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.

  • 6ixty8ight expands online into two more SEA countries

    6ixty8ight expands online into two more SEA countries

    Lingerie chain 6ixty8ight is expanding its e-commerce network into Thailand and the Philippines, less than two months after it launched in Japan.

    “With an increasing proportion of customers who prefer to shop online, 6ixty8ight puts e-commerce business as the top business priority,” the company said in a statement.

    The Hong Kong-headquartered brand said it uses online stores as a means to start building brand awareness in new markets before progressing into physical stores. In two months, 6ixty8ight has opened a presence in three new markets in Asia.

    The 6ixty8ight online stores in Thailand and the Philippines will feature a full range of lingerie, homeware, casualwear, and accessories. The brand will also introduce its new collections, including Modern Lace Collection and Summer Styles.

    Founded in 2002, 6ixty8ight operates more than 200 stores across Greater China, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Men’s swimwear label Debayn kicks off in Hong Kong

    Men’s swimwear label Debayn kicks off in Hong Kong

    French swimwear brand Debayn has launched in Hong Kong with a five-month pop-up store.

    Located on the walkway between Pacific Place and Admiralty Centre into the Lab Concept, the pop-up store offers Debayn’s full collection and new products, including tailored polo shirts featuring the label’s distinctive color strips, and caps named after a village in French Riviera.

    “True sea lovers at heart, and thirsty to find daily functional swimwear edits that are for both sea and land… our pop-up is the right place to visit,” said the company’s CEO Eric Delplanque. “We’ve limited our color palette to ensure the mix and match of our products and essentially, to provide a long-term degree of comfort.”

    The Debayn Hong Kong pop up will remain open until November 25.

    At the same time as it builds a consumer profile through a single-brand retail space in Hong Kong, the company is also working with independent retailers, 5-star hotels, and clubs in both Hong Kong and Macau.

    “Our main target this year is retail as it brings more exposure than hotels and clubs,” Delplanque told Inside Retail Asia. “Moreover, having our own store or popup is part of our strategy.”

    Debayn’s founder also created Albatros CX, a global customer-experience agency for premium and luxury brands, specializing in capturing and analyzing experience feedback. That pedigree has helped attract investors into the brand which will provide a significant budget to fund brand awareness.

    Delplanque says the company plans to open its first European brick-and-mortar store in St Tropez village in France next year. It is also expanding its product range to include items such as shirts, t-shirts, kids swimwear and rash guards.

    Founded in France in 2017, Debayn focuses on ‘Slow Fashion’, a sustainable approach entailing better-quality materials that will last longer.

  • Shiseido selects transgender Hunter Schafer as global ambassador

    Shiseido selects transgender Hunter Schafer as global ambassador

    Japanese beauty label Shiseido has appointed Hunter Schafer as its global brand ambassador, a move aimed at broadening its appeal to new, younger generations of customers.

    The 21-year-old transgender actress made her acting debut last year in HBO American drama Euphoria. Besides acting career, Hunter has also modeled for fashion houses, including Dior, Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, and Versus Versace.

    In a statement, Shiseido described Schafer as “a multifaceted Generation Z” who “inspires, ignites change and transcends boundaries by celebrating individuality on and off the screen”.

    “Hunter Schafer really represents the current zeitgeist of beauty in that there are no rules, no boundaries, and no restrictions,” said James Boehmer, global artistic director for Shiseido Makeup.

    “Similar to Shiseido, she is both modern and timeless, continues to write her own narrative, which is what we encourage people to do with makeup.”

    With Schafer as a global brand ambassador, the brand aims to empower customers by helping them push their own unique beauty further, according to Yoshiaki Okabe, chief brand officer at Shiseido.

    “Nobody embodies this concept better than American actress and artist Hunter Schafer,” the company said in a statement.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Uniqlo launches new range with French fashionista Ines de la Fressange

    Uniqlo launches new range with French fashionista Ines de la Fressange

    Uniqlo has teamed up with former French fashion model Ines de la Fressange to produce a range of clothing where comfort meets luxury style.

    Born and raised in France, de la Fressange became a top international model soon after starting her career at the age of 17. In 2013 she created her own brand Ines de la Fressange Paris and first collaborated with Uniqlo in 2014.

    The new range, which goes on sale this Friday (August 28), will feature three themes.

    Bohemian is inspired by the free-spirited culture of the 1970s, celebrated in a variety of flowy, twist pleated skirts and dresses with paisley and polka dot prints.

    Neobourgeois features 100-per-cent silk blouses and wrap dresses, while the third, Mannish, includes coats, classical tweed jackets, corduroy pants, and other essentials for “masculine coordination”.

    De la Fressange says the new lines are influenced by the styling of fashion adopted by women she admires from the 1970s. Among them: actress, songwriter, and model Jane Birkin and singer-songwriter Francoise Madeleine Hardy.

    “Back in the seventies, many women were determined to emancipate themselves from traditions,” de la Fressange explains. “These liberated individuals took fashion and their lives in exciting new directions.”

    The new collaboration will be sold through Singapore Uniqlo stores (excluding at Changi Airport) and online, as well as other selected Uniqlo stores throughout Asia.

  • Japan’s Nanamica landing in New York City for US debut

    Japan’s Nanamica landing in New York City for US debut

    Japanese clothing label Nanamica is to open its first international store in New York City.

    Located on Worcester St in the Soho arena, the Nanamica New York store occupies 1200sqft, offering a selection of designer Akumate Nanamica’s lines together with a limited collection from other brands, including a collaboration with The North Face, Purple Label.

    Designed by Taichi Kuma, the store design features a “house of the sea” theme, illustrating the open and relaxing ambiance of the sea, according to the company.

    “With the message of One Ocean, All Lands (the sea is one and the world is connected), we will send it from New York to the world so that the style proposed by Nanamica, a high-dimensional mix of fashion and function, will become a standard for various countries,” the company said in a statement translated from Japanese.

    Lees ook:

  • The Body Shop Singapore introduces ‘Activist’ store

    The Body Shop Singapore introduces ‘Activist’ store

    Cosmetics & skincare retailer The Body Shop is launching an “activist workshop” store in Singapore at the Ion Orchard shopping center.

    Building on the brand’s reputation for being environmentally aware and natural, the store has been transformed into an interactive ‘activist workshop’ that encourages visitors to explore and recycle products.

    The store features sustainable fixtures of reclaimed wood and recycled plastics as well as low-energy-footprint zinc cladding and worktop surfaces made from material otherwise destined for landfills.

    Features exclusive to the outlet include a DIY gifting station, a cruelty-free fragrance collection, and a water station, as well as an ‘activist bay’ where visitors can take inspiration from the brand’s campaigns.

  • Pandemic causes steep drop in Asics revenue

    Pandemic causes steep drop in Asics revenue

    Japanese sportswear retailer Asics has posted a steep drop in revenues as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The firm has seen a 21.5-per-cent dip in global sales to the equivalent of US$1.4 billion in this year’s second financial quarter, and operating losses of $36.6 million against an $81.2 million profit last year.

    In keeping with a global rise in e-commerce trade heavily influenced by lockdowns and stay-at-home orders internationally, Asics saw an uptick in online sales of 139 percent for its European market – but that was not enough to prevent a fall in gross profits of 20.7 percent to $667 million.

    In its home market sales fell by 24 percent to $444.6 million, while in European sales were down 20.5 percent to $350.9 million.

    Lees ook:

  • Luk Fook warns of heavy sales decline in June

    Luk Fook warns of heavy sales decline in June

    Jeweler Luk Fook Holdings has warned shareholders of a “substantial decline” in both sales and profit for the June quarter. Revenue for the Hong Kong-headquartered company was down 60 percent year on year for the three months, with profit down by around 80 per cent.

    However, CEO Wai Sheung Wong said there are signs of improvement since June in Mainland China, if not at home.

    “The overall same-store sales of all shops including self-operated and licensed shops in Mainland China in July improved progressively with narrowed decline as compared to the low double-digit drop in June.”

    In Hong Kong and Macau however, July sales were affected by the unstable outbreak, the decline widening from June’s 60-per-cent drop.

    “Therefore, the group’s overall trend of revenue and profit for the period from July to Sep

  • Gentle Monster shows its flagship concept in Shenyang

    Gentle Monster shows its flagship concept in Shenyang

    Gentle Monster has unveiled another flagship concept in Shenyang, China after launching the “Memory” theme in Hangzhou last month.

    Themed “New Normal”, the Korean eyewear retailer’s new store in Shenyang is inspired by the idea of how AI will be “deeply embedded in human life.” The story behind the new concept, according to the company, is “the upcoming future where AI is no longer a strange concept, but a ‘New Normal’.”

    When entering the store, visitors will see a sculpted “AI shepherd”, keeping an eye over his sheep.

    “With more data collection, this AI shepherd is able to nurture the herd with more care than the past generations,” Gentle Monster explained. “The space past him exhibits the advanced technology of monitoring devices used to detect potential danger to guard the sheep.”

    Several artworks are featured on the store’s walls and floors. The Gentle Monster Shenyang store also houses a lion head sculpture in gold and dark blue-grey colors.

    “The Gentle Monster Shenyang store embodies the brand’s evolving identity, and visitors will be able to experience the future world where the ‘New Normal’ dominates the norm,” the company said.

    The store extends the technology theme of Gentle Monster’s new flagships. The Hangzhou store ‘Memory’ explores the concept of future technology restoring lost memories.

    Lees ook:

  • Allbirds enters South Korea

    Allbirds enters South Korea

    New Zealand’s footwear label Allbirds is expanding its retail network into South Korea. From the early stages of Allbirds’ international expansion plan, South Korea was always high on the destination list as the company makes its Wool Runner product in Busan.

    “As we continue to expand our international footprint, we’re excited to finally enter the Korean market and connect with our existing community here, further establishing Allbirds as an important sustainable fashion player in Asia,” said Sandeep Verma, head of international.

    The company considers South Korea as a strategic market as it looks to strengthen its presence in greater Asia.

    “Allbirds’ mission to tread lighter on the planet has resonated with people far and wide, from Berlin to New York, from LA to Shanghai, and we’re delighted to share our purpose-led products and a world-class level of care with our Korean customers,” Verma said.

    Founded in 2016 by New Zealand footballer Tim Brown, who later teamed with American biotech engineer Joey Zwillinger, Allbirds now sells in 35 countries with more than 20 of its own brick-and-mortar stores worldwide. The brand is renowned for its logo-free sneakers made from sustainable materials.

    “The response we’ve received thus far has been beyond what we could’ve ever imagined when we first started this,” said Zwillinger, Co-CEO of Allbirds, referring to the international expansion program.

    Last April, Allbirds became the first apparel brand to label all of its products with a Carbon Footprint score, designed to inform customers of the carbon impact of its products.

  • Australia’s Mecca opens in China

    Australia’s Mecca opens in China

    Australian beauty retailer Mecca is entering the competitive Chinese market and launching its luxury flagship store at the online marketplace Tmall today.

    Known for its curation of niche and luxury local and international cosmetics, the brand has launched an edit of 22 first-to-market brands at its Tmall store, including its private-label brands, Mecca Brands and Mecca Max. Mecca’s Beauty Loop loyalty program will also now be available to Chinese customers.

    “I started Mecca with the desire to make every customer look and feel their best. From our very first store in the Melbourne suburb of South Yarra, to now launching in China our second international market, we have stayed true to this philosophy over the last 23 years,” said Mecca founder Jo Horgan in a statement.

    “I am thrilled that we are assisting Chinese customers, some of the most well-informed beauty shoppers in the world, to unearth incredible new brands and products and know that once they experience the Mecca magic, it will be love at first ‘add to cart’.”

    Celebrations will kick off today in Shanghai in the penthouse of luxury hotel Middle House, and will be attended by more than 100 Chinese media and key opinion leaders, while Horgan live streams from Melbourne.

    Horgan opened Mecca’s first shop in 1997 and the well-loved beauty business has since grown to 100 stores in Australia and New Zealand, along with e-commerce in both markets.

    “The idea was to bring these innovative brands into a service-driven, luxury boutique environment where women could shop across all brands and customize the product offer to suit their specific needs and wants,” Horgan said back in 2017.

    “Our goal was to take someone from a beauty novice to feeling like an expert in a single session, and for a makeup artist to feel like they had found their nirvana – we really wanted everyone to feel welcome, in control and walking out having had a great time.”

    While some beauty brands have avoided the Chinese market as legislation mandates cosmetic products in government laboratories must be tested on animals, many others such as Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and The Body Shop have found a loophole by selling on cross-border e-commerce platforms such as Tmall and JD.

    Several brands now available at Mecca’s Tmall store are vegan and cruelty-free.

    According to a report from AlixPartners last year, 90 percent of those Chinese millennial customers surveyed indicated that purchasing ‘healthy or clean products’ was of importance to them.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Elie Saab vows to rebuild after devastating Beirut blast

    Elie Saab vows to rebuild after devastating Beirut blast

    It felt like an eternity rather than just a few minutes as haute couture fashion designer Elie Saab scrambled to make sure his 200 staff members, including his son, were safe when this month’s massive explosion shook Beirut.

    Like many Lebanese on August 4 when chemicals at the port detonated, the 56-year-old felt the blast was on his doorstep.

    “I saw my son covered in blood, I could not believe it. I said okay, he is wounded, but it was okay, it was just cut to his head and arms,” Saab said.

    “But it was 15 minutes that felt like two days long. It was not just because it is a father and son thing, it was because we all work together like one family under one roof.”

    The explosion killed 178, injured 6000 and damaged whole neighborhoods of the Lebanese capital.

    Saab said his main office and headquarters were badly damaged. His home a few hundred meters from the port, was gutted.

    The blast destroyed the shops and ateliers of at least two other designers, Zuhair Murad and Rabih Keyrouz, himself badly injured.

    Saab is no stranger to devastation. He started his label in 1982, at the height of Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war.

    The August 4 blast revived those memories.

    “It was the same smell, the same dust, the broken glass. Honestly, we did not want to relive this and it was not necessary,” he said.

    “This is a huge setback but we have to be like Beirut – every time dusting itself off and returning to the way it was,” Saab said.

    Saab’s team plan to go back to their offices from August 20 to meet a deadline for the September Paris couture show.

    He also plans to rebuild his residence, with its high ceilings and arches, marble columns and Arabesque tiles. For now, rubble and dust were everywhere.

    “We must go on … It does not become us as Lebanese to give up,” Saab said. “That is the doable part. But the biggest loss is the people you can’t bring back.”

    On a table lay a record by singer Fairouz, “Lebanon Forever”. It was broken in two.

  • Dunhill opens new outlet in Macau

    Dunhill opens new outlet in Macau

    British luxury menswear label Dunhill has opened a new store at Wynn Palace in Macau.

    The Dunhill Wynn Palace opening is part of the brand’s expansion strategy in Asia, according to the company.

    The store features a contemporary yet elegant design with modern elements such as its signature marble, leather, and metal details.

    Inspired by the Dunhill’s 1950s South Rodeo Drive store, the Wynn Palace store’s facade features the brand’s logo under a grey marble background and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

    The store also houses a walnut burl cabinet and table inspired by the original furniture from London’s Duke Street and Paris’ Rue de la Paix stores.

    The Dunhill store in Macau offers a selection of luxury menswear by creative director Mark Weston, including ready-to-wear, leather goods, and accessories.

  • 7-Eleven launches apparel range with Forever 21

    7-Eleven launches apparel range with Forever 21

    Forever 21 has teamed with 7-Eleven to launch a casual apparel range, featuring the US convenience chain’s famous logo and soft drinks.

    The US-released 7-Eleven apparel collection comprises 16 colorful pieces, including regular Tees and hoodies, representing the convenience-store chain’s summer drinks – Slurpee and Big Gulp.

    “7-Eleven is a modern breathing brand, but also a nostalgic phenomenon for many,” said Joanna Choo, global creative director at Forever 21.

    “Forever 21 echoes this mindset by presenting a collaboration for its customers that pays homage to everyone’s favorite memory of being out, but staying close to home, heading out for a quick snack run with friends, and finding comfort in the little things.

    “During this time, it makes sense to create a capsule that’s about being cozy but stylist,” she said.

    Forever 21 has launched several promotions on Instagram and TikTok, including a dance challenge, poll, games, and sweepstakes. A Slurpee AR hologram in the Forever 21 app allows followers to take photos and share on social media.

    “When this year turned everyone’s summer plans on their head, including our free Slurpee drink birthday celebration, we were thrilled to add some sizzle to the summer through our collaboration with Forever 21,” said Marissa Jarratt, chief marketing officer and senior VP at 7-Eleven.”

    The Forever 21 x 7-Eleven collection is sold only online.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Foot Locker launches Singapore’s largest store on Orchard Rd

    Foot Locker launches Singapore’s largest store on Orchard Rd

    Foot Locker Singapore has opened its largest store yet on Orchard Rd, celebrating basketball culture.

    Located at Orchard Gateway @Emerald, the Foot Locker store spans five stories, three of which are retail spaces, offering a multi-branded basketball collection.

    Foot Locker Singapore also partnered with local artists MessyMsxi and Clogtwo to feature artworks at both Level 1 and the B2 basketball half-court, expressing the brand’s appreciation for basketball culture.

    “This is where we embarked on our Asia journey and Singapore has really embraced our brand out of the gate,” said Tomas Petersson, GM, and VP at Foot Locker Asia. “Our purpose is to inspire and empower youth culture and our belief is that when we speak to the consumer through the lens of curated brand and product stories via our omnichannel focus, then we connect deeply with the Sneaker and Sport community.”

    Besides basketball collections, Foot Locker Orchard also features a wide range of footwear and apparel from global brands, including Nike, Jordan, Adidas, Puma and New Balance.

    “The Orchard Road store is a pinnacle expression of our brand together with our partners and we are especially proud as a team to deliver this in these challenging times, as this will give the Singaporean consumer a truly unique experience,” said Petersson.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: