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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.

  • Cotton On Group launches in India

    Cotton On Group launches in India

    One of Australia’s largest fashion retailers, Cotton On Group, is launching in India, with a first flagship store scheduled to open in the second half of next year.

    In advance of the company’s physical stores, Cotton On will sell fashion products online on the Myntra platform, in a move seen as a challenge to Sweden’s H&M and california’s Forever 21.

    The first flagship store will open in either Delhi or Mumbai in the third or fourth quarter of next year.

    Cotton On’s local partner is AVS Global Network, which has reportedly secured an 18-month exclusive contract to sell fashion on Flipkart, Myntra and Jabong.

    “About 77 per cent of online fashion brand consumers use either Flipkart, Myntra or Jabong to shop, as they have a high brand-recall value,” said AVS cofounder Sumanto Das. “This is why we thought it would be wise to introduce Cotton On to India through these platforms.”

    Cotton On Group, which owns the namesake brand along with Factorie, Ruby (shoes), Typo (stationery), Supre and Lost, was founded in 1991. It has already expanded into Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and New Zealand, among other markets with about 1500 stores worldwide.

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  • Versace to expand Asian store network

    Versace to expand Asian store network

    More stores, broader range, fewer brands as fashion icon tries to double sales. Versace will open its largest store yet in China this week, part of a concerted plan by the fashion label’s new owners to expand its footprint globally.

    Capri Holdings, which also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, bought Versace from Donatella Versace late last year for US$2.2 billion. It is now implementing a plan to double the label’s worldwide sales with at least 112 new stores scheduled by 2022 along with a refurbishment program for the existing network. The new Beijing store – details of which are scant at present – is a key step in that plan.

    Worldwide, Versace has 188 stores currently and wants to reach 300 within three years. Asia will be a big benefactor from the plan, already accounting for more than half the network. China alone has 40.

    Along with new openings and revamps of existing stores, Versace will boost its product offer, adding more handbags, footwear and leather goods to its high-end clothing range. Accessories currently account for just 35 per cent of Versace’s sales and the company wants to lift that to 60 per cent.

    “It’s very clear: The productivity in our stores is not what it should be,” CEO Jonathan Akeroyd told an investors briefing this week. He plans to double the sales per square foot across the network.

    “We need to rapidly increase productivity and this will really be the real driver to take us to our US$2 billion revenue target.”

    Versace’s marketing strategy will be revised, with less focus on fashion shows in favour of a stronger social media presence.

    The company has quietly dropped its diffusion brands Versace Collection and Versace Versus and new stores will all bear the core Versace brand name alone.

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  • Clarks opens first dual concept store

    Clarks opens first dual concept store

    Footwear retailer Clarks has opened its first dual concept store at Suntec City Singapore.

    The store showcases Clarks casual footwear products on one side and Cloudsteppers line, which targets Millennial and GenZ consumers, on the other.

    The store marks what Clarks’ management describe as a “milestone of the retail transformation initiated in Southeast Asia”.

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  • Skin-care scammers fined $40,000 for online bait advertising

    Skin-care scammers fined $40,000 for online bait advertising

    A skin care product supplier was fined HK$40,000 yesterday at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts after being convicted of online bait advertising, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

    Hong Kong Customs had earlier received information alleging the unnamed skin-care product supplier launched an advertisement via the internet and leaflet distribution that a skin care product will be offered at a discounted price on a designated date. However, when a customer visited the store on the same day, she was told the product had already been sold out.

    Investigations revealed that the store had offered just one set of the skin care product for sale on that day.

    Customs said the fine should serve as a reminder to traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure products at reputable shops.

    Under the TDO, any trader who engages in online bait advertising by claiming to supply products at a specified price but failing to offer those products for supply at that price for a reasonable period and in reasonable quantities, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

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  • Mecca to open its biggest store ever

    Mecca to open its biggest store ever

    Beauty retailer Mecca is opening its biggest store yet at Westfield Parramatta on Friday, June 7.

    The 500sqm store brings the retailer’s Maxima and Cosmetica concepts together and offers over 100 beauty brands in one large-format location.

    “We are so delighted to unveil our latest and greatest Mecca store,” Mecca founder Jo Horgan said.

    “We really wanted to offer Mecca’s entire brand line-up in the one location, in an environment that was both glamorous and service-centric but also with new innovations to make it a truly unique shopping experience.”

    The store features Mecca’s first dedicated ‘skin space’, where customers can enjoy skincare consultations and services including a personalised, complimentary ‘skin review. The reviews will take approximately 30 minutes and will help customers learn about the skincare they should be using for their skin.

    Additionally, the store features the Mecca Beauty Lab program, where customers can book a place in a beauty workshop. A Mecca expert will teach participants the skills they need to properly utilise the make-up sold in-store.

    During opening day, the first 200 customers in line will receive a free bonus with purchase, while anyone who spends over $85 will be able to choose a gift from a pool of prizes worth over $100,000.

  • Elizabeth Arden signs Ning Chang as first Asian Skincare ambassador

    Elizabeth Arden signs Ning Chang as first Asian Skincare ambassador

    Elizabeth Arden has signed Ning Chang as the brand’s first Asia ambassador for its Skincare category.

    An actress and philanthropist, Chang is also multilingual, speaking Mandarin, Taiwanese, English, and German (her birth country). She is a law graduate of the National Central University. In her new role with Elizabeth Arden, Chang will have a strong presence on social channels across the region, raising awareness of the brand’s skincare labels through advertising campaigns, with a strong focus on Elizabeth Arden’s digital strategy and engagement in Asia.

    “I am very proud to be a part of the Elizabeth Arden family,” said Chang. “I have been using the products for many years, which makes this partnership that much more special. I have the utmost assurance in the brand’s high-quality products and I happily recommend them to all of my friends. I am excited to work as a partner with the Elizabeth Arden team to share the creative innovations and history of the brand with women near and far.”

    Ava Huang, global GM at Elizabeth Arden, said Chang possesses an effortless, heartfelt personality.

    “There is a quiet yet strong elegance in her, a type of beauty that resonates well with women around the world, and particularly with women in Asia,” she said. “Her sincere attitude exemplifies the ideals of our founder. Like Elizabeth Arden, Ning’s attitude towards strong leadership, determination and spirit makes her the perfect woman to represent the brand and engage with our Asian consumers.

    “We believe this partnership will connect the brand’s commitment to innovation and quality of life while inspiring Asian women on the relentless pursuit of beauty and betterment, which Elizabeth Arden once said is the birthright of every woman.”

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  • Sephora New Zealand flagship opening in July

    Sephora New Zealand flagship opening in July

    Sephora has said its first New Zealand flagship store will be opened in July – though it stopped short of confirming an exact date.

    The beauty retailer revealed the detail on its social media channels on Wednesday morning, telling Kiwis to cancel their holiday plans in anticipation of the launch.

    Sephora has remained tight-lipped on details of the incoming Auckland store, although it is understood it will be located on Queen Street and is part of a larger push into Asia that will see Hong Kong and Korea added to the brand’s retail locations.

    Sephora managing director for Southeast Asia Alia Gogi also confirmed that the brand would be touring the New Zealand countryside by way of a ‘Beauty Bus’, giving Kiwis outside of Auckland an opportunity to interact with the brand.

    The bus will be touring across five cities including Auckland, though the other cities have not been decided.

    Sephora Asia president Benjamin Vuchot has earlier said New Zealand will be a key market in building the Sephora brand in Asia.

    “This expansion to a new market will allow Sephora to continue to amplify global beauty trends locally, elevate what our clients expect of the in-store experience and bring fresh, digital touch points to the retail environment,” Vuchot said.

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  • Prada reveals ‘Code Human’

    Prada reveals ‘Code Human’

    Chinese artist Cao Fei has entered into a collaboration with Prada on a special project, “Code Human”, starring Chinese idol Cai Xu Kun to showcase the Prada Fall/Winter 2019 menswear collection.

    The project, which explores “the meaning of iconography, idolatry, fandom and adoration in our super-media age”, is part of a long-standing program of cross-media Prada campaigns and projects spanning the fields of design, architecture, cinema, and art. Prada continues in this campaign to collaborate with leading creative practitioners to explore the intersection of different cultural disciplines and experiences.

    “Upon reflection, nobody is as crazy as Miuccia Prada to think of this pairing, asking a Chinese artist to photograph a Chinese ‘idol’,” said Cao Fei. “I was excited for many days afterward I received the proposal, not only because of Cai Xu Kun, but about the project itself, to have this opportunity to plumb these cultural depths, using a real-life ‘idol’ to communicate with the tens of millions of followers behind him. As an artist, you cannot ignore those who stand behind him. How should I represent somebody else’s idol?”

    “Code Human” debuted on June 1 to coincide with Prada’s Spring/Summer 2020 fashion show in Shanghai.

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  • Australian brand house Gazal bought by PVH

    Australian brand house Gazal bought by PVH

    PVH has finalised the acquisition of Gazal Corporation, the Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger-owner’s long-term partner in Australia, showing an increased commitment to the region.

    The acquisition gives PVH ownership of the Calvin Klein, Van Heusen, Nancy Ganz, Pierre Cardin, Fred Bracks, and Paramount brands in the region, and supports the group’s strategy to have a more direct hand in the direction of its brands in the Asia-pacific region – having recently re-purchased the licence in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan.

    “Our decision to acquire Gazal is aligned with PVH’s strategic priority to expand our worldwide reach by assuming more direct control over our brands’ regional licensed businesses,” PVH chairman and chief executive Emanual Chirico said in a statement.

    “By joining forces now, we believe we’re well positioned to capture the significant growth in the Australia and New Zealand markets.

    “We are pleased to welcome Gazal into our PVH family and continue driving our business forward together.”

    As part of the acquisition, four key members of Gazal’s executive team are expected to remain in their respective roles for at least two years, having entered new employment agreements.

    According to Tommy Hilfiger global chief executive Daniel Grieder, this strategy will allow the brand to introduce a wider range of product lines, as well as offer an elevated and more immersive brand experience.

    “Building on our strong existing regional foundation, we plan to accelerate the growth of the Tommy Hilfiger business and invest further in driving the expansion of the brand,” Grieder previously said.

    Calvin Klein has also been expanding its focus in Australia, opening its first multi-brand store in Queensland’s Sunshine Plaza – the brand’s 32nd in Australia – as well as a more directed digital strategy.

    Steven Shiffman, chief executive officer at Calvin Klein, recently unveiled a number of initiatives meant to push the brand forward, while tailoring it to changing consumer wants and needs.

    One of these initiatives is a dedicated, regional e-commerce strategy, as well as the potential for as many as 100 stores opened across Australia and New Zealand.

    This decision was made in order to minimise the brands’ reliance on the Australian department store sector.

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  • Lacoste launching shoppable TV during Tennis – French Open

    Lacoste launching shoppable TV during Tennis – French Open

    French fashion retailer Lacoste will give viewers of the 2019 French Open an opportunity to purchase its products during the first NBC televised match of the brand’s ambassador Novak Djokovic.

    NBCUniversal will launch its shoppable TV experience with Lacoste during the French Open from Roland-Garros, giving viewers a chance to shop the Lacoste X Novak Djokovic Collection in real time through “on-air shoppable moments”.

    Viewers will have the opportunity to purchase the products alongside NBCUniversal stories, shows and sporting events.

    According to NBCUniversal, this is the first time this technology will be used on national television to activate direct sales, combining the scale and reach of television and the ease of e-commerce to reinvent the commerce experience.

    Throughout Djokovic’s televised matches, NBC Sports will alert viewers to hold their phone cameras up to the screen during an “On-Air Shoppable Moment” to purchase pieces from the Lacoste X Novak Djokovic Collection.

    The shopper will then be taken directly to www.lacoste.com to complete the purchase. Djokovic will wear two statement outfits – one in bright orange and one in black and white, which will be available through ShoppableTV alongside other pieces in the collection.

    “For the first time ever fans can shop the Lacoste X Novak Djokovic Collection while watching him play in real time,” said Josh Feldman, executive vice president, head of Marketing and Advertising Creative, NBCUniversal.

    “And this is just the beginning. ShoppableTV will revolutionise the way millions of viewers will watch television and purchase the brands they love across the entire NBCUniversal portfolio.”

    NBC will have live coverage of the 2019 French Open from Roland-Garros this weekend.

  • UNIQLO’s Latest MANGA UT Collection Celebrates Japan’s World-famous Manga and Anime

    UNIQLO’s Latest MANGA UT Collection Celebrates Japan’s World-famous Manga and Anime

    UNIQLO’s graphic T-shirt brand, UT, launches the latest MANGA UT collection, with themes from globally popular manga and anime series. The collection is available at all UNIQLO stores through UNIQLO.com, with specific titles launching on May 27 and June 10. This year’s lineup includes a women’s range, allowing a broader range of customers to enjoy wearing their favourite manga and anime titles. Selected items from the Kids’ UT line up will only be available online and at Orchard Central Global Flagship store.

    New series appearing for the first time in this collection include Detective Conan and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. The lineup comprises styles from a total of 14 masterpieces of manga and anime, including anime based on Weekly Shonen Jump’s Naruto: Shippuden and Gin Tama, legendary works Yu Yu Hakusho and Hunter × Hunter, and popular Weekly Shonen Sunday titles Urusei Yatsura, Ranma ½, and Inuyasha.

  • H&M India charts stable growth path as profit rise

    H&M India charts stable growth path as profit rise

    H&M India reportedly surpassed Rs 1100 crores (US$157.6 million) in sales in the 12 months to November, just three years after the Swedish fast-fashion label entered the market.

    There are now 42 H&M India stores trading and consumer demand continues to meet the pace of expansion. That means that the Indian business has not been swamped with unsold inventories requiring aggressive discounting strategies, in contrast to most other  international markets in which H&M trades.

    “H&M India’s expansion strategy has been successful and the company has been expanding in the right way,” observed Shubhangi Bidwe of Fashion United.

    “A tight control on expenditure, including ad spend, economies of scale, well-managed back-end, lower product prices and penetration in tier 2 and tier 3 cities have helped the brand grow faster in India compared to most of its peers.”

    Given the footfall H&M stores attract, the brand is coveted among shopping centre managers in India who typically place them in anchor spaces.

    The company plans to continue to open new stores at the rate of about one per month. Online, the brand is registering double-digit sales growth.

  • Global slump for Gap sales during the First Months this Year

    Global slump for Gap sales during the First Months this Year

    Gap Inc sales have slumped globally and across the whole company with the Gap brand the worst performer, down 10 per cent.

    “This quarter was extremely challenging, and we are not at all satisfied with our results,” said president and CEO Art Peck in a results release. “We are committed to improving our execution and performance this year.”

    Against a first-quarter Gap Inc sales increase of 1 per cent last year, group sales fell 4 per cent in the three months to May 4. Worldwide comp sales for the Gap brand were down 10 per cent (compared with 4 per cent in the same period a year ago), for Banana Republic by 3 per cent (compared with 3 per cent growth last year) and for Old Navy – the star of the group in recent quarters – by 1 per cent (verses positive 3 per cent last year).

    The poor results come as Gap Inc prepares to split its business into two separate entities, both listed: one owning the value-focused Old Navy brand, the other the more premium offer of Gap and Banana Republic.

    Peck said Gap Inc remains confident in its plan to separate the two businesses next year, “and we are focused on setting up both companies for long term value creation and profitable growth”.

    Net Gap Inc sales for the quarter were US$3.7 billion and gross profit was down 6 per cent to $1.34 billion.

    The company ended the quarter with a merchandise inventory worth $2.24 billion – a figure 10 per cent higher than at the same time last year – but attributed that in part to the acquisition of the Janie and Jack business, increased in-transit times and net year-on-year store network growth.

    Gap Inc ended the first quarter with 3849 store locations in 44 countries, of which 3335 were company-operated.

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  • Ziera closing stores as part of Restructuring Plan

    Ziera closing stores as part of Restructuring Plan

    New Zealand women’s shoe brand Ziera has appointed a new CEO and chairman to transform the business into a digital-first omnichannel retailer.

    Ziera has announced a new partnership with The Iconic to grow its e-commerce presence, which will make it less reliant physical locations. The retailer plans to have fewer high street stores but offers higher quality service in the top locations is retains.

    “We will always have flagship stores on the ground where customers can come in, check out the range and get fitted properly,” said Ziera chairman Andrew Robertson.

    “But, once we have customized their footprint, their details can be stored online and they can then also buy with confidence from one of our digital channels.”

    In addition to its partnership with The Iconic, Ziera has also forged an exclusive trading relationship with Foot Mechanics, a New Zealand-based podiatry business, which will offer a core Ziera range at its 17 clinics as well as online.

    This relationship will make Foot Mechanics one of Ziera’s largest wholesale partners in New Zealand.

    Additionally, three of the brand’s stores will close in July as a result of expiring leases – Bridge Road in Melbourne, Garden City in Brisbane, and Orange in New South Wales – further pushing the brand to embrace online capabilities.

    The retailer has appointed a new chairman in Robertson, a new chief executive in Martin Bremner, and a new head of product design in Rosie Jamieson.

    Bremner was previously chief executive of Super Liquor Holdings, and has helped businesses through similar transformational periods before. Since Bremner joined in 2018, Ziera’s online sales have grown by approximately 33 percent, and has become it’s biggest “store”.

    Jamieson has more than two decades of experience in footwear creation, having previously worked at Hush Puppies, Sacha London, and Hotton. According to the brand, her involvement has seen the “reinvention” of the Ziera range.

    “Exciting times lie ahead of Ziera as we transform our business into an omnichannel retailer that provides customers with a convenient and easy experience, allowing them to shop however and whenever they choose,” Robertson said.

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  • Bossini loss likely to be four times that of last year

    Bossini loss likely to be four times that of last year

    Bossini has issued a profit warning saying unseasonal weather and weak consumer sentiment is impacting sales.

    In a stock exchange filing in Hong Kong, where the company is listed, Bossini chairwoman Bess Tsin said unaudited consolidated management accounts of the group for the 10 months to April 30 indicate a loss attributable to shareholders of about HK$92 million (US$11.7 million) for the period.

    “Based on the management accounts and the information currently available, the group expects that the loss attributable to owners for the year ending June 30 would be higher than that shown in the management accounts by about 35 per cent.”

    That would equate to about $124 million, more than four times last year’s loss of $29 million.

    She said the final figure would depend on the trading results for May and June.

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