Retail News CRM

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.

  • Musee flagship in Beijing Designed by Studio8

    Musee flagship in Beijing Designed by Studio8

    Shanghai design and development studio Studio8 has recently completed the design of Musee’s flagship store in Beijing.

    A store for consignment luxury goods, Musee delivers an open platform for luxury accessories – a point that inspired the designers to create a flexible space with “soft boundaries” and a diverse colour palette.

    The firm’s “soft boundary” design leaves no clear boundaries in the functional division of the entire retail space for Musee, which is translated into two main features: the mobile multi-functional counters and the central consignment room.

    “Every accessory that people possess is an abstract object that serves a certain function or purpose,” said principal designer Shirley Dong. “This changes when people place more importance and value on the object, whether through the brand, colour, material, or handcrafting process. Luxury goods then become time travellers, with an ever-increasing value and preciousness while still maintaining their initial presence.”

    The idea of enriching the significance of an accessory stands behind the concept of Musee’s new flagship store, where shopping is envisaged as an unconventional experience that allows customers to know more about the item they are buying and re-evaluate it with the support of professional consultants.

    Lees ook:

  • Lagardere travel business post strong growth driven by China

    Lagardere travel business post strong growth driven by China

    French-headquartered Lagardere says its travel retail business achieved a 15.8-per-cent increase in consolidated sales in the first half-year.

    Like-for-like sales were up 6.5 percent, the difference attributable to a €134 million positive impact resulting from the acquisition of HBF and of Smullers in the Netherlands, and to a €26 million positive foreign exchange impact.

    Earnings before interest and tax for the travel retail division rose 12 percent to €46 million.

    In the Asia-Pacific region, sales grew 6.5 percent, largely driven by organic growth in China.

    Consolidated group revenue, incorporating the company’ publishing, sports and entertainment business activities, grew by 6.7 per cent on a like-for-like basis, to €3.612 billion.

    Group recurring earnings before tax and interest came in at €153 million for first-half, up from €139 million a year earlier, owing mainly to business growth at Lagardere Travel Retail and a busy sporting calendar for Lagardere Sports and Entertainment.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Thai AirAsia ready for travel growth

    Thai AirAsia ready for travel growth

    Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X’s businesses are expected to grow as projected this year, with passengers surpassing 23 million.

    Santisuk Klongchaiya, chief executive of Thai AirAsia, said passengers in the first half this year tallied 11.4 million, with a load factor at 87%. Passenger volume for the full year is expected to reach 23.2 million as planned, 5% growth, with a load factor of 85-86%.

    He said the most urgent issue for the airline is to regain trust from Chinese tourists after the fatal boat accident last year. The baht appreciation has also affected the Chinese market.

    Mr Santisuk said the airline plans to talk with the Tourism Authority of Thailand about creating a special campaign for the Chinese market. Thai AirAsia is also considering opening new routes in South Asia, such as Hyderabad, India and Kathmandu, Nepal, later this year. The airline plans to welcome two more Airbus A321 jets by the end of this year to replace retired aircraft, bringing Thai AirAsia’s fleet to 63.

    Nadda Buranasiri, chief executive of AirAsia X group and Thai AirAsia X, said the fleet for Thai AirAsia X will expand from nine to 14 as part of the plan to create a network in North Asia before moving to other regions.

    Thai AirAsia X, which operates long-haul routes, carried 1.5 million passengers in the first six months.

    Passenger numbers for the full year are projected at 3 million, with a load factor of 85%.

    There are some new routes planned in North Asia or Australia, and more frequencies expected to be added, said Mr Nadda.

    The airline has put off plans to add other long-haul routes to assess market demand after adding four flights a week on the new Airbus A330neo to Brisbane, Australia.

    Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X are budget airlines partially owned by Malaysia’s AirAsia Group Berhad.

    Yesterday, Teleport (formerly known as Redcargo Logistics), a fully owned subsidiary air cargo company under AirAsia Group Berhad, signed a memorandum of understanding with Triple i Logistics to set up a joint venture company, Teleport Thailand.

    The new venture will start services at the beginning of next year.

    Pete Chareonwongsak, chief executive of Teleport, said it offers seamless same-day delivery in e-commerce for both domestic and 140 other destinations in the airline’s network, covering Asia and Australia, with cargo capacity from the 270 aircraft held by AirAsia and affiliated carriers.

    “Utilisation of the airline’s belly cargo is only 15%. We plan to use the remaining capacity to benefit small business operators, aiming to utilise cargo capacity of up to 50% within five years,” he said.

    The partnership will offer a new logistics business model differing from traditional airport-to-airport cargo movement, said Tipp Dalal, chief executive of Triple i Logistics.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Thailand’s Dohome launches compact ToGo Store chain

    Thailand’s Dohome launches compact ToGo Store chain

    Thai construction materials and home renovation equipment retailer Dohome is set to expand within the territory by an additional 90 branches by the end of next year.

    The move, partially in response to strong demand from DIY consumers, will introduce the firm’s Dohome ToGo brand with a smaller store format of 300–1000sqm.

    “Do-it-yourself is a rising trend,” said COO Puthada Teravetchakarn. “People want to renovate or repair the home by themselves if they can. It is very easy to use Google or YouTube to find out how to repair something or what materials should be used.”

    The firm is currently seeking suitable locations at department stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets for the new small-concept format, with a budget of up to THB2 million (US$64,650) per branch. The stores will stock around 10,000 SKUs, compared to more than 135,000 SKUs at its nine regular branches.

    “We will survey people living within a radius of three kilometers of proposed locations to ensure demand,” said Puthada. “We will review each month which items are best sellers and revise the selection.”

    Ten new Dohome ToGo branches will open this year, including two locations that have already launched in Bangkok.

    Dohome is in the midst of an IPO, offering 465.04 million shares at THB7.80 each, with a trading opening on August 6.

    Lees ook:

  • Alceon rolling out Lego stores across Australia

    Alceon rolling out Lego stores across Australia

    Alceon Group on Wednesday revealed plans to significantly expand the footprint of Lego stores in Australia.

    New stores are set to open in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland over the coming months, with South Australia and Western Australia to follow in 2020.

    A store is also set to open in Westfield Newmarket in New Zealand later this year.

    Alceon, which holds the rights to Lego-certified stores in Australia and New Zealand, opened the first standalone Lego store in Westfield Bondi Junction in March, which executive director Richard Facioni said has “captured the imagination of all generations”.

    The store is centered on providing interactive experiences, with a pick-a-brick wall, build-your-own-minifigure stations and play tables, where kids can assemble their own creations.

    The store has benefited from the growing popularity of the Lego brand in the region, thanks to the arrival of the top-rated Lego Masters reality show, Facioni said.

    Alceon plans to capitalise on this momentum, with the first new store to open in Broadway Sydney in late 2019.

    The company said it has secured prime positioning on Level 2 of one of Australia’s highest performing shopping centers. The store, like the Bondi Junction location, will feature exclusive, customized design elements and brick-built symbols.

    “The introduction of further LEGO Certified Stores in key locations will
    accelerate the reach of this leading global retail concept, as we build on the excitement and emotion intrinsic to the iconic LEGO brand,” Facioni said in a statement about the expansion.

    Alceon Group is an investment firm that is one of the biggest retail companies in Australia, following its acquisition of Specialty Fashion Group’s Katies, Millers, Autograph, Crossroads and Millers brands, James Packer’s Pretty Girl Fashion group and Pumpkin Patch.

    The company also has a controlling stake in Noni B and recently acquired a stake in ethical fashion brand Ginger & Smart.

  • Batman pop-up store at The One marks 80th anniversary

    Batman pop-up store at The One marks 80th anniversary

    Comics label DC and Warner Bros Consumer Products are marking the 80th anniversary of Batman with an interactive exhibit at The One shopping complex in Tsim Sha Tsui.

    The Batman pop-up store offers a sneak peek into the Batman universe going all the way back to his first appearance. Selected Batman comic book covers are being reprinted through modern screen-printing technologies in restoring the comic book aesthetics of different eras.

    Sculptor Keo W. has created a series of 1:1 scale Batman figures based on the most iconic Batman looks in animations, movies and video games, some of which are being shown in Asia for the first time.

    Nearly 100 Batman collectibles are included to present a curated experience to the public. A range of creative merchandise includes some items that are launching in Hong Kong for the first time, such as Batman luminous basketballs and chess games.

    The Batman pop-up store is part of a year-long global celebration showcasing the “World’s Greatest Detective” that includes live events, fan celebrations and exclusive branded products.

    Lees ook:

  • Coles partners with Accenture to cut costs

    Coles partners with Accenture to cut costs

    Coles is powering ahead with plans for a more digitally-focused future by signing a long-term agreement with global technology services company Accenture.

    The partnership is part of Coles’ Smarter Selling initiative which is hoped will cut costs to the tune of $1 billion over the next four years through the rollout of new technology.

    As part of the strategy, the supermarket plans to increase automation of manual tasks and use artificial intelligence for quicker and more accurate stock ordering.

    The supermarket giant has amped up its technology since its demerger from Wesfarmers last year, having recently announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to transform its shopping experience and improve productivity.

    Accenture has a global strategic relationship with Microsoft and will work alongside the tech giant to help Coles deliver “simpler, more efficient, and robust operations”.

    Accenture will also support the modernization of Coles’ supply chain with online grocery leader Ocado, which Coles partnered with in March.

    “We have committed to being technology-led in our stores and throughout our supply chain to reduce costs while delivering an even better shopping experience for customers and making life easier for our team members,” Coles chief executive Steven Cain said.

    “The partnership with Accenture will enable us to deliver the efficiencies we need for long-term sustainability, and provide the agility to respond to rapidly-evolving consumer needs. This is a vital part of Coles winning in its second century,” Cain said.

    As part of the expanded relationship with Accenture, the companies will invest in a joint innovation fund set up to explore new technology applications within Coles.

    “The evolution of the relationship with Accenture reflects the company’s strategy to win together through genuine partnerships with suppliers,” Coles chief information and digital officer Roger Sniezek said.

    “Accenture is a global leader in the digital space and in working together over the past years across a wide range of areas of Coles Group, we have each come to understand each other’s businesses, strengths, and ways of working,” he added.

    “By leveraging this enhanced relationship, we will work together to build Coles’ technological capability, so we have the tools we need to inspire our customers and make life easier for our team members.”

    Accenture will also support the implementation of SAP solutions across procurement, human resources, and finance at Coles.

    Lees ook:

  • VF Corporation posts first results after Kontoor spinoff

    VF Corporation posts first results after Kontoor spinoff

    Apparel giant VF Corporation has reported a 9 percent increase in same-store sales on a currency-neutral basis in the June quarter, to US$2.3 billion.

    VF Corporation owns a portfolio of outdoor and activity-based lifestyle and workwear brands, including Vans, The North Face, Timberland and Dickies. In May it spun off its denim business, which includes Lee and Wrangler labels, in a new company called Kontoor Brands.

    The company said its gross margin increased by 140 basis points to 54.4 percent, driven by favorable mix and timing of foreign-currency transaction hedge gains.

    Operating income was $133 million.

    “Our first quarter represents a new chapter for VF following the spin-off of Kontoor Brands and our relocation to Denver, Colorado,” said Steve Rendle, chairman, president and CEO.

    “Our first-quarter results demonstrate the power of VF’s evolved portfolio and our progress along our journey to become a purpose-led, performance-driven, value-creating enterprise anchored in our commitment to be more consumer-minded and retail-centric in everything we do.”

    VF Corporation recorded an after-tax net loss from discontinued operations was of $48 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, which reflects the operating results of the jeans business, including $59.5 million of separation costs related to the spin-off.

    Figures in the quarterly results above are compared with comparable trading period last year, after the removal of the discontinued (spun-off) business.

    Lees ook:

  • Kmart opens New Zealand’s first 24/7 store

    Kmart opens New Zealand’s first 24/7 store

    Kiwis will soon be able to shop at Kmart 24/7 when the retailer’s newly refurbished Sylvia Park store opens on August 15.

    The retailer is billing the store as the first department store in the country to stay open 24 hours a day.

    “For us, it’s about offering better support to New Zealand families who are busy balancing work, family and leisure commitments; and more convenience for shift workers and people working non-traditional business hours,” said Jason Picard, Kmart New Zealand country manager, in a statement about the launch.

    Kmart entered the New Zealand market in 1988 and now has more than 200 stores across Australia and New Zealand. The 5000sqm Sylvia Park store will be the retailer’s seventh location in Auckland when it reopens next month in the space formerly occupied by Countdown Supermarket.

    “At Kmart, we want to make everyday living brighter for our customers, whether that means creating on-trend products at everyday low-prices everyone can enjoy, opening stores in new communities or extending operating hours to make shopping more convenient,” Picard said.

    “We want our customer experience with the brand to be a really positive one, which is why we are proud to offer click and collect services across our entire New Zealand store network; and why we are constantly expanding our online offer.”

    Helen Ronald, Sylvia Park center manager, said the shopping center was “proud to be working with retailers like Kmart that are pushing the boundaries”.

    “This really reinforces Sylvia Park’s standing as New Zealand’s favorite shopping destination.”

    In the last year, the shopping center has added 600 new car parks, ANZ Raranga, and its first office tower. Once the Galleria expansion is complete in 2020, it will have 60 new stores and nearly 5000 car parks.

    Kmart Sylvia Park will open on August 15, celebrating the occasion with a series of family fun activities staggered throughout the day.

    Entertainment will include prize giveaways, face painting from 4 pm, a late-night market, and interactive workshops hosted by the Kmart team.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Body Shop Malaysia and Vietnam operator to list

    Body Shop Malaysia and Vietnam operator to list

    The retailer and distributor of The Body Shop products in Malaysia since 1984 has yet to fix the issue price and the opening and closing dates of the IPO. But local news reports have suggested the IPO may raise up to MYR200 million (US$48.6 million).

    InNature has indicated plans to use any IPO proceeds for capital expenditure, working capital and new business development.

    The firm has 89 locations in Malaysia and 26 in Vietnam, including online platforms. It plans to enter Cambodia later this year.

  • L’Occitane sales down in Hong Kong

    L’Occitane sales down in Hong Kong

    L’Occitane sales plunged by nearly one fifth in Hong Kong and Macau during the June quarter.

    According to a stock exchange filing, the Hong Kong-listed retailer’s sales in the two territories, which includes Asian travel retail wholesale business, fell by 18.8 per cent on a currency-neutral basis. That contrasts with 9.3 per cent growth in the same quarter last year.

    On the mainland, L’Occitane sales rose by 8.3 per cent which, given the higher store count of 190 versus just 36 in Hong Kong and Macau, somewhat compensated. Sales in Japan were up by 6 per cent with sales stable in Taiwan, the other Asian market the company breaks out.

    Globally, group sales rose 18.8 per cent at reported rates and by 16.2 per cent at constant exchange rates.

    The company’s standout market was the UK which recorded a massive 253 per cent increase in sales, driven by the inclusion of the Elemis business in the quarter-on-quarter data, and recovery of the core L’Occitane en Provence brand there.

    L’Occitane sales globally reached €352.5 million. Elemis became a subsidiary of the group in March and its sales are consolidated from April.

    Globally, L’Occitane finished the quarter with 1575 stores, up a net three during the quarter.

  • AirAsia India announces new routes

    AirAsia India announces new routes

    AirAsia India is on an expansion spree. the budget carrier will start operating daily direct flight on the Delhi-Chandigarh route from 1 August onwards. The launch fare on Delhi-Chandigarh route is ₹1,365, the airline mentioned. The flight would leave from Delhi at 10.40 am every day and would reach Chandigarh at 11.50 am. The return flight would depart from Chandigarh every day at 12.50 pm and arrive at the Delhi airport at 1.55 pm, the low-cost carrier said.

    The airline will also be introducing fourth additional flight on the New Delhi-Bengaluru route from 5 August onwards. The airline currently runs three flights daily on the New Delhi-Bengaluru route.

    As part of expansion plans, AirAsia India is likely to launch international services by September-October with flights to destinations in South East Asia, including Malaysia and Thailand.

    Air Asia India, which started operations in June 2014, is a joint venture between Tata and AirAsia Berhad. It currently operates 164 flights a day, covering 19 destinations and carrying over 25,000 passengers.

    GoAir is also expanding its operations with five new international services to the Gulf region, two to Bangkok and eight new domestic services. GoAir’s new international services are Delhi-Abu Dhabi, Mumbai-Abu Dhabi, Mumbai-Muscat, Delhi-Bangkok, Kannur-Dubai, Mumbai-Bangkok and Kannur-Kuwait routes.

    GoAir is expanding its India operations from Hyderabad with eight new flights covering cities like Cochin, Chennai, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Chandigarh and Patna.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Anello opens at Changi, Singapore

    Anello opens at Changi, Singapore

    Japanese backpack and accessories brand Anello has opened its first Singapore store, at Jewel Changi.

    Targeting Singapore residents and visitors alike, the 625sqft store offers a wide selection of designs as well as exclusive and limited-edition collections specifically for the Singapore market.

    From July 23 to 29, to mark its opening, Anello Jewel Changi will be offering a 50-per-cent discount for any second item purchased

    Founded in 2015, Anello – which means “ring” in Italian – is known for its minimalist, chic designs.

    The brand now has stores in China, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

    Lees ook:

  • Large queues for Sephora store opening

    Large queues for Sephora store opening

    After much anticipation, Sephora’s first New Zealand store opened last weekend on Queen Street in Auckland, with hundreds of Kiwis lining up for the launch.

    Many would-be beauty-buyers camped out overnight to ensure they were the first into the store, which officially opened at 7am on Saturday, July 20.

    Sephora spent an estimated $5 million to fit out the store, which was announced in early May after months of speculation.

    The launch is part of a larger expansion into the Asia-Pacific region, which will see the make-up retailer set up shop in Hong Kong and Korea.

    “We believe that New Zealand will be a key market in building Sephora as the most loved beauty community in Asia, and the world,” said president of Sephora Asia Benjamin Vuchot.

    “This expansion to a new market will allow Sephora to continue to amplify global beauty trends locally, elevate what our clients expect of the in-store experience and bring fresh, digital touch points to the retail environment to create a virtual, client-centric cycle.”

    In the lead-up to launch, Sephora toured the country in a “Beauty Bus”, giving remote customers a chance to trial its products before the local offering officially went online.

    However, not everyone was pleased with the launch. The New Zealand Maori Council called for the Government to investigate the cosmetics company after they were “caught dumping hundreds and thousands of waste paper products embedded with cosmetic chemicals down the drains”.

    “And all, according to a spokesperson for Sephora New Zealand, with the permission of the Auckland Council,” New Zealand Maori Council executive director Matthew Tukaki said.

    “As Maori we consider ourselves as protectors of our whenua and our water ways and I will be damned if I am going to standby and allow Auckland City Council to grant a license for this company to dump their waste directly into our system.”

    Lees ook:

  • AirAsia ordered to pay at least $9.9 million to Malaysia Airports

    AirAsia ordered to pay at least $9.9 million to Malaysia Airports

    The Malaysian High Court in Kuala Lumpur has ordered AirAsia and AirAsia X to pay operator Malaysian Airport Sepang (MA Sepang) MYR40.73 million ($9.9 million) in unpaid passenger service charges after ruling in favor of the national airport operator.

    The LCC was also ordered to pay MYR972,381 and MYR24,000 for late payment and lawsuit fees, respectively.

    In retaliation, AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes took to Twitter and posted photos of beehives at the airport, as well as uneven parking aprons at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2, known as KLIA2. Since moving to KLIA2 in 2014, AirAsia has been very unsatisfied with terminal design and facilities.

    MA Sepang, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) first sued AirAsia and AirAsia X in December 2018 for unpaid passenger service charges after the former raised the charges from MYR50 to MYR73. AirAsia refused to charge its passengers the increased rate as it said the facilities at KLIA2 were sub-standard. The LCC later countersued MAHB in January 2019 for losses and damages incurred by both airlines because of operational disruptions at KLIA2.

    The High Court also dismissed AirAsia’s appeal against the Malaysian Aviation Commission for failing to mediate the issue between the two parties, as regulations stipulate.

    “We will continue to fight the battle on behalf of all Malaysians and travelers to Malaysia,” Fernandes said in his posts, adding he hopes MAHB will act like a partner.

    Lees ook: