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.

  • Perion Network Boosts AI Platform for Retail Media, CTV Growth

    Perion Network Boosts AI Platform for Retail Media, CTV Growth

    Digital advertising firm Perion Network is intensifying its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize ad campaigns for retailers and brands. The company is using its Perion One platform, which includes an AI-driven engine called Outmax and a client interface called Ask Perion, to navigate the fragmented digital advertising ecosystem.

    Perion’s strategy addresses the challenge advertisers face in gaining clear insights and managing performance across various platforms, formats, and audience segments. The AI layer analyzes campaign data, identifies inefficiencies, and provides recommendations to improve media investment returns.

    This move reflects a broader industry trend where technology providers are enhancing their offerings to support sophisticated retail media strategies. As retailers in Asia increasingly invest in both online and in-store advertising channels, platforms like Perion One become crucial for unified campaign management and performance measurement.

    Accelerated Growth in Key Ad Channels

    Perion Network reported substantial growth in spending across its newer advertising channels during the second quarter. Retail media spend increased by 60% year-over-year, while connected TV (CTV) rose by 56%, and digital out-of-home (DOOH) grew by 45%. Perion One’s overall spending saw a 15% increase, with its AI-driven optimization technology, Outmax, experiencing over 130% adoption growth.

    Outmax evaluates campaign performance across channels, creative assets, and key performance indicators, then suggests changes such as budget reallocation or creative adjustments. The company also introduced Ask Perion, an interface allowing clients to interact with the platform, submit campaigns, and review results. Perion aims to integrate Outmax with platforms like ChatGPT and Google Shopping, and plans to add more channels.

    Expanding Reach and Agency Partnerships

    Perion has secured new agency agreements expected to contribute significantly by late in the third quarter, following extensive testing. These partnerships demonstrate the platform’s ability to perform across diverse campaigns and channels, creating a competitive barrier for others. The company plans to replicate this model with additional clients.

    Digital out-of-home remains Perion’s largest channel, with the company operating technology for in-store inventory at retailers like Best Buy Canada. Perion views in-store media as a significant growth opportunity, allowing advertisers to engage consumers near the point of purchase. The company’s network connects to over 1.6 million screens in more than 40 countries, and it aims to further expand this global access for advertisers. Also, CTV is a fast-growing product for Perion, supporting activity across major streaming services and platforms with its cross-channel approach.

  • Chinese Supermarket Pangdonglai Expands Ex-Convict Recruitment, Sparking Debate

    Chinese Supermarket Pangdonglai Expands Ex-Convict Recruitment, Sparking Debate

    Pangdonglai, a prominent Chinese supermarket chain known for its progressive employee policies, has announced its second consecutive year of recruiting former convicts. This year, the company is seeking 20 individuals who have served at least five years in prison, expanding on its previous program.

    The announcement, made on August 14 by Pangdonglai’s Zhengzhou branch in Henan province, aims to integrate former inmates back into society. The store involved is slated to open in October. This move has reignited discussions across China regarding employment discrimination against former prisoners and the balance with public safety concerns.

    Pangdonglai’s Progressive Employment Model

    Founded by Yu Donglai in 1995 and based in Xuchang City, Henan, Pangdonglai has built a reputation for prioritizing employee welfare over maximizing profits. The company offers higher-than-average pay, reduced working hours, and generous leave entitlements. Employees work a maximum of 36 hours per week, compared to China’s legal limit of 40 hours, and receive 40 days of paid leave annually, including 10 dedicated “mental health” days.

    In the first quarter of 2026, Pangdonglai employees earned an average monthly salary of 9,600 yuan (approximately $1,400 USD). This significantly surpasses the average of around 5,800 yuan seen in China’s private wholesale and retail sectors. Last year, the company initiated its first recruitment drive for former convicts, requiring applicants to have served no more than 10 years, be under 35, and have a middle school education. All 30 former convicts hired under that initial program remain employed, according to a recent statement by Yu on Douyin.

    Balancing Opportunity and Public Concern

    The latest recruitment drive, focusing on individuals with longer sentences, has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters commend Pangdonglai for offering crucial second chances, particularly to those facing significant employment challenges. Lin Minming, founder of Red Apple Public Welfare, noted that this real-world application provides valuable insight into the reintegration of former inmates, countering previous “baseless assumptions.” Fewer than 40% of former inmates in China secure employment due due to their criminal records.

    However, critics have voiced concerns about public safety, especially given that supermarkets are frequented by families, children, and the elderly. Some argue that extended prison sentences often correspond to serious crimes. In response to these concerns, Pangdonglai has clarified that individuals convicted of sexual or violent offenses are ineligible. The company will prioritize applicants with nonviolent offenses, assigning them initially to back-office roles such as warehousing and logistics, with a six-month trial period.

    This initiative aligns with broader efforts in China to support former inmates. A revised Prison Law, taking effect in November, prohibits discrimination against former convicts in employment, education, and social security. It also mandates pre-release education, including legal and psychological counseling, vocational training, and life skills, to encourage employment and entrepreneurship. Pangdonglai’s approach offers a practical example of how retail businesses can contribute to social reintegration while navigating public perception, a strategy that could inform similar social enterprise models across Asia’s diverse retail markets.

  • SM Retail’s First-Half Profit Rises Amid Strong Consumer Demand and Store Expansion

    SM Retail’s First-Half Profit Rises Amid Strong Consumer Demand and Store Expansion

    SM Retail achieved a 5% rise in net income during the first half of 2026, reaching US$143.8 million (PHP8.9 billion). The Philippine retail giant attributed this performance to sustained consumer demand for daily necessities and the ongoing expansion of its physical store footprint.

    Operating income saw an even stronger increase, climbing 12% to US$226.2 million (PHP14.0 billion). This indicates the company’s effective management of operational costs, even in a period of higher inflation. SM Investments Corporation President and CEO, Frederic DyBuncio, highlighted the resilience of the Filipino consumer despite recent economic challenges, noting the robust performance of their consumer-led businesses and the contributions from a diversified portfolio.

    Diverse Growth Across Segments

    The company’s food retail sector demonstrated consistent sales growth across its supermarket and minimart chains. Specialty retail also saw higher sales, particularly in the Home, Other Fashion, and Kids categories. The Home category’s growth was fueled by continued demand for alternative power sources, while the Other Fashion segment was boosted by brands like Kultura and Crocs. The Kids category benefited from increased spending on toys, pet supplies, and stationery.

    SM Retail’s strong showing contributed significantly to SM Investments’ overall consolidated net income, which reached US$741.7 million (PHP45.9 billion) for the first half, an 8% increase from the previous year. Retail accounted for 15% of SM Investments’ net income, following banking (47%) and property (27%). The group’s mall business also reported an 8% revenue increase to US$675.5 million (PHP41.8 billion), a result of higher occupancy rates, stronger tenant sales, and improved operational efficiency.

    Strategic Outlook for Continued Expansion

    Looking ahead, SM Investments CEO Frederic DyBuncio expressed optimism for the second half of the year, while acknowledging potential macroeconomic uncertainties. He stressed that the company’s diversified portfolio, prudent balance sheet, and disciplined approach to capital allocation position it well to continue investing in the Philippines. This strategy aims to create long-term value for customers, communities, and shareholders.

    The emphasis on physical store expansion and diversified retail formats aligns with broader trends in Southeast Asia, where companies often combine digital strategies with a strong brick-and-mortar presence to capture varying consumer preferences and reach underserved areas. Retailers across the region are increasingly focusing on everyday essentials and adapting their offerings to meet shifting consumer priorities, especially after periods of economic fluctuation.

  • Miniso and 99 Ranch Market Lead US Retail Growth by Prioritising Lifestyle and Community

    Miniso and 99 Ranch Market Lead US Retail Growth by Prioritising Lifestyle and Community

    Asian-rooted retailers Miniso and 99 Ranch Market are achieving significant growth in the United States by focusing on lifestyle connections and fostering a sense of community. The 2026 NRF Hot 25 Retailers list, compiled by Kantar, ranks the nation’s fastest-growing retail companies based on year-over-year domestic sales, with both brands making a notable impact.

    Miniso, a global lifestyle product retailer known for its affordable and aesthetically pleasing goods, secured the top spot at No. 1 on the list. 99 Ranch Market, an Asian supermarket chain, also featured prominently at No. 15. Their inclusion underscores a broader retail strategy: turning consumer lifestyle choices into deep-seated loyalty.

    Building Loyalty Through Experience

    According to Dave Marcotte, a senior vice president at Kantar, Miniso embodies the lifestyle approach in nearly all its operations. The brand’s ability to resonate with consumers on an emotional level, offering products that align with contemporary tastes and trends, is a key driver of its rapid expansion.

    Similarly, 99 Ranch Market differentiates itself through its superior offerings. Marcotte highlights the supermarket’s produce, bakery, and prepared foods as being significantly ahead of traditional chain grocers. The presentation and quality of goods are compelling enough to convert first-time visitors into loyal customers, creating a strong emotional connection.

    The Value Of Belonging In Retail

    The NRF Hot 25 Retailers list emphasises that in an increasingly complex world, a sense of belonging is vital. Retailers that successfully provide this, alongside value and convenience, are seeing stronger customer loyalty. This trend extends beyond Asian-rooted brands, with convenience store chains like Casey’s General Stores (No. 13), QuikTrip (No. 20), and Wawa (No. 24) also making the list due to their strong community ties and distinctive offerings.

    For retailers in Asia-Pacific, the success of Miniso and 99 Ranch Market offers valuable insights. Many Asian markets are already highly competitive, but these examples show that a clear focus on lifestyle integration and superior product quality can create a distinct market position and drive exponential growth. Brands across the region, from local startups to established players, are continually seeking ways to deepen consumer engagement and foster loyalty beyond just transactional interactions.

  • Ecuadorian President Seeks Trade and Investment in China, Singapore, and Vietnam

    Ecuadorian President Seeks Trade and Investment in China, Singapore, and Vietnam

    Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa arrived in Beijing on Sunday for his first state visit to China, aiming to resolve suspensions on 14 Ecuadorian shrimp processors and secure fresh investment in energy and mining. This trip marks a significant economic outreach to Asia for the South American nation.

    President Noboa is scheduled to hold talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and China’s top legislator Zhao Leji. His visit to China concludes on August 23, after which his Asian tour will continue to Singapore and Vietnam until August 28.

    This is Noboa’s second visit to China since June last year, when he and President Xi signed a cooperation plan under the Belt and Road Initiative, which Ecuador joined in 2018. This state visit carries full ceremonial protocol and signifies an expectation for concrete outcomes. Beijing frames the visit around the decade-long comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Ecuador, hoping to strengthen political trust and advance their existing relationship.

    Economic Diplomacy Across Asia

    The president’s itinerary underscores a broader strategy to diversify and strengthen economic ties with key Asian economies. For China, securing access to Ecuadorian exports like shrimp and potentially copper, along with investment opportunities, aligns with its economic objectives in Latin America. The Belt and Road Initiative plays a central role in facilitating these partnerships, extending China’s influence and trade networks globally.

    Similarly, Noboa’s subsequent stops in Singapore and Vietnam signal an interest in expanding Ecuador’s trade and investment footprint beyond China. Singapore, a major financial and logistics hub in Southeast Asia, could serve as a gateway for Ecuadorian products into the wider ASEAN market. Vietnam, a growing economy with increasing consumer demand, also presents potential opportunities for bilateral trade and agricultural exports.

    Implications for Asian Markets and Supply Chains

    For retailers and businesses in Asia, Noboa’s visit could lead to more stable and diversified supply chains for goods like shrimp, a popular seafood product across the region. Increased Chinese investment in Ecuadorian mining and energy sectors could also impact global commodity markets, indirectly affecting Asian industrial output and pricing.

    The emphasis on securing foreign investment for energy and mining suggests a push for infrastructure development and resource extraction in Ecuador, which often involves the procurement of machinery, technology, and services from Asian suppliers. This strategic engagement by a Latin American leader with major Asian economies reflects a growing trend among nations worldwide to court investment and trade opportunities in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region. Businesses should watch for any new trade agreements or investment pledges that emerge from these discussions, as they could open new import/export channels and create fresh market dynamics.

  • Japan’s JDC Corp Backs Centuria’s $320 Million Sydney Office Acquisition

    Japan’s JDC Corp Backs Centuria’s $320 Million Sydney Office Acquisition

    JDC Corporation, a Tokyo-based construction and engineering group, has been named as one of three Japanese entities supporting Centuria Capital Group’s recent acquisition. Centuria purchased a 50 percent share in a prominent central Sydney office complex from Canada’s Brookfield for A$454 million, equivalent to $320.4 million.

    This investment highlights a continued trend of Japanese capital flowing into major Australian commercial property assets. Such cross-border deals are becoming more common across the Asia Pacific region, as investors seek stable returns and diversification in developed markets.

    Japanese Capital Fuels Sydney Deal

    The transaction, which completed recently, sees JDC Corporation join two other Japanese financial institutions in backing Centuria. While specific details of JDC’s contribution were not disclosed, its involvement signifies a strategic move by the company into the Australian real estate market. The Sydney office complex represents a significant asset, and its partial acquisition by Centuria with Japanese backing underscores the growing international interest in Australia’s commercial property sector.

    This type of investment is often driven by a combination of factors, including attractive yields compared to domestic markets, a strong legal framework, and the potential for capital growth. For Japanese firms, Australia offers a stable economic environment and a transparent real estate market, making it an appealing destination for outward investment.

    Implications for APAC Real Estate

    The involvement of JDC Corporation in a major Sydney office deal signals how Asian companies are increasingly deploying capital across the region’s diverse real estate markets. While the primary focus of JDC is construction and engineering, its financial backing for a significant property acquisition points to broader investment strategies. This move reflects a wider pattern observed by RetailNews Asia, where Asian investors, including developers, funds, and corporate entities, are actively acquiring commercial assets from retail spaces to logistics hubs across the region, from Singapore to Melbourne.

    These investments influence market dynamics by introducing new capital and sometimes new development approaches, impacting property values and competitive landscapes for all players, including retailers seeking prime locations and consumer brands looking for office or warehouse facilities. Such cross-border financial backing often precedes or runs in parallel with other Asian firms expanding their operational footprints in these markets.

  • ANA Introduces Framework to Standardise Retail Media Measurement

    ANA Introduces Framework to Standardise Retail Media Measurement

    The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has unveiled a new framework designed to tackle measurement challenges within the rapidly expanding retail media sector. This initiative comes as over US$100 billion is now invested globally in commerce media, with retail media networks struggling to provide consistent and comparable performance metrics across platforms.

    The ANA’s Retail Media Measurement Standardization report proposes a path towards a unified measurement ecosystem. It advocates for common standards across diverse retail media networks, increased transparency in performance calculations, and a greater reliance on independent third-party measurement providers. Leading brands, including PepsiCo, Hershey’s, Clorox, Kimberly-Clark, Mondelez, Bayer, and Intel, contributed to the framework’s development through the ANA’s Retail Media Working Group.

    Addressing Fragmentation in Retail Media

    Retail media has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the media mix, attracting significant brand investment. However, the fragmented nature of the ecosystem makes it difficult for marketers to compare the effectiveness of their spending across different platforms. This new framework seeks to establish a foundational measurement standard, allowing brands to better understand what truly drives results and to optimise their media strategies more effectively.

    For retailers and brands operating in Asia-Pacific, where e-commerce and digital retail media are also experiencing explosive growth, standardisation is crucial. As platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and regional supermarket chains expand their advertising offerings, consistent measurement practices would enable brands to allocate budgets more strategically and demonstrate clear returns on investment across diverse Asian markets. This move by the ANA provides a potential blueprint for similar efforts in the region, helping to mature the retail media landscape.

    Call For Transparency And Independent Verification

    The framework highlights three key areas for improvement: the establishment of common measurement standards that all retail media networks can adopt, enhanced transparency regarding how performance metrics are calculated and presented, and a wider acceptance and use of independent third-party measurement solutions. These recommendations aim to instill greater confidence among advertisers and foster healthier competition within the retail media space.

  • Minecraft Workshops Reconstruct Pre-Atomic Bombing Cities in Japan

    Minecraft Workshops Reconstruct Pre-Atomic Bombing Cities in Japan

    University students in Japan are using the popular video game Minecraft to educate children about the appearance of Hiroshima and Nagasaki before the atomic bombings of August 1945. These workshops aim to help participants grasp the scale of loss and destruction caused by the nuclear attacks.

    Misaki Katayama, a 27-year-old graduate student at the University of Tokyo specializing in peace education, initiated these two-day workshops in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 2023. The program targets elementary school students from fourth to sixth grade, tasking them with digitally rebuilding the pre-bombing cityscapes.

    Rebuilding History Through Gaming

    Participants utilize historical maps, photographs, and video footage to reconstruct significant areas within Minecraft, a game renowned for its block-building virtual environment. For instance, a workshop held in Hiroshima on August 4 and 5, 2023, saw students meticulously recreate the district where Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park now stands, including a temple and a kindergarten that were once part of the bustling neighborhood.

    Katayama’s inspiration for the project arose six years ago after an atomic bomb survivor (hibakusha) recounted an elementary student’s comment, “It was lucky that the atomic bomb was dropped on a park.” This statement highlighted a critical gap in understanding, as the student was unaware that the park site was once a vibrant, densely populated area. Katayama noted that as time passes, it becomes increasingly challenging for people to visualize the pre-bombing cities.

    Understanding Loss and Reality

    The workshops are structured to offer a comprehensive learning experience. On the first day, students gather historical information, plan their reconstructions, and build the cityscapes in Minecraft. This activity allows them to experience how long it takes to build a city and how quickly it can be destroyed. The second day transitions to a more somber reflection, where participants view images of hibakusha immediately after the bombing and listen to survivor testimonies. This segment helps them understand the stark reality of the attacks and their transformative impact.

    While digital technology can significantly broaden understanding of historical urban environments, Katayama acknowledges the challenge of ensuring participants remain focused on the educational objective rather than merely the game’s building aspect. She mitigates this by beginning workshops with a moment of silence for atomic bomb victims, emphasizing the gravity and respect required for the subject matter. Katayama believes these digital tools can stimulate imagination and encourage deeper reflection on the atomic bombings and the lives affected.

  • Indonesian Consumer Confidence And Retail Sales Impacted By Job Market Concerns

    Indonesian Consumer Confidence And Retail Sales Impacted By Job Market Concerns

    Consumer confidence in Indonesia has been negatively impacted by widespread concerns regarding job security and reduced purchasing power, according to a recent report by The Jakarta Post. This sentiment has led to a significant decline in the retail sales index for June.

    Bank Indonesia, the nation’s central bank, observed a sharp decrease in its retail sales index during June. Despite this downturn, the bank projects a potential improvement in retail sales figures for the subsequent month, suggesting a possible rebound in consumer activity.

    Questions & Answers

    What factors are primarily impacting Indonesian consumer confidence?
    Consumer confidence in Indonesia is primarily being affected by worries about job security and a perceived decline in spending power among the populace.

    How did these factors reflect on retail sales recently?
    These factors led to a sharp drop in Bank Indonesia’s retail sales index for June, indicating a reduction in consumer purchasing activity during that period.

    What is Bank Indonesia’s outlook for retail sales in the near future?
    Despite the June decline, Bank Indonesia forecasts an improvement in retail sales for the following month, suggesting a potential recovery in consumer spending.

  • Miniso Unveils First Miniso Friends Concept Store in Indonesia

    Miniso Unveils First Miniso Friends Concept Store in Indonesia

    Miniso has opened its first Miniso Friends store in Indonesia, introducing its expanded, IP-centric retail concept to the Greater Jakarta area. The new outlet is situated at Summarecon Mall Bekasi and occupies approximately 1500 square meters across two levels.

    The ground floor of the store features collectibles, including blind boxes, plush toys, and various licensed products. The lower level provides a broader selection of lifestyle, home goods, and everyday items. According to Miniso, roughly 60 percent of the merchandise consists of exclusive, first-launch, or limited-edition IP products. Initial offerings include items from One Piece 3.0, Persona, and the Sanrio Racing blind box series, alongside products featuring Sanrio, Disney, Harry Potter, and Spider-Man.

    Interactive Retail Experience

    This new store format integrates retail with interactive elements, allowing Miniso more space to present its growing portfolio of licensed and collectible goods. The opening coincides with a YoYo-themed exhibition, titled ‘YoYo’s Holiday Fun Starts at Miniso’, held in the mall’s central atrium until August 23. This event marks the character’s debut in Indonesia.

    Regional Expansion Strategy

    The launch in Indonesia follows Miniso’s strategy of expanding its larger-format stores across Asia. Last month, the retailer opened its first Miniso Land store in Macau, which represents a more premium format, as it continues to grow its IP-driven retail network throughout the region.

  • Prolonged Rains Slow Philippine Retail, Construction, and Logistics Sector

    Prolonged Rains Slow Philippine Retail, Construction, and Logistics Sector

    Extended monsoon rains are anticipated to negatively affect the third-quarter operations of consumer-facing companies and the construction sector in the Philippines. Logistics and mining firms may also experience higher costs and delays due to the persistent wet weather.

    Toby Allan C. Arce, head of sales trading at Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc., noted that the prolonged monsoon is likely to exert a moderate but discernible drag on corporate activity during the third quarter. The severity of the impact will depend on how long the challenging weather conditions last and if they cause significant damage to infrastructure or supply chains.

    Recent heavy rainfall and widespread flooding have disrupted transportation in Metro Manila and Luzon, leading to road closures and suspensions of work and classes.

    Retailers Face Reduced Foot Traffic

    Retailers, mall operators, and restaurants are likely to see a decrease in customer traffic as heavy rains discourage travel and discretionary spending. Companies like SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Robinsons Land Corp., Ayala Land, Inc., SM Investments Corp., Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc., and Puregold Price Club, Inc. Are among those that could experience softer physical sales.

    Large destination malls and retailers selling non-essential goods are more susceptible to consumers postponing visits. Supermarkets and essential retailers, however, tend to be more resilient as purchases are necessities and consumers can adjust their shopping times rather than cancel them entirely.

    John Tristan D. Reyes, President of BDO Securities Corp., confirmed that retailers could face weaker foot traffic and sales. Transportation issues could also disrupt store operations. Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC) reported that same-store sales at some 7-Eleven branches dropped by up to 20% on particularly rainy days recently, though overall sales momentum for July remained strong, partly thanks to the 7-Eleven Day promotion. The geographic diversity of 7-Eleven stores helped cushion the impact, with reduced traffic in some areas offset by activity in residential locations.

    Restaurants might see fewer dine-in customers, although delivery and takeout services could offer some mitigation. Food manufacturers are less exposed in the short term, as consumers continue to buy staple products. However, prolonged heavy rainfall could affect agricultural output, potentially leading to higher raw material costs and impacting food manufacturers and restaurant operators.

    Construction And Logistics Suffer Delays

    The construction and property development sectors are facing more direct operational challenges. Persistent rainfall reduces the number of workable days, which can delay project completion and property turnover. Outdoor activities like excavation and concrete work are particularly affected, and flooding can hinder worker access and material deliveries.

    Companies such as Ayala Land, SM Prime, Megaworld Corp., Filinvest Land, Inc., and Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. Could experience project delays. While this might not result in permanent revenue loss, it could shift revenue recognition to later periods. Infrastructure contractors and construction material suppliers face similar timing risks, with fewer workable days impacting project progress and third-quarter billings. Extended delays could strain companies that still incur fixed costs despite slower construction activity. In the long run, severe weather might also create demand for repairs, drainage, and flood-control projects.

    Logistics companies are also seeing increased operating expenses. Flooding and traffic congestion prolong delivery times and boost fuel consumption. Disruptions at ports and airports can also temporarily delay the movement of goods. For retailers and consumers across Asia, such weather-related disruptions highlight the critical need for resilient supply chains and diversified retail strategies to mitigate the impacts of increasingly unpredictable climate patterns.

  • 7-Eleven Unveils First Concept Store in Macau, Emphasizing Experiential Retail

    7-Eleven Unveils First Concept Store in Macau, Emphasizing Experiential Retail

    7-Eleven has opened its first concept store in Macau, bringing an experience-focused retail format that combines a broader shopping experience with traditional convenience offerings. This expansion follows similar successful concept store launches by the brand in Hong Kong and signals a strategic move to differentiate its presence in the region.

    The new Macau store aims to serve both residents and visitors, positioning itself as a destination for exploring trend culture, unique products, and diverse food options. RetailNews Asia has observed a growing trend among convenience store operators in Asia to evolve their formats, moving beyond basic transactions to offer enhanced consumer experiences, particularly in competitive urban markets.

    Expanding The Retail Experience

    The new 7-Eleven outlet is structured around three core pillars: an innovative retail design, an exploratory shopping journey, and an expanded selection of ready-to-eat food. Its product mix includes a variety of trendy toys, collectibles, and specialty items, alongside the usual food and beverages.

    The store features 7-Eleven’s signature green tones, complemented by soft, natural lighting. An open layout is created by shelving positioned along both side walls, designed to guide customers through different product zones. This deliberate design aims to encourage discovery and longer dwell times.

    Specialty Products And Food Offerings

    A key highlight of the Macau concept store is a dedicated section for collectibles and blind boxes. This zone shows collectible toys, trading cards, and trending accessories, including popular brands like Beyblade X, JOGUMAN, and Sanrio blind boxes. The store also carries exclusive items such as the “7-Eleven meets niko and …” collaboration collection. Also, it will launch Macau-themed clicker toys styled after mahjong tiles, with plans to introduce limited-edition products periodically.

    The food and beverage selection includes 7CAFÉ and Tsat Jai Sik Dong, offering local favorites such as siu mai, fish balls, stirred noodles, and milk tea. Patrick Lui, managing director of 7-Eleven Hong Kong & Macau, indicated that the company sees significant potential in Macau for this elevated retail approach. This strategy mirrors 7-Eleven’s earlier concept store openings in Causeway Bay, Kai Tak, and Tseung Kwan O, which have successfully established themselves as neighborhood attractions.

  • Australian Retail Media Growth Needs Surgical Approach, Not Broad Strokes

    Australian Retail Media Growth Needs Surgical Approach, Not Broad Strokes

    Australian retailers and brands are being urged to adopt a more precise, data-driven approach to retail media, moving away from traditional broad-stroke advertising. Experts from Omnicom and Flywheel Australia highlight that significant growth in the Australian market is often missed by conventional spending, which fails to identify specific products, shopper segments, and critical moments that drive compounding sales.

    According to Mohammad Heidari Far, Managing Director of Flywheel Australia, the unit of precision required for effective retail media is much smaller than most current strategies allow. He emphasizes that treating diverse shopper groups, such as grocery, marketplace, and quick commerce customers, as a single audience is a misstep. Instead, surgical growth begins with identifying the initial product a customer buys, as this ‘point of market entry’ can predict their long-term value (CLTV) to the brand portfolio.

    Targeting Hidden Growth Pockets

    This refined approach relies on connecting product-level purchase data directly to a customer’s identity, transforming targeting from probabilistic guesswork into a near-deterministic process. An example cited involves a consumer health group with two related brands. Cross-purchase analysis revealed that 24 per cent of new-to-brand customers for the first brand bought a product from the second brand within three months, often on a different day, showing a sequential path that a single-brand view would not typically detect.

    Such insights allow brands to deliberately engineer customer journeys rather than leaving them to chance. Other insights reveal that shoppers who convert more than a day after seeing an advertisement tend to have larger basket sizes, indicating that plans solely focused on same-day returns may undervalue their most valuable customers.

    using Data and Automation

    In Australia, precision data access varies significantly. While Amazon offers self-service access to product and customer signals, similar insights from other major retailers typically require collaboration with their internal media teams, introducing potential delays and interpretation layers. Far suggests that brands should utilize mature environments like Amazon to develop frameworks and ‘muscle memory’ for precise targeting, preparing them to exploit similar capabilities as other retail media networks in the region evolve.

    Managing thousands of micro-segments manually would be overwhelming, so automation is key. Flywheel Commerce Cloud provides a standardized layer that handles repeatable decisions, freeing human teams to focus on critical judgement calls, such as identifying key ‘front door’ products or strategic cross-brand paths to fund. This blend of automation and human insight proved effective for the consumer health brand, which re-sequenced its plan around these signals for a major sales event. By retargeting first-brand buyers with the second brand at opportune moments and applying negative targeting at pharmacy retailers to ensure incremental sales, the brand saw new-to-brand sales rise by 47 per cent and return on ad spend more than doubled year-on-year. This precision also led to a fall in cost per click during peak trading due to hour-by-hour bidding adjustments.

    The Australian retail market is highly concentrated, with five major retailers commanding roughly a third of all sales. In this environment, brands that can surgically identify and pursue growth opportunities will gain a competitive edge over those with broader, less targeted spending. The focus shifts from simply measuring sales volume to understanding customer entry points that can build sustained growth over several years.

    Retailers across the Asia-Pacific region, many of whom are developing their own retail media networks, could benefit from similar data-driven strategies. As e-commerce penetration and digital advertising grow across markets like Southeast Asia and India, the ability to turn broad customer data into actionable, surgical campaigns will be a crucial differentiator for brands seeking to optimize their marketing spend and deepen customer relationships.

  • Nestlé Targets GLP-1 Drug Users with AI-Driven Nutritional Products, Expands Asia Offerings

    Nestlé Targets GLP-1 Drug Users with AI-Driven Nutritional Products, Expands Asia Offerings

    Nestlé is strategically adapting to the growing market of GLP-1 weight-loss drug users, turning a potential threat to packaged food sales into a new business avenue. The company is employing artificial intelligence and advanced nutritional science to create products designed for millions of consumers globally who use medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.

    The rapid uptake of drugs from pharmaceutical giants like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly has raised concerns among investors about a potential long-term decrease in demand for traditional packaged foods, snacks, and beverages. However, Nestlé views this shift as an opportunity to cater to the specific needs of these consumers, particularly in managing the side effects of rapid weight loss.

    Addressing Side Effects With Targeted Nutrition

    Chief technology officer Stefan Palzer noted that Nestlé is well-positioned to serve this emerging market. The company is using AI and other technologies to analyse clinical research, pinpoint optimal nutrient combinations, and develop products specifically for GLP-1 users. Presentation materials highlighted side effects such as muscle loss and the reduction of facial fat, known as “Ozempic face,” indicating areas where Nestlé’s products can offer support.

    With an estimated 16 million Americans currently using GLP-1 medicines, a number expected to grow significantly, Nestlé’s response includes accelerating research and product development through AI. Its scientists are focusing on the consequences of rapid weight loss, developing items to help consumers manage muscle health, hydration, and overall nutritional intake.

    For example, Nestlé has incorporated collagen protein into products under its Vital Proteins brand to address concerns about skin, hair, and nail health. The company has also patented combinations of proprietary ingredients aimed at reducing the increased hunger some consumers experience after discontinuing GLP-1 treatments. In the United States, Nestlé introduced Boost Advanced Nutrition Shake, containing 35g of protein for muscle health. Crucially for the Asian market, Nestlé has launched Milo PRO High Protein, a higher-protein version of its popular malt drink, in Asia and Australia.

    AI’s Role in Product Innovation

    Artificial intelligence is becoming integral to Nestlé’s product development cycle. The company has created internal systems to sift through scientific literature, simulate consumer behaviour, identify market trends, and assist product developers in navigating a vast database of approximately 120,000 recipes.

    One such tool, an internal platform named Food Genie, helps scientists and developers predict product performance and identify opportunities for reformulation. Palzer explained that AI thrives on data, which a large company like Nestlé possesses in abundance. Nestlé is experimenting with AI-driven consumer simulations to forecast how shoppers will react to new products and health claims before they reach retail shelves. The company is also using AI to monitor social media for emerging consumer trends, helping to distinguish fleeting fads from lasting market shifts.

    Despite Nestlé’s efforts, some nutrition experts, such as Amanda Avery, associate professor in nutrition and dietetics at the University of Nottingham, question the significant advantages of specialized products over whole, fresh foods. Avery pointed out that meat, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and pulses remain relatively inexpensive sources of protein and nutrients. However, she acknowledged that marketing often influences consumer choices, suggesting that Nestlé’s targeted products are likely to find a receptive audience.

  • Korea’s Chief Trade Negotiator Dismissed Amid Escalating US Tariff Pressure

    Korea’s Chief Trade Negotiator Dismissed Amid Escalating US Tariff Pressure

    South Korea’s chief trade negotiator, Yeo Han-koo, has been dismissed from his role. The Ministry of Personnel Management notified Yeo of his dismissal on Friday, according to officials. This decision occurs amid heightened pressure from the United States regarding tariffs and other bilateral trade issues.

    A Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official confirmed the dismissal but did not provide a specific reason. Despite speculation linking his departure to tariff negotiations between Seoul and Washington, a government official speaking to Yonhap News Agency stated that the dismissal was unrelated to these talks. Yeo himself addressed rumors of personal misconduct, calling them unfounded and threatening legal action against false reports.

    Mounting US Pressure

    The dismissal happens at a critical juncture for bilateral trade relations. The United States is pressing Seoul to accelerate its investment commitments under a prior tariff agreement. Also, there is an ongoing dispute concerning fines imposed on the US-listed e-commerce giant Coupang for a personal data breach.

    Just days before Yeo’s dismissal, on Thursday, US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation imposing new tariffs. These included a 15 percent levy on drones and their components imported from Korea, among other items. Yeo had previously served as trade minister under the Moon Jae-in administration and was reappointed in May 2025 by the Lee Jae Myung administration, playing a key role in trade discussions with Washington.