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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.

  • Reliance Jewels unveils its flagship outlet in Ranchi

    Reliance Jewels unveils its flagship outlet in Ranchi

    Reliance Jewels, one of India’s leading fine jewellery brands, launched its flagship showroom in Ranchi. As Jharkhand, a state with immense natural resources races towards being the new business destination in eastern India, Reliance Jewels is glad to be part of its journey.

    Reliance Jewels’ Ranchi showroom is the third showroom in Jharkhand after Jamshedpur and Dhanbad.

    Reliance Jewels Ranchi showroom was inaugurated by Parimal Nathwani, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Jharkhand and Group President (Corporate Affairs) of Reliance Industries Limited.

    On this occasion he stated “I am happy to bring the best of the brands and experience to Ranchi, the state capital of my Karmabhoomi, as we pave way for a better tomorrow. Reliance Retail with its many brands has a formidable presence in Jharkhand today and the addition of Reliance Jewels is sure to enhance the shopping experience for its patrons in Ranchi with its beautifully designed jewellery and unique shopping experience”.

    Speaking on the launch of the new showroom in Ranchi, Sunil Nayak, CEO, Reliance Jewels said, “We are delighted to be a part of such an esteemed city, and are extremely keen on amplifying the charm and enhance the grace of our brand and its offerings here. This showroom will showcase a plethora of designs and will offer contemporary as well as traditional pieces along with an assurance of quality and purity. We are looking forward to serve the people of Ranchi by offering a wide range of exquisite pieces as part of our diverse jewellery collection along with a unique shopping experience.”

    Standing by the philosophy of ‘Be the Moment’ Reliance Jewels as a brand firmly believes that every moment is special and needs to be celebrated. Celebrating millions of such special moments in their patron’s lives over the last 11 Years, Reliance Jewels is excited to be part of Ranchi.

    The new showroom spread over 2,200 sq.ft will not only treat their patrons to new look and design that spells grandeur, but will also showcase exclusive collections of traditional and contemporary gold, diamond, platinum, and solitaire jewellery, along with one of a kind shopping experience. The new showroom with its distinct ambient lighting and eye catching display complemented by delightful customer service is sure to win hearts of patrons.

    Customers will be able to choose from an extensive range of lustrous Diamond jewellery and Solitaire collections, and a wide range of Gold jewellery collections in royal antique, Nakashi & Temple designs, Kundan, Classic yellow Gold Filigree designs and jewellery embellished with precious and semi-precious colour stones that are exquisitely crafted with finesse & precision by our artistes. The showroom will also feature traditionally crafted heritage gold jewellery along with a range of contemporary designs, suitable for every occasion. Patrons will be further treated to a viewing experience of the brand’s popular award-winning collections, which have also been put on display exclusively at this new showroom.

  • Inditex to sell all its brands online by 2020

    Inditex to sell all its brands online by 2020

    Zara owner Inditex announced all products from all its brands will be made available online by 2020, including in markets where it does not have any stores.

    Pablo Isla, Inditex chairman and CEO, announced they want to make all their fashion collections available to all their customers wherever they are in the world.

    “Even in those markets which do not currently have our bricks-and-mortar stores,” Isla added.

    Other than Zara, the world’s largest clothing retailer also sells the brands Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho and Uterque across its network of almost 7,500 physical shops. It also operates online in 49 markets.

    In FY2017, Inditex’s online sales saw a 41-per cent increase to reach 10 per cent of group net sales, although it fell short compared to rival Swedish retailer H&M’s which made close to 12 per cent on online sales.

    Isla said all of the Group’s brands will also be adopting the integrated stock management system by 2020 in all the countries in which there is a physical store presence.

    He said the system would make it possible to fulfil online customer orders with store inventory. To date, integrated stock management is in place in Zara stores in 25 markets including Spain, France, Italy, China, the US, the UK and Mexico. Inditex currently has stores in 96 markets. The technology will be completely adopted across the whole group by 2020.

  • GXG China plans Hong Kong listing

    Chinese menswear retailer GXG has filed for a public offering in Hong Kong.

    The firm, which is controlled by a private equity fund managed by Singapore private equity firm L Catterton Asia (itself backed by luxury giant LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE), is seeking to raise about US$300 million.

    A statement from the company revealed plans to use the funds to expand its brand and product portfolio via acquisitions and strategic alliances; develop customer-oriented smart stores as an upgrade to its current offline outlets; and establish an advanced logistics centre.

    “Our new retail platform capitalises on online and offline strengths, and increases efficiencies in terms of inventory management, supply chain management, product selection, and logistics by integrating offline retail stores with online channels,” the source said.

    “We intend to maintain and strengthen our position as a leading fashion menswear company and continue to develop our leading position in the broader apparel market in China.”

    Retailer GXG runs more than 2200 stores in China and commands around 3.23 per cent of the Chinese fashionable menswear market, ranking second in China in 2017 in terms of total retail revenue.

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  • Casio G-Shock Bangkok CentralWorld opens door

    Casio G-Shock Bangkok CentralWorld opens door

    Watch brand Casio G-Shock Thailand has opened a store in CentralWorld Bangkok.

    The opening marks the brand’s 35th anniversary and features innovative technology and interactive zones filled with exclusive rare collaborative pieces. The interactive areas include the Tough Test Zone where you can throw your watch at a wall; 3D hyper-visual movies with videos of shock-resistance testing; a G-Shock bar allowing visitors to touch and try every model; and a fast-view giant digital touchscreen catalogue.

    Senior VP of Casio & Hardline Viroj Sukpitak said: “It’s a concept store built with the user-experience in mind. Exclusively for Thailand, G-Shock has created a space that encompasses everything G-Shock, showcasing an extensive product range and the latest inline watches.”

    ‘Absolute Toughness’ is the concept behind the timepieces and the store, which reflects the latest streetwear fashions.

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  • Uniqlo Canada network will double

    Uniqlo Canada network will double

    Uniqlo Canada has announced four new stores, almost doubling its retail footprint within the country.

    COO of Uniqlo Canada Yasuhiro Hayashi said the company was encouraged by the warm welcome the Japanese fast-fashion chain has received to date.

    “We are thrilled to be opening three new stores in the Greater Toronto Area and a fourth new store in Greater Vancouver.”

    The British Columbia location will open at Coquitlam Centre on September 14, while the rest will open in Ontario at Vaughan Mills on September 28; CF Markville on October 12; and Square One Shopping Centre on November 2.

    Consumers outside Toronto and Vancouver can now shop Uniqlo Canada via a newly launched mobile e-commerce platform.

    All Uniqlo Canada stores participate in a recycling initiative in which customers can drop off gently used Uniqlo clothing as donations for those in need.

  • Luxury perfume brand Creed to launch in India

    Luxury perfume brand Creed to launch in India

    London’s 250-year-old perfume brand Creed will be launched in India.

    Its maiden store is being launched in the country in partnership with Berkeley Beauty Brands Pvt Ltd, at The Chanakya Mall here.

    “The brand’s iconic status is in sync with the national capital that boasts of a cross-section of luxury connoisseurs. Owing to the globalisation and increase in the disposable income, India has become a profitable market for such luxury brands where the buyers want to experience international standards while shopping,” Gaganmeet Singh, Managing Director, Berkeley Beauty Brands Pvt Ltd, said in a statement.

    Founded in London in 1760, The House of Creed is the only family-owned luxury fragrance dynasty that has served royal houses as well as discerning patrons for over 250 years.

    Passed from father to son spanning seven generations since its London founding by James Henry Creed, it relies on a 4,000-year old infusion technique to capture the highest concentration of natural essential oils, and does not use preservatives.

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  • Shinsegae launches Paris boutique soon

    Shinsegae launches Paris boutique soon

    South Korean Department Store Shinsegae is to open a Paris boutique, Boon the Shop, in the iconic department store Le Bon Marche this month.

    Opening the multi-brand store follows the response to the brand’s popularity at a Paris exhibition last March. Shinsegae similarly entered the US market last year at luxury store Barneys New York. The Bon Marche opening is particularly prestigious given the department store’s status as the world’s first of its kind, having opened in 1836.

    Shinsegae will be Korea’s first department store to earn a spot in the French shopping institution.

    Boon the Shop was Korea’s first multi-brand boutique and retails more than 100 selected items.

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  • Guess Asia enjoys sales, profit surge

    Guess Asia enjoys sales, profit surge

    Guess has returned to profit in the first half of this year, with high rate of growth in Asia-Pacific a key factor.

    Sales by Guess in Asia rose by 32.3 per cent during the first half of this year, expressed in US dollars, and by 27.1 per cent in constant currency, with same-store sales up by 20 per cent.

    That was more than double the sales growth of the company overall.

    For the full year, Guess is predicting comp sales in Asia to be up by the low teens in percentage terms, with profit up in the low- to mid-20 per cent region.

    The company is performing across all markets, even in its core US home market where it has been struggling in recent times.

    Globally, for the six months to August 4, Guess achieved net sales of US$1.17 billion, up 14.1 per cent. Net earnings were $11.6 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of $3.3 million for the same period last year.

    “Overall, I am very pleased by the momentum we are experiencing across the globe,” said CEO Victor Herrero in the company’s earnings statement.

    “We are now planning for positive comps in all regions, including the Americas. Looking forward, I feel confident that the ‘turnaround’ has only just begun, as we are well positioned to exit this fiscal year with every business segment profitable and the company firmly on the path to our 7.5 per cent operating margin goal by continuing to execute on our strategic initiatives,” he said.

    Operating margin for the Guess in Asia rose by 120 basis points over the first half to 3.4 per cent, from 2.2 per cent a year ago. The company said the improvement was driven by reduced occupancy costs, partially offset by higher expenses resulting from retail expansion in Australia.

    The company said a lower number of markdowns in the US also helped reverse its loss.

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  • Crocs to outsource manufacturing of clogs, other footwear

    Crocs to outsource manufacturing of clogs, other footwear

    According to a report, The company announced the outsourcing of additional manufacturing and the closure of a distribution facility in Mexico Tuesday while reporting a second-quarter profit of US $30.4 million, or 35 cents per share.

    Crocs is also closing less productive retail stores as leases expire and focusing more on online sales.

    Executive Vice President Carrie Teffner will leave the company by next April, but is stepping down as CFO on August 24.

    Anne Mehlman, a former Vice President of corporate finance for Crocs and current CFO of Zappos, will take over as CFO.

  • Chiling Lin asked by H&M to help reinvent fashion industry

    Chiling Lin asked by H&M to help reinvent fashion industry

    The H&M Foundation is seeking a new round of innovators to help entrepreneurs “reinvent the entire fashion industry.

    Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M has contributed a further €1 million into the foundation’s fund and reappointed Taiwanese actress Chiling Lin, who is also a sustainability influencer, to the expert panel overseeing applications for funding new ideas that help reduce waste across the industry.

    Intended as a means to speed up the shift from the standard linear fashion model, where clothes often end up in the landfill, to a circular model where materials can be reused or recycled, the Global Change Award was initiated in 2015 by the H&M Foundation, in collaboration with Accenture and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm.

    Now the foundation has opened the fourth round of its annual innovation challenge Global Change Award. With more than 8000 entries from 151 countries over three years, it has become the go-to competition for circular innovation and has been described as “the Nobel Prize of fashion”.

    “It provides powerful funding and yearlong coaching to innovators who come up with solutions to spark the shift towards a circular fashion industry, protecting the planet and our living conditions,” said an H&M Foundation spokesperson.

    Applications for this year’s program close on October 17 – and t year there is a special eye out for ideas embracing digitalisation.

    “New ideas are the foundation for change, but scaling them is an enormous challenge for every innovator,” observed Karl-Johan Persson, H&M’s CEO who also sits on the foundation. “Together with our partners Accenture and the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, we’ve seen previous winners cut years off their timeline through our accelerator program. Now, we are eager to welcome five new circular heroes and encourage everyone who wants to reinvent one of the world’s largest industries to apply.”

    The Global Change Award sets out to find innovations with the potential to make fashion circular and thereby protect the planet and our living conditions. Other criteria are its impact and scalability, that it is novel and economically sustainable, and that the team is suited to make a difference.

    Chiling Lin described it as an honour to be part of the program again this year.

    “We need to unite together to protect our planetary earth by contributing ideas and efforts to sustainability,” she said. “The planet needs our care and dedication to safeguard this world and through this meaningful event, we can gather ground-breaking ideas that provide the fashion industry possible solutions to make fashion truly sustainable.”

    Current winners’ progress

    This year’s Global Change Award winners are currently taking part of the one-year Innovation Accelerator Program, taking them to Stockholm, New York and Hong Kong.

    Crop-A-Porter makes sustainable bio-textiles by using leftovers from food crop harvests

    Its parent Agraloop received €300,000.

    Agraloop is more than one year ahead of its original development schedule and about to begin the optimisation of its Closed-Loop system. Initial patent filings will be developed in the second half of this year at the same time as it runs pilots to produce a prototype Agraloop BioFibre from banana, pineapple, and oil seed hemp. These natural fibres will be processed using their proprietary bio-chemical approach and applied to commercially viable yarns and fabrics. This will go into ground-breaking design collaborations with some of the world’s biggest brands.

    The Regenerator aims to recirculate fashion by separating cotton and polyester blends, turning them into new textile fibre. Parent company Swerea IVF received €250,000.

    Swerea IVF is focusing on the technical development of its process and how to scale it up, both technically and economically. A new, larger reactor is being installed and will be up and running during later this year. The company is also working on improving the efficiency and yield in the process.

    Algae Apparel is turning algae into bio-fibre and eco-friendly dye that is also good for the skin. Parent Algalife received €150,000.

    Algalife has received its first Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and is preparing a second. The company has a fully equipped laboratory and is recruiting staff. The production of algae fibres has started in cooperation with German and Swedish institutes, and it is finishing the final formulas for the dye process of each colour, with fabrics from different brands.

    Smart Stitch is a dissolvable thread that makes repairing and recycling easy. Parent Resortecs received €150,000.

    Resortecs presented its first prototype of dissolvable stitching thread in March, and two months later featured its first fully dismantlable jacket. By July, it had four different solutions meeting all industry requirements and it is currently initiating seven pilots for testing these solutions on products, such as jeans and backpacks.

    Fungi Fashion is producing custom-made clothes from decomposable mushroom roots. Parent MycoTex received €150,000.

    MycoTex has launched the MycoTex shopper, a bag made from 100 per cent mycelium. The company worked with Utrecht University where it researched how to integrate electronic components in MycoTex, resulting in a light strand covering the bag which responds to a sound; and a chip directing customers to a website with more information. The company is now working on improving the material and testing different dyes. MycoTex was recently named “The modern-day makers” by the World Economic Forum, recognising pioneers which are reviving traditional techniques and developing cutting-edge technologies, or merging the old and the new.

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  • CHARLES & KEITH to land in HK

    CHARLES & KEITH to land in HK

    CHARLES & KEITH is the go-to label for accessible designs that are always on the cutting edge of fashion.

    This October, CHARLES & KEITH is expanding its retail reach by opening two new stores in Hong Kong, an iconic shoppers’ paradise. These stores would be the first to open in the city. The brand’s collections of trend-focused shoes, bags and accessories would be presented and available for purchase at these new stores.

    The new stores are located at Parker House, Central and New Town Plaza, Sha Tin respectively. Parker House occupies a coveted spot in the prime CBD district and houses a selection of premium retail brands, while New Town Plaza is a trendy flagship shopping centre that offers an exceptional array of shopping, dining and lifestyle facilities. Both of these properties are conveniently situated within walking distance of a MTR station.

    The aesthetics of the new CHARLES & KEITH stores is inspired by the brand’s refined design philosophy. They have been thoughtfully designed to be in line with the CHARLES & KEITH brand identity, as well as to enhance the overall shopping experience.

    Featuring limestone fixtures that create a striking contrast with the dark grey powder furnishing, the store’s modern interior design reflects a sophisticated simplicity that perfectly complements the brand’s stylish and covetable collections.

    To provide customers with a curated experience, each section of the store communicates the different stories of the season. From footwear and bags to lifestyle accessories, customers are encouraged to explore the diverse product selection. They would also be able to discover the latest trends and enjoy impeccable service at the stores.

    CHARLES & KEITH is guided by the vision of creating a line of innovative lifestyle accessories with a clear design aesthetic for the chic women. Prompted by the pursuit to be directional and innovative in the global market, the brand works closely with appointed business partners to develop at a sharp pace.

    The panache of the brand being experimental yet integrable to any wardrobe soon saw the accessories line comprising of bags, belts, shades, key chains, tech accessories and costume jewellery run through the collection.

    Today, CHARLES & KEITH is the go-to label for hard to emulate yet accessible designs, available in strategically located stores at prime shopping districts around the world.

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  • Jinqing Cai, President of Kering Greater China

    Jinqing Cai, President of Kering Greater China

    Kering is reinforcing its corporate team in Greater China in order to adapt to the fast-changing business environment in this market, which has been continuously growing in importance for the luxury industry since Gucci opened its first store in China in 1997.

    This new management set-up will strengthen the existing corporate structure specifically dedicated to supporting the long-term development of Kering’s luxury Houses in Greater China.

    Ms. Jinqing Cai has been appointed President of Kering Greater China, starting from September 10, 2018.

    Her mission will be to reinforce the visibility of Kering in Greater China and to strengthen the links between the Group and its local partners. She will be based in Kering’s Shanghai office and will report to Jean-François Palus, Group Managing Director of Kering.

    François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering, said: “Kering started to invest in Greater China some time ago and had built the foundations of a long-lasting and successful business, while continuously reinforcing our relationships with local partners. I am very pleased with the appointment of Jinqing Cai, which is a further testament to our long-term commitment in Greater China.”

    With this new organization, Kering will be best positioned to further support the rapid development of its luxury Houses in Greater China and to seize business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Jinqing Cai started her career in 1993 in New York as an associate in a strategic consulting company. She then moved to Hong Kong to work for private equity fund management companies, k1 Ventures and Lark International Entertainment Limited, focusing on the media and entertainment industries.

    In 2002, she co-founded the PR firm New Alliance Consulting International in Beijing and managed the highly successful inaugural annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia.

    In 2005, Ms. Cai became the founding partner of Brunswick Beijing, playing a central role in the PR firm’s high profile cross-border transactions.

    In 2012, Ms. Cai joined the leading auction house Christie’s as the first Managing Director of Christie’s China. She was appointed President of Christie’s China in 2014 and then Chairman in 2016.

    Ms. Cai received her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in Massachusetts and a Master’s in Public Affairs from Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs, Princeton University.

    She was born and raised in Beijing and was an undergraduate student at Beijing University between 1986-1989, before pursuing her education overseas.

    Ms. Cai is on the international advisory board of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and serves as a board member of Teach for China, a non-profit organization focusing on education inequality in China

    In parallel with her new role at Kering Greater China, Ms. Cai will retain a consulting role at Christie’s, serving as Deputy Chairman of the company’s Asia Advisory Board.

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  • Lululemon sportswear continues to surge

    Lululemon sportswear continues to surge

    Lululemon Athletica second-quarter sales rose 25 per cent in the second quarter to the end of July, with comp-store sales up 20 per cent.

    The Canadian activewear company reported net revenue of US$723.5 million and income from operations of $134.2 million, up 95 per cent year on year.

    “We are very pleased with the consistent performance of our business,” said chairman Glenn Murphy.

    The company ended the quarter with 415 stores and an inventory up 24 per cent to $392.7 million.

    The solid result followed a 25 per cent increase in the first quarter when net revenue reached  $649.7 million, and widening margins delivered a 130 per cent increase in income to $104.3 million.

    At the time, retail analyst and GlobalData MD Neil Saunders said the company was clearly outperforming the market by a “considerable degree”.

    COO Stuart Haselden said the “great” second-quarter result was achieved across all parts of the business and early indications are it is continuing into the new quarter.

    “This ongoing success positions us to achieve our 2020 goals and beyond. Above all, we want to thank our educators and teams around the world who make this possible.”

    Lululemon Athletica’s incoming CEO Calvin McDonald, said he plans to build on the success. “We have an incredible growth trajectory in front of us given the strength of the brand and our people.”

  • Zhang Ziyi, new Clé de Peau Beauté’s Global Brand Ambassador

    Zhang Ziyi, new Clé de Peau Beauté’s Global Brand Ambassador

    Clé de Peau Beauté, Shiseido Group’s prestige brand, announces that Golden Globe and BAFTA nominated actress Zhang Ziyi has been appointed as a Global Brand Ambassador. In a new campaign premiering this fall, Ms Zhang will represent La Crème — the iconic product that epitomises Clé de Peau Beauté’s dedication to excellence.

    Their first campaign together draws parallels between the legendary status of Ms Zhang and that of the legendary Clé de Peau Beauté product, La Crème. Expressive, lyrical and full of light, the campaign explores the uncompromising commitment to excellence the actress and cream share. Their story, building to the reputation they enjoy today, is narrated by Ms Zhang herself.

    Yukari Suzuki, Chief Brand Officer of Clé de Peau Beauté says of the collaboration: ”We have long admired Zhang Ziyi for her accomplishments and her dedication. Her beauty, warmth and generosity bring radiance to the world around her. Zhang Ziyi perfectly embodies the values of Clé de Peau Beauté because of her spirit and timeless elegance.”

    Jenny Sun, Brand Director of Clé de Peau Beauté China, says: ”Our collaboration with Zhang Ziyi will elevate the awareness and aspirational status of Clé de Peau Beauté in the China market. It will help to further establish the quality and luxury that Clé de Peau Beauté and La Crème are already renowned for.”

    Zhang Ziyi is an actress of rare beauty and monumental achievement. Following her debut in Zhang Yimou’s The Road Home, which won the Silver Bear Award at the 2000 Berlin Film Festival, she has gone on to appear in more than 20 movies including the internationally acclaimed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers and Memoirs of a Geisha. Her role in 2013’s The Grandmaster earned her 12 Best Actress Awards — the most awarded actress for a single film — cementing Zhang Ziyi as a legendary talent.

    Ms Zhang became a lifetime member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2005, and has been on the Cannes Film Festival juries three times. She is currently a coach on the number one-rated Chinese reality competition show in China, An Actor is Born.

    ”I’m delighted to be the Global Brand Ambassador for Clé de Peau Beauté. And to represent La Crème, an object of desire that is exquisite and modern. I’m proud to be part of bringing this energy to the world,” says Zhang Ziyi.

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  • Anais and Greygrei to make China debut

    Anais and Greygrei to make China debut

    Korean clothing brands Anais and Greygrei are set to enter the Chinese market under Korean young-casual clothing firm Maison de Anais.

    The label, which successfully launched in northern Europe earlier this year, will target the late 20’s to late 30’s womenswear market in China after having received interest at the Shandong Korean Product Exhibition last July.

    The Greygrei brand is currently pending its official release on VIP.com, one of the three leading B2C internet shopping malls with the largest sales among Chinese e-commerce mobile apps.

    A Maison de Anais spokesperson said online fashion platforms are attractive to brands as they can help establish brands in the fast-changing Chinese market.

    “By introducing on VIP.com, Maison de Anais hopes to promote the brand to various buyers and distribution channels in China by increasing the brand competitiveness and reference of Greygrei as we establish direct contact with the customers.”

    Company president Jeong Ho Lee added: “Times are changing where a wide range of age groups, especially female consumers from their late 20’s to late 30’s, are taking the main role in invigorating the fashion market in China, from an era where the early-to-mid-20’s used to be at the helm. Greygrei and Maison de Anais hope to write [a] success story with China as the main stage.”

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