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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.

  • Google Maps update will help you find historical landmarks in major cities

    Google Maps update will help you find historical landmarks in major cities

    We’re thinking that the Google Maps team is fueled by pots and pots of coffee. How else can you explain the number of new features that are added to the app? Developers must pull 24-hour shifts a few days a week and we envision a whiteboard filled with multiple ideas. The latest addition to Google Maps, allows users to quickly find major landmarks in big cities. Note the words “major” and “big.” In other words, you’re not going to see one of these large icons appearing on a map of a one-horse town to show you where the local Dairy Queen is.

    On the other hand, as you can see from the screenshots accompanying this article, the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abby in London and the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower in Paris do feature the larger icon. It appears that Google is placing these easier to spot icons next to older landmarks that have a history behind them. Interestingly, the White House doesn’t merit one of the larger icons although New York’s Rockefeller Center does. Whether Google is currently in the process of adding new landmarks is unknown, but it would be interesting to know what the company’s criteria are. We have reached out to Google for more details, and if they respond we will update this story.

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  • AirAsia India plans to take fleet size to 100 in five years

    AirAsia India plans to take fleet size to 100 in five years

    New Delhi: After growing at a very slow rate in its first five years of operations, AirAsia India plans to expand its fleet more than fourfold to 100 aircraft in the next five years. “We have firmed up plans to add 14-15 planes every year starting next year for the next five years. We have remained a small player in the Indian market till now with just 23 planes, which will increase to 29 planes by the end of December,” said a senior executive, who did not wish to be identified.

    The executive said the lowcost carrier, a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhard, will become an impactful player in the market once its fleet grows to 50 aircraft. The market is dominated by IndiGo, which operates a fleet of about 250 aircraft. “While we will continue to add aircraft under the current model by getting aircraft from AirAsia Berhad, we will also look at leasing planes directly from lessors,” said the executive.

    The airline’s expansion plans focus on strengthening the network on existing routes rather than adding new routes. “The philosophy is simple: There is no point staying a marginal airline on various routes. The focus will rather be on strengthening our position on routes that we are in,” said the executive, adding that both the promoters would put in funds for expansion. AirAsia India, which started operations in 2014, is the smallest scheduled commercial airline in the country. In the ongoing winter schedule, which began at October-end, the airline has increased its flights by 326 departures to 1,345 departures per week.

    With a reduction of nearly 3,600 weekly departures because of the sudden suspension of operations by cash-strapped Jet Airways on April 17, other airlines are seeking to fill the gap by launching new flights.

  • Vietjet to expand fleet with 20 long-range Airbus jets

    Vietjet to expand fleet with 20 long-range Airbus jets

    Budget airline Vietjet has ordered 20 Airbus long-range A321XLR aircraft to expand its international reach as Vietnam’s aviation market keeps growing.

    With a range of up to 8,700 kilometers, the aircraft will serve Vietjet’s plans to expand its international flights network, the airline said in a statement Thursday.

    The contract increases Vietjet’s order book with Airbus to 186 aircraft, with the first A321XLR to be delivered in 2023.

    The single-aisle A321XLR will “modernize Vietjet’s fleet as we look to strongly grow our international flight network,” Vietjet CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said. The airline currently operates 66 Airbus jets.

    Also Thursday, the carrier ordered two A320/321 aircraft simulators for pilot and technician training on top of the one simulator it already has.

    A321XLR’s range is 15 percent more than the previous model A321LR, it also burns 30 percent less fuel per seat compared with older generations.

    Vietjet’s order follows similar moves by other Vietnamese airlines to expand their fleet as air travel heats up. Private airline Bamboo Airways has ordered 50 narrow-body Airbus A320neo aircraft and is expected to receive the first next month, while national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines plans to get 50 new narrow-body aircraft by 2025.

    Vietnam’s fleet of over 200 aircraft last year could quadruple by 2038, aircraft maker Boeing said last week.

    Last year, the country’s 21 state-run airports served 103.5 million passengers, up 11 percent year-on-year, and the figure is set to rise to 112 million this year, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam.

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  • Eco Shop Me @ South East launched

    Eco Shop Me @ South East launched

    Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has partnered with South East Community Development Council (CDC) to launch Eco Shop Me @ South East program.

    Collaborating with eco-shops, the program is to create a stronger awareness of eco-friendly businesses in the southeast District and encourage consumers to shop sustainably and strive towards a zero-waste lifestyle.

    “Eco Shop Me @ South East is an exciting new initiative as we are working with cafes, grocery stores, retail outlets, and many others, to change the shopping and eating habits of their customers,” said Maliki Osman, Mayor of Southeast District. “These changes may not seem much, just a straw, a bag, or a container, but we hope it becomes a habit of every individual, to reduce our overall usage of plastics and recycle what we can to protect our environment, to make it last for us and our future generations,” he said.

    “We believe this program has great potential and look forward to more small and medium-sized enterprises coming on board to partner us as we do our part for climate change.”

    Several partners have joined Eco Shop Me @ South East program including health product store Two Sisters Pantry, social enterprise Enterprising Mums United and an ice cream parlor The Humble Scoop, (whose dish is pictured above).

    Interested business owners can tap into funding support under the 3R Fund or the Towards Zero Waste Grant.

    Deputy CEO (planning, corporate and technology) of NEA, Khoo Seow Poh, added: “We are heartened to see businesses coming together under The Eco Shop Me @ South East program, where they are taking a firm stance against unnecessary waste, by for example, reducing the use of disposables where possible and thereby influencing the daily habits of residents. We hope that more businesses and consumers will be inspired to take simple steps to reduce waste and build a sustainable future for Singapore.”

  • South Korean convenience store chain launches franchise in Vietnam

    South Korean convenience store chain launches franchise in Vietnam

    GS25 Vietnam, a joint venture between South Korea’s GS25 and local retailer Son Kim Group, opened up its brand to franchisees beginning Friday.

    Interested franchisees can choose from one of three models offered by GS25 Vietnam: investing in a standalone store, a chain of convenience stores, or co-investing with GS25 Vietnam to open stores, said a representative of the brand.

    Franchised stores come in three models, with areas of 65-70 square meters, 100-120 square meters, or 150 square meters, respectively.

    Franchisees will have to spend at most VND2 billion ($86,260) to invest in a convenience store, and will be able to source products from major distributors in Vietnam or import South Korean goods, said Nguyen Thi Hong Trang, General Director of GS25 Vietnam.

    South Korean convenience store chain GS25 entered Vietnam in January last year, opening a store in Ho Chi Minh through a joint venture with the Son Kim Group, which operates in retail, real estate and media sectors.

    GS25 Vietnam currently owns 50 stores, and aims to open 2,500 nationwide after 10 years. Opening the business to franchisees is a major step towards realizing this goal, its brand representative said.

    According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, on average, 1-3 retail stores are needed per 1,000 people. However, only 7,012 stores are considered modern retail stores in Vietnam.

    More than a third of Vietnamese households shop at convenience stores or mini supermarkets, with an average frequency of 10 times per year, data compiled by research firm Kantar Worldpanel shows.

    The UK-based Institute of Grocery Distribution forecasts that convenience stores in Vietnam would grow in double digits over the next four years and account for 37.4 percent of retail revenue by 2021

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  • Vietnam Airlines Jan-Sept profit highest in five years

    Vietnam Airlines Jan-Sept profit highest in five years

    Vietnam Airlines Group posted pretax profits of VND3.29 trillion ($142 million) in Jan-Sept, up 35.7 percent year-on-year.

    This is the highest profit it has earned in the last five years. The group, comprising Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific and Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO), saw its net revenue rise 3 percent to VND76.7 trillion ($3.3 billion).

    The group managed to reduce sales and financial costs down by 30 percent in Q3, resulting in this quarter’s profit surging 2.5 times year-on-year to VND1.13 trillion ($48.88 million).

    The group, accounting for 51.7 percent of Vietnam’s aviation market, served 21.4 million passengers in nine months, up 3.2 percent year-on-year.

    Vietnam Airlines this year has received two new wide-body Boeing 787-10 aircraft and 10 Airbus A321neo jets. It is set to get one more Boeing 787-10 and four more Airbus A321neos by the end of the year.

    The group targets serving 23.4 million passengers this year, earning revenues of VND104.59 trillion ($4.52 billion).

  • Cebu Pacific, AirAsia launch new domestic routes

    Cebu Pacific, AirAsia launch new domestic routes

    Low-Cost carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia, Inc. started operating new domestic flights. The Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific launched a direct flight between Cebu and Busuanga, which is the gateway to Coron, Palawan. The operation of the Cebu-Busuanga flights is being carried out by Cebu Pacific’s wholly owned subsidiary Cebgo.

    “The first flight departs Cebu at 7:25 a.m., and arrives in Francisco B. Reyes Airport at 9:00 a.m.; while its return flight leaves Busuanga at 9:20 a.m. and arrives in Cebu at 11:00 a.m.,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement on Monday.

    “The second flight leaves Cebu at 10:25 a.m., and lands in Busuanga at 12:05 p.m.; while its turnaround flight departs at 12:25 p.m. and arrives at 2:10 p.m.,” it added.

    Apart from the new Cebu-Busuanga route, Cebu Pacific, along with Cebgo, flies to 37 domestic and 27 international destinations

    Meanwhile, Philippines AirAsia started offering its thrice-daily service between Manila and Bacolod on Monday.

    For the Manila-Bacolod route, the first 80-minute flight will depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 8:20 a.m., and the last one will depart Bacolod at 9:30 p.m.

    “We are excited to celebrate this milestone and to paint the Negros Island skies red. AirAsia’s presence in the region will make air travel more affordable not just for Negrenses but for everyone who wants to explore this part of the country,” AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricardo P. Isla said during the inaugural ceremony at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport on Monday morning.

    Bacolod is the 11th domestic destination that AirAsia Philippines operates out of Manila. Overall, the carrier has more than 500 domestic and international flights weekly coming from its hubs in Manila, Clark, Cebu and Kalibo.

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  • Air Asia flies to Okinawa

    Air Asia flies to Okinawa

    AirAsia announced, Wednesday, a new route from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa Naha, strengthening its position as the Malaysian carrier with the most connections and capacity in Japan.

    The four times weekly service via Taipei commences 22 January 2020 (subject to regulatory approvals), and will be AirAsia’s sixth international destination in Japan, after Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka and Nagoya (via Bangkok).

    AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said: “Our rapid expansion into Japan continues following the launch of services to Fukuoka and Tokyo Narita earlier this year. Okinawa is an island paradise that offers a different Japanese experience for leisure travellers, including white sandy beaches with clear blue waters, some of the world’s most famous diving spots and unique Ryukyuan cuisine.

    “Like Fukuoka, we are building the foundation for more AirAsia flights to serve Okinawa in the near future, strengthening our regional network and allowing more travellers to discover the unique cultural heritage of this amazing destination.”

    Members-only fares from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa Naha start from RM239* one-way on standard seats and MYR899* one-way on the award-winning Premium Flatbeds, available on airasia.com from today 31 Octoberat 1200 (GMT+8) until 2 November 2019 for travel between 22 January 2020 and 27 March 2020.

    Guests from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa Naha are not required to obtain a visa during their one hour fifteen minutes stopover in Taipei and may return to their seats after clearing a quick security check of their carry-on bags and inflight belongings.

    Okinawa is one of Japan’s 47 prefectures comprising 160 islands in the East China Sea. With its unique cultural heritage and local cuisine, Okinawa has long been a holiday destination for the Japanese, while its subtropical climate, coral-fringed waters and relaxed way of life attract throngs of international tourists looking for an alternative to the hustle-bustle of major cities in mainland Japan.

  • Sheng Siong profits up on network expansion

    Sheng Siong profits up on network expansion

    Singaporean supermarket chain Sheng Siong has reported a 16.4-per-cent year-on-year increase in net profit to SG$20.6 million (US$15.1 million) for the third quarter.

    The increase is largely attributed to an increase in gross profit arising from the growth in revenue, slightly improved gross margin, and higher other income – but was partially offset by higher operating expenses and net finance expense.

    “We are pleased that we have opened two new stores at Block 182 Woodland Street 13 and Block 602A Tampines Ave 9 with retail areas of 8500sqft and 9000sqft respectively while another store at Block 202 Marsiling Drive which we have secured will be operational by the first quarter of next year,” said the group’s CEO Lim Hock Chee. “Going ahead, we will continue with our efforts in expanding our retail network in Singapore, especially in areas where our potential customers reside.

    “Besides placing focus on nurturing the growth of our new stores in Singapore and China, we remain committed to enhancing the gross margin and lowering input cost by improving the sales mix with a higher proportion of fresh produce and deriving more efficiency gains in the supply chain.”

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  • The Clash De Cartier Studio pop up to visit Singapore

    The Clash De Cartier Studio pop up to visit Singapore

    French luxury goods conglomerate Cartier is launching its Clash De Cartier Studio experience pop-up in Singapore at STPI from November 15 to 17.

    The one-weekend-only event will be the brand’s first and largest ever pop-up activation within the Southeast Asian country. An Asia Tatler report noted “the pop-up invites guests to discover their own alter ego as they explore the experiential space,” and that it will “feature similar themes of literature, music and art, albeit with subtle references to the locality” as did the original installation when first launched in Paris earlier this year.

    Visitors to the pop-up will be guided to either the “Bookstore” or “Record Store” to receive personalised Haiku poems typed out by typewriter or listen to a special Clash de Cartier playlist in futuristic “sound showers” respectively.

    The pop-up also features a cafe lounge area with clashing Eastern and Western decor.

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  • Galeries Lafayette Shanghai opens with three-week long festival

    Galeries Lafayette Shanghai is mid-way through a three-week-long opening celebration featuring art, technology, European brands, and celebrities.

    After a high-profile opening ceremony, the new store at L+Mall in the Pudong financial district is now hosting a campaign titled Let’s Celebrate Fashion featuring a rolling program of events, limited-edition collaborations and exclusive products.

    A spokesperson for Galeries Lafayette’s China partner I.T Group described the new store as “a piece of the romantic Paris grafted onto the modern cityscape of Shanghai … with quintessential Parisian style”.

    “The store stands out with the chic setting of a Parisian street, where customers soak up the immersive lifestyle of the City of Light as they saunter through consignment stores, alongside landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and street-side bistros.”

    Galeries Lafayette Shanghai features ornamental patterns designed by French graffiti artist André Saraiva which boosts the dramatic setting of the space. Saraiva’s motifs include the Eiffel Tower and a French bistro.

    Galeries Lafayette Shanghai has also collaborated with French fashion house Paco Rabanne as an official partner for the opening. In an immersive, experiential journey, visitors can pose for photos in an interactive snapshot booth and share them on social media.

    A Creative Theme Park co-presented with Ryodan by Seiya Nakamura 2.24 Inc is another opening feature. Inspired by traditional children playgrounds in Paris, the pop-up exhibition draws together eight emerging designers, who were given creative carte blanche in their own renditions of current fashion trends. Brands participating in the theme park include Fumito Ganryu, We11Done, Random Identities by Stefano Pilati, Namacheko, Stefan Cooke, Koche, Feng Chen Wang and Mame Kurogouchi.

    To mark the 120th anniversary of Galeries Lafayette, the Shanghai store features a recreation of the glass walk and Art Deco dome of the Paris store where visitors can take selfies with Parisian landmarks.

    Galeries Lafayette Shanghai is open daily

  • Cebu Pacific extends China network

    Cebu Pacific extends China network

    Cebu Pacific continues to expand its reach in mainland China with two new direct services between Clark and Guangzhou, Puerto Princesa and Hong Kong, making it the first airline in the Philippines to fly these routes.

    The new routes are in line with the carrier’s plans to expand its route network in China, following the introduction of flights between Shenzen and Manila earlier this year.

    Starting from 11 November, flights between Clark and Guangzhou are scheduled to operate four times weekly (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday). The flight departs Clark at 2335 while the return flight departs at 0315 on the next day.

    Guangzhou is a wholesalers’ haven for retail and popular consumer goods, making it an ideal destination for e-commerce micro-retailers and startup business people. For leisure travelers, the city appeals to foodies eager to experience world-renowned Cantonese cuisine.

    “With direct air service between Clark and Guangzhou, it will be easier for entrepreneurs and businessmen in the e-commerce space to meet up with suppliers, said Cebu Pacific vice president for commercial Alex Reyes. “They can conveniently attend mega-trade events such as the popular Canton Trade Fair.”

    “Chinese tourists will also gain access to the attractions that Luzon has to offer. From Clark, the Mount Pinatubo adventure trek is within a few hours drive away,” Reyes added.

    Cebu Pacific currently offers 27 flights weekly between the Philippines and mainland China, with direct between Shanghai, Manila and Cebu; as well as Manila and Beijing, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Shenzhen.

    Flights between Puerto Princesa and Hong Kong will start 17 November 2019, and passengers can choose from four weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday).

    Flight 5J 5306 departs Puerto Princesa at 1535 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and at 1605 on Saturdays. The return flight, 5J 5307 departs Hong Kong at 1930 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays; and at 2000 on Saturdays.

    On the same day, CEB will launch its previously announced Clark-Puerto Princesa flight. Together, these two new routes increase capacity to Puerto Princesa by 7%.

    Palawan has consistently made the lists compiled by renowned travel publications of the world’s best and most beautiful islands. Puerto Princesa serves as the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage, as well as pristine beaches and other natural attractions such as El Nido, San Vicente and Port Barton.

    With the new Puerto Princesa – Hong Kong service, CEB connects Hong Kong to five destinations in the Philippines, more than any other carrier. Currently, Cebu Pacific flies 55 times weekly between the Philippines and Hong Kong, with direct flights to and from four of the airline’s major hubs–Manila, Cebu, Clark and Iloilo.

  • Crate & Barrel Singapore closing down store

    Crate & Barrel Singapore closing down store

    Crate & Barrel Singapore will close its flagship store at Orchard Gateway.

    The 25,000sqft five-story outlet has operated at the location for five years, but will close on November 10. That will leave the US home furnishing brand with just one store, at Ion Orchard, however, the brand’s e-commerce platform will continue to trade.

    A statement released by Crate & Barrel Singapore revealed intentions to expand into Malaysia, adding that this “will help increase our brand visibility and representation in today’s retail marketplace, specifically in the Southeast Asia region”.

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  • Indonesia AirAsia names new chief executive

    Indonesia AirAsia names new chief executive

    Indonesia AirAsia (IAA) has named Veranita Yosephine as its new chief executive.

    IAA parent AirAsia Indonesia states in a stock exchange disclosure that Yosephine succeeds Dendy Kurniawan, who is now the president commissioner on its board of commissioners. The change was made at a shareholder’s meeting on 24 October.

    Yosephine’s LinkedIn profile states that she was the airline’s deputy chief executive since July. Prior to that, she served as sales director at Kraft Heinz between March 2017 and June 2019.

    Kurniawan joined AirAsia in May 2014 as chief financial officer at Indonesia AirAsia X (IAAX), before being promoted to chief executive seven months later. Sometime in September 2016, he was then named the Indonesia group chief executive overseeing both IAA and IAAX.

    Cirium had sought comments from IAA on the change in leadership, but it had not yet responded.

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  • Cebu Pacific, AirAsia launch new domestic routes

    Cebu Pacific, AirAsia launch new domestic routes

    Low-cost carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia, Inc. started operating new domestic flights.

    The Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific launched a direct flight between Cebu and Busuanga, which is the gateway to Coron, Palawan.

    The operation of the Cebu-Busuanga flights is being carried out by Cebu Pacific’s wholly-owned subsidiary Cebgo.

    “The first flight departs Cebu at 7:25 a.m., and arrives in Francisco B. Reyes Airport at 9:00 a.m.; while its return flight leaves Busuanga at 9:20 a.m. and arrives in Cebu at 11:00 a.m.,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement on Monday.

    “The second flight leaves Cebu at 10:25 a.m., and lands in Busuanga at 12:05 p.m.; while its turnaround flight departs at 12:25 p.m. and arrives at 2:10 p.m.,” it added.

    Apart from the new Cebu-Busuanga route, Cebu Pacific, along with Cebgo, flies to 37 domestic and 27 international destinations.

    Meanwhile, Philippines AirAsia started offering its thrice-daily service between Manila and Bacolod on Monday.

    For the Manila-Bacolod route, the first 80-minute flight will depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 8:20 a.m., and the last one will depart Bacolod at 9:30 p.m.

    “We are excited to celebrate this milestone and to paint the Negros Island skies red. AirAsia’s presence in the region will make air travel more affordable not just for Negrenses but for everyone who wants to explore this part of the country,” AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer Ricardo P. Isla said during the inaugural ceremony at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport on Monday morning.

    Bacolod is the 11th domestic destination that AirAsia Philippines operates out of Manila. Overall, the carrier has more than 500 domestic and international flights weekly coming from its hubs in Manila, Clark, Cebu and Kalibo.