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Category: Living

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

  • Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ gets ready for Myanmar’s new RTGS system

    Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ gets ready for Myanmar’s new RTGS system

    Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ (BTMU) is preparing its systems in Myanmar for the launch of Central Bank’s (CBM) real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system.

    Launch is set for the end of 2015 and the development forms part of Myanmar’s move to modernisation. CBM also has the backing of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the World Bank.

    CBM is assisting local banks and foreign banks’ branch offices in preparation of the new system, which will allow the immediate settlement of large domestic interbank payments.

    In an interview with The Myanmar Times, Go Watanabe, CEO of Asian and Oceania region, BTMU, says it has seconded staff to the project development team; and it is ‘now able to provide basic financial services including foreign exchange and derivatives trading, and is preparing to launch a more comprehensive suite of trade finance solutions’.

    Watanabe says he expects CBM to ‘review regulations governing foreign exchange, which will lead to greater efficiency for cross-border transactions and international settlement’.

    The Japanese bank was the first of nine foreign banks to open its branch office in the capital Yangon in April this year, becoming the first international lender to begin operations in the country for more than 50 years.

    There will be the inevitable competition, but Watanabe expresses a desire for collaboration.

    ‘Given Myanmar’s banking industry is still in its infancy, it would make sense for the foreign banks to pull our knowledge and expertise together to develop the necessary banking and finance related infrastructure to help move it to the next level,’ he says.

    The Myanmar Times says: ‘BTMU is one of three Japanese banks permitted to offer banking services in Myanmar, and opened its Yangon branch with initial capital of $100 million. BTMU provides services including deposits, loans and foreign exchange to foreign companies and domestic banks.

    ‘Under existing regulations, foreign banks in Myanmar can only deal directly with foreign companies, local-foreign joint ventures, and Myanmar’s domestic banks. They do not yet have access to local retail or corporate clients.’

    Watanabe says, in addition to working with global corporates, BTMU plans to use its majority stake in Thailand’s Bank of Ayudhya PCL – known in Thailand as Krungsri – by ‘tapping its Thai SME segment to further attract investors into Myanmar’.

    In both Thailand and Japan, he says, many companies are looking to diversify their investments, and could potentially begin investing in Myanmar.

    The bank will also use its partnership with Co-operative Bank (CB Bank), based in Myanmar, especially in the area of transaction banking, he says. BTMU signed an agreement with CB Bank back in 2013, to act as a technical adviser.

    Watanabe says the two banks have a joint committee of senior management executives, which aims to encourage knowledge and relationship sharing.

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  • Sinomax Invests in Dormeo NA

    Sinomax Invests in Dormeo NA

    Sinomax Group Limited (“Sinomax,” together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) (stock code: 1418), a leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of quality visco-elastic (“memory foam”) pillows, mattress toppers and mattresses in the United States (the “U.S.”), Hong Kong and the PRC, is pleased to announce that Sinomax USA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group, has invested in Dormeo North America, LLC (“Dormeo NA”), a mattress company in the U.S..

    This strategic move marks significant progress in enriching Sinomax’s brand recognition and broadening the sales network in the North America memory foam market. Upon completion of the investment, Dormeo NA plans to expand the manufacturing facility at Winchester, VA, tripling the production capacity within two months. In view of the growing demand for “made in U.S.A.” products in the U.S. market, the investment in Dormeo NA effectively creates a new production line for Sinomax in the country to better serve customers’ needs and further enhancing the Group’s vertically-integrated business model and cost efficiency.

    As part of the transaction, Mr. Frank Chen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sinomax USA and Mr. Kelvin Lam, Chief Financial Officer of Sinomax will become members of the Board of Dormeo NA.

    Mr. Jon Stowe, Chief Executive Officer of Dormeo NA, said, “Sinomax’s strong financial commitment to Dormeo NA, in conjunction with their vast global supply chain, infrastructure and resources will provide us with significant advantages in advancing our market penetration, brand awareness and supply chain efficiencies. This transaction marks a very important step in significantly boosting commercial opportunities for Dormeo NA.”

    Mr. Frankie Lam, Chairman of Sinomax, said, “We are pleased to strategically strengthen Sinomax’s leadership position in the U.S. memory foam market. The investment in Dormeo NA would definitely create powerful synergies with Sinomax in terms of customer base and product portfolio, as well as broaden our sales distribution network. It presents a huge opportunity for Sinomax to further increase its market share in the U.S. Going forward, we are continuing to explore possible strategic business opportunities in line with the Group’s business vision to bolster its presence in different geographical markets which in turn would fuel sustainable growth.”

  • Pororo Park Singapore to open November

    Pororo Park Singapore to open November

    Pororo Park Singapore will open at Marina Square next month, the first for the animated penguin in Southeast Asia.

    Pororo is South Korea’s most popular cartoon character. The award-winning animation is broadcasted over 130 countries, including Disney Junior Channel and Okto Channel in Singapore. It’s dubbed ‘President of Kids’ with over 6.8 billion views on its YouTube channel.

    The new venue will open in Singapore on November 11, a collaboration between Iconix and DreamUs Edutainment. It is the first Pororo Park in Southeast Asia and the first outside South Korea and China.

    Pororo Express

    Located in Marina Square’s new retail wing, the 1000 sqm indoor edutainment playground will integrate a theme ride, indoor playground attractions, retail store, cafe, educational classes and entertaining shows under one roof.

    Pororo Park Singapore is themed around the animated series that follows the adventurous Pororo and friends, who often encounter challenges and learn practical and moral lessons through their exciting adventures in Porong Porong Forest.

    The venue includes Loopy’s Café and Rody’s Toy Store. The 60-seater Loopy’s Café serves food for both adults and children, with a view of the Marina Bay skyline.

    Pororo Park Singapore seats

    Visitors can get their retail therapy and purchase their favourite original character-themed souvenirs from Rody’s Toy Store. The store will house a variety of items ranging from toys, stationery to kid apparels and other souvenir items.

    Kim Jiwon, CEO of DreamUs Edutainment says Pororo Park Singapore aims to be the premier indoor playground in Singapore with top-quality attractions, well-loved characters and a unique mix of education and entertainment elements.

    “Modern busy parents will now have a one-stop location to entertain and educate their energetic, inquisitive young children.”

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  • Tupperware finds favour in China

    Tupperware finds favour in China

    Not long ago, Tupperware seemed to be a brand with a limited future.

    Tupperware’s background is selling products at relatively high prices through direct selling, or the party plan concept, rather than retail stores, a system dating back to the 1970s. In recent times it has come under pressure from mass-produced containers, usually manufactured in Asia, and marketed in retail stores at low price points.

    Neil Saunders, CEO of Conlumino, analysing the company’s last quarter financial results, says with another sequential improvement in its sales number, “Tupperware continues to show signs of progress”.

    Away from the established western markets – namely in North America and Europe –  emerging regions continue to be the mainstay of growth with sales up by 11 per cent on a local currency basis.

    “Within this group China (up 18 per cent), Indonesia (up 12 per cent), Middle East and North Africa (up 97 per cent), and South Africa (up 52 per cent) all posted strong performances.

    “Across most of these geographies, Tupperware continues to benefit from the growing number of middle class consumers and increased interest in home products.

    “That said, across most emerging markets sales are dominated by relatively simple food preservation products which are sold via catalogues,” observes Saunders.

    “Tupperware has identified this as an opportunity for growth. One of its ongoing initiatives is to increase the support and training of representatives in these regions so that more sales are made via parties and demonstrations – both of which are proven to result in the sale of higher priced products and in higher average order values. This, in our view, should help these regions to continue delivering even as they become more mature.”

    Tupperware’s total sales actually fell 11 per cent in the latest quarter. However that was purely the effect of exchange rate losses, with sales up seven per cent when measured in local currencies – up from four per cent a quarter earlier.

    Saunders says Tupperware’s development of Experience Centres are a positive move. These centres, which launched in Canada earlier this year and are now being introduced to the US, are physical locations in which the Tupperware sales force can be trained and where consumers can visit for demonstrations of products in a professional environment.

    “The aim behind the centers is both to increase brand exposure and to ensure a strong local presence in key markets in an era when many transactions are becoming remote and disintermediated. Initial results are encouraging.”

    Saunders says it is to Tupperware’s credit that it has recognised, that the way consumers buy and behave is changing.

    “However, rather than shifting its entire business model – which would mean the risk of moving away from relationship based selling – Tupperware is updating existing practices and procedures. This, in our view, is a sensible strategy.”

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  • Hamleys Hong Kong takeover

    Hamleys Hong Kong takeover

    Hamleys – the world’s oldest toy retailer – has been bought by a Hong Kong investor. As rumoured last week, the business has been sold to interests connected with the Sanpower Group in China’s mainland, which last year acquired UK department store House of Fraser.

    The buyer is C.banner International Holdings Limited, a Hong Kong-listed Chinese private enterprise, which describes itself as a strategic partner of Sanpower.

    The new owners plan to speed up the international rollout of the brand – and to pursue opportunities for concessions in department stores.

    In a statement, the new owners say they hope House of Fraser will “become C.banner’s priority business strategic partner”.

    “By virtue of the acquisition of Hamleys, C.banner will expand its retail businesses, and consider establishing deep relationships with department stores, so as to further promote the win-win development of its products and department stores through their brands and channels,” the company said in a statement.

    “C.banner hopes to implement its global brand strategy through introducing the products of House of Fraser and Hamleys, as well as capitalising on their channels to export its products overseas.

    “In the future C.banner will continue to actively explore business opportunities at home and abroad through mergers, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, as well as the establishment of other business relationships with leading retailer brands, to further implement its global brand strategy.”

    French owner Ludendo, which rescued Hamleys from a collapsed Icelandic bank three years ago for just £60 million, has already grown the business into an international toy brand, opening stores in Russia, Malaysia, Singapore – and last week in Vietnam. The company now has 53 stores owned or franchised. It turned over £62 million last year and posted a profit of £4.5 million.

    Founded in 1760 as Noah’s Ark, Hamleys opened its Regent St flagship store in London’s West End in 1881.

    *Photo: From left to right: Chen Yixi, chairman of the board of C.banner, Yuan Yafei, chairman of Sanpower Group, Gudjon Reynisson, CEO of Hamleys, Jean Micdhel Grunberg, president of Lundendo, Rudolph Hidalgo, chief executive director of Ludendo, at a press conference announcing the sale.

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  • Samsonite Singapore plans more stores

    Samsonite Singapore plans more stores

    Samsonite Singapore plans at least two new stores in the city this year. Speaking in an interview with the Straits Times, Samsonite CEO Ramesh Tainwala acknowledged his business faces high operating costs and slower economic growth in Singapore, compared to other Asian markets. But he said the company’s strategy was dependent on more than economic growth.

    “Our market share in Singapore does not exceed 22 per cent… If I grow my business here… to 25 per cent of market share, without the market growing I can still deliver around 10 to 11 per cent growth in my business.”

    The travel goods retailer will end the year with more than 20 stores in Singapore with three new ones already trading and two more planned.

  • Abolition of China’s one-child policy may boost dairy demand

    Abolition of China’s one-child policy may boost dairy demand

    Chinese like Shao, who were born in the 1980s and 1990s, when the one-child policy was most strictly enforced, say they were lonely growing up without siblings.

    The one-child policy was gradually eased in recent years as China experienced economic growth and as the country had to deal with its aging population. Historically and economically speaking, the argument was spot on. “They need to eliminate it entirely”, Mr Chen, who now lives is the U.S., said of the government.

    A skewed gender balance and a rapidly ageing workforce are among the worst symptoms of state-ordered birth control. However, things have been hitting a low point after China’s ageing population has grown to a cause for concern.

    The statement also emphasized that the nation will still uphold family planning policy, improve its population strategy and seek a balanced development of population.

    While once there may have been pent up demand for more children, experts say that as the country has grown wealthier, couples have increasingly delayed having even one child as they devote more time to other goals, such as building their careers.

    About 90 million couples will qualify to have a second child after the policy is enacted, Wang said, adding that around 60% of the qualified women were 35 years old or older.

    Couples in China will be allowed to have two children after decades of a strict one-child policy, announced the ruling Communist Party on Thursday.

    Though there were exceptions to the policy, most couples who violated it faced punishment, from fines and the loss of employment to forced abortions.

    Looking elsewhere in Asia, though, the Chinese government may find that it is much easier to “encourage” people to have fewer children than to have more.

    Critics said the relaxation of rules was too little, too late to redress substantial negative effects of the one-child policy on the economy and society.

    China’s dramatic drop in fertility in the ’70s and ’80s created a demographic time bomb that will leave the country with a smaller work force and more older citizens to care for in the coming decades.

    Reggie Littlejohn, Chairman of “Women’s Rights Without Borders” told VOA she believes the two-child policy does not stop population control.

    More mouths to feed: that means less for families to spend on consumer goods.

    In addition, China – favoring male children – has a shortage of girls and women.

    The policy will not officially change until the Chinese legislature approves it, but many Chinese couples are already excited to grow their families.

    “It might serve to address the current imbalance in the sense that if they do not boost the growth rate, then very soon, within 20 years or less, the working population will be supporting four aged parents”.

    The Credit Suisse report said that with the annual cost of raising a child estimated at 40,000 yuan (£4,100), the extra births would translate into an extra 120bn-240bn yuan in consumer spending a year, or 4-6% of China’s total retail sales.

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  • Condom sales slump as China announces end to one child policy

    Condom sales slump as China announces end to one child policy

    Shares of companies that make nappies, prams and infant formula got a boost on Friday from China’s decision to scrap its one-child policy. But for the maker of a popular brand of condoms, it was not the brightest of days.

    Investors are betting on a bump in sales for companies with baby or child-related businesses after China’s ruling Communist Party announced that all married couples would be allowed to have two children. The economic repercussions travelled as far afield as New Zealand, where the currency of the dairy-exporting country surged.

    Analysts at investment bank Credit Suisse estimated that the relaxed controls would result in an extra 3-6 million babies born annually in the five-year period starting in 2017. China, the world’s most populous country with nearly 1.4 billion people, has about 16.5 million births each year.

    The one-child policy began in 1979 to curb a surging population at a time when extreme poverty was widespread in China.

    The Credit Suisse report said that with the annual cost of raising a child estimated at 40,000 yuan ($6,330), the extra births would translate into an extra 120-240 billion yuan ($19-38 billion) in consumer spending a year, or 4-6 per cent of China’s total retail sales.

    A nurse takes care of newborn infants at a hospital in Huai'an, Jiangsu provinceA nurse takes care of newborn infants at a hospital in Huai’an, Jiangsu province  Photo: Patty Chen/Reuters

    One of the biggest winners in the financial markets was China Child Care Corp., which makes hair and skin care products for kids. Its shares ended 40 per cent higher on Hong Kong’s stock exchange.

    On the losing side, Japanese condom maker Okamoto Industries Inc., a favorite of Chinese visitors to Japan, slumped 10 per cent in Tokyo.

    Formula makers in Hong Kong and mainland China rose strongly, led by Beingmate Baby & Child Food Co., which jumped 10 per cent on China’s smaller Shenzhen stock exchange.

    Japanese and other foreign brands are popular with Chinese buyers because they’re seen as being authentic and better quality. Those characteristics are prized in China following food and other product safety scandals involving domestic brands.

    A Chinese man feeds his baby in central Beijing

    Some cautioned the increase in births may not be as big as predicted because of the expense of raising a second child and other factors.

    “The rush for baby-related stocks may not necessarily bear fruit,” said IG analyst Bernard Aw in a report.

    In New Zealand, the local dollar jumped as high as $0.6772, gaining nearly 1 percent from $0.6699 the day before. The country is a major dairy exporter and its milk powder and formula industry would likely benefit from a baby boomlet in China.

    Some baby stocks started rising Thursday ahead of the official announcement on Chinese state media.

    Goodbaby International, which makes strollers, car seats and cribs, rocketed 7.4 percent on Thursday and followed that up with a 2.3 per cent gain on Friday. Rumours had already been swirling in China that the policy would be adjusted at a meeting on China’s next five year plan that was held this week.

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  • Natuzzi Expands on the Asian Markets

    Natuzzi Expands on the Asian Markets

    With the opening of the new Natuzzi Italia Store in Naples (Florida) – in addition to the new Miami and Philadelphia new stores – the Group has opened 3 new stores in the U.S. in 2015, bringing to 252 the number of mono-brand sales points in North America.

    “The U.S. is a key and well-established market for our Group, in which we have been present since 1980” – stated Pasquale Natuzzi, Chairman and CEO of the Natuzzi Group. “These recent openings, together with our flagship store in New York opened last year, further strengthen Natuzzi’s presence on the American market. In the first part of the year, we posted some of the best sales figures on the market – up 20.2% on last year”.

    Strong results were also returned in Asia. In the first half of 2015 the Group opened 11 new Natuzzi Italia and Natuzzi Editions stores (the two Natuzzi brand product lines), including the first mono-brand stores in Hong-Kong, Colombo (Sri Lanka) and Busan (South Korea). Natuzzi mono-brand sales points in Asia now number 162.

    “Despite recent financial turbulence – stated Pasquale Natuzzi – Asia, and particularly China, are among our main and currently best performing markets. In the first six months of 2015, Asian sales rose 22.4% over the same period of 2014. Our goal for 2015 is to continue to invest in retail development in North America and Asia: we expect to open 6 new stores in these two areas by the end of the year”.

    Europe also delivered a strong performance in the first half of 2015. The Italian market – where two Divani & Divani by Natuzzi stores were opened in Novara and Turin – reported a sales increase of 13% on the same period of last year.

    To date, the Natuzzi Group has opened 95 new stores worldwide during 2015. With these new openings, the Group markets its products through 1,155 sale points worldwide.

  • AuchanSuper Vietnam plans 18 stores

    AuchanSuper Vietnam plans 18 stores

    Privately-owned French supermarket operator AuchanSuper has opened its first store in Vietnam, branded Simply Market.

    It plans 17 more before the end of 2016.

    The first store is trading in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5, a middle class Vietnamese suburb not popular with expatriates, which gives a strong indication of the demographic the French company is targeting in Vietnam, its 15th international market.

    The first store will be followed by two more before this year ends, each with a footprint of 2000 to 3000 sqm.

    As the disposable income of Vietnam’s 90 million population increases, more and more foreign retailers are trying to establish a foothold in the country. The French-Thai joint venture Big C, Japan’s Aeon and South Korea’s Lotte Mart have the early running in the grocery market, while Circle K, FamilyMart and Berli Jucker’s B Smart are busily building networks of convenience stores before 7-Eleven makes its debut as early as next year.

    AuchanSuper is investing up to euro 40 million in its Vietnam foray.

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  • Japan duty free sales boom

    Japan duty free sales boom

    Japan duty free sales soared in the first quarter of the current financial year as Chinese tourist ranks swelled.

    Major duty free retailers have reported sales on the mainland soared 20 per cent or more year on year, with brands preferred by Chinese shoppers performing the best.

    Japanese government figures show inbound tourists into the nation soared 47 per cent in the first six months of the 2015 calendar year – to 11 million. In the whole of 2014, inbound visitors totalled just 13.4 million.

    Sales of jewellery – especially gold jewellery – and watches lead the growth in a virtual mirror image of the experience of Hong Kong retailers, demonstrating clearly how the cashed up Chinese have changed their preferred duty free shopping destination.

    Leather goods are reportedly selling well and airport boutiques are experiencing healthy turnover increases.

    Japan’s government scrapped visas for Chinese mainlanders early this year, which has definitely helped fuel the boom.

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  • Anytime Fitness and Dancing Crab win big at the FLA Awards 2015

    Anytime Fitness and Dancing Crab win big at the FLA Awards 2015

    The crème de la crème of the franchising and licensing industry were recognised and awarded at the annual regional Franchising & Licensing Association (FLA)Awards 2015 held at the Marina Mandarin hotel. This year, the Awards saw a 20% increase in entries with an upward trend in participants hailing from unconventional sectors, such as property, retail and health & fitness, even as veteran industries, such as F&B and education remained strong in the franchising & licensing playing field.

    Anytime Fitness bagged the top prize for two award categories, mainly top ‘Franchisor of the Year’ and ‘International Franchisor of the Year’, reflecting the growth and popularity of unconventional industries within the franchising and licensing scene. At the same time, traditional industries like the Food & Beverage sector remained strong, with Louisiana-style eatery, Dancing Crab, being crowned the overall winner in the ‘Promising Franchisor of the Year’ category.

    Other winners include 7-Eleven, Kumon, Pezzo, Seoul Garden and ECG Property Services. 

    Group Photo_All Winners

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  • Indonesia Wants More Tourists from Malaysia, Singapore

    Indonesia Wants More Tourists from Malaysia, Singapore

    For 2019, Indonesia wants to have 3.7 million Singaporeans to visit. From Malaysia, the government is targeting to 3.2 million travelers.

    Wonderful Indonesia on Thursday, October 29, quoted Tourism Ministry’s deputy of International tourism marketing that the ministry will hold a number of promotional campaigns in Singapore and Malaysia in November 2015.

    The events include the ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ campaign at the Singapore West Gate Shopping Mall from November 1-8, the Sales Mission MICE (November 18), the Halal Fair International 2015 (December 3-6), The Special Destination Sales Mission in Malaysia (November 24), Consumer Selling campaign in Melaka (November 27-29 November), and many more.

    Right now, Indonesia is on promoting its tourism in Singapore through the Indonesia Food Festival 2015 held from October 20 to November 14 November. At least 30 Indonesian dishes are being promoted to the international community, particularly to Singaporeans.

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  • Chinese tourism drives record result for McArthurGlen

    Chinese tourism drives record result for McArthurGlen

    Chinese travellers are discovering the thrill of shopping at one of McArthurGlen’s 21 Designer Outlets, all near important tourist destinations across eight countries in Europe and most recently, a new centre in Canada.

    Sales by Chinese shoppers at McArthurGlen’s Designer Outlets have increased more than 7 fold over the past four year years (2010-2014); as they discover the most sought-after European fashion and international luxury brands. McArthurGlen offers tax free shopping alongside year-round savings of 30-70% in stunning and vibrant shopping environments which take inspiration from local design and architecture.

    McArthurGlen’s Designer Outlets offer the largest choice of luxury and premium lifestyle brands in the European outlet market. The centres are home to nearly 3,000 stores and 900 brands. At the same time, the centres are part of the local tourism fabric, within easy reach of major European city centres by shuttle bus or public transport, including: Vienna and Salzburg in Austria; Luxembourg, near our centre in Belgium; Lille and Reims (the Champagne region) in France; Berlin and Hamburg in Germany; Athens in Greece; Düsseldorf, near Roermond, our centre in Holland; Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome and Venice in Italy; and Bath, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Nottingham and York in the UK.

    In July 2015 we opened our first centre outside Europe, in Vancouver. The centre is built adjacent to Vancouver’s International Airport and we have just recently celebrated our millionth visitor at the centre.

    Shaeren McKenzie, Group Marketing Director, says: “Our McArthurGlen Designer Outlets offer the finest European shopping experience. Shoppers can find the top international luxury names alongside premium niche brands worn by the fashion crowd, all with year-round savings of 30-70%. We also enhance our customers’ shopping experience with exclusive events, offering special promotions.”

    Anthony Rippingale, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen, adds: “We are heading for yet another record year at our 21 Designer Outlets, welcoming more Chinese shoppers than ever before. As the biggest operator of designer outlets in Europe, our Chinese customers have always been extremely important to us, and even more so now given that they account for nearly one in four euros spent by our international shoppers, and rising. We have also just had our most successful Golden Week ever.”

    The look and feel of McArthurGlen’s Designer Outlets reflect the luxury and premium brands that we represent: show-stopping sculptures by famous artists, dancing fountains, green walls made from thousands of plants, piazzas and porticoes, as well as a wide range of cafes for a refreshing cup of tea and restaurants for a leisurely lunch or a quick snack, with al fresco seating for the warmer months.

    Spending by our Chinese customers is growing faster than any other nationality visiting our Designer Outlets. Sales to Chinese travellers increased by 80 per cent in the first nine months of 2015, compared with the same period last year. Some of the biggest rises were at our five Italian centres (which include Italy’s largest designer outlet, Serravalle, near Milan), with sales up 95 per cent in the first nine months of 2015.

    The favourite brands of Chinese shoppers at our centres are, in particular, the most-loved names in international luxury, as well as niche local brands popular with the local fashion and style crowd, whether Dsquared2, Agnona or Patrizia Pepe in Italy, or Jil Sander, Karl Lagerfeld or Marc Cain in Northern Europe.

    We look to engage with our Chinese customers while they plan their trip to Europe, whether through our office in Beijing, or through social media in China (including Weibo and WeChat) and our centre websites which are available in Chinese.

    Once Chinese shoppers arrive in Europe, our centres offer Chinese-language maps and guides, while UnionPay is accepted in most stores. Our most popular Designer Outlets offer special promotions, including limited-edition gifts and additional savings, during key Chinese holidays, namely Golden Week and Chinese New Year.

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  • L’Oreal expands Dermacenter concept in Asia

    L’Oreal expands Dermacenter concept in Asia

    With growing concerns of the effects of pollution on the skin in Asia, personalized routines are in demand now more than ever.

    International players like L’Oréal are looking to cater to this trend by developing even more specialized formulations that preserve, heal and improve the health of skin as well as offering services that allow consumers to interact with dermatologists on the go.

    The global cosmetics player’s first Asia based Dermacenter opened in Hong Kong in 2014 which has led to the launch of several others including; Haitang Bay, Iguazu downtown with London Supply, Bangkok (two stores), Hong Kong-Hysan and Seoul with Lotte Duty Free.

    According to L’Oréal, these stores provide a good opportunity for travelling consumers to gain access to brands like Vichy, Aqualia Thermal and LiftActiv, and La Roche-Posay, Tolériane and Effaclar.

    The Travel Retail Division was expanded in 2013 with company CEO Jean-Paul Agon commenting: “Travel retail is a key channel for winning over one billion new consumers. This market, present around the world, could be considered a ‘sixth continent.’”

    Travel Retail

    L’Oréal has been present in the travel retail market since the 1960s with L’Oréal Luxe, positioning L’Oréal Paris in the space in the last decade, and The Body Shop in the last few few years.

    Travel Retail, which represents all products sold in the travel distribution channel caters to over 2.4 billion international travellers every year, with Beauty occupying the one category in the market, where L’Oreal is seen as a leader in the field, holding a 21.3% market share in 2013.

    “By meeting consumers’ beauty aspirations, whatever their nationalities, beauty rituals or purchasing power, L’Oréal Travel Retail plays a strategic role in conquering new consumers who will pursue their experience with our brands in their home countries,”  Nicolas Hieronimus, president Selective Divisions said in 2014.

    “The launch of Vichy, La Roche-Posay and Kérastase in Travel Retail demonstrates our confidence in the huge potential of this channel. From now on, all of the Group’s major brands will have the opportunity to develop on this ‘sixth continent’.”

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