Retail News CRM

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.

  • LVMH buys into Swedish label Our Legacy

    LVMH buys into Swedish label Our Legacy

    LVMH has acquired an undisclosed minority stake in Swedish fashion brand Our Legacy, The Business of Fashion reported.

    The transaction comes following Our Legacy posting sales of €40 million (US$42.9 million) in the year ended June 30.

    Our Legacy will use the proceeds of the transaction to strengthen operations and open flagship stores in key cities such as Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.

    Currently, Our Legacy has two stores in Stockholm, one in London and one in Berlin. It also has three stores in South Korea, in partnership with local distributor Handsome Corp.

    The brand is set to open a new store in Paris in late next year.

    “It’s not like we needed the investment from a cash-flow perspective – our revenue figures doubled three years in a row and we achieved really healthy profitability,” Jockum Hallin, Our Legacy co-founder, told the BOF.

    “It’s more to look to the future as we build the next era.”

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  • Watsons opens 8000th Asia store in Manila

    Watsons opens 8000th Asia store in Manila

    Health and personal care retailer Watsons has opened its 8000th Asia store at SM Mall of Asia in Manila.

    “The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson,” said Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson Group.

    “This vibrant and highly potential market has a young demographic that increasingly focuses on health and beauty, aligning perfectly with Watsons’ expertise.”

    The new store forms part of the company’s commitment to enhancing its offline plus online customer experience.

    Watsons currently operates 8000 stores and more than 1500 pharmacies in Asia, Europe, and Middle East.

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  • Italian jewellery brand Vhernier enters Vietnam

    Italian jewellery brand Vhernier enters Vietnam

    Italian luxury jeweller Vhernier will make its physical debut in Vietnam in collaboration with local distributor Runway Vietnam.

    The brand’s collection, which includes Abbraccio, Calla, and Eclisse, will be available at the Runway Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.

    Vhernier, founded in Milan in 1984, specialises in hand-sculpted, design-driven jewellery. Richemont acquired the brand entirely in a private transaction in May.

    Vhernier currently has physical operations in Dubai, New York, and Paris. The brand’s products are also available via authorised dealers worldwide.

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  • Puma opens its first flagship in Vietnam

    Puma opens its first flagship in Vietnam

    Sportwear retailer Puma has launched its first flagship in Vietnam, following the opening of its largest Southeast Asian store in Malaysia.

    The store is located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, in the Vincom Dong Khoi shopping mall, and offers a broad selection of Puma items for men and women.

    The launch is part of Puma’s Southeast Asian development strategy.

    Puma debuted in Vietnam in the 2000s and is distributed exclusively by Maison through around 14 physical stores in Vietnam.

    In June, Puma named K-pop girl band member, Blackpink’s Rose, as its global brand ambassador, joining Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Dua Lipa, and Skepta.

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  • Zara opens first tech-forward concept store in Thailand

    Zara opens first tech-forward concept store in Thailand

    Zara has renovated its store in Central Phuket, making it the brand’s first tech-forward concept store in Thailand.

    The store, which first opened in 2011, features a white minimalist interior design and has more than doubled in size, from 840sqm to more than 1700sqm. It features technology tools that allow customers to integrate online and physical store platforms.

    This is part of the brand’s global rollout of its new concept, which aims to provide customers with a more spacious, innovative, and sustainable shopping experience.

    The Inditex-owned company unveiled its first tech-forward concept store in Madrid, Spain, which it characterised as the “most advanced” store in 2022. The store concept focuses primarily on technology tools that allow consumers to browse the store of their choice online, check available stock, shop online, and pick up their products in just two hours.

    It also promotes sustainability in store, where it uses eco-friendly products and “some of the most advanced environmental eco-efficient systems”

    Zara has also launched this model with stores in the US, India, and Portugal.

  • Indonesia’s Tomoro Coffee accelerates Southeast Asia expansion

    Indonesia’s Tomoro Coffee accelerates Southeast Asia expansion

    Indonesian coffee brand Tomoro Coffee is planning to expand its retail operations in Southeast Asia with plans to open stores in Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

    The business plans to open 3000 locations across the region next year, with 1000 in Indonesia.

    “Southeast Asia was chosen because the coffee culture in this region has been rooted for more than 200 years and the coffee consumption per capita is quite high,” said Tomoro Coffee’s MD Wang Chao at a press conference.

    Tomoro Coffee, which opened in 2022, has 600 stores in Indonesia and sold 40 million cups last year.

    The brand debuted in China last November with its first store in Shanghai, followed by six locations in Singapore in March and 12 in the Philippines since June of this year.

    Tomoro Coffee is backed by venture capital firm ATM Capital.

  • Jacob & Co opens first Macau boutique

    Jacob & Co opens first Macau boutique

    Jacob & Co, in partnership with Cortina Watch, has opened its first Macau boutique.

    “As curators of exceptional timepieces, we are thrilled to introduce Jacob & Co to North Asia and offer our discerning clients an unparalleled horological experience,” said Benny Chong, Cortina Holdings regional GM.

    “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to present our clients with the most extraordinary pieces, where artistry meets innovation, and where each timepiece tells a story of pushing boundaries.”

    The luxury retailer’s new store at The Venetian Macao features monochrome tones, refined leather textures, and diamond-inspired lighting elements.

    The shop features include the newly launched Bugatti Tourbillon, the Casino Tourbillon

  • Uniqlo to open global flagship in former Bicqlo site in Shinjuku

    Uniqlo to open global flagship in former Bicqlo site in Shinjuku

    Uniqlo is set to open a new global flagship store in Shinjuku, replacing the former Bicqlo location, as part of its aggressive expansion plan.

    In addition to offering its range of clothing and accessories, the store will feature unique elements such as Uniqlo Flower, Uniqlo Coffee, and Re:Uniqlo.

    Uniqlo Flower is located on the first floor, selling seasonal flowers and will be displayed at the store’s entrance. On the second floor, Uniqlo Coffee will serve beverages and local sweets.

    Additionally, the third floor will house Re:Uniqlo Studio where customers can access embroidery and clothing repair services, encouraging shoppers to care for and extend the life of their garments.

    To celebrate its opening, Uniqlo will release an exclusive Shinjuku Mainstore Special, which will feature select Western products not previously available in Japan; and a Shinjuku Department Store Guidebook, a booklet introducing the town, insights from staff from long-established local stores, and cultural figures from the district.

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  • Dior opens reinvented Galaxy Macau boutique

    Dior opens reinvented Galaxy Macau boutique

    Luxury fashion house Dior has launched its revamped Galaxy Macau boutique, offering more exclusive shopping experiences.

    The store, located at one of the finest shopping locations, Galaxy Promenade, has two floors and offers a varied range of items such as ready-to-wear and accessories designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Kim Jones, as well as watches and jewellery.

    The venue also features the My Dior fine jewellery line, the Dior autumn-winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear collection with 30 Montaigne models, and Victoire de Castellane’s Rose des Vents and My Dior designs.

    The second store features men’s clothes from the Dior Winter 2024-2025 collection, as well as the Lifestyle Capsule, which focuses on board sports.

    In addition, the boutique offers VIP private shopping spaces.

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  • Li & Fung to launch Sanctuary denim under licensing partnership

    Li & Fung to launch Sanctuary denim under licensing partnership

    Li & Fung – a global brand distribution company based in Hong Kong – has teamed up with US apparel brand Sanctuary to create and distribute a new line of women’s denim under a licensing agreement.

    Sanctuary said the partnership will help the brand expand its denim category, reach more customers, and diversify its distribution channels.

    The collection will feature a various denim in different cuts and washes, as well as shorts, skirts, and jackets. The washes will include white, light, medium, dark, and black colour options.

    Additionally, the denim line will be made from responsibly sourced cotton and recycled materials, using innovative, eco-friendly washes to minimise water usage and chemical waste.

    Deb Polanco, co-founder and chief creative officer of Sanctuary, said the collaboration aims to leverage Li & Fung’s expertise to meet the growing demand for their products.

    “We are dedicated to providing perfectly fitting pants, building on our reputation as master pant makers and creators of the original 90s cult cargo,” Polanco added.

    “We are excited for our customers to explore the new denim collection this spring and find their new favourite jeans, shorts, or jacket.”

    The Li & Fung x Sanctuary denim collection is set to launch in February next year at department stores, specialty retailers, and online, and will also be available for wholesale.

    Sanctuary was founded in Los Angeles in 1997 by Polanco and her husband Ken. The company says on its website that its designs reflect “the laid-back aesthetic of California, the effortless attitude of New York, and the adventurous spirit of the world to inspire and guide women through their 24/7 style”.

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  • Levi’s to fuel growth ambitions with Suria KLCC Malaysia store reopening

    Levi’s to fuel growth ambitions with Suria KLCC Malaysia store reopening

    Levi’s has reopened its expanded store at Suria KLCC, Malaysia. Spanning 393sqm, this is the brand’s largest flagship in Southeast Asia and part of its direct-to-consumer expansion strategy in the region.

    The new store features the brand’s signature NextGen Indigo format, designed to deliver an immersive shopping experience, with modern touches like LED portal entry and elevated style lounges.

    It will offer various collections including Levi’s Vintage Clothing, the Made in Japan line, and climate-adaptive offerings such as the Performance Cool range.

    Levi’s also partnered with local artists to offer unique, Malaysia-inspired personalisation options. For the reopening, the brand worked with street artist Cloakwork to design exclusive heat press patches that celebrate local heritage.

    In addition, the Suria KLCC outlet has its very own Tailor Shop, offering consumers the option to personalise and customise their apparel.

    Nuholt Huisamen, MD of East Asia Pacific, Levi Strauss and Co, said strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia is crucial for the brand’s growth ambitions.

    “Our ambition is to become a $10 billion company and a world-class retailer, and our international business will play an integral role in helping us to achieve this,” said Huisamen.

    “Southeast Asia – and the broader East Asia Pacific region – holds immense potential for us, with many markets leading the way in creating fashion trends that are quickly picked up globally.”

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  • Inditex books higher sales across all brands during first half

    Zara’s parent, Inditex, booked higher net income and sales across all of its brands during the fiscal first half year.

    The fashion group’s net income surged 10.1 percent to €5.0 billion (US$5.54 billion) as net sales rose 7.2 percent to €18.1 billion, thanks to the spring and summer collections being well received by customers.

    Zara’s net sales increased 5.4 percent to €13.0 billion, while Pull&Bear climbed 7.9 percent to €1.1 billion.

    Massimo Dutti jumped 7.4 percent to €904 million, while Bershka soared 16.7 percent to €1.4 billion.

    Stradivarius surged 16.7 percent to €1.3 billion, and Oysho stood at €368 million, up 6.4 percent.

    The company ended the first half with 5667 stores, with openings in 34 markets.

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  • Uniqlo to open 20 flagship stores in Europe, North America and Asia

    Uniqlo to open 20 flagship stores in Europe, North America and Asia

    Uniqlo is aggressively expanding its reach by opening more than 20 flagship stores in Asia, Europe, and North America from this month, taking its worldwide store count to more than 2500.

    In Asia, the Fast Retailing-owned brand will open its largest store in South Korea at the Lotte World Mall and its first overseas roadside store featuring a new design concept in Bangkok, Thailand.

    The new roadside store is based on the brand’s Maebashi Minami Inter Store with the concept that customers can learn about the company from a corporate point of view, beyond being a store where people buy their clothes.

    Meanwhile, in North America, the brand will open its first store in Houston and Dallas, Texas, and six new stores on the West Coast in California.

    In Europe, Uniqlo will debut in Poland and Rotterdam with its first physical stores in the cities, and it will open a second store in Rome Termini Station, Italy. More new flagships are planned for Coal Drops Yard in London, at Scotland, at Copenhagen in Denmark, and at Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

    Moreover, the company will open stores in India, a regional flagship store in Wuhan, China, and five major stores in Japan.

    “In recent years, the concept of LifeWear as ‘the ultimate everyday wear that enriches the lives of everyone’ has resonated with people, and brand recognition and customer base have been expanding in Europe and North America,” said Uniqlo in a statement.

    “The company will accelerate store openings in these regions, driving further growth of its global business.”

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  • Gentle Monster unveils its third Haus Nowhere flagship

    Gentle Monster unveils its third Haus Nowhere flagship

    South Korean fashion and lifestyle company Gentle Monster has opened its third Haus Nowhere store – in Shenzhen, China.

    The retail space spans 6914sqm across three floors and features kiosks from its eyewear brand Gentle Monster and perfume line Tamburins, along with other curated shops and brands.

    Inspired by the theme of “Insect Kingdom”, a fictional tale of the 10,000-year relationship between colossal humans, beasts, and insectoids, the store aims to evoke “unique emotions” as visitors are invited to step into the narrative and become part of the story.

    The Gentle Monster section is designed with an abstractly shaped concrete mantis head, with insect-inspired objects that give off an otherworldly atmosphere.

    Meanwhile, Tamburins’ section features silkworm installations and kinetic art pieces.

    “Haus Nowhere Shenzhen is more than just a shopping destination,” said the company. “It is a vast universe with its own narrative.”

    The Haus Nowhere Shenzhen marks the third chapter of the project, following the successful launches in Seoul and Shanghai.

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  • Italian luxury brand N21 debuts in South Korea

    Italian luxury brand N21 debuts in South Korea

    Italian luxury fashion brand N21 (Numero Ventuno) has opened its first store in South Korea at the Hyundai Department Store Trade Center, marking its entry into the Korean market.

    Founded in 2010 by designer Alessandro Dell’Acqua, N21 is known for its modern yet feminine designs, offering a range of clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories.

    The new store incorporates the brand’s signature design elements, featuring a nude colour palette with materials like lava stone and translucent surfaces, creating a “bold yet luxurious” ambience.

    It currently showcases the Fall/Winter 2024 collection, with key pieces such as the ‘Jewelry Sweater’ with signature jewellery buttons, oversized wool jackets, and long silk dresses.

    Kolon FnC – which secured exclusive distribution rights for N21 in South Korea  – said it plans to use the new store to strengthen N21’s presence and name awareness.

    With this addition, the company expands its portfolio of international brands, which includes Marc Jacobs, Neil Barrett, Valextra, and Khaite.