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Category: General

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest General Retail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • How can you tell whether a specific online casino is trustworthy?

    How can you tell whether a specific online casino is trustworthy?

    We are fortunate to live during times where we can avail ourselves of numerous online casinos. Some gambling operators want to become one of the industry leaders, which is why they offer different kinds of betting sections on their platforms. Sadly, not every company has the funds to do that, so some operators only focus on a particular option, such as the casino.

    Some places around the world will give you the chance to avail yourself of numerous casino websites that have fantastic designs and loads of games. However, only some of them are worth it, so let’s check out several factors that users have to consider when picking a casino.

    Try to learn whether the betting platform works alongside the most prominent software suppliers

    Nowadays, hundreds of companies create online casino games because the demand for those things is huge. However, not every casino software provider is known for its high-quality products. That’s why after you visit the official site of BE, where you can check a lot of casino reviews, you can pick the brand that you like the most and try to learn which are the software suppliers it works with.

    There are many big names that stand out, such as Amatic, Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and so on. Some online casinos won’t give you access to this information right away, so you might have to contact the customer support department to check the software suppliers. If the people who work there don’t provide you with accurate information, try to google some of the games and check the company behind them.

    Check its licenses and make sure that it is monitored by a third-party organization

    One of the many reasons why gamblers visit BE’s official website to check the casino reviews is because every brand there has an active license. Different kinds of gambling authorities regulate the betting sites, but the MGA and Curacao’s government are the most popular ones. That’s why most places are regulated by these two gambling authorities.

    Generally speaking, it is recommended to look for an online casino regulated by at least several commissions. If you have to choose between several brands that have only one license, make sure that it is accepted by your local authorities so that you won’t have any problems once you start betting.

    Besides the license, some casinos are also monitored by different third-party organizations that want to make sure customers play fair games. Those regulating authorities usually check the entire game selection, as well as the various promotions.

    It is advisable to find a betting platform whose customer support department allows you to use a phone number

    Last but not least, one of the things that will show you whether a given gambling website is worth it is the customer support options. Online casinos use different options that allow people to contact their support departments. Most brands use a live chat/email, but only the best websites globally offer a dedicated phone number.

     

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  • Cebu Pacific flight cancellations from August 6 to 20

    Cebu Pacific flight cancellations from August 6 to 20

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific on Saturday released the schedule of its flight cancellations from August 6 to 20, amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila.

    Flight cancellations have been made after the government allowed only essential travel during the two-week strict lockdown period in the National Capital Region.

    Cebu Pacific earlier released the schedule of its canceled flights from July 31 to August 5, during the general community quarantine “with heightened restrictions” in NCR.

    The following Cebu Pacific and Cebgo flights are cancelled:

    “Affected passengers have been informed via contact details provided in the booking. They may select their preferred option through the Manage Booking portal on the Cebu Pacific website until 30 days from date of departure,” Cebu Pacific said.

    Likewise, the airline said affected passengers may opt to do the following:

    • Rebook for travel within 60 days no additional cost, following CEB’s permanent removal of change fees. Fare difference waived.
    • Store the amount in a virtual CEB wallet valid for two years and use this to either book a new flight or pay for add-ons (e.g. baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.)
    • Refund: the process may take up to two months from the date of request.

    “CEB will continue to operate other domestic and international flights as scheduled,” it said.

    “This is a developing situation. Some flight changes may take place in the coming days,” it said.

    “Before going to the airport, passengers are advised to check?the travel requirements, safety protocols,?and frequently asked questions (FAQs)?on the CEB website,” it added.

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  • Why is baccarat one of the popular casino games?

    Why is baccarat one of the popular casino games?

    Online casinos do loads of things to attract new customers, such as offering them the chance to experience thousands of games. Some betting platforms create their own titles, whereas others prefer to use the games created by other companies. That’s one of the reasons why you can find similar casino games across multiple platforms.

    Most online bettors like slots, roulette, and blackjack because these are the most popular types of casino titles. In fact, the majority of online betting operators provide their users with different variations of those things. Although it is not as popular as them, baccarat is also one of the titles that are becoming the preferred option for many people. So, if you are one of them and want to have a fantastic betting experience, here are a few things to keep in mind.

    Baccarat is one of the few games that you can play alongside real dealers

    As you probably know, most online casinos have unique live sections that will let you play against other people in real-time. What’s even more impressive is that you will be accompanied by a real croupier, who will assist you while playing. That’s why once people try these 9 baccarat games for free by Silentbet, they decide to visit their preferred online casino and check whether some of them are available.

    Users interested in live casino games know that you can rarely find that many options. Most of the time, the online betting operators offer different versions of blackjack, roulette, as well as game shows. Fortunately, many casinos realized baccarat’s potential, which is why you can find plenty of live variations.

    This is one of the games that can be played in a demo mode, at least in some places

    The demo mode is among the most popular types of casino features globally because it lets people play some titles for free. Sadly, it might not be available all the time, which is why some users prefer to go to Silentbet, where they can play 9 baccarat games for free. After doing that, they can decide which variation is worth it and try their luck for real money.

    Inexperienced users probably think that every game can be played in a demo mode, but this isn’t the case. Usually, online casinos only allow this feature to be used on slots and some of the regular table games. That said, the recent boom of online casinos forced some brands to offer a demo more for most of their titles in an attempt to accumulate as many new users as possible.

    You can find different baccarat tables inside most land-based casinos

    The last reason why baccarat has so many fans among online bettors is because of the land-based casinos. Although most people who play in an online casino don’t have any previous experience, others have visited countless “real” casinos over the years. Needless to say, every land-based betting venue offers all sorts of games, one of which is different versions of baccarat.

     

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  • Thai AirAsia suspends flights, cuts pay packets

    Thai AirAsia suspends flights, cuts pay packets

    Thai AirAsia (TAA) has suspended all flights this month and deferred paying its staff either wholly or partially until September.

    The airline, regarded as one of the most robust domestic carriers, has faced a financial crunch from consistently low passenger volumes since the Covid-19 pandemic began early last year. All domestic airlines including this one also suffer from a lack of cash flow.

    The airline stopped flying after the restrictions were launched last month. It says all flights will stay grounded for now after efforts to secure loans were in vain.

    Another factor in the decision to keep flights grounded is that the latest lockdown order includes travel restrictions. The wider aviation business in the country is also facing depleted liquidity and cash flow.

    TAA announced a deferment of the whole or part of the salaries of its employees as part of an effort to ease cost pressures.

    The July salaries for executives will be paid in September. Active employees at operational levels will be paid 50% of their July salaries this month and the rest in September. Inactive employees will receive 25% of their salaries in September as well.

    The TAA said it will temporarily cease operations this month and hopes the situation will turn around next month. Once the airline has secured a loan, operations will resume.

    Also, Thai Lion Air, another budget carrier, said it is looking to offer financial assistance to its staff after it suspended flights on July 21.

    Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to take action to address the high cost of Covid-19 tests in many jurisdictions.

    It also urged flexibility in permitting the use of cost-effective antigen tests as an alternative to more expensive PCR tests.

    According to IATA’s most recent traveller survey, 86% of respondents are willing to get tested. But 70% also believe that the cost of testing is a barrier to travel, while 78% believe governments should bear the cost of mandatory testing.

    “The IATA supports Covid-19 testing as a pathway to reopen borders to international travel,” said IATA Director-General Willie Walsh.

    In addition to being reliable, testing needs to be easily accessible, affordable, and appropriate to the risk level. Too many governments, however, are falling short on some or all of these, he said.

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  • Hanoi supermarkets limit customer numbers

    Hanoi supermarkets limit customer numbers

    Many supermarkets in Hanoi are starting to impose social distancing, limiting the number of customers and the volume of foodstuffs they buy.

    BigC Thang Long Supermarket stipulated that each customer is allowed to buy a maximum three-egg blisters a day, while the respective rate at MM Mega Market is five egg blisters.

    Aeon Mall Ha Dong announced each shopper could buy 30 chicken eggs each time. Its egg price currently stands at VND3,000 ($0.13) per egg, up VND300-400 against a week earlier.

    In supermarkets across Hanoi, most essential groceries like fresh vegetables and fruits are abundant. Only poultry eggs are insufficient from time to time, so many supermarkets have limited the number of eggs customers may buy.

    A shopper named Le in Cau Giay District said: “After going to the third supermarket, I managed to buy two egg blisters. It is very hard to buy eggs this time,” he said.

    Go!Market Supermarket in Thanh Xuan District announced it had limited the number of people entering its premises at once. Shoppers are required to make health declarations online or via QR code scans, have temperature checks, sanitize their hands, receive coupons, and queue for entry. Every 10 minutes, supermarket staff would guide a group of customers to enter it.

    Supermarkets in Hanoi were taking stricter measures to prevent and combat Covid-19, after some wholesales markets and supermarkets in the capital were closed down due to pandemic impacts.

    Since Hanoi imposed social distancing to fight Covid-19, Thanh, a resident of Tan Trieu Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi has visited the local market or a nearby supermarket once a week. Earlier, she went shopping every other day.

    On Sunday, her residential area gave each household a coupon for shopping at the local market or nearby supermarkets thrice a week at fixed time frames of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. till 9 p.m.

    Many other districts of Hanoi have distributed coupons to families so they could buy essential goods at markets, supermarkets and convenience stores on odd or even days at fixed time frames.

    Hanoi has recorded 1,457 Covid-19 cases in the ongoing wave. The city is on its 10th day of a 15-day strict social distancing campaign.

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  • 23 VinMart, VinMart+ outlets closed due to Covid-19 linkage

    23 VinMart, VinMart+ outlets closed due to Covid-19 linkage

    Eight VinMart supermarkets and 15 VinMart+ minimarts in Hanoi and Hung Yen Province have been temporarily closed Monday after a meat supplier was found to have a Covid-19 linkage.

    These outlets are believed to have linkage with Thanh Nga Supply Foods in Hanoi’s Hai Ba Trung District where at least 21 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed, said a spokesperson for VinCommerce that operates the retail chain.

    Sixteen outlets are located in Hanoi, and seven in Ecopark, Hung Yen Province, which is about 40 minutes to the southeast of downtown Hanoi.

    VinCommerce denied rumors that “hundreds” of its outlets are linked to the supplier.

    Authorities are in the process of disinfecting the outlets and trace contact history of VinMart staff to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

    The outlets will only be opened when authorities deem safe, the spokesperson for VinCommerce said.

    VinMart is the biggest retail chain in Hanoi with nearly 1,000 outlets.

    Hanoi has recorded 1,457 Covid-19 cases in the ongoing wave. The city is on its 10th day of a 15-day strict social distancing campaign.

  • Telegram update brings a bunch of video-oriented improvements, new features

    Telegram update brings a bunch of video-oriented improvements, new features

    Telegram is becoming a better messaging app with each new update deployed by developers. The COVID-19 pandemic made video chatting one of the most popular methods of communication, and apps like Telegram tried to accommodate as many new users as possible to their servers.

    Since we’re not yet out of the woods and many companies still required their employees to work remotely, it’s not too late for Telegram to add even more new features and improvements that focus on the video aspect of the app.

    The highlight of the latest update is Group Video Calls 2.0, an upgrade to the previous version of the feature, which brings support for 1000 people. It might sound unreal, but Telegram’s group video call can now have up to 1000 viewers, and this number will be further increased in future updates, according to developers.

    Another important improvement added is Video Messages 2.0, an upgrade to the video messages feature that adds enhancements such as higher resolution, the option to expand them and watch any videos at 0.5 or 2x speed.

    Also, the latest update adds screen sharing to 1-on-1 calls with sound. Telegram users can now swipe to choose a camera or share their screen instead when switching on video during any call.

    For those who value their privacy, Telegram introduced a new feature that automatically erases messages in any chat after 1 month. Up until now, you could set the app to delete your messages after 1 day or 1 week.

    The iOS version of Telegram received some improvements such as the option to choose multiple recipients for forwarded messages, as well as the ability to scroll with two fingers in chat list to quickly select several chats for bulk actions. Also, provide pictures now follow the messages as users scroll in group chats.

  • Four sports betting facts that you probably haven’t heard of

    Four sports betting facts that you probably haven’t heard of

    There are different kinds of betting platforms out there. While it is true that some of them are more popular than others, most companies offer plenty of sports to choose from. As a result, you can have a fantastic online sports betting experience, no matter which brand you go for.

    Before you start looking for your preferred betting website, let’s check out a few intriguing facts about betting on sports that you probably haven’t heard of

    1. Some gambling sites will allow you to punt on live sports events

    The first thing that some of you might not know is that the most prominent betting websites have a live-betting section. After Campobe was reviewed by Nostrabet’s experts, it turned out that this is among the bookies that have a fantastic In-Play section. Like it, many other top-rated platforms also give their users the opportunity to try their luck on live matches.

    What makes them unique is the spectacular markets and incredible odds. Most live events offer unique betting opportunities and exceptional odds that change based on different things, such as goals, points, etc.

    1. You can settle your bet even if it just started

    Another thing that makes some sports betting platforms so popular is called Cash Out. This is one of the most sought-after features in the sports betting industry because it allows people to settle their bets.

    The amount of money you can get after using this feature depends on how likely it is to predict your bet. If it is evident that you can guess the outcome, you will get almost the same amount as you would if you wait for the event’s entire duration. Needless to say, you won’t get that much if it is apparent that you can’t predict your bet successfully.

    1. Some sports might only have a couple of markets

    To have as many customers as possible, websites try to provide their clients with different kinds of sports. This explains why punters who read the Campobet review by Nostrabet can choose all sorts of things. However, almost everyone chooses popular options like football, ice hockey, tennis, etc., which is why some sports don’t have as many fans as others. Naturally, the popular options will give you the chance to try various markets, some of which are special.

    Sadly, people interested in other kinds of sports won’t have the chance to choose from that many options. In fact, some things may only give you access to a couple of things, like FT score, correct score, and Over/Under.

    1. Somesports might not be allowed in certain countries

    Another interesting fact that some of you may know is related to the betting regulations. Users from some countries might not have the chance to access every sport that is available on a given betting website. Even if you see it inside the sportsbook, you won’t be able to place a bet because the system won’t allow you to do that.

     

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  • Rubber firms bounce back from poor 2020 as demand

    Rubber firms bounce back from poor 2020 as demand

    A 150 percent hike in rubber prices has sharply increased profits for the sector and pulled many companies out of the red.

    Vietnam Rubber Group reported a 182 percent year-on-year increase in net profits to VND2.4 trillion ($103.4 million) on revenues of VND10.5 trillion, a 77 percent rise.

    Its profits from core business activities were VND4.5 trillion as against a loss of VND2.6 trillion in the same period last year.

    Its subsidiaries also reported excellent results.

    Tan Bien Rubber Company saw net profits and revenues soar by 284 percent and 167 percent to VND120 billion and VND375 billion.

    Ba Ria Rubber Company also reported triple-digit growth in profits to VND35 billion.

    Dak Lak Rubber Company made a turnaround after losses a year ago, and was back in the black with profits of over VND76 billion.

    A rise in both demand and prices has been attributed to the industry’s outstanding performance.

    According to the General Department of Customs, earnings from rubber exports rose by 88 percent to $1.2 billion in the first half of this year.

    Average export prices increased to over $1,680 per ton as demand recovered after the slump in early 2020 even as supply decreased due to the Covid-19 pandemic and rising crude oil prices.

    ACB Securities forecast rubber prices to remain at $ 2,100 this year, 44 percent higher than last year’s average.

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  • Google Play Pass gains a bunch of new games in July

    Google Play Pass gains a bunch of new games in July

    The gaming industry is a money-making machine having exceeded the movie industry, one of the most profitable entertainment businesses. There are many ways to make money in the gaming industry, but the simplest way is via subscriptions. Google and Apple recently adopted the subscription-based system that Microsoft and Sony have been offering to their customers for a very long time.

    Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus are some of the most popular subscription services in the gaming industry, but if you’re using a mobile device to play, you won’t benefit from these services. Well, technically, you could get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and play console games on your mobile device, but you won’t get access to mobile titles.

    Google Play Pass offers subscribers access to hundreds of apps and games without ads and in-app purchases for just $5 per month or $30 per year. Obviously, the catalog of curated titles available under the service becomes bigger and bigger as Google adds new games to the offering.

    Starting this week, Google Play Pass subscribers are getting a bunch of new games that they can enjoy while on the move. Looking at the list of new titles added, it feels like there’s something for everyone.

    Tesla vs Lovecraft

    • An epic showdown between man vs monsters.
    • Price: $9.99 Free with Google Play Pass subscription

    Delight Games (Premium Library)

    • 70+ interactive volumes to immerse you in new worlds.
    • Price: $29.99 Free with Google Play Pass subscription

    WHO IS AWESOME

    • Fall, chase and flip your way to victory in this two-directional platformer!
    • Price: $0.99 Free with Google Play Pass subscription

    Starman

    • Recover the light, and bring life back!
    • Price: $4.49 Free with Google Play Pass subscription

    Super Glitch Dash
    The ultimate twitch runner has arrived.
    Price: Free (No in-app purchases with Google Play Pass subscription)

    Cytus II

    • From the makers of Cytus, experience a whole new chapter.
    • Price: $1.99 Free with Google Play Pass subscription

    Summer Catchers

    • Embark on an epic road trip adventure of a lifetime.
    • Price: $3.99 Free with Google Play Pass subscription

    Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition

    • The world of Salt is on the brink of collapse. Its only hope is Dandara.
    • Price: $5.99 Free with Google Play Pass subscription

    The nine titles above add to the nearly 80 new games and apps that have been added to Google Play Pass since June 1, 2021. Of course, we expect more to be added in the coming months, so it seems like Google Play Pass might become a good subscription service if you’re into mobile gaming.

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  • Professionals Turn to Online Business Degrees to Further Their Skillset

    Professionals Turn to Online Business Degrees to Further Their Skillset

    Online learning is not always the best format, but it is the best option forward for working professionals looking to delve further into their education. Today especially, online learning has taken leaps and bounds and now offers many wonderful, powerful tools to facilitate clear and concise learning wherever you are.

    New tools mean that it has never been easier to learn through video, podcasts, and live discussions. There are tools out there that allow for digital conferences, digital classrooms, and digital learning environments. The best universities are leveraging all of them to give their students an engaging environment right in their own homes.

    It is no wonder that professionals looking to further their careers with a business degree have turned increasingly towards online education. Not only are these types of degrees offered in an entirely online format, but they are also designed for working professionals more times than not and are available on a part-time basis so that you don’t need to make sacrifices for your career in order to pursue further education.

    Variety of Online Business Degrees Available

    There are multiple business degrees available, and all at various levels of education. You can earn a bachelor’s in business administration, a master’s, and even a doctorate. The level of education you apply for depends entirely on your needs, your academic background, and of course, where you are in your career.

    When it comes to professional development, of course, MSc in Business is by far the most popular – and for a good reason. An MBA or similar degree can help you with all types of career ambitions, from working as an executive to even starting up your own business.

    There are many excellent online business courses UK universities are offering, but the most popular choices of today include:

    MSc in Business and Management

    Business and management degrees are the bread and butter of the business MSc world. They are excellent for those looking for a generalized education and building an essential foundation that will carry them through a variety of career moves and business ambitions. You will become a confident leader and boost key industry skills that will help you stand out as a professional.

    MSc in Management and Finance

    Advanced financial skills are a must for modern business leaders, making this an excellent degree choice. This degree is ideal for those looking to manage or lead finance teams. It allows you to understand and create reports and use tools that will strengthen your bottom line.

    MSc in Global Business Management

    While most businesses have an international supply chain, only a few are truly global. To work for these global businesses, you need specific knowledge and skills that you can learn with an MSc in Global Business Management. You will learn about the global business environment and how the global stage impacts decisions and behavior. On top of a global focus, you will also be taught key economic, problem-solving, and managerial skills.

    MSc in Business and Entrepreneurship

    This option is ideal if you are looking to either start a business or have plans to innovate an existing organization. You will be taught the tools and skills necessary to become an innovative thinker, as well as to lead and grow your team and company for a bright future.

    MSc in Management and Innovation

    This option is perfect for those working in product development or other research and development fields. It will help you develop the ideal management style that works to keep your team productive and works to unleash their potential. Creativity must be nurtured and then guided with a very specific management style and skill set that you will learn and cultivate with an MSc in Management and Innovation.

    MSc in Management in a Digital Economy

    The digital economy is pervasive, and yet many business leaders still flounder in the face of it. With an MSc in Management in a Digital Economy, you will learn the skills and gain the insight necessary in order to make smart, strategic decisions within the digital environment. This includes knowledge on how to lead multifunctional teams and how to ready your team and embrace new technologies.

    Each of these degrees can typically be completed online in around two years, allowing you to progress your career with the help of a winning team and incomparable digital tools.

    Increased Ability to Adopt Lifelong Learning

    Most universities offer their graduates institutional access to their libraries after they graduate. This, coupled with the advancement of many digital learning tools, meaning it has never been easier for professionals to adopt lifelong learning.

    For those who invested in their skillset with a degree, following up with these university-approved methods to keep their skills sharp is a must, and once again can be completed alongside their career:

    1.    Short Courses

    Universities often offer short courses or single credits to the public. You don’t need to be a graduate or an existing student in order to apply. You won’t need one of these for a while after you graduate, but if there is a massively new disruptive technology, or a new field of thought that is changing the way businesses operate, then taking up a short course after your graduation can help you instrumentally in the future.

    2.    Online Talks and Conferences

    Universities, and their faculty, often host talks and even conferences. These talks are increasingly available online, making it easier than ever for students and graduates to stay up to date with new thoughts at home.

    3.    Online Journals and Books

    Your institutional access to the university library means that you can access great new journals and even entire books from leaders in their field, for free. You can even keep in touch with your faculty and other graduates and get these materials directly from them. This way, you can continue to learn with a research focus that will allow you to really push the envelope of your industry and thrive in the future.

     

     

     

     

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  • New Google Maps widgets now available for iPhone

    New Google Maps widgets now available for iPhone

    For years, some iPhone users were jealous of their Android toting friends because of the lack of widgets on iOS. This ended with iOS 14 when Apple introduced its own Home Screen widgets at last. Many feel that the iOS implementation tops Android’s widgets. And while Apple Maps has its own iOS widget available, Google Maps is now offering two that require the installation of version 5.74 of the app on iPhone units running iOS 14 and up and iPad models with the iPadOS 15 beta download.
    Keep in mind that these Google Map widgets should not be confused with certain widgets found on the iOS widgets page such as Travel Times, Transit Departures, Local Guides and Traffic. A pair of Google Maps widgets is now available for the iOS Home Screen. The two widgets include one that is called “Find places nearby” and uses a search bar similar to Google’s iOS Gmail and Search widgets.
    This widget gives you shortcuts for quick directions “Home” and to “Work.” And with the widget, you can quickly get directions to Restaurants, Gas, Groceries, and Coffee purveyors in your current area.
    The second iOS Google Maps widget is called “Know before you go” and includes the latest traffic conditions, location details, times that stores open, reviews of restaurants, and more. This widget is a 1×1 square showing your current location with the traffic overlay on top.  And Google hinted in the release notes that more Maps-related widgets are coming. “In this release, we’re launching our first set of Home Screen Widgets to help you plan and navigate to your destination.”
    To install the widgets, press and hold on empty Home Screen space. Tap the “+” button in the upper left-hand corner and select Google Maps widget. If the widgets don’t show up, you might want to uninstall Google Maps and reinstall the latest version from the App Store.
  • Airasia Philippines sees better performance in Q2

    Airasia Philippines sees better performance in Q2

    AirAsia Group Berhad announced on Wednesday that its Philippine unit, Philippines AirAsia, Inc., saw a 2% increase in passengers carried in the second quarter of the year.

    “AirAsia Philippines’ strong rebound seen in 1Q2021 (first quarter) further increased in 2Q2021 (second quarter), posting a 2% higher number of passengers carried quarter-on-quarter and 4 percentage points higher load factor to record a solid 78%,” AirAsia Group Berhad said in an e-mailed statement.

    “Monthly breakdown showed that load factor was as high as 83% in June 2021, boosted by active capacity management,” the airline group noted.

    “This was despite running a limited number of charter and passenger flights due to community quarantine restrictions and despite flying only from its Manila hub,” it added.

    AirAsia also said that expectation of high vaccination rates in Southeast Asian countries by the end of 2021 is lending confidence on upcoming recovery, supported by its “robust short-haul model in addition to leaner and more stabilized operations.”

    The group has said it expects domestic operations in the Philippines to be below 25% of pre-pandemic levels until at least September while the population awaits widespread vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

    Philippines AirAsia announced last week its plan to restore its hub in Clark by the fourth quarter of the year.

    AirAsia said it started its Philippine operations in Clark in March 2012.

    “Pre-pandemic, Philippines AirAsia flew to 10 domestic and three international destinations from Clark namely, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Tacloban, Incheon, Kaohsiung, and Taipei,” it said.

  • First Victorian Ampol Woolworths Metro store opens in Melbourne

    First Victorian Ampol Woolworths Metro store opens in Melbourne

    The opening of Victoria’s first Ampol Woolworths Metro store in Sandringham has set a new benchmark for retail shopping in Melbourne.

    Owned and operated by Ampol, the new store brings together Ampol’s great service and world-class quality fuels with an inspiring range of quality fresh food and top-up essentials from Woolworths, to help on-the-go customers in Melbourne make the most out of every journey.

    The new Ampol Woolworths Metro Sandringham store will offer more than 1,400 grocery items, including more than 200 Woolworths Own brand products.

    With a focus on freshness and convenience, Ampol Woolworths Metro stores feature a curated product range perfect for customers looking to top-up on their groceries, along with fresh, quality food they can eat now, on the go, or grab for later. This offer is supported by Ampol’s quick-service restaurant partner, Boost. Customers will also benefit from the ability to earn points through Woolworth’s Everyday Rewards.

    Bringing the latest in convenience technology to Melbourne consumers, the shop features self-serve checkouts and access to the Ampol App, where consumers can pay from the convenience of their phone and access special offers. Consumers are also provided the ability to access the store’s broad range of products through Uber Eats.

    Ampol’s Executive General Manager, Retail, Brand and Culture, Jo Taylor said: “We know Australians are increasingly looking to shop local, in a safe and convenient way. Together with Woolworths, we’re making it easier for customers to pick up quality fresh food and grocery essentials in one place, along with our great quality coffee and premium fuels.

    “Our award-winning Ampol Woolworths Metro format has set a new standard of service, product quality and range, and we are thrilled to bring this outstanding offer to Melbourne.

    “We look forward to rolling out more sites across Victoria in the months ahead.”

    Woolworths General Manager – Metro Partnerships, Michelle White said: “At Woolworths, we’re always looking for new ways to make it easier to shop for your everyday needs.

    “Our Melbourne customers lead busy lives and are increasingly looking for convenient local food stores with the fresh and healthy foods they want.

    “This partnership brings the best of both brands together and delivers a whole new level of convenience for the benefit of our mutual customers.”

    The first Ampol Woolworths Metro store was launched in North Ryde, Sydney in 2019. Today, the retail format has presence in 13 locations strategically positioned around major arterials in key suburban areas of Sydney.

    Thirteen more sites are expected to open before Christmas, including three new stores in Melbourne in Mount Waverley, Elsternwick, and Kew.

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  • Twitter begins testing shopping feature on brand profile pages

    Twitter begins testing shopping feature on brand profile pages

    Twitter will begin allowing businesses to showcase products for sale at the top of their profile page, the social networking company said on Wednesday, as it seeks to grab a piece of the lucrative online shopping world.

    The San Francisco-based company is following in the footsteps of larger rival Facebook which opened a “Shops” feature last year to let consumers purchase products directly through Facebook and Instagram.

    Twitter said it will begin testing the new shopping feature with “a handful of brands” in the United States.

    Users can scroll through a carousel of products at the top of the brand’s profile. The customer can tap on a product and then pay through the retailer’s website.

    The test is a renewed attempt to offer shopping on Twitter. The company previously experimented with a “Buy Now” button and product pages in 2015.

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