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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.

  • Buccellati opens new store in Macau’s MGM Cotai Mall

    Buccellati opens new store in Macau’s MGM Cotai Mall

    Buccellati Macau has opened a store at the new MGM Cotai Mall as a step forward in its global expansion.

    This follows the acquisition of 85 per cent shareholding of the Italian jewellery brand by China’s Gansu Gangtai Holding last year, and the opening of several stores in China, including its first boutique at Plaza 66 in Shanghai.

    Buccellati plans to open 88 stores in the next five years, 18 of which will be in Chinese cities.

    Founded in Milan in 1919, the brand is known for its traditional engraving techniques and Italian Renaissance-inspired designs. Buccellati also has stores in Japan, Europe and the US.

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  • Tiffany post a strong growth in 2017

    Tiffany post a strong growth in 2017

    Tiffany & Co worldwide has finished its latest year with solid sales growth, both geographically and across product categories, says CEO Alessandro Bogliolo.

    Strong sales growth in Mainland China was offset by lower sales in most other countries.

    “We are focused on six strategic priorities,” says Bogliolo, as the American luxury jewellery revealed it fourth-quarter/full-year figures to the end of January.

    He lists the priorities as:

      • Amplifying an evolved brand message
      • Renewing product offerings and enhancing in-store presentation
      • Delivering an exciting omnichannel customer experience
      • Strengthening the firm’s competitive position and lead in key markets
      • Cultivating a more efficient operating model
      • Inspiring an aligned and agile organisation.
        Total net sales in Asia-Pacific grew by 10 per cent to US$1.1 billion for the full year and 13 per cent to $320 million in the fourth quarter; comparable store sales declined 1 per cent and rose 3 per cent respectively.

    Total net sales growth reflected higher wholesale and retail sales, says the jeweller, while on a comparable store sales basis, the full-year decline reflected strong sales growth in China offset by lower sales elsewhere.

    Meanwhile, fourth-quarter sales growth benefited from performance across Greater China. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, total sales rose 8 per cent in the full year and 9 per cent in the final quarter, with comparable store sales declining 2 per cent and 1 per cent respectively.

    In Japan, total net sales of $596 million in the full year were 1 per cent below the prior year, while sales in the fourth quarter rose 2 per cent to $189 million; comparable store sales declined 1 per cent and rose 1 per cent, respectively.

    Tiffany worldwide net sales increased 4 per cent during the year to $4.2 billion, reflecting sales growth in most regions and across most jewellery categories. Net earnings of $370 million were 17 per cent below the previous year’s $446 million.

    For the fourth quarter, worldwide net sales rose 9 per cent to $1.3 billion, resulting from growth in all regions and across all product categories; comparable store sales rose 3 per cent.

  • Dufry reports strong 2017 results from high growth in Asia

    Dufry reports strong 2017 results from high growth in Asia

    Swiss travel retail operator Dufry says its sales in its Asia-Australia-Middle East division rose 5.4 per cent last year with most markets contributing to the improvement.

    Turnover was CHF809.1 million (US$849 million) last year, up from CHF770.7 million the previous year.

    The company said both its Hong Kong and Macau businesses recorded a comeback, with double-digit growth in the second half of the year.

    Sales grew in South Korea, despite reduced visitor numbers from Mainland China.

    “Other operations including Cambodia and Bali also performed well, while Melbourne recovered in the second semester, after the implementation of the New Generation Store and the comprehensive refurbishment undergone in the first half year,” the company said.

    Globally, Dufry achieved sales of CHF8.377 billion, up 7 per cent year on year, while profit exceeded CHF1 billion for the first time in the company’s history.

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  • Ted Baker opening first Indian store in New Delhi

    Ted Baker opening first Indian store in New Delhi

    Ted Baker India is about to launch its first store for India, in the Chanakya Mall in New Delhi.

    Menswear, womenswear and accessory collections will feature in the UK clothing retailer’s 1600sqft (149sqm) store.

    All Ted’s store interiors are bespoke to their location, with the New Delhi outlet featuring rich jewel tones reflecting traditional Indian dress with inspiration drawn from the Crown Jewels for a British twist.

    A timber floor featuring a diamond formation welcomes guests to the space, while the ornate ceiling features three-dimensional diamond shapes of brushed and polished brass. The fitting rooms have intricate printed wallpaper and are upholstered in regal purple with gold trim, plus the walls feature hanging jewel pendants.

    Props referencing the British monarchy are displayed in ornate frames throughout the store, such as red-oak timber-topped tables with gold stylised legs.

    Ted Baker’s entry into India is a JV with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail, which started its international brand portfolio a decade ago with The Collective.

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  • Crocs shoes lose EU patent in court blow

    Crocs shoes lose EU patent in court blow

    An EU court ruled on Wednesday that the design of Crocs shoes cannot be patented in Europe in a blow to the US-based maker of the plastic clogs.

    Luxembourg-based judges upheld a 2016 decision by the EU’s intellectual property office to cancel the patent because Crocs made the design public before registering it.

    Crocs have sold 300 million pairs around the world, according to their manufacturers, attracting devotees because of their comfort and seeming indestructibility, but attracting mockery too for their chunky shape.

    “The General Court confirms the cancellation of registration of Crocs’ design because it was made available to the public before its registration,” said the General Court of the European Union, the bloc’s second highest court.

    It said Crocs were originally granted a patent in the EU in 2005, but a rival French shoe manufacturer, Gigi Diffusion appealed against the decision in 2013.

    The EU patent office agreed, saying that Crocs’ design had already been made public in 2003 on its website and at a boat show in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and therefore “lacked novelty”.

    Under EU regulations any design which has been made public in the 12 months prior to a patent application cannot be given a patent.

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  • Uniqlo’s Next Designer Collaboration Is Perfect To Wear In Tropical Singapore

    Uniqlo’s Next Designer Collaboration Is Perfect To Wear In Tropical Singapore

    From regular collections from French model-turned-designer Ines de la Fressange to J.W Anderson‘s recent contribution of the ideal winter wardrobe, Japanese retail giant Uniqlo certainly has a knack for convincing high-end designers to dabble in the affordable clothing arena.

    And joining in on the fray to create Uniqlo’s first Resort Wear Collection is Bottega Veneta creative director Tomas Maier. Of dark hues and vibrant pops of colours, the women collection features easy, breezy silhouettes such as flowy chiffon dresses and loose soft cotton shirts, fitted and industrial pieces like the flight jacket in red, and a range of playful bikinis in bubblegum hues. The men’s range includes various jackets, short-sleeve polos, graphic tees, and swim shorts.

     

    “Our new collection is designed to work in many different ways. Beach attire can turn into loungewear, casual cover-ups paired with polo shirts can easily be worn in town – this is the concept of my brand,” said Maier in a press statement. “Things work in many ways. Even if bought for a special trip or occasion the customer will soon discover these garments adapt to a year-round life.”

    Prices range from $14.90 for a pair of swim shorts to $129.90 for a cashmere sweater.

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  • Jill Stuart Beauty debuts in Singapore

    Jill Stuart Beauty debuts in Singapore

    Japanese-influenced beauty brand Jill Stuart is to open its first presence in Singapore – inside Sephora Ion Orchard.to

    The concession will debut on March 29, offering Singaporeans its full product range, including lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes, its best-selling items.

    Jill Stuart was founded in 2005 and has built a reputation for its embellished silver packaging inspired by the make-up style of Japanese women.

    Fans of the brand are commonly referred to as ‘Jill girls’, a phrase born in Jill Stuart’s philosophy about being “all for girls to be ‘kawaii’ (cute).

    Jill Stuart is a New York-based designer and her cosmetics brand was developed with Kose Corporation. Her products are already sold in Korea, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand.

  • Shinsegae to sell Scotland’s Glenmuir clothing

    Shinsegae to sell Scotland’s Glenmuir clothing

    Scottish golfwear brand Glenmuir has opened its first Korea pop-up store in Gangnam.

    Located in Shinsegae Department Store, the short-term store offers the company’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection.

    Glenmuir plans to open a permanent shop inside Shinsegae Department Store in the near future.

    “We are excited to bring Glenmuir to customers in Korea through our pop-up store in Shinsegae Gangnam,” said Seonghun Park, of Glenmuir Korea.

    The pop-up will close on March 29.

    Glenmuir items are currently sold at SK Pinx golf club on Jeju Island, and on Shinsegae’s online store.

    Founded in 1891 in Lanark, the brand is sold in luxury golf resorts in more than 30 countries, including Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, and Russia.

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  • Lukfook Group Swept Multiple Awards at the “Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2018”

    Lukfook Group Swept Multiple Awards at the “Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2018”

    Luk Fook Holdings (International) Limited is pleased to announce that the Group’s design pieces stood out from the crowd and won multiple accolades at the “Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2018”. The recognition includes the Group’s various jewellery designers with winning entries, namely “Pegasus” by Mr. Tse Ka Wing, “Follow the Heart” by Ms. Li Yim and “Tattoos” by Ms. Chun Hiu Ling in “The Fashionable 18K Group”, while “ ’WiFi’ Times” by Ms. Wang Wen Jing in the “Open Group”.

    Mr. Wong Wai Sheung, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Group said, “We are thrilled at sweeping four awards at the ‘Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2018’, closely after being awarded the “Best of Show Award (Open Group)” at ‘The 19th Hong Kong Jewellery Design Competition’, which affirms the outstanding talents and capabilities of the Group’s design team. The Group actively participates in jewellery design competitions to encourage its design team to aim high in innovation and craftsmanship, as the Group pursues perfection in the design and quality of its products. In future, the Group endeavors to provide cutting-edge and diversified products to align with a wide spectrum of customers’ tastes. ”

    The “Chuk Kam Jewellery Design Competition 2018” was organized by Hong Kong Jewellers’ & Goldsmiths’ Association and sponsored by Hong Kong Trade Development Council and World Gold Council. The objectives of the competition are to stimulate the creativity and raise the standard of craftsmanship of Chuk Kam jewellery industry; and to arouse the market demand of Chuk Kam jewellery.

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  • 2018 is looking good for Sa Sa sales

    2018 is looking good for Sa Sa sales

    Sa Sa International has released sales figures combining January and February – the first true indicator of how the Hong Kong retail market is performing so far this year.

    Sa Sa sales in Hong Kong and Macau surged 14.6 per cent during the period, and same-store sales rose 11.1 per cent.

    Official government figures show Hong Kong retail sales rose 4.1 per cent in January, compared to last year, but that figure was relatively meaningless given the timing of Lunar New Year, which fell in February this year and in January last year, preventing a true comparison. A government spokesman said at the time of the data’s release that, after taking the Lunar New Year factor into account, the figures suggested consumer sentiment was “rather robust” entering 2018.

    These Sa Sa sales figures suggest a positive rebound from January 1 to February 28.

    Chairman and CEO Simon Kwok said the number of transactions through Sa Sa stores rose 9 per cent and the average sale per transaction by 5.2 per cent.

    “The overall performance was in line with our expectations. Sales growth was mainly driven by the increase in store traffic and consumer consumption. The number of transactions with locals and mainland tourists increased by 6.3 per cent and 12.5 per cent respectively, while

    their average sale per transaction also increased by 4.6 per cent and 3.6 per cent respectively.”

    Kwok says Sa Sa is benefitting from Hong Kong’s retail market recovery, and  is “cautiously optimistic” about the outlook of Hong Kong and Macau markets.

    “We will continue to optimise product offerings and enhance customers’ shopping experience to cater for consumer demand in the fast changing markets,” he said in a stock exchange filing.

  • It’s Hanbul to open It’s Skin pop-up stores in Japan

    It’s Hanbul to open It’s Skin pop-up stores in Japan

    Korea’s It’s Hanbul Cosmetics plans to expand into Japan by partnering with a local retailer.

    The company has brought its flagship brand It’s Skin to Japan via two pop-up stores inside ‘Niko and…’ stores in Tokyo and Funabashi, and plans to open eight more this year.

    About 500 items from the It’s Skin range will be sold via Niko and… stores including some developed exclusively for the Japanese market.

    Via the pop-ups, It’s Hanbul expects to boost its brand awareness in Japan before expanding into the local market through the partnership with a local lifestyle company.

    It’s Hanbul manages 53 stores in Canada, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Thailand, Russia, the US and online in China.

  • Furla Asia sales boosts its global growth

    Furla Asia sales boosts its global growth

    Furla Asia sales soared a stunning 50 per cent last year, powering the brand’s global sales to €499 million (US$618 million).

    Revenue from Asia-Pacific now accounts for 24 per cent of global sales and that share is steadily rising.

    Sales in Japan, a separate reporting division, increased by 15.4 per cent, while sales in its largest region, Europe, Middle East and Africa, were up 12.9 per cent, now representing 46 per cent of global sales.

    In Australia, where Furla purchased back the distribution rights to its brand from Luxury Retail Group (LRG) last year, sales rose 60 per cent. Earlier this year the company revealed plans to double its store presence Down Under from its 15 initial locations on the east coast.

    Globally Furla’s earnings increased by 34.1 per cent last year on sales up 20 per cent.

    “The 500 million euros goal is something to be very proud of and motivation to keep evolving,” said CEO Alberto Camerlengo. “The organic sales growth data is the most relevant, as it confirms that the company is on solid financial ground, thanks to the excellence of the brand and the quality of the product and Italian design we offer our customers. The company’s widespread growth across all markets reflects our efforts in further strengthening our distribution network and investing in research and product innovation.”

    Meanwhile, Furla continues to buy back distributorships around the world, the latest market being Singapore. Camerlengo said the brand will increase its store count in the city state, hoping to attract Chinese tourists as well as local shoppers.

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  • Tumi acquisition lead Samsonite to good numbers

    Tumi acquisition lead Samsonite to good numbers

    Samsonite Asia sales lept 16 per cent last year, a rate slower than the Hong Kong-listed company’s global growth, and predominantly driven by the acquisition of Tumi.

    The world’s largest travel luggage company achieved global sales of US$3.49 billion, up 23.3 per cent, with Asia accounting for $1.19 billion of that. Samsonite Asia sales excluding the Tumi effect grew by a much more modest 4.8 per cent, while sales in Japan grew by 32 per cent, or 12 per cent excluding the Tumi business, driven by the Gregory, American Tourister and Samsonite brands.

    In the first half of last year, Samsonite assumed direct control of the wholesale and retail distribution of Tumi products in South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, China, Indonesia and Thailand.  Net sales in China increased by 11.9 per cent year-on-year, (7.2 per cent excluding Tumi), due to increased sales of the Samsonite and American Tourister brands. Net sales in South Korea increased by 15.7 per cent, but fell 2.5 per cent excluding Tumi, due to fewer shoppers visiting from China and weak consumer sentiment.

    Net sales in Hong Kong increased by 34 per cent year-on-year, driven by the addition of Tumi, but by just 1.5 per cent excluding Tumi.

    Net sales in India increased by 4.6 per cent, despite a temporary disruption during the year due to the Indian government’s introduction of a goods and services tax that took effect in the third quarter of last year.

    Strong direct-to-consumer growth

    Samsonite showed solid progress on its move towards increasing its direct-to-consumer sales, aided by the acquisition of online luggage retailer eBags last May.

    Net sales rose 57.4 per cent overall, by 32.1 per cent excluding Tumi and by 12.2 per cent after 1 further excluding eBags.

    Dollar reported profit attributable to the equity holders increased by US$24.1 million, or 12.1 per cent.

    “We saw very satisfying growth last year, further driven by a strong performance from the Tumi and eBags businesses following their integration into the group,” said chairman Tim Parker.

    “In particular, we made solid strides in improving Tumi’s performance and as a result it was accretive to earnings in its first full year post acquisition. Now that we have strategically expanded into the highly attractive premium segment, and established a firm foothold in e-commerce, we look forward to more aggressively expanding our presence in the direct-to-consumer channel worldwide, especially direct-to-consumer e-commerce, where we see strong growth opportunities.”

    CEO Ramesh Tainwala said that while the company continued to benefit from the buoyant growth in travel and tourism worldwide, its strong performance was also driven by continued investment in brands, especially in the form of increased marketing support, as well as the expansion of direct-to-consumer e-commerce and brick-and-mortar retail operations.

    “Looking ahead, we will continue to implement our multi-brand, multi-category and multi-channel strategy, while leveraging our decentralised management structure and investment in marketing, in order to capitalise on the many exciting opportunities ahead of the group,” he said.

  • VF Corporation to acquire Altra footwear

    VF Corporation to acquire Altra footwear

    VF Corporation, parent of Wrangler, Timberland, Vans and the North Face, among others, has bought fast-growing footwear brand Altra.

    Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Altra, launched in 2011 by Icon Health & Fitness, has already expanded into 1600 points of sale in 55 countries. In the last year it achieved sales of US$50 million.

    Altra’s point of difference is its specialised, innovative design technology for road, trail, and lifestyle footwear which has attracted awards and a strong and dedicated consumer following.

    “The acquisition of the Altra brand is another example of our efforts to reshape and evolve our portfolio of powerful brands to align with our enterprise value creation model,” said Steve Rendle, chairman, president and CEO of VF Corporation. “The active outdoor and performance sector is a large and attractive growth space. The addition of the Altra brand brings to VF a unique and differentiated technical footwear brand and a capability that when applied across VF’s outdoor footwear, direct-to-consumer and international platforms will serve as a catalyst for growth.”

    The deal will be settled next month.

    Scott Watterson, Icon chairman and CEO, said the sale of Altra would allow the company to accelerate the continuing growth of its core NordicTrack and ProForm brands, its Freemotion commercial business, and iFit, its connected fitness subscription program.

    “The global health and wellness industry is exploding, and we’re doubling down on that growth.”

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  • Charlotte Tilbury Hong Kong Launches Soon

    Charlotte Tilbury Hong Kong Launches Soon

    The first Charlotte Tilbury Hong Kong store – also the first in Asia – will open on April 21.

    The British makeup artist will be opening a store-in-store at Lane Crawford Harbour City on Canton Road with a second store opening the following day at lane Crawford’s IFC mall store. The beauty brand is already available via Lane Crawford’s online store, shipping to 27 countries.

    To coincide with the launch, Tilbury has created a Chinese version of her trademark 10-looks wardrobe featuring model Ting Tang Chen. That’s her in the photo above, featuring the ‘Glowing Goddess’ look.

    “Charlotte’s 10 looks is at the heart of the brand. One woman, 10 looks – like a wardrobe of little black dresses, these colour-curated, off-the-peg, ready-to-wear makeup looks show women how to transform in to an iconic beauty,” explains Tilbury. Whether they choose the The Dolce Vita, the Pretty Innocent or Glowing Goddess, women can match the right eyes, cheeks and lips as put together by Tilbury.

    A brand-new look, The Radiant Beauty, will be exclusive to the region, developed in partnership with Lane Crawford.

    Charlotte Tilbury promises its new beauty counters will “completely revolutionise the way women shop for beauty in Hong Kong”.

    “I wanted to create an interactive, magic place where daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, and friends from all over Asia will love to shop,” the founder said. “There is something here for everyone from my Magic Mirror where you can try on all of my 10 looks in an instant to my magical levitating Magic Cream. It’s make-up made easy, but also fun and engaging.”

    Each counter will incorporate digital technology innovations. The Magic Mirror is morphs a customer’s face into one of the 10 looks in seconds will be a permanent feature at the Harbour City site.

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