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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.

  • Nike brings personalization service to Australia

    Nike brings personalization service to Australia

    Nike has brought its popular ‘Nike By You’ customization service to Australia.

    Launching in Nike’s redesigned Melbourne Central store, which opened last Friday, the service allows customers to personalize their Nike sneakers and apparel by printing and engraving their chosen initials or phrase on items and choosing colored laces for sneakers.

    “Having the ability to personalize your Nike sneakers and apparel is something that we’ve seen resonates globally, and we’re excited to be giving our consumers the opportunity to connect their style and creativity to Nike,” Ashley Reade, Nike Pacific general manager, said in a statement.

    Nike was an early mover in the personalization trend in retail, launching its NikeID service in 1999. The founders of Shoes of Prey, a design-your-own-shoe brand that launched in 2011, before closing down last year, explicitly referenced Nike in their pitches to investors.

    Brands like The Daily Edited and July, which allow customers to monogram their products, indicate that customization continues to resonate with shoppers.

    “We look forward to delivering uniquely personal and innovative experiences with the best of Nike products and services to Australian consumers,” Reade said.

    In addition to the ‘Nike By You’ service, the redesigned Melbourne store features a 35 percent bigger footwear offering with 115 different sneaker silhouettes, including an increased Nike Air Jordan offering and exclusive Nike sneaker collaborations

    The store also features a strong women’s apparel collection with more than 50 bra and tight options, including a one-to-one bra fitting and styling services, and an increased focus on other forms of sport, such as yoga, pilates and dance.

    “We are continuing our commitment to better serve female consumers through innovation and services that fuel her journey with sport,” Angie Callaway, APLA Nike Stores general manager, said in a statement.

    “One-to-one services and a great representation of Nike sportswear and women’s apparel create a more meaningful and personalized shopping experience for our female consumer.”

    The store also features artwork by local Melbourne artist David C. Morton.

  • Taipei Adidas pop up features capsule collection with Descendant

    Taipei Adidas pop up features capsule collection with Descendant

    Wtaps founder Tetsu Nishiyama’s casual label Descendant has released a collaboration with Adidas.

    “Keep Rolling” is a capsule collection of graphic tee shirts, tracksuits, and sneakers, now offered at a special pop-up store at Taiwan’s Invincible store in Taipei.

    According to a Hypebeast report, the collaboration includes the new “Crustar” silhouette that “merges the Campus and Rivalry sneaker styles … additionally, the sneaker is paired with a matching series of wearables including paneled track jackets, complementing pants, a high-necked pullover, and the monochrome ‘Game Jersey’”.

    The collaboration will also be available on the Adidas Japan web store until November 17.

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  • Bata India opens its largest outlet store in India

    Bata India opens its largest outlet store in India

    Footwear retailer Bata India has opened a 6000sqft experiential outlet in Infiniti Mall, Malad.

    The store hosts a large Sneaker Studio, extensive fashion footwear, and handbags collection, workwear ranges for men and women among others. A highlighted feature is the outlet’s Happy Feet Centre for specialized foot care services, such as 3D foot scanning, an on-site podiatrist and a premium shoe laundry.

    The site features omnichannel enablement to allow delivery to the home of any chosen shoe, not in stock. Real-time shopper feedback is captured on the store’s NPS platform.

    “Expanding our retail footprint and channel presence continues to be our core focus for the year,” said Bata India CEO Sandeep Kataria. “All stores are being designed under the global Red format to standardize the brand imagery across the globe. We are focusing on innovating our product portfolio and are constantly increasing newness by introducing New Arrivals Every Friday.”

    Bata India has more than 150 franchise stores throughout the territory and intends to launch 500 stores by 2024.

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  • 6ixty8ight to launch online in Singapore and Malaysia

    6ixty8ight to launch online in Singapore and Malaysia

    Hong Kong-headquartered lingerie retailer 6ixty8ight is to open an e-commerce store for Singapore and Malaysia this month.

    The 6ixty8ight online store offers lingerie, sleepwear, homewear, loungewear, casual wear, and accessories.

    In the first phase of online store development, 6ixty8ight will introduce “Click & Collect”, where online purchases can be picked up at any preferred local store. The online store also features the new November collections, Eyelash Lace, Iridescent Dreams, and Beary Cute.

    6ixty8ight’s online expansion in Singapore and Malaysia comes a month after the brand launched its first e-commerce store across Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea.

    6ixty8ight has opened a series of new physical stores in Singapore and Malaysia – at Orchard Gateway and Paya Lebar Quarter Mall last month in Singapore and a second store at Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA in Malaysia, to be followed by its third store in the country, at Gurney Paragon Mall next week.

    Founded in 2002, 6ixty8ight is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing fashion brands, with more than 200 stores now trading across Greater China, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia.

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  • Esprit results signal looks promising

    Esprit results signal looks promising

    Embattled fashion retailer Esprit believes its first-quarter results prove its restructuring program is on track.

    The Hong Kong-listed company recorded a year-on-year global sales decline of 10.8 percent in local currency terms. But in a stock-exchange filing, the company said the pressure from falling sales was “more than compensated by significant cost savings which led to an improvement in our operating results”. The company did not release profit figures, only sales data.

    In the filing, Esprit said management was “encouraged by the progress made” in the three months to September 30 and “is confident that the group is on the right track to recovery”.

    Esprit sales in Asia fell 44.4 percent from HK$314 million (US$40 million) to $175 million ($22.3 million), however the brand performed better in Europe where sales fell 11.6 percent (or 7.4 percent on a currency-neutral basis) from $3.02 billion ($385.5 million) to $2.671 billion ($340.9 million). Total group sales were $2.846 billion ($363.3 million), the 10.8 percent decline comparing favorably to a 14 percent decline in company-controlled retail space.

    The company said in the core European market, which accounts for 85.7 percent of its revenue, it achieved small comp-store sales growth in August and September. A reduction in discounting saw comp-store gross profit improve, but it did not release figures.

    In Germany, wholesale sales which have declined every quarter for seven straight years, improved by 1.8 percent in the latest quarter.

    “This is an encouraging development thanks to ongoing progress made in building a best-in-class wholesale model to serve our wholesale partners,” the company said.

    Again, while not releasing figures, Esprit said reduced operating expenses due to reduced headcounts, the closure or resizing of unprofitable stores, and a persistent discipline on cost control and efficiency measures enabled it to reduce operating expenses “significantly”.

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  • First Uniqlo store in Vietnam to open next month

    First Uniqlo store in Vietnam to open next month

    The first store of Japanese casual wear retailer Uniqlo will open December 6 in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, the company said in a statement.

    The 3,000 square meter store, one of its biggest in Southeast Asia, will be located at the Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza on Dong Khoi Road.

    Uniqlo started listing products for men, women and children on its Vietnamese website last month.

    Also last month, it began recruiting salesclerks in Hanoi, after establishing its Vietnam business with a charter capital of $8.8 million. Apparel company Fast Retailing Singapore owns a 75 percent stake and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation the rest.

    The brand had 213 stores in the Southeast Asia as of last year and plans to have 400 by 2022. Globally, it now has over 2,200 stores in 24 countries and territories.

    Vietnam’s fashion market is estimated to grow to over $3.8 billion this year and over $5 billion by 2021, according to BMI Research.

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  • First Uniqlo Store opening in Baguio

    First Uniqlo Store opening in Baguio

    Japanese retailer Uniqlo is opening its first store in Baguio City on November 29.

    The 859sqm Uniqlo Baguio store at SM City is the brand’s first in the Cordillera region. It will carry its concept ‘Lifewear apparel’, which, according to the company, “comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, high-quality and longevity, made for everyone, everywhere”.

    Uniqlo debuted in the Philippines in 2012 when it opened its first location at SM Mall of Asia in Metro Manila. And in February this year, it began expanding outside Metro Manila, opening at Robinsons Place in Tuguegarao City. The retailer now has around 60 locations nationwide.

    Uniqlo says, it will quadruple its store network in Southeast Asia in the next decade as it recognizes great potential especially in countries including the Philippines and Vietnam, where it is also opening its first store in the country this month.

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  • Louis Vuitton flagship opens in Seoul

    Louis Vuitton flagship opens in Seoul

    The new Louis Vuitton Seoul flagship store has opened, its design collaboration with renowned architects Frank Gehry and Peter Marino.

    Located on Cheongdam-dong Avenue in the Gangnam district, Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul features Korean culture-inspired elements, including the Hwaseong Fortress, the swooping movements and white costumes of the traditional Dongnae Hakchum crane dance while maintaining the Gehry-designed curved glass structure inspired by the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.

    “What struck me when I first visited Seoul about 25 years ago, was the relationship between the architecture and the natural landscape. I still remember clearly the powerful impressions I had stepping from the garden of Jongmyo Shrine,” said Frank Gehry. “I am delighted to have designed Louis Vuitton Maison Seoul, reflecting the traditional values of the Korean culture.”

    Designed by Marino, the interior of the store is divided into different areas. The basement and first floor are used as ‘retail universes’, offering mens and womens collections including ready-to-wear, leather goods and accessories.

    The next upper floors feature a private space and an enclosed terrace for intimate dinners and events or exclusive appointments. The top floor is an exhibition zone called Espace Louis Vuitton Seoul, displaying eight emblematic sculptures by Giacometti, that belong to the Collection, including L’homme qui chavire (1950) and Grande Femme II (1960).

    “The interior spaces were designed with a ‘Miesian’ rigour to more strongly emphasise the billowing energetic sculptural quality of Gehry’s exterior,” said Marino.

    “The interior stone flows in from the exterior. The dynamism of the rectangular volumes cleanly contrasts with the baroque glass shields of the building.”

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  • Pomelo Bangkok store network expands

    Pomelo Bangkok store network expands

    The Pomelo Bangkok network is growing fast as the omnichannel fashion-tech brand opens an outlet in Central Rama 3, with two more planned this year.

    The second of its slated store openings in the last quarter of this year, the launch follows the opening of Pomelo’s Central Rama 9 store on October 1, and precedes the launch of its stores at Zpell and Central Ladprao on November 22 and in mid-December respectively.

    The opening of the Pomelo Bangkok stores are in line with the brand’s plans to create more physical touchpoints for consumers. Pomelo is seeking to deliver an integrated retail experience that allows customers to shop from an extensive catalog at home while still having the option to try on their choices so as to make informed purchasing decisions.

    The brand now intends to provide consumers with a seamless experience both online and offline by offering customer service processes such as fittings and returns more efficiently,

    The new stores will feature the brand’s “Pomelo Pick Up” and “In-Store Mode” services. Pomelo Pick Up allows customers to try on their online purchases and pay for the items that fit best. In-Store Mode gives customers the option to either pick up and pay for their orders directly, book a fitting room, or receive updates on their queue status

    Around 100 Pomelo Partner stores are expected to

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  • Uniqlo sales plunge in South Korea

    Uniqlo sales plunge in South Korea

    Massive discount offers have failed to stem a plunge in Uniqlo sales in South Korea, where the Japanese fashion retailer has been targeted by the boycott movement.

    Rep. Park Kwang-on reported based on a compilation of data collected from eight credit card companies in South Korea that Uniqlo sales last month amounted to 9.1 billion won (US$7.8 million), a mere 33 percent of the sales achieved during the same month last year.

    Uniqlo managed to generate only 8.1 billion won (US$7 million) in sales during the massive discount period held between October 1 and 14, which was 39 percent of sales recorded in the same period last year.

    Uniqlo, celebrating the fall and winter seasons, has renovated stores and began a marketing offensive driven by Furis, Heattech, and other signature brands.

    Since October 3, Uniqlo held a 15th anniversary ‘thank you’ event both online and offline, offering discounts of as much as 50 percent for many of its signature products.

    Reports of several products being sold out online and offline stores crowded by customers seemed to suggest that the boycott movement was in decline.

    Park argued, however, that the boycott movement is still strong.

    Top ten, a local fashion brand run by Shinsung Tongsang Co that is seen by many as an alternative to Uniqlo, saw sales last month rise 61 percent year on year.

    “Despite the discount events, Uniqlo sales are far from recovery,” said Park.

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  • M&S halal range destined for Asi

    M&S halal range destined for Asi

    A new M&S halal range announced in the UK has been confirmed as destined for Asia. The launch of halal-certified ready-meals will make the retailer the first major English supplier in the category.

    The firm’s franchise partner in Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, Al-Futtaim, has confirmed it will offer the M&S halal range in its markets, although it is unclear if the arrangement will include Hong Kong.

    The growing Muslim population in the UK has prompted the move, with six chicken-based products going on shelves from tomorrow in 36 Marks & Spencer locations across Britain.

    M&S Food is changing to become more relevant, more often to families across Britain,” said M&S Food MD Stuart Machin. “Our new Halal meal range is a great example of how we are broadening appeal so that more customers can enjoy our delicious, quality food.”

    Whilst some major retailers are starting to stock halal meat, there are still very few opportunities to eat different flavor foods,” said one M&S store manager Simon Pollitt Khan, “such as Italian or more traditional British dishes – in a convenient halal format.”

    The move follows M&S earlier stocking Shazans halal chicken items, which have proved successful in some outlets.

    In the UK the M&S halal range and pricing is as follows:

    • Chicken Arrabbiata – £2.50
    • Chicken & Roasted Mushroom Tagliatelle – £2.50
    • Chicken, Leek and Potato Bake – £3.50
    • Chicken and Vegetable Hotpot – £3.50
    • Chicken Jalfrezi and Rice – £3.50
    • Chicken Tikka Masala and Rice – £3.50
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  • Dior takes Maison concept to Isetan in Tokyo

    Dior takes Maison concept to Isetan in Tokyo

    Luxury fashion brand Dior has launched a pop-up at Isetan in Tokyo.

    The pop-up is the second location in the territory to feature the brand’s Maison concept. The collection, which includes accessories, candles, perfumes and furniture, is also available in Dior’s flagship location in Ginza.

    The LVMH-owned brand’s pop-up at Isetan in Tokyo offers the entire Maison collection as well as its recently launched personalisation service, ABCDior. The service offers three embroidered letters on the reverse of a Dior book tote and is only available at the pop-up store.

    Christian Dior now has 166 points of sale in Japan, including 80 in Tokyo.

  • Skechers flagship opens in Shanghai Disneytown

    Skechers flagship opens in Shanghai Disneytown

    A Skechers flagship has opened in Shanghai Disney Resort called the Skechers Kids Brand Experience.

    Located at the busiest sector of Disneytown shopping district where more than 11 million people visit annually, Skechers Kids Brand Experience store offers a selection of kids’ sneakers and parent-child clothing.

    “This amazing location is front and centre in the middle of the action at Disneytown and offers a unique opportunity to expose a wide range of consumers to our Skechers Kids product,” said Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers.

    “Our footwear and apparel collections for boys and girls are filled with innovation and fun styles that continue to resonate within China and around the globe.

    “This unique Skechers Kids store illustrates how we adapt to a location so that we can connect with consumers in new and exciting ways to elevate the shopping experience”.

    Inspired by the fairytale ambience of Disney resort, the Skechers flagship features a kid-friendly environment where families can enjoy their shopping experience.

    Skechers has more than 1000 retail outlets across China and more than 3300 around the globe, including flagship locations like New York’s Times Square, Covent Garden in London, and Harajuku in Tokyo.

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  • Estee Lauder Asia sales rose 24 per cent in latest quarter

    Estee Lauder Asia sales rose 24 per cent in latest quarter

    Estee Lauder Asia Pacific sales rose 24 per cent in the latest quarter – a stark contrast to the cosmetics giant’s US performance, where revenue fell 6 per cent.

    Global net sales increased 11 per cent to US$3.9 billion, or by 12 per cent on a constant-currency basis. Net earnings rose 19 per cent to $595 million

    But the company has cautioned that the ongoing Hong Kong protests and the stronger US dollar will impact on the current quarter.

    Estee Lauder said sales in Hong Kong fell 20 per cent in the first quarter, but given they account for just 4 per cent of global sales, the impact so far is muted.

    CEO Fabrizio Freda told analysts on an earnings call that Hong Kong “has been difficult” and as yet no improvement is evident.

    The economic gloom in Greater China, fuelled by trade tensions and the appreciating Renminbi, is also worrying Estee Lauder.

    “Given the fact that there are global macro slowdowns, even though we haven’t, in fact, seen it in China and haven’t seen it affect our Asia business in general … it certainly could happen,” said CFO Tracey Travis, quoted by Reuters.

    Freda said in a statement that sales growth was led by excellent results from international markets – particularly China – and other emerging markets. The skin-care category, travel retail and online channels globally, the flagship Estee Lauder brand and several luxury brands, all grew by double-digit rates.

    “In addition, all four of our biggest brands, each with annual sales well over $1 billion, grew globally. This demonstrates the enduring consumer interest in established brands and their proven, desirable products.”

  • Le Saunda turns a profit but faces inventory challenge

    Le Saunda turns a profit but faces inventory challenge

    Shoe retailer Le Saunda is planning to boost its on-sale activity as it battles to reduce its inventory in the wake of falling sales.

    But the company has returned to profitability despite tightened margins in the first half year.

    The company’s sales fell by 18.2 per cent to RMB376.7 million (US$53.5 million) in the six months to August and gross profit fell 16.9 per cent to RMB241.2 million ($34.3 million). Profit attributable to shareholders was RMB2.4 million ($341,000) compared to a loss in the same period last year of RMB9.6 million ($1.36 million).

    Chairman James Ngai said that given the current “gloomy economic conditions” Le Saunda will continue to optimise its distribution network, close down low-profit stores and take “a cautious and prudent approach in business expansion”.

    “It is expected that the group will have a relatively high inventory level for a certain period of time. To maintain a good cash flow condition, the group will boost its sales in the second half of the year. As a result, the group’s gross profit margin and net profit margin will be affected,” he said.

    In the six months to August, the group achieved a gross profit margin of 64 per cent, representing a 0.9-percentage-point improvement year on year.

    That was achieved despite reducing inventory by about 7 per cent, however inventory turnover increased by 58 days to 378 days. Ngai says the group will be focusing on controlling the age of its inventory. As of August 31 about 75 per cent of finished goods had an age of less than one year.

    During the period, same-store sales of Le Saunda shops in Mainland China improved by 3.7 per cent, but the top-line decline was caused by the closure of about 150 outlets.

    In Hong Kong, sales fell 35 per cent as protests caused stores to temporarily shutter and mainland tourists stayed away. The company closed one store during the half year, leaving it with nine in Hong Kong and Macau.

    “The protest activities in Hong Kong are expected to carry on in the short term and it is inevitable that the economy will enter a recession. The group will closely monitor market conditions and strive for better performance in a prudent and pragmatic manner,” said Ngai.

    Online sales fell by 22.6 per cent as the market became increasingly fragmented due to new players launching and consumers increasingly shopping on alternative e-commerce channels such as apps.

    “Facing the market challenges, the group is developing multichannel operations, exploring new resources on e-commerce platforms and continuously improving supply chain efficiency,” he said.

    Le Saunda’s major proprietary brands include Le Saunda, Le Saunda Men, Linea Rosa, Pitti Donna and CNE.

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