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Category: Fashion

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

  • Cartier flagship opens on Tmall Luxury Pavilion

    Cartier flagship opens on Tmall Luxury Pavilion

    Cartier flagship has opened on Alibaba’s premium Tmall Luxury Pavilion, becoming the first Richemont-owned business to launch a standalone boutique on the site.

    “The Tmall Flagship boutique marks a milestone within the Maison’s longstanding presence in China, reflecting the inheritance of the pioneering spirit embedded in the Maison’s DNA,” said Cyrille Vigneron, president and CEO at Cartier International.

    He said the Cartier flagship’s launch will provide significant opportunities for the brand to embrace China’s fast-moving retail environment in order to further strengthen its commitment to Chinese clients, given the increasingly complex e-commerce landscape of the market.

    Besides a wide collection of jewelry, timepieces, and accessories, the Cartier flagship on Tmall features the global debut of two exclusive collections: the Juste un Clou small model bracelet with diamonds and the Guirlande chain wallet bag.

    The brand offers special services including red box engravings and door-to-door Cartier Bellboy delivery services for the first 288 clients.

    To celebrate the launch, Cartier Tmall has created a hashtag #Let’s Cartier on Weibo and unveiled its grand opening ceremony this February with Tmall Super Brand Day.

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  • Superdry issues profit warning as it ‘fails to resonate with consumers’

    Superdry issues profit warning as it ‘fails to resonate with consumers’

    Superdry has released woeful Christmas results with a sales slump that has forced the retailer to revise its underlying pre-tax profit projection from £41.9 million to be between nil and £10 million for the current year.

    Superdry has claimed the decline in revenue across all channels is down to its focus on a full-price stance, subdued consumer demand and shortages of some of its better-selling products as well as timing issues. During a period of transformation, some hiccups are to be expected, however, problems such as timing issues and failures in inventory management indicate that CEO Julian Dunkerton has not yet been able to significantly impact the product proposition and in turn, the sales performance.

    Investors were spooked by the disappointing results with the share price down 16 percent on Friday morning in London trading.

    There remains an overarching emphasis on returning to full price sales alongside revitalizing the product range but  Superdry must focus on speeding up the implementation of its ‘new design philosophy’ which it announced will not have full impact until Autumn/Winter 2020.  While the product offer is being addressed, given the speed of degradation of the ‘old philosophy’ stock, the retailer must place greater urgency on its design transformation strategy otherwise it risks losing further market share to more nimble competitors.

    One example of those is JD Sports which has gone from strength to strength through constant evolution, implementing an effective merchandising strategy that resonates with its target audience while also partnering up with prominent influencers, helping to keep the brand relevant.

    Superdry must now ensure it uses the expertise of its new creative head, ex-Nike executive Phil Dickenson, to help rapidly restore its style credentials so that it can justify its full-price proposition and breathe some trend-focus into its brand to regain its long lost “cool-factor”.

  • JewelleryNet relaunches with new features

    JewelleryNet relaunches with new features

    B2B online community JewelleryNet has launched a series of new features on its platform for sourcing, market intelligence, industry updates and trade fair information.

    The new JewelleryNet’s faster speed and mobile-responsive interfaces are expected to allow for faster, targeted searches; more productive visits; greater user convenience and efficiencies as well as a better user experience altogether.

    The online resource brings together professional buyers and sellers, based on Informa Markets’ Jewellery Group. It has more than 147,000 registered users from 190 countries and regions.

    “As we enter a new decade, a reinvigorated JewelleryNet is ready to help the international gem and jewelry industry address current business realities and explore more avenues of growth,” said Informa Markets’ director of jewelry fairs Celine Lau.

    JewelleryNet hosts the online showrooms of more than 4000 suppliers from around the world, featuring more than 10,000 products across nine categories. The platform’s showroom services and business solutions are available to non-trade-fair exhibitors through a supplier membership plan.

    JewelleryNet also provides market intelligence and industry updates produced by trade publication JNA. Aside from regular news stories on the latest developments in the international gem and jewelry industry, the site carries content from the bimonthly, bilingual (English & Simplified Chinese) magazine and its various titles along with their digital versions.

    The platform likewise supports more than 10 major international jewelry trade fairs and provides details of other trade shows and events all over the world. More projects, initiatives, and events in Informa Markets’ Jewellery Group portfolio will eventually have a presence on the platform.

    JewelleryNet now also offers its members and visitors more opportunities for business development. Suppliers on the platform receive marketing exposure through online showrooms backed by strategic, sustained promotions online, onsite and on social media, among others.

    Another key component of the new JewelleryNet is its online-to-offline solutions to facilitate business dealings on the platform and at trade fairs. Interactive features allow buyers and suppliers to connect and communicate directly.

    The platform has also introduced business matching services for more efficient and effective sourcing. Buyers can submit quotation requests for specific items seeking suppliers; the program likewise assists buyers in planning their sourcing activities at trade fairs by allowing them to examine suppliers’ backgrounds, preview their goods, preschedule onsite meetings efficiently and then conduct business at the show.

    “JewelleryNet’s expanded business solutions reaffirm Informa Markets’ unwavering commitment to the growth and continued development of the international jewelry industry,” said Lau. “Its new interactive functions and business matching program complement our trade fairs and events by enabling buyers and sellers to conduct preliminary discussions and due diligence prior to negotiating business deals at our shows. These align with our corporate philosophy to create platforms for international markets to trade, innovate and grow.”

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  • Zalora launches partnership with StyleTribute

    Zalora launches partnership with StyleTribute

    Asian online fashion platform Zalora has entered into a partnership with luxury marketplace reseller StyleTribute.

    The project provides fashion shoppers in Singapore and Malaysia with preloved fashion luxury items on Zalora’s website and mobile app. The new feature is now live on Zalora, where StyleTribute plans to list more than 10,000 preloved items.

    Zalora describes the initiative as a step towards its efforts to shape a sustainable fashion ecosystem, intending to inspire customers to consider sustainable fashion choices and inspiring a circular fashion movement.

    “At Zalora we champion a more sustainable future in fashion,” said CEO Gunjan Soni. “On this journey, our partnership with StyleTribute marks a big step forward towards building a circular economy in fashion at-scale in the region. Over 200 million internet consumers across Southeast Asia will now have all purchase options made easily available, including pre-loved items, when they’re shopping on Zalora”

    “As the region’s fastest-growing preloved specialist marketplace, it is our responsibility to place fashion in the context of culture and the world we live in,” said StyleTribute CEO Francois Gutierrez. “Our wardrobes become restorative and regenerative, most importantly, we raise the level of ambition as ethical shoppers and fashion seekers by being conscious of extending the life cycle of luxury goods.”

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  • Tsuchiya Kaban is now open at K11 Art Mall

    Tsuchiya Kaban is now open at K11 Art Mall

    Japanese handcrafted-leather brand Tsuchiya Kaban has opened a store in Hong Kong’s K11 Art Mall.

    Inspired by the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark’s natural volcanic rocks, the new Tsuchiya Kaban store’s design is described as “an ideal combination of Tsuchiya Kaban’s minimalism and Hong Kong’s natural landscape”.

    The new K11 Art Mall store features a wide variety of handcrafted leather products, including versatile backpack Otona Randsel, which is available exclusively at the store for a limited period.

    The brand also plans to organize experiential events such as on-site leather crafting demonstrations and handmade leather workshops for its Hong Kong customers.

    Founded in 1965, Tsuchiya Kaban has maintained its spirit for Japanese design and craftsmanship to develop a wide variety of leather products. In 2014, Tsuchiya Kaban opened stores and showrooms in Hong Kong and Taipei and has been expanding its global footprint since then.

  • Amorepacific launches 3D face mask-printing technology at CES 2020

    Amorepacific launches 3D face mask-printing technology at CES 2020

    South Korean beauty company Amorepacific has revealed a high-tech 3D face-mask printing system called IOPE Tailored 3D Mask at the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

    Amorepacific has teamed up with 3D printing-system developer Lincsolution to create a system that prints bespoke face masks.

    Using its own smartphone app to instantly measure users’ facial dimensions, Amorepacific’s printing system designs a personalized hydrogel mask that caters to individual facial features and skin conditions.

    “Digitalisation is making waves in the beauty industry,” said Wonseok Park, senior VP of Amorepacific R&D center’s innovation division. “Amorepacific is actively investing in converging the best of both worlds to develop creative products for our customers.”

    The Amorepacific’s 3D printing technology will be available to its customers at the brand’s Seoul flagship store opening this April through the lab-based skincare brand IOPE.

    Besides the IOPE Tailored 3D Mask, Amorepacific introduced its MakeOn Flexible LED Patch, a flexible LED beauty device. Fitting close to the skin, minimizing light dispersion and maximizing the skincare effect, as well as providing a hands-free wearable experience, the flexible LED device will be available in Korea through the company’s beauty device brand MakeOn this year.

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  • Uniqlo lauching Ines De La Fressange collection

    Uniqlo lauching Ines De La Fressange collection

    Japanese apparel retailer Uniqlo will introduce the Ines De La Fressange 2020 Spring/Summer Collection next week.

    Selected items will be available online and at all stores from January 17 and the full collection will be exclusively available online, and in the Uniqlo Singapore stores at VivoCity and Orchard Central store from January 31.

    Ines De La Fressange 2020 Spring/Summer Collection has three main themes: Paris, Guardians, and Muses.

    While the Paris selection features items with masculine looks, including Tilden knitwear and jersey pants with white and green key colors, the Muses-themed range features light dresses with ruffles and prints in relaxing silhouettes.

    Founded by Ines, a French international model, Ines de la Fressange Paris brand symbolizes French chic and is a style icon for women around the globe. It also encompasses Uniqlo’s LifeWear philosophy, providing clothing that is universal in design and comfort and which meets the needs of daily lifestyles.

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  • Shinsegae cedes claim to BTS brand after legal stoush

    Shinsegae cedes claim to BTS brand after legal stoush

    South Korean department store franchise Shinsegae has relinquished its claims to the K-pop boy band BTS brand name following a threat of legal action by the band’s representatives.

    “We renounce all trademark rights related to BTS,” read a statement from the firm released this week. “Shinsegae supports the activity of BTS, which leads the Korean wave.”

    The band has struggled to claim ownership of the brand name since 2013 when it was discovered to have already been registered by Shinhan Corporation as part of a “Back to School” campaign. Shinsegae purchased the brand in 2018 for use in its various product ranges, including apparel.

    Shinsegae’s trademark application for the BTS brand was rejected by the South Korean state patent office after the band’s management Big Hit Entertainment filed an objection on grounds of absurdity, given the band’s global popularity. Shinsegae initially appealed the decision.

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  • Putien opens first outlet in the Philippines

    Putien opens first outlet in the Philippines

    Singaporean Michelin-starred restaurant Putien has opened its first eatery in the Philippines.

    The Cantonese/Fujianese-style brand has been introduced to the territory by The Vikings Group and opens in The Podium in Ortigas as its 67th location internationally.

    “Putien serves characteristically light, down-to-earth, and flavourful food, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients,” the restaurant’s founder and CEO Fong Chi Chung told the Manila Standard. The restaurant specializes in cuisine made from ingredients sourced exclusively from the Fujianese coast.

    “The Fujian flavor gives a unique twist to the usual Cantonese-style food,” said Vikings Group marketing director Charles Lee. “We’re excited for Filipinos to finally try this new type of cuisine that’s making waves in Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and China for its good quality and service”.

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  • Tumi signs major E-sports sponsorship

    Tumi signs major E-sports sponsorship

    Tumi, the international travel and lifestyle brand, has committed to a seven-figure partnership with One Esports, which will be running events online and an invitational series in Singapore.

    One Esports is a joint venture between One Championship and Japan’s largest global advertising agency, Dentsu, which launched a live experiential business through oneesports.gg. Oneesports.gg is a Top 5 global esports site that reaches millions of visitors each month, and delivers esports news and in-depth stories on esports athletes and teams.

    “We are very excited to be entering into a partnership with One Esports,” said Adam Hershman, GM, Tumi Greater China, APAC distribution and travel retail.

    “It is an incredible time for esports and this is a truly unique and innovative partnership that opens up new possibilities for both brands.”

    Esports is one of the world’s fastest-growing industries, driven by Asian fans and participants. With more than 700 million followers globally, and more than half of those from Asia, esports’ current growth trajectory sets it on its way to becoming one of the top-earning sports leagues in the world.

    “We are looking forward to working with this new generation of athletes and the fans to perfect their journeys – while having a bit of fun along the way,” said Hershman.

    Tumi will be creating content with One Esports as well as equip athletes on the move with travel essentials. The lifestyle brand and One Esports will also collaborate on a series of events following the Invitational Series across the region.

    “Bringing together One Championship and One Esports with Tumi creates countless opportunities to engage with our fans in new and exciting ways,” said Chatri Sityodtong, chairman and CEO of One Championship.

    “I am excited to work with Tumi across all of our platforms through various markets and to continue to establish One as the largest producer of millennial live sports content in Asia and around the world.”

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  • Invincible launches convenience store-inspired capsule collection

    Invincible launches convenience store-inspired capsule collection

    Japanese retail project The Conveni has entered into a collaboration with the Invincible label.

    The Hiroshi Fujiwara product line, packaged in its signature convenience store aesthetic and carrying both The Conveni and Invincible branding, includes a hoodie, a long-sleeve and short-sleeve T-shirt, and a tote bag.

    The capsule collection features a black and white palette and elongated, dual-colored branding from the principal collaborators. The packaging includes soda cans, food boxes, milk cartons and sandwich packs.

    The collection is available at the Invincible East pop-up store in Da’an, Taipei from January 10 to February 2.

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  • Forever 21 online store relaunched

    Forever 21 online store relaunched

    Bankrupt US fast-fashion chain Forever 21 is relaunching its e-commerce site to target customers in Asia, Australia and the Americas.

    The troubled retailer has closed more than 100 stores – mostly outside its core US market – since it sought Chapter 11 protection in September. But in a sign it wants to continue to engage with customers in Asia, especially, Forever 21 online has partnered with Global-e to create a new site which will support nearly 100 currencies and more than 150 local and alternative payment methods, along with localized tax collection and duties calculations. The site will feature 21 languages.

    Forever 21 president Alex Ok said the company had noted ongoing demand from customers in markets it has plans to exit.

    “E-commerce forms a large chunk of the profitable core of our operations and as part of our new global strategy, Forever 21 will leverage Global-e’s technology to offer international customers an outstanding online experience,” he said in a statement.

    Matthew Merrilees, Global-e​ CEO for North America, says the global e-commerce market remains an opportunity for Forever 21 online.

    “More than 60 percent of Australian online shoppers and more than 80 percent of Canadian online shoppers are now purchasing from international retailers, and we’re also noticing a growing trend towards cross-border e-commerce from a variety of markets across the Asia-Pacific region,” he said.

    A commentator writing for Retail Dive said pressure on the fast-fashion sector due to growing awareness of sustainability and growth in resale and rental services could impact Forever 21’s recovery strategies.

    “At least in the US, that is driving a slowdown in overall apparel sales and throws Forever 21’s longer-term prospects into question. That may be one reason why, despite centering its post-bankruptcy operations on the US and Latin America, the fast-fashion retailer doesn’t want to completely let go of its potential abroad.”

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  • Ethical shoe retailer Toms collapses

    Ethical shoe retailer Toms collapses

    Ownership of ethical American shoe retailer Toms will be transferred to its creditors.

    CEO Jim Alling addressed a letter to employees informing them of the transfer from current owners Bain Capital and founder Blake Mycoskie to Jefferies Financial Group, Nexus Capital Management and Brookfield Asset Management.

    The move is intended to “identify the best path forward for our company,” read the letter. It entails a new investment of US$35 million and an enhanced capital structure including debt relief. The shoe retailer Toms distributes products through more than 500 stores worldwide, including department stores and single-brand outlets.

    The firm would have collapsed entirely this year facing a crippling debt of $300 million if the restructure and rescue plan had not proceeded.

    Toms was founded in 2006 by Mycoskie, a Texas entrepreneur, to design and retail shoes, later adding eyewear, coffee, apparel and handbags. Its business model was based on business with a purpose concept, with the company donating a pair of shoes to the underprivileged for every pair sold. By 2012 more than 2 million pairs of new shoes had been given to children in need around the world, including in Argentina, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, Rwanda, South Africa and the US.

    In Asia the company-operated stores with partners in Japan and the Philippines. In 2014 it opened a store in Bangkok’s CentralWorld and Central Embassy shopping centers in partnership with Star Fashion Co. The CentralWorld store has since closed, but it still shows on Central Embassy’s store directory.

    At the time, Hajime Birnbaum, international sales and marketing director for shoe retailer Toms, said taking the brand into Thailand, which he described as a very pro

  • Fashion shoppers seeking brands which reflect their values

    Fashion shoppers seeking brands which reflect their values

    Fashion shoppers will choose their preferred brands in the year ahead based on the beliefs and values they seek, not past loyalties.

    The Samsung Fashion Institute says consumers’ needs will be increasingly fragmented this year and brands are also expected to carry out sophisticated target strategies.

    The institute noted, in the same context, that the nature of the fashion industry is changing from goods to services.

    The changes come as consumers seek alternative consumption, shifting away from the traditional way of spending. The prime examples include H&M and Ganni clothing-rental services.

    The institute suggested that the industry should work on so-called “narrative branding” to shift its perspective toward consumers. The challenge for the industry will be to provide a reason to purchase from a particular brand and to have consumers continue to love the brand.

    “Now, consumers do not choose brands if they do not meet their respective beliefs even if they need them,” said Lim Ji-yeon, director of the Samsung Fashion Institute.

    One example of a reason sought by consumers was “sustainable fashion.” In fact, a platform that only collects sustainable fashion brands is continuing to emerge, targeting consumers who think about the environment.

    Furthermore, clothing-rental services and other clothing services are gaining popularity as more consumers accept clothing as a concept of sharing, not as a subject of ownership.

    “Companies that have failed to respond to the consumer-oriented market structure will not be able to produce results next year,” Lim said, adding this should be a year where companies stay more closely connected to consumers.