Carousell, she reports to Co-founder and CEO, Siu Rui Quek.

    “I am deeply honoured and humbled at the chance to work alongside Carousell’s visionary founding team. I knew they were destined to achieve great things from the first time we met back when they had first started the company,” said Su Lin. “Despite their incredible success in a short span of six years, the leadership team’s deep commitment and mission-driven values to make an impactful change in the world have never wavered. Their humility and willingness to learn and grow, not only themselves but also their people, moved me. I am excited for the opportunity to help make the founders’ dream come true so that we might show the world what Singapore born and bred
    companies are capable of.”

    In his new advisory role to Carousell’s executive leadership team, Colin will focus on identifying opportunities for faster growth and providing a world-class customer experience for users across the region. Colin has successfully led digital platform businesses in all stages of evolution for over 25 years in various senior leadership roles at Amazon, IMDb and Alibaba-owned RedMart. He also served two years as Technical Advisor to Jeff Bezos. This unique blend of experience makes Colin a great fit for the next phase of Carousell’s growth.

    Colin shares his excitement for tackling new challenges at Carousell, “In my many years of working with major tech companies, the potential I saw in Carousell and the impact it can bring to many more millions of users around the world is something really special. I have profound admiration and respect for the founders and their vision for the company. It’s an exciting time to be part of a team that is aggressively expanding its capabilities to bring simpler and more trusted solutions to help people discover new possibilities when buying, selling and connecting with one another.”

  • Amazon Kicks Off the New Year with Head Start on Chinese New Year Festivities

    Amazon Kicks Off the New Year with Head Start on Chinese New Year Festivities

    Amazon announced the kick-off of the Chinese New Year season for Amazon Prime members in Singapore, offering new expanded local selection and great deals and free samplings to help usher in the Year of the Pig with ease. Amazon Prime Now will offer customers a one-stop shop for everything Chinese New Year related — from eight-pack red packets to traditional pineapple tarts and barbequed pork slices (bak kwa).  Anyone in Singapore can join Amazon Prime for S$2.99 a month or start a 30-day free trial at www.amazon.com.sg and download the Prime Now App.

    “We’re excited to jump into the Chinese New Year season, helping Prime members in Singapore get ready for the Year of the Pig with our expanded selection of popular holiday goodies–abalone, traditional pineapple tarts and handmade BBQ pork slice,” said Kourosh Kaghazian, Country Manager, Amazon Singapore. “From cleaning supplies to groceries, we’ve got Prime members covered this new year with the convenience of tens of thousands of items, including a variety of local favorites, and ultra-fast two-hour delivery right to their door.”

    New this season, Amazon is offering some must-have Chinese New Year goodies, including:

    • Kele: Traditional Pineapple Tarts and other festive cookies
    • Kim Joo Guan: Traditional Handmade BBQ Pork Slice
    • Crystal Jade: Almond Puff Cookies and Bo Lo Pineapple Tarts
    • New Moon: Abalone

    Amazon has also expanded its Reunion and steamboat selection for customers in time for their holiday dinner preparations with frozen and fresh sliced meats, noodles and tofu and a wide variety of fresh and frozen seafood, including pomfret, grouper, threadfin, scallops, crabmeat, mussels, squid as well as seasonal fresh vegetables and fruits.

    Amazon has also created specially curated selections according to Chinese New Year themes, such as Readying the House, Spring Cleaning and Organization, Stocking Up on Groceries, Shop Fresh Food/Reunion and Last-Minute Shopping. Prime members will be able to take advantage of the free two-hour delivery on orders of S$40 or more, especially helpful for heavy and bulky items like soft drinks. In addition, Prime members will also be able to shop millions of items on the international selection via the Prime Now App with free delivery in 7-9 business days on orders of S$60 or more.

    Prime Now will offer delivery from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on 4 February, Chinese New Year Eve as well as both public holidays 5 February and 6 February. Leading up to Chinese New Year, Amazon Prime Now will offer regular delivery from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

    Prime members in Singapore have access to millions of items via the Prime Now App. Amazon Prime in Singapore is currently available for S$2.99 per month. Prime membership benefits in Singapore include:

    • Free Two-Hour Delivery on Tens of Thousands of Items: Ultra-fast delivery on tens of thousands of items with free two-hour delivery on orders over S$40, between 10am and 10pm daily.  Items range from groceries to electronics, including a variety of new brands added to Prime Now since the launch such as Yakult, Dell, Tefal, Sambucol, Bausch & Lomb and Pinkfong, as well as new categories including fresh flowers, organic fruits and international foods.
    • Free International Shipping on more than 7 Million of Items: Unlimited free shipping in 7 to 9 business days on orders over S$60 from International Selection via the Prime Now App on more than 7 million international products shipped directly to you from Amazon US. Products include a wide selection of top brands such as Leap Frog, Calvin Klein, Rubbermaid, Zojirushi, BCB Generation, The Children’s Space, Pet Safe, Rebecca Minkoff, and Melissa and Doug.
    • Amazon Prime Video: Prime members can stream or download popular and award-winning Prime Original series like The Grand Tour, Golden Globe and Emmy award winner The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan starring John Krasinski, Homecoming starring Julia Roberts, and many more. Prime members can watch anytime, anywhere via the Prime Video App on Android and iOS phones and tablets, smart TVs, game consoles or online at www.primevideo.com.
    • Twitch Prime: Prime members enjoy a selection of free games every month, free in-game loot for the world’s most popular games, a free broadcaster subscription every 30 days, exclusive chat emotes, and more at https://www.twitch.tv.