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.

  • Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Cebu Pacific to launch Laoag flights in May

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is set to mount flights to the Ilocos Norte capital of Laoag starting May 22, making it the 35th domestic destination in the airline’s network.

    Cebu Pacific said flights from Manila to Laoag will be daily, as the airline seeks to tap travelers seeking to explore the Ilocos region.

    “Laoag plays a crucial role in preserving the country’s rich history and culture, and we are excited to finally be able to bring more Juans to this beautiful city,” President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander Lao said in a statement.

    “We hope the launch of the Laoag route will encourage more people to travel and experience the Ilocos region,” he added.

    The carrier reported a P14-billion net loss in 2022, marking an improvement from the P24.9-billion net loss incurred in the previous year as it cut its operating loss by about half to P11.4 billion.

    The company is set to add 11 more aircraft to its fleet this 2023, seeking to return to profitability within the first quarter of the year.

    Shares in Cebu Air Inc., which operates the carrier, were trading up by P0.05 or 0.12% at P41.70 apiece as of 11:59 a.m. on Wednesday.

  • Gold prices rise

    Gold prices rise

    SJC gold price rose 0.07% to VND67.1 million ($2,858.97) per tael Tuesday morning. Gold ring price went up 0.36% to VND56.1 million per tael.

    Globally gold prices edged lower on Tuesday as traders assessed the likely path of the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy after data showed a slump in U.S. manufacturing activity and as OPEC+’s production cut sparked inflationary risks.

    Spot gold was down 0.2% at $1,980.39 per ounce. U.S. gold futures dipped 0.1% to $1,997.70.

    The dollar index was slightly higher, making bullion expensive for overseas buyers.

    Gold in the near term could see “consolidative price action in absence of a fresh catalyst and as markets monitor the extent of price gains in oil as that may throw a curve ball on inflation outlook and complicate monetary policy decision,” said OCBC FX strategist Christopher Wong.

    Oil prices steadied with investors’ attention shifting to demand trends and the impact of higher prices on the global economy.

  • Toys ‘R’ Us Asia names Leo Tsoi as new CEO

    Toys ‘R’ Us Asia names Leo Tsoi as new CEO

    The Board of Directors of Toys”R”Us Asia (Holding) Limited, (“Toys”R”Us Asia”), the leading retailer of toy and baby products in ten markets across Asia, today announced the appointment of Leo Tsoi to the role of Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board, effective April 1, 2023.

    Mr. Tsoi brings to the role more than 27 years of consumer retail experience and business leadership in large multi-national brands across Asia. Most recently, Leo served as Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks China where he also served as a member of the Starbucks Global Executive Leadership Team.  Prior to that, Leo held a series of senior roles at Starbucks China including President of Retail, COO, CMO and VP of Store Development & Design, where he played a crucial role in the company’s growth and transformation. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Tsoi held senior positions in iconic international companies, Pepsico and Procter & Gamble, in Greater China.

    “Following an extensive global search, we’re thrilled to welcome Leo Tsoi to Toys”R”Us Asia as our new CEO,” said Drew M. Nuland, Chairman, Toys”R”Us Asia. “Over the course of his career, Leo has distinguished himself as a bold innovator and inspiring leader who has led rapid growth over a diverse range of product portfolios. He has a proven track record not only in operational efficiency, digital transformation and brand management, but also in engaging customers throughout the region.”

    “I’m honoured to take on this leadership role with Toys”R”Us Asia, a dynamic and respected retail brand with a strong vision to fuel the imagination of children and inspire their development through play,” said Leo Tsoi, incoming Chief Executive Officer of Toys”R”Us Asia. “I look forward to working with the dedicated teams in our markets to serve our communities across Asia through an elevated customer experience and with meaningful innovations to capture the tremendous growth opportunities ahead.”

    Mr. Tsoi assumes the helm of Toys”R”Us Asia from Interim CEO Pieter Schats, who will remain a member of the Board.

    “As Toys”R”Us Asia continues to elevate the customer experience in-store and online and build more personalized relationships with kids and families, we’re confident that Leo’s proven leadership skills, extensive consumer knowledge and unwavering focus on people will enable our teams to accelerate growth throughout the region,” added Mr. Nuland.

  • 7 Best Virtual Makeup Try-On Online Services

    7 Best Virtual Makeup Try-On Online Services

    In today’s digital age, when technology has revolutionized almost every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that makeup has also gone virtual. The emergence of virtual makeup try-on services has made it easier than ever before for beauty enthusiasts to experiment with different makeup looks and products without leaving the comfort of their homes. So, whether you’re a makeup newbie or a seasoned pro, these 7 virtual makeup try-on tools are guaranteed to change your beauty game for the better.

    1. Banuba’s TINT

    Banuba’s TINT stands out among numerous virtual makeup try-on services available due to its exceptional features. Combining AI-powered facial recognition technology with AR, TINT provides an incredibly realistic makeup try-on experience. Its wide selection of cosmetic products, including lipsticks, blushes, eyeliners, and eyeshadows, allows users to experiment with different makeup looks effortlessly. TINT also provides virtual hair try-on, enabling users to preview various hair colors and styles before making the final decision. However, TINT is not your average virtual try-on service, as it offers personalized makeup suggestions using advanced facial recognition algorithms and machine learning technology. The tool analyzes users’ skin tone, eye color, and face shape to suggest the most ideal products. It’s like having your own personal makeup artist right at your fingertips!

    1. L’Oreal Makeup Genius

    L’Oreal Makeup Genius is an augmented reality makeup try-on app that allows users to experiment with a variety of makeup looks using their smartphone camera. The app features a wide range of products, from L’Oreal’s own brand to other popular ones. With accurate color-matching technology and a user-friendly interface, L’Oreal Makeup Genius is the perfect way to try on makeup looks before purchasing a product.

    1. Sephora Virtual Artist

    Tired of playing makeup roulette and not knowing if a product will work for you? Welcome Sephora Virtual Artist, the revolutionary virtual makeup try-on service that lets you experiment with different cosmetic items without ever having to leave your house. With this software, you will finally say no to the frustration of finding the perfect shade of lipsticks or eyeshadows. The app uses AR to create a virtual mirror that allows you to see how exactly the  product will look on your face. No more guessing or hoping for the best—you can try on cosmetics with just a tap of your finger.

    1. ModiFace

    When it comes to virtual makeup try-on services, Modiface is a true game-changer. This innovative app uses advanced augmented reality technology to provide users with a seamless and realistic virtual makeup experience. One of the most impressive features of Modiface is its ability to detect and analyze even the slightest details of your facial features. The app uses sophisticated algorithms to map out your face and then applies makeup accordingly, resulting in a virtual try-on tool that looks and feels incredibly realistic. But Modiface doesn’t just stop there. This app also includes a wide range of beauty tools and features that can help you create your perfect look. From personalized makeup recommendations to skincare analysis, Modiface has it all.

    1. Bobbi Brown Virtual Try-On

    Bobbi Brown Virtual Try-On is ideal for anyone who adores makeup. But what really sets this tool apart is its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. With over 50 shades available for foundation and a wide range of other products, the Bobbi Brown Virtual Try-On ensures that people of all skin tones and types can find the perfect match for their needs. With it, shopping for makeup will become easier, more fun, and more inclusive than ever before.

    1. YouCam Makeup

    Ever wanted to experiment with new makeup looks and products, but weren’t sure where to start? Well, look no further than YouCam Makeup, the virtual makeup try-on app that lets you unleash your inner beauty artist. With its advanced facial recognition technology, YouCam Makeup creates a 3D model of your face, allowing you to try on different makeup looks in real time. This means that you can experiment with a variety of makeup styles, from bold and dramatic to subtle and natural, all from the comfort of your own couch. But perhaps the most exciting thing about YouCam Makeup is its community aspect. You can connect with other beauty enthusiasts from around the world and share your makeup looks, tips, and tricks. This creates a supportive community where everyone can learn from each other and feel inspired to try new things.

    1. Charlotte Tilbury Virtual Try-On

    Have you heard about Charlotte Tilbury Virtual Try-On? It’s a super cool tool that lets you try on makeup virtually, without having to actually apply it on your face. All you have to do is upload a selfie or use your phone camera, and the tool will show you how the different makeup products would look on your face. You can even try on different looks created by Charlotte Tilbury herself! With its innovative use of augmented reality technology and personalized makeup consultation, it is no wonder that this tool has become a popular favorite among beauty enthusiasts worldwide.

    Final Thoughts

    Who would have imagined that trying on makeup could be so easy and convenient? Thanks to these 7 virtual makeup try-on services, there is no need to step out of the house to try on makeup looks anymore. From personalized makeup suggestions to advanced facial recognition technology, these services offer a level of innovation and convenience that was once unimaginable. Regardless of your makeup expertise, these virtual makeup try-on tools will definitely revolutionize your beauty routine.

     

  • Boeing recruits interns in Vietnam

    Boeing recruits interns in Vietnam

    U.S. aerospace company Boeing interviewed 40 applicants at a number of universities in Vietnam and hired two.

    Luu Van Thuan, head of the faculty of aviation engineering, Vietnam Aviation Academy, said the world’s largest aircraft manufacturer worked with the academy to interview two of its alumni on March 27.

    Three students in Hanoi University of Science and Technology’s aviation engineering and mechanics training program, including one in just the second year, were interviewed.

    The universities said this is the first time Boeing executives have come from the U.S. to universities in Vietnam to hire interns.

    The successful candidates will work for two months in Hanoi and one month in the U.S. this summer, participate in hardware and software designing and preparing technical documents for aircraft systems and read maintenance manuals for flight operations and aircraft maintenance.

    They may also be involved in solving problems related to aircraft structure.

    Nguyen Binh Thang, who graduated from the Vietnam Aviation Academy last January and then joined it, was one of its two alumni to be interviewed.

    “Being interviewed by Boeing is the dream of aviation students,” he said.

    Nguyen Thi Huong, 23, the other, said Boeing recruits interns for aviation engineering and electrical-electronics. “This is a very good opportunity because the company only used to recruit students in the U.S.”

    Boeing looked for candidates with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, relevant work experience and an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher.

    Thang and Huong said the interview was in English, and lasted 15-20 minutes.

    The Vietnam Aviation Academy said in the next 30 years Southeast Asia would need some 4,000 aircraft, with Vietnam being the biggest operator.

    Boeing has been in Vietnam since 1995.

  • AirAsia resumes service from Don Mueang to Macao

    AirAsia resumes service from Don Mueang to Macao

    AirAsia has resumed its service between Bangkok (Don Mueang) and Macao. The route is operated four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a 100% load factor on both the inbound and outbound legs of the inaugural service.

    The inaugural flight was welcomed at Don Mueang Airport with a special ceremony and souvenirs for passengers.

    “The figures reinforce that Macao remains a top destination for Thai travellers and that Thailand is still a popular place to visit for Chinese tourists,” said Ms. Tansita Akrarittipirom, Head of Commercial, AirAsia Thailand. “Macao is a major tourism destination for Thai people due to its fame as a place of spirituality, European architecture in Asia and leisure.

    We received strong support from the Macao Government Tourism Office in opening this route, which will provide opportunities to stimulate the economies of both sides by spurring travel.”

  • Google suspends China’s Pinduoduo app on security concerns

    Google suspends China’s Pinduoduo app on security concerns

    Google has suspended the Play version of Chinese eCommerce app Pinduoduo after security issues were discovered in app versions outside Google’s app store. 

    Off-Play versions of the app that have been found to contain malware have been enforced on via Google Play Protect, and the Play version of the app has been suspended for security concerns.

    Meanwhile, Pinduoduo has also confirmed to Reuters that the app has been temporarily suspended as the current version is not compliant with Google’s Policy. No further details were shared, according to the report.

    The Pinduoduo app no longer appears in Google Play. Meanwhile, both shoppers and sellers versions of Pinduoduo App are still available to download on Apple’s iOS store. It was unclear if there are similar security concerns around the Pinduoduo app for Apple users.

    Founded in 2015 by PDD Holdings, Pingduoduo started as a fresh agriculture platform before expanding to a leading social commerce player serving approximately 900 million users, according to its website. As a company rooted in agriculture, Pinduoduo has worked with more than 16 million farmers and their communities to take part in and benefit from the fast-growing digital economy. True to its slogan “Together, More savings, More fun”, Pinduoduo strives to bring fun into consumers’ shopping journey.

  • Your wishlist features may finally make it to iOS 17

    Your wishlist features may finally make it to iOS 17

    The latest iPhone operating system, iOS 16, introduced many new features and visual changes such as a customizable Lock Screen, live activities, skipping CAPTCHAs, and the capability to unsend and edit iMessages. It was quite a buggy release though and Apple had to release several fixes to address issues with it. This, along with Apple’s focus on its rumored mixed-reality headset’s xrOS operating system, was expected to negatively impact iOS 17 but it now looks like the next iOS version will be more than a stability update.

    In January, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said iOS 17, which is codenamed Dawn, would have fewer major changes than initially planned. In the latest edition of his Sunday newsletter, the esteemed journalist says that iOS 17 won’t just focus on ironing out bugs and improving performance. Apple has changed its strategy and iOS 17 is now expected to have several new features.

    It’s still not going to be as big of an update as iOS 16 though but it could include many user-requested features. Gurman didn’t go into the specifics about the features. But, as always, we have rumors to fill in the gaps.

    First of all, it’s highly likely that iOS 17 will allow sideloading, meaning you wouldn’t be dependent on App Store for app downloads. Other than that, Apple may revamp iMessage with a new home, chat rooms, video clips, and AR chat features. A leaker with a questionable track record had also said that iOS 17 would largely focus on stability and efficiency and Apple could make changes to Mail, Fitness, Wallet, Home, and Find My apps. iOS 17 may also come with an app for Apple’s AR/VR headset.
    iOS 17 will likely be announced at the next Worldwide Developers Conference, which will apparently take place on June 5 and will be rolled out to eligible iPhones (iPhone XS and later models, presumably) sometime around mid-September.
  • Sex messages coax phone users into dubious downloads

    Sex messages coax phone users into dubious downloads

    Vietnamese cell phone users have been receiving a spate of sexual messages from strangers in recent times that also ask them to click on links.

    The messages that came from handles such as “Lam tinh” (Making love), “Gai goi” (Call girl) and “Tim ban tinh” (Seeking love partners) began at the end of February, and have increased since last week.

    Phuong Thanh in Hanoi’s Cau Giay District said she received text messages from obscene sender names twice last week.

    When she was dining out with friends once the entire group received a message from the same sender with identical content telling to access a link for details.

    Thanh Lam in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 said he has received similar messages in the last few days. When he clicked on the link that came with the message, he was redirected to a website that introduced a dating app and told users to download it.

    “I knew it was a scam, so I didn’t go ahead. However, it will be very dangerous if the bad guys use aliases to impersonate organizations such as network carriers, banks and e-wallets,” he said. “Then gullible people are very likely to be deceived.”

    Many phone users received messages with obscene content.

    The difference with the old scam is that the obscene messages do not display a phone number, only a preset sender name.

    In telecommunications, it is known as an “alias,” and is used only in brand-name messages registered by companies and owners of product brands.

    Computer security expert Ngo Minh Hieu, aka HieuPC, the founder of a non-profit named “Chong lua dao” (Anti-phishing), said scammers change scripts constantly.

    “When phone users are wary of messages impersonating banks, scammers turn to scenarios that target curiosity.”

    The applications that are sent for downloading are mainly spyware capable of collecting user information, he said.

    Experts advise phone users not to click on unknown links, carefully check a website before downloading apps or entering passwords and set up OTP (one-time password) security for accounts and install security software on their computers and mobile phones.

  • Vietnam to raise air ticket price cap

    Vietnam to raise air ticket price cap

    The Ministry of Transport will increase the domestic air ticket price ceiling in Vietnam by an average of 3.75% later this year, a decision to delight local carriers.

    The maximum airfare on four out of five flight distances will rise in the second or third quarter, according to a recent Ministry of Finance price report.

    The biggest increase will be 6.67% (to VND4 million or $170) for one-way tickets on flights of 1,280 kilometers (Hanoi to Phu Quoc Island) and longer.

    Flights between 1,000 and 1,280 kilometers will see their ticket cap price rise 6.25% to VND3.4 million.

    Flights of smaller distances will see their maximum price rise by between 2.27% and 3.58%.

    Flights under 500 kilometers will see no ceiling change. Their prices will remain at a maximum of VND1.7 million per one-way ticket.

    The cap price increase will likely increase Vietnam’s 2023 Consumer Price Index by 0.07% points.

    Earlier this year, Vietnam Airlines and Bamboo Airways proposed increasing the cap ticket price to take into account rising in costs.

    The airfare price cap was last increased in 2015.

    By November last year, fuel costs had surged more than 80% from September 2015, which raised airlines’ total expenses by 33.5%, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).

    Bamboo Airways CEO Nguyen Manh Quan has argued that the price cap be applied only to air routes operated by a single carrier.

    For routes with two carriers or more, the cap should be removed so the “market can adjust by itself,” he said.

    Some analysts have said that the price cap is unreasonable and could slow the growth of domestic aviation.

    In 2021, the CAAV proposed that air routes with three carriers or more have no price cap to allow for more healthy competition in services.

  • Bamboo Airways to raise $425M through rights issue

    Bamboo Airways to raise $425M through rights issue

    Bamboo Airways plans to make a rights issue of shares to increase its capital by 54%, or nearly VND10 trillion (US$425.44 million), to fund operations and pay off debts.

    It will offer 35 new shares for every 100 held and the issuance will be made this year.

    It currently has a charter capital of VND18.5 trillion.

    The proposal will be presented to shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting on Apr. 10.

    The airline has said it has found a buyer to take it over.

    Former chairman Trinh Van Quyet, arrested last year for alleged stock manipulation, owns a 55.5% stake in it.

    The buyer, whose identity has not been revealed, has agreed to take over the entire debts and provide Quyet with the money he might have to pay as fines and indemnification for the stock manipulation that led to his arrest.

  • Steel prices surge in face of declining demand

    Steel prices surge in face of declining demand

    Vietnam’s major manufacturers have raised steel prices to a 7-month high despite plunging demand.

    On Tuesday, Hoa Phat Group hiked its prices for rebar steel by 0.95% to VND15.99 million ($678.55) per ton.

    Local steelmakers Viet Y, Viet Duc, Kyoei and Viet My all made similar adjustments, while Pomina’s price tag towered above at VND17.6 million, 10% higher than market average.

    Manufacturers said that steel prices, which are now at their highest point since August, have been rising since October last year due to an input materials shortage prompted by declining billet production.

    Steel billets are raw steel bars not yet processed for the market, and billet makers reduced production due to low prices in earlier months.

    Steel demand will likely remain meager in upcoming months.

    Steel products sales in the first two months of 2023 plunged 23% year-on-year to 3.8 million tons, while exports dropped 10% to 1 million tons.

    Analysts at brokerage Mirae Asset Vietnam said that the steel market is largely dependent on the property sector, and the real estate market cool down this year has thus adversely affected the steel industry.

    Steel production is therefore expected to drop 10.5% from last year to under $17.9 million tons this year.

    However, manufacturers hope that public spending, which is set to hit an historic high of VND704 trillion this year, will help boost demand as the government aims to disburse at least 95% of that figure.

  • Japanese retailers expand in Vietnam, targeting affluent

    Japanese retailers expand in Vietnam, targeting affluent

    Targeting consumers is not much affected by the difficult economic situation, Japanese retailers are opening more stores in Vietnam.

    Uniqlo, which has 15 stores in Vietnam after entering three years ago, last month announced plans to expand to the southern province of Binh Duong, with a first store to be opened this spring or summer.

    Also in Vietnam for three years, MUJI opened a 2,000-square meter store in HCMC’s Thu Duc City that sells everything from food, home appliances and clothing to furniture, stationery and accessories.

    Even amid the Covid pandemic and economic distress, it had five stores, three in HCMC and two in Hanoi.
    Its stores in Vietnam are the largest at around 2,000 square meters on average.

    “The size in Vietnam is almost double the average in other countries, including Japan,” Tetsuya Nagaiwa, general director of MUJI Vietnam, said.

    He added that it plans to open more stores in Hanoi in the second quarter of this year.

    Aeon started building its seventh outlet in Vietnam in February in the central city of Hue. at a cost of U$169.67 million. It will be the largest mall in the central region when it opens by April 2025.

    A recent business survey by the Japan External Trade Promotion Organization found that 100% of Japanese retail businesses in Vietnam expect profits to increase this year.

    Of them 80% said they would expand in the next one to two years.

    Japanese retailers are doing well partly because, like everywhere else, high income earners in Vietnam are recession proof.

    “We see strong demand for high-value products,” Nagaiwa said, adding that MUJI’s sales remained good because young consumers prefer its stationery, cosmetics and furniture.

    Japanese chains also sell online shopping support made-in- Vietnam products.

    In November 2021 Uniqlo started selling online through an application, and introducing Vietnamese agricultural products.

    MUJI has steadily increased the local content rate and looked for local suppliers.

    Nagaiwa said goods made in Vietnam account for 30% of its products and 97-98% in the case of products like T-shirts, backpacks and messenger bags. “We hope these numbers will increase in future.”

    After discovering that the Vietnamese stationery market only had the popular and high-end segments and not the mid-range one, MUJI started selling ballpoint pens for VND19,000 ($0.8), attracting students, who liked Japanese goods with minimalist designs.

  • The Future of Powerball Prizes: What to Expect from Future Jackpots

    The Future of Powerball Prizes: What to Expect from Future Jackpots

    Powerball jackpots are a highly anticipated event for millions of lottery players across the United States. These jackpots have become synonymous with the idea of “striking it rich” and the excitement of the lottery industry. In fact, Powerball jackpots have had a significant impact on the lottery industry as a whole, with many other games attempting to replicate their success. So let’s see what we can expect from the future of  Powerball jackpots and prize payouts. We will be analyzing current trends, historical data, and potential factors that could affect the size of future jackpots. 

    Factors Affecting Future Powerball Jackpots

    The future of Powerball jackpots is subject to a variety of factors that will shape the game and its payouts. In this section, we will explore some of the most important factors that are likely to impact the size of future Powerball jackpots.

    A significant factor that is likely to contribute to larger Powerball jackpots in the future is an increase in population and demand for lottery games. As the population grows, more people are likely to play Powerball, which in turn will increase the size of the jackpots. In addition, advances in technology have made it easier for people to play Powerball online on 1xBet, which could further increase the player pool.

    Changes in Powerball game rules and prize structures are also likely to impact the size of future jackpots. In recent years, we have seen changes to the Powerball game, including the addition of a multiplier feature and an increase in the number of balls used in the drawing. These changes have led to larger jackpots, and it is likely that future changes will continue to impact jackpot size.

    Economic factors such as inflation and interest rates are also important when considering the size of future Powerball jackpots. Inflation can erode the value of lottery winnings over time, making it more difficult to achieve larger payouts. Interest rates can also impact jackpot payouts, as larger jackpots may require the lottery to pay out over a longer period of time, leading to lower overall payouts.

    Predictions for Future Powerball Jackpots

    Making predictions for the future of Powerball jackpots is a challenging task, but one that is important for players, the lottery industry, and other stakeholders. In this section, we will examine some of the trends and historical data that can help us make predictions for the future of Powerball jackpots.

    Based on current trends, it is likely that we will continue to see larger and larger Powerball jackpots in the future. As the player pool grows and game rules and prize structures evolve, the potential for larger payouts will increase. Additionally, the increasing availability of online ticket sales could also contribute to larger jackpots, as more people are able to play Powerball from the comfort of their own homes.

    There is also the potential for record-breaking Powerball jackpots in the future. The current record jackpot of $1.586 billion was set in January 2016, and it is possible that this record could be broken in the years to come. If the player pool continues to grow and other factors align, we could see jackpots that exceed $2 billion or even $3 billion.

    These potential record-breaking jackpots could have significant effects on the lottery industry and Powerball game rules. As jackpots grow, more people are likely to play, which could increase revenues for lotteries and provide more funding for education and other programs. However, larger jackpots may also lead to more controversy and scrutiny, particularly if players feel that the odds of winning are too low.

    In addition, larger jackpots could lead to changes in Powerball game rules and prize structures. As we have seen in the past, changes to the game can have a significant impact on the size of jackpots, and it is likely that future changes will continue to impact the game and its payouts.

    Conclusion

    Based on current trends and historical data, it is likely that we will continue to see larger and larger Powerball jackpots in the future. As we move into the future, it will be important for lotteries and game organizers to carefully consider the potential impact of larger jackpots and make changes to the game as necessary. By staying attuned to the needs and desires of players, the lottery industry can continue to thrive and provide valuable support to communities across the country.



  • Factories find ways to deal with decreasing exports

    Factories find ways to deal with decreasing exports

    Finding new and niche markets is how factories cope with the fall in export orders.

    After seeing orders from Europe plunge by 70% in recent weeks, shoemaker Chang Shuen in the southern province of Binh Duong quickly turned to the U.S., a market it has yet to pay attention to for nearly a decade.

    According to Doan Sy Loi, its CEO, the prices of products made for the U.S. market are always at least 15% lower than for the European market.

    When exporting to Europe, Chang Shuen only needs to make 5,000 pairs of shoes a day to turn a profit, but needs 6,000-6,500 pairs in the case of the U.S., he said.

    “During difficult times I have to do more to make a profit.” However, one advantage is that orders from the U.S. are five to 10 times larger than from Europe, he said.

    He added that the larger volumes attune workers, making production smooth and speedy. Garment company Dony in Ho Chi Minh City recently sent executives to the Middle East to meet and negotiate with wholesalers for big brands, its director, Pham Quang Anh, said.

    If the price is good, importers are willing to order in bulk and take delivery over one or two years, he said. “I offered a lower price than before. They immediately agreed to increase the order quantity by 300%.”

    With the extended delivery time, the factory could better manage its production schedules, he said.

    Often it had to buy raw materials at short notice and thus high prices, he said. Workers had to work overtime, increasing labor costs, or the factory had to hire causal labor with poor skills, often resulting in faulty goods.

    Pham Xuan Hong, president of the HCMC Association of Garment-Textile-Embroidery-Knitting, said many businesses are also looking for niche markets and new partners.

    They are developing green products from recycled materials, and targeting high-end segments and customers.

    He expects orders to recover by 90% by the end of the third quarter.