Retail News CRM

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.

  • Centara offers sneak preview of Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin

    Centara offers sneak preview of Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin

    Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, releases first details of its debut hotel in Cha-Am – Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin.

    Opening on 24 July 2020, one week before schedule, the 190-key beachfront resort is poised to become a sought-after choice for travellers seeking a contemporary beachfront escape just two hours from Bangkok.

    The former Beach Garden Hotel was completely reimagined and underwent a full floor-to-ceiling renovation and now features brand new room types including pool access rooms and spacious seaview suites.

    Families, groups of friends, and couples have a choice of activities at their fingertips, with facilities including two swimming pools complete with fun water slides, children’s pool with water play area, a kids’ club, fitness centre and full-service spa.

    To celebrate its opening, Centra by Centara Cha Am Beach Resort Hua Hin is offering an introductory offer with rates starting at THB 1,120 net per night, plus 20% off F&B at the resort’s three restaurants and bars. 

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Malaysia’s first pharmacy for pets opens – Vet Pharmacy

    Malaysia’s first pharmacy for pets opens – Vet Pharmacy

    Malaysian pet food and supplies retailer Pet Lovers Centre (PLC) has opened its first pharmacy for pets called Vet Pharmacy.

    Vet Pharmacy is also Malaysia’s first veterinary-exclusive pharmacy where owners can find pet supplements, shampoos, and seek basic medical guidance for their pets. The pharmacy features different brands of medications – which they dub “petceuticals” for preventing ticks and fleas, heartworm, and intestinal worms.

    “With the opening of Malaysia’s first vet pharmacy exclusively for pets, PLC hopes to step up the level of pet care offered by the pet industry in Malaysia,” the company said in a statement.

    Vet Pharmacy said it will add flavorings into compounded medicines, made on-site, to make them more palatable to pets with picky appetites.

    Lees ook:

  • India’s Fuel Demand Recovered Further In June

    India’s Fuel Demand Recovered Further In June

    India’s fuel demand in June extended its recovery from a 13-year low hit in April, lifted by pickup inactivity as the economy gradually reopens from lockdown restrictions imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic, government data showed on Thursday. Consumption of refined fuels, a proxy for oil demand, rose to 16.29 million tonnes in June, 11% above the prior month, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas showed.

    However, demand was still down 7.9% compared with the same month a year ago. Demand for fuel plunged to 9.94 million tonnes in April, its lowest level since 2007 as stringent lockdown measures hammered economic activity, but it has since recovered by 64%. Diesel consumption, which accounts for about two-fifths of India’s overall fuel usage, nearly doubled to 6.30 million tonnes last month from 3.26 million tonnes in April.

    On a year-on-year basis, demand for diesel registered its fourth straight decline in June at 15.4%. Sales of gasoline, or petrol, fell by 13.6% from a year earlier to 2.28 million tonnes, but were about 134% higher than 0.97 million tonnes in April.

    Demand for industrial fuels also rose, with naphtha sales rising by 18.2% to 1.17 million tonnes from a year earlier and about 8% from May. Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, gained over 27% on an annual basis, and more than 16% month-on-month. As coronavirus lockdown measures ease, global fuel demand has gradually recovered, with road traffic picking up in major cities.

    Royal Dutch Shell on Tuesday said it would write $22 billion off the value of its assets after sharply lowering its oil and gas price outlook in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Ciara Lee reports

    “The recovery in oil demand should continue in the second half of the year, provided that there are no renewed far-reaching restrictions on public life due to the sharp rise in the number of new infections in some U.S. states and in other major oil-consuming countries such as India,” Commerzbank wrote in a note.

    India has overtaken Russia as the third-most affected country globally and deaths from the virus have surpassed 20,000.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnam yet to optimize renewable energy utilization as shortages loom

    Vietnam yet to optimize renewable energy utilization as shortages loom

    Vietnam is struggling to fully utilize the potential of renewable energy because of policy roadblocks even though power shortages are expected in upcoming years.

    In the central province of Ninh Thuan, one of the solar power hotspots in the country, nine of 15 operating solar projects are running at just 30-60 percent of their maximum capacity, according to the province’s Department of Industry and Trade.

    The reason for this is that Vietnam’s transmission lines are not capable of loading a surge in output from renewable plants. As many as 91 solar farms began operating in the country last year after the government offered an attractive incentive tariff rate, causing some transmission lines to operate at up to 360 percent of their safe capacity limit.

    A transmission infrastructure upgrade is needed, but the government’s monopoly in power distribution has created challenges for private companies in installing transmission lines, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh had conceded earlier.

    Experts have proposed changes in regulations to allow private investment in this area. Energy expert Nguyen Duy Khiem said that the administrative procedures involved in installing a new transmission line could take national utility Vietnam Electricity (EVN) five to six years to complete.

    The government should allow a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model in transmission lines so the national grid can load the surging output from renewable plants, he said.

    At the same time, national power security can be ensured because companies will hand over control of the line to the government upon completion, he added.

    Another roadblock for renewable energy is administrative hindrance to project implementation, some experts say.

    Currently, only 11 wind power projects are operating in Vietnam with a total capacity of 377 MW; while over 100 projects with a total capacity of over 6,500 MW have been approved, according to the industry ministry.

    Furthermore, 250 projects with a combined capacity of 45,000 MW are still pending approval. The country has a coastline 3,000 kilometers long with strong wind speeds.

    Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last month asked the industry ministry to speed up the process of resolving ongoing issues with renewable projects. He also encouraged private investment, including from foreign companies, in this sector.

    The government targets to have an addition of 12,500 MW in solar power capacity and 7,200 MW of wind power by 2025.

    The industry ministry has warned of power shortages between 2021 and 2025, with the most severe shortage of 5 billion kWh in 2023, as construction of new thermal and gas-fired plants fall behind schedule.

    The country needs 21,650 MW of power capacity in the 2016-2020 period, but last year, the actual figure was just two-thirds of this target, the ministry said.

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnam gold prices climb to new peak

    Vietnam gold prices climb to new peak

    Gold prices have risen to new highs in Vietnam as they track recent rises in global prices triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. SJC gold on Tuesday rose to VND50.3 million ($2,170) per tael to surge past the previous record of VND49.5 million ($2,137) in 2011, when global prices soared to historic highs.

    Gold prices held steady near an eight-year high on Tuesday as investors weighed a spike in Covid-19 cases around the world against a survey showing a rebound in U.S. services industry activity and expectations of a revival in China’s economy.

    Spot gold was almost unchanged at $1,784.06 per ounce by 0453 GMT, just $4.90 shy of a near eight-year high hit last week.

    Phan Dung Khanh, head of the investment advisory at Maybank Kim Eng Vietnam, said falling deposit interest rates are increasing demand for gold.

    The four state-owned lenders, Vietcombank, BIDV, Vietinbank, and Agribank, recently lowered their rates on 12-month deposits from 6.5 to 6 percent. Private banks have cut them by 0.4-0.8 percentage points.

    Experts also pointed to the falling stock market, which has lost nearly 11 percent this year, for turning gold into a safe haven.

    Tran Thanh Hai, chairman of the Vietnam Gold Investment and Trading Corporation, forecast gold prices to remain volatile for the next three months and start falling at the end of October before the U.S. presidential elections.

    Other analysts expected prices to rise further due to the uncertainties caused by the pandemic and geopolitical tensions.

    Goldman Sachs last month forecast that gold price could reach $1,800 in three months and $2,000 in a year.

    “Gold investment demand tends to grow into the early stage of the economic recovery, driven by continued debasement concerns and lower real rates,” it said in a note.

    Vietnam’s gold bar and coin demand in the first quarter fell 8 percent year-on-year to 12.3 tonnes, according to the World Gold Council.

  • YouTube TV outrageously raises monthly subscription prices

    YouTube TV outrageously raises monthly subscription prices

    It’s not the first time that Google decides to raise YouTube TV subscription prices whenever it felt that the portfolio was large enough to justify the price hikes. Unfortunately, this time it raised the monthly subscription costs by quite a lot and we’re quite sure that many customers will refuse to renew their subscriptions.

    The search giant announced earlier this week that YouTube TV monthly fees will increase from $50 to $65, so customers would have to pay about 30% more. The new price takes effect on June 30 for new subscribers, while existing subscribers will see the changes reflected in their next billing cycle on or after July 30.

    To justify the new price, Google reiterates that it added eight of ViacomCBS’s family channels – BET, CMT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Network, TV Land and VH1, which will be available starting today. Six other channels will be added to YouTube TV at a later date, including BET Her, MTV2, MTV Classic, Nick Jr., Nick Toon, and TeenNick.

    According to Google, the price increase was necessary because most networks require that YouTube TV include not just some of their channels, but all of them. Perhaps adding one or more flexible plans to its portfolio might allow customers to choose what they want to watch and how much they want to pay.

    Customers who wish to pause or cancel their YouTube TV membership can do it anytime here. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to pay a lot more starting July 30.

    Lees ook:

  • Gold climbs to four-month high

    Gold climbs to four-month high

    Gold prices hit a four-month high of VND49.5 million ($2,137) per tael Wednesday as global prices surged due to a resurgence in coronavirus cases.

    Vietnam’s largest jewelry company DOJI sold its SJC gold at VND49.5 million per tael on Monday morning, up 0.4 percent from Monday. A tael equals 1.3 ounces.

    Saigon Jewelry Company Ltd also sold at VND49.5 million per tael, up 0.3 percent. SJC gold had reached an eight-year high of VND49.7 million ($2,146) in February.

    Global prices rose by 1.7 percent to $1,804 per ounce on Tuesday, the highest rate since November 2011. Analysts said the rising number of Covid-19 cases globally means investors are turning to gold as a safe haven.

    Lees ook:

  • Lego Stem-themed pop-up store launched in Hong Kong

    Lego Stem-themed pop-up store launched in Hong Kong

    Hong Kong shopping destination Olympian City has partnered with global toy brand Lego to launch Lego Technic – a Stem-themed AI concept store.

    The world-first concept store features an array of Lego Technic sets and experiential workshops to promote Stem (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. The product range encourages users to acquire Stem skills – including mechanical movement – through play.

    At the pop-up, children can engage with life-like models of different sizes that can be built with individual parts like gearboxes, pneumatic systems, and motors. It is touted as suitable for both beginners and experienced builders.

    Olympian City is working to promote Stem education opportunities at the malls.

    The project is the first pop-up concept to be featured at the mall’s Pop Gallery, a platform that uses big data technologies to source trending products worldwide. Visitors to the store can access exclusive offers by interacting with AI-enabled Pop kiosks at the store or engage in live games.

    The Lego Stem-themed Technic pop-up runs until July 5.

    Lees ook:

  • Ikea Home of Tomorrow urban concept unveiled in Poland

    Ikea Home of Tomorrow urban concept unveiled in Poland

    Home furnishings giant Ikea has introduced its new environmentally friendly concept store in Szczecin, Poland, dubbed the Ikea Home of Tomorrow.

    The new store concept was designed for customers who are looking for a zero-waste lifestyle

    Located in a 120 year-old building, Ikea Home of Tomorrow houses a soil-free home garden featuring a wide range of plants, including tomatoes, strawberries, herbs, and even spirulina. Ikea customers can create their own in-door ‘farms’ such as microgarden, aquaponic farm, spirulina farm or aeroponic farm.

    Ikea Home of Tomorrow also introduces a metabolic process where waste can be used in many different ways. For example, coffee grounds can be composted and used as fertiliser or to make candles and cosmetics.

    The Creative Zone offers household equipment for reparation and modification which customers can use to give worn-out furniture a second life. Meanwhile, the store features a kitchen called Planning Space where visitors can learn to make vegetarian dishes from ingredients taken from the farm.

    “We wish to encourage the residents of Szczecin to take responsibility for waste,” said Gustaw Jakubowski, Ikea, who was responsible for bringing Ikea Home of Tomorrow to life.

    “I believe that only by starting to vote with our wallets for environment-friendly solutions we will create a substantive step towards sustainable life.”

    Lees ook:

  • Philippine chain Allhome eyes compact store formats

    Philippine chain Allhome eyes compact store formats

    Philippines retailer The Villar Group plans to open more compact versions of its Allhome DIY and building-supplies stores.

    The move is a bid to position outlets within closer range of shoppers reluctant to travel far from home during the coronavirus pandemic. The new “Quick Fix” stores will stock DIY and a broad range of homeware.

    “With the lockdown easing out and when the economic situation improves, AllHome may see itself opening more new stores, given its capability to fast track fit-out construction,” AllHome VC Camille Villar said.

    The new outlets are likely to be located next to The Villar Group’s AllDay convenience stores to take advantage of the firm’s property opportunities.

    The building-supplies chain operates 45 stores throughout the Philippines, roughly half of which were opened last year as part of an aggressive expansion strategy.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Indonesia’s Fabelio raises US$9 million for future expansion

    Indonesia’s Fabelio raises US$9 million for future expansion

    Indonesian online furniture retailer Fabelio has raised US$9 million in a Series-C funding round led by Taiwanese venture firm AppWorks.

    The investment now boosts Fabelio’s total funding above $20 million, with the firm on track to closing the funding round by the end of the year, with a public offering scheduled for 2022.

    “We have not decided on the destination for the IPO,” a source from Fabelio said, “but the main consideration is the scale of the business. Of course, we will consider raising from private markets as well”.

    Other investors participating in the round are Endeavour Catalyst and MDI Ventures, backed by Telkom Group, as well as Aavishkaar Capital.

    The new funding will assist in the firm’s expansion push by bolstering its supply-chain network with further logistics hubs and experience centres.

    “Our main focus will be to improve our product categories and improve delivery times,” said Fabelio co-founder and CEO Marshall Tegar Utoyo

    “Additionally, we are seeing more US and Chinese companies are setting up operations in Indonesia, opening up opportunities for global trade and manufacturing. These market trends, combined with their efforts, will enable us to win a larger market share in this exciting $6.7 billion home furniture market in Indonesia.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Index Living Mall unveils new store concept in Bangkok

    Index Living Mall unveils new store concept in Bangkok

    Index Living Mall has unveiled its next retail concept in Bangkok’s Ekkamai district, with a focus on apartment furnishings, fresh graphics and new store layout.

    Called ‘ Fresh-up Ekkamai, lift-up your life’, the concept introduces new zones and features a variety of new-to-market homewares and furniture items.

    The “Condo Collection” zone presents furniture specially designed for condominiums, while the “Younique” zone offers customized furniture. Other zones include a Sofa & Recliner Exhibition, Outdoor life and Storage Solutions & Home Organisation.

    Index Living Mall MD, Kridchanok Patamasatayasonthi, said the store’s renovation was undertaken because Ekkamai is becoming a popular residential neighborhood, with multiple condominium units rented to both locals and foreigners.

    The new concept store will suit shoppers with tight budgets who are seeking functional items for compact living spaces.

    Index Living Mall’s Ekkamai store also offers customers free consultations with in-house specialists.

    Lees ook:

  • Fuel Sales Recover In The First Half Of June In India

    Fuel Sales Recover In The First Half Of June In India

    India’s fuel demand continued to recover in the first half of June compared with the previous month as the nation eased restrictions on road transport, air travel and industries, provisional data from industry sources showed. Indian state fuel retailers’ gasoline sales jumped 63% to 903,000 tonnes in the first half of June compared with the same period last month, while diesel sales rose 39% to about 2.68 million tonnes.

     Indian state fuel retailers’ gasoline sales jumped 63% to 903,000 tonnes in the first half of June compared with the same period last month

    However, petrol and diesel sales declined 18% and 15%, respectively in June first half compared with a year earlier. State retailers’ LPG sales rose 6% to 960,000 tonnes in the first half of June compared with a year earlier, although consumption was down 20% from May first half.

    However, petrol and diesel sales declined 18% and 15%, respectively in June first half compared with a year earlier.

    Jet fuel consumption more than doubled to 85,000 tonnes in June first half from the previous month, while it dropped 73% compared with a year earlier. State companies – Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp and Bharat Petroleum – own about 90% of India’s retail fuel outlets.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Muji convenience-store concept trials at JD HQ

    Muji convenience-store concept trials at JD HQ

    Following the launch of Muji Hotel and Muji Infill (a home-renovation service) in China, the Japanese home and lifestyle retailer has branched into convenience retailing.

    Located inside JD’s Beijing headquarters, the Muji convenience-store concept, called Mujicom, takes up 605sqm and has 71 seats for dining.

    Stocking essential daily goods along with books, food, and beverages, the store serves employees of JD.

    The Muji convenience store actually made its initial debut at Musashino Art University in Tokyo with an additional workshop space for students to use as a working and creative collaborative space.

    The retailer is set to open three new stores in China this month atop of Mujicom, including outlets at Hangzhou and in Shenzhen Airport.

    Muji also recently opened its largest Hong Kong flagship store, expanding its food and catering range with fresh-baked goods and a new coffee and tea bar.

    Lees ook:

  • Ikea opens first compact store in Tokyo, Japan

    Ikea opens first compact store in Tokyo, Japan

    Ikea Japan has opened its first concept downtown store in Tokyo.

    Ikea Harajuku, modeled on smaller compact inner-city Ikea stores popping up in Paris and New York, targets urban apartment dwellers with a smaller range of about 9500 goods selected from its big-box destination shops.

    The new Ikea Japan store is located adjacent to the Uniqlo Harajuku which opened about a week ago, occupying a two-story, 2500sqm space.

    “One of the store’s keys focuses will be sustainability and circular living, with a buyback service and sustainably sourced food”, the company said in a statement.

    Besides featuring homewares products for small-living areas, the Ikea Harajuku houses a Swedish Cafe, where customers can find a Swedish flatbread menu, and Swedish Combini which offers a wide range of snacks and beverages including cups of plant-based instant noodles.

    Plans to open the Ikea Harajuku store were revealed two years ago. The store was scheduled to open on April 25 this year, however that was postponed until June 8 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Lees ook: