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.

  • Further Expansion plan for Indian furniture chain Stanley Lifestyles

    Further Expansion plan for Indian furniture chain Stanley Lifestyles

    Premium furniture and home-decor manufacturer Stanley Lifestyles in India has launched a new flagship in Bangalore as part of its extensive expansion plans for the region.

    The brand is preparing to build a network of 55 new retail outlets in the territory, at an investment of US$9.6 million. The new stores will include five high-end Stanley Level Next-branded outlets and 50 mid-range Sofas & More stores in the territory, targeting revenues of $89.7 million.

    “We compete with international brands and are known for our high-quality standards & craftsmanship and proudly position ourselves in high-end home and lifestyle business,” said Stanley Group founder, chairman, and MD Sunil Suresh. “As India’s very own luxury brand, we strive to exceed the expectations of the discerning Indian consumers, and design and develop modern offerings with an international touch that are customized to suit Indian lifestyle and living conditions.”

    Stanley Lifestyles in India moved to build two new factories last year, one for kitchen and wardrobes and the other for premium mattresses and bedding. It is the first manufacturer/retailer for home furnishing in India, and sells internationally to Ikea, La-Z-Boy, and many car and aviation manufacturers as well as hospitality groups.

    Lees ook:

  • Lagardere Travel Retail reopens 88 stores in Wuhan Airport

    Lagardere Travel Retail reopens 88 stores in Wuhan Airport

    Lagardere Travel Retail has reopened 88 stores at Wuhan airport after more than two months of lockdown due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

    According to a statement, Lagardere Travel Retail’s sales are expected to resume as the number of passengers passing through Wuhan Airport gradually increases.

    “Our ability to restart operations at Wuhan Airport is testament to the dramatic improvement in the sanitary conditions in Hubei province,” said Eudes Fabre, CEO of Lagardere Travel Retail China. “I wish to thank our staff and business partners for their patience and stoicism throughout this crisis. This reopening sends a strong message of hope and optimism to all in our industry who are affected by the current epidemic.”

    In appreciation of the medical staff’s work in Wuhan, the company is offering free meals at 16 restaurants and cafes together with shopping privileges for all medical workers flying out of the city this month.

    “Traffic volumes are still below what they were pre-crisis, but we’re already seeing an upward trend. After a long lockdown period, people are keen to travel again and there is pent-up consumer demand which will translate into retail sales,” Fabre added.

    All hygiene and security measures, including temperature screening, regular disinfection and social distancing, are still applied at the Wuhan Airport to ensure the safety of staff and passengers.

  • Mannings opens pharmacies for public hospital medication collection

    Mannings opens pharmacies for public hospital medication collection

    Health-and-beauty retailer Mannings has partnered with seven Hong Kong public hospitals to allow local residents to collect their prescribed medicines at its in-store pharmacies in a significant pivot from their usual role.

    The company says the move is part of its broader Covid-19 initiative to provide peace of mind for its consumers by helping reduce the risk of infection from hospital visits.

    Once patients have their application and prescription confirmed at a specialist out-patient clinic, the consumer can visit a registered pharmacist at a designated Mannings store to request collection.

    Mannings will charge HK$50 for medication collection and provide a consultation to review the patient’s medication history before assigning appointed personnel to collect the medicine from the public hospital to deliver back to the store.

    The seven hospitals are Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, United Christian Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital.

    The Mannings service is available only to patients at Specialist Out-Patient Clinics and for their regular medicine only. Refrigerated drugs or other medicines that require special handling are excluded.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • YouTube Music gains new Explore tab in latest update

    YouTube Music gains new Explore tab in latest update

    YouTube Music is getting a new Explore tab on Android and iOS devices, Google announced earlier today. The new feature makes it easier for users to discover new music, including albums, singles, and videos, as well as browse through the service’s catalog of playlists via the Moods & Genre section.

    Those who’ve been using YouTube Music will notice that the new Explore tab replaces the Hotlist tab. Starting today, the new feature will be rolled out to Android and iOS devices, but the complete deployment may take several weeks.

    The Explore tab should be featured as the second tab in YouTube Music and, aside from enabling access to new releases, it will include a new section: Moods & Genres. The new section is meant to help YouTube Music users identify their favorite playlist or genre for different moments.

    Besides Android and iOS, YouTube Music plans to add the new Explore tab to the web player, although no ETA has been provided yet. Also, additional features and enhancements might be added as YouTube is looking for ways to make the new Explore tab the main source for music discovery in YouTube Music.

  • Japan’s Lixil Group launches on JD.com

    Japan’s Lixil Group launches on JD.com

    Japanese housing equipment company Lixil Group has launched a flagship store on JD.

    The digital flagship marks the Tokyo-based company’s first foray online, where it will showcase a curated collection of 150 products from four of its brands: Grohe, American Standard, Lixil Kitchen, and Inax. The products range from ceramic bathroom items and bathroom cabinets to shower fittings and one-stop kitchen fit out solutions, all aimed at Chinese consumers.

    In a statement, JD said demand among Chinese consumers for high-quality home products had increased during the coronavirus pandemic as people spent more time at home.

    China’s home-decoration market is expected to reach RMB 3.2 trillion (US$454.3 billion) by 2023, and Chinese consumer demand for high-end home decoration products is on the rise.

    Besides showcasing products, Lixil has professional designs on call to provide shoppers with free design consultations for JD customers.

    “The cooperation with Lixil Group significantly enhances JD’s offering for mid to high-end smart kitchen and bathroom products,” said a JD spokesperson.

    “The partnership is also beneficial to JD’s home decoration supply chain, providing one-stop solutions for its customers. Lixil Group will provide an overall solution that can better meet the complex needs of high-end customers.”

    The new flagship is expected to be just the first step in a growing relationship between the two companies, which are now in the early stages of planning omnichannel solutions through offline stores and other digital initiatives.

  • India’s 2019/20 Fuel Demand Growth Worst In Over Two Decades

    India’s 2019/20 Fuel Demand Growth Worst In Over Two Decades

    India’s annual fuel demand grew 0.2% in 2019/20, its worst growth rate in over two decades, dragged down by a hefty 17.8% decline in local consumption in March as steps taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 dented transport fuel sales.

    Consumption of refined fuels, a proxy for oil demand, totaled 16.08 million tonnes in March, data from the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) of the oil ministry showed on Monday.

    Falling refined fuel sales in March points to sluggish industrial activity in Asia’s third-largest economy, which according to some analysts is forecast to grow at 1.5-2% in 2020/21, its lowest in decades.

    A Reuters poll of economists showed it is expected to have expanded at its slowest pace in eight years in the first quarter and would slow further this quarter.

    Nearly three lakh trucks with payload worth Rs 35,000 crore have been stranded because of the coronavirus lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, the trade bodies have said.

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Tuesday, the last day of the current 21-day lockdown, and is widely expected to extend the closure except for the start of some essential manufacturing units.

    Due to restrictions on movement and travel advisories, India’s consumption of diesel, petrol and aviation turbine declined massively during March.

    Consumption of diesel, which normally accounts for two-fifths of overall refined fuel consumption, declined 24.2% in March from a year earlier, its deepest decline since April 1998. PPAC do not provide monthly growth numbers for before April 1998.

    Sales of gasoline, or petrol, used by automobiles fell by 16.4% from a year earlier, its worst slide since March 1999, the data showed.

    Jet fuel consumption declined by 32.4% as the lockdown has hit air travel.

    Cooking gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sales rose about 1.9% to 2.31 million tonnes, and naphtha sales rose 15.7% to 1.39 million tonnes.

    Sales of bitumen, used for making roads, dropped about 41%, while fuel oil use fell 10.3% in March.

    Slump in fuel demand has already forced some refiners to halve crude processing and raise prompt exports of refined fuels.

  • Ikea acquiring AI innovator Geomagical Labs

    Ikea acquiring AI innovator Geomagical Labs

    International furniture and homewares retailer Ikea’s investment arm Ingka has bought US-based AI innovator Geomagical Labs, known for its hi-tech solutions that inspire consumers shopping for furnishings.

    The 3D and AI technology developed by Geomagical Labs will be used to help customers to take 3D photos of their rooms and experiment with home furnishing solutions to fit their individual needs.

    “With Geomagical Labs on board, we can bring our home furnishing expertise to many people in new ways and assist them in their unique design needs,” said Ikea Retail chief digital officer Barbara Martin Coppola. “In a time when people spend more time at home, we can support our customers with their everyday life through an enhanced digital meeting.”

    Customers can access the platform via the Ikea app and on Ikea.com, where they can also purchase items directly online.

    “Our work has focused on using technology and magical experiences to enable people’s creativity,” said Geomagical Labs founder and CEO Brian Totty. “We are thrilled to join one of the world’s most beloved brands and are excited to work together to transform the way people interact and purchase home furnishings by bringing together inspiration, imagination and world-class design.”

    Lees ook:

  • Over 320,000 jobs in Asia-Pacific travel-retail industry under threat

    Over 320,000 jobs in Asia-Pacific travel-retail industry under threat

    Governments across Asia Pacific are being urged to protect more than 320,000 duty-free and travel-retail industry jobs at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.

    The Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association claims that the jobs in the US$36 billion industry may be overlooked by politicians devising financial rescue measures to deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic. It is asking governments to support the industry along with airlines, airports and maritime businesses.

    In a special report, the association outlines the industry’s almost $15 billion contribution to GDP across Asia Pacific.

    “Airport retail and commercial services, including food and beverage, constitute a crucial business sector providing up to 60 percent vital commercial income for airport owners, outpacing aeronautical revenue streams,” read a statement issued by the association.

    “It is the most significant direct contributor to the investment in Asia-Pacific’s aviation infrastructure and ongoing development of world-class national gateways, the region’s hubs to the world.”

    “The dynamics of duty-free and travel retailing are intrinsically linked to the aviation and maritime industries and its viability is entirely dependent on the return in passenger traffic,” said association president Grant Fleming.

    “This means 320,000 jobs are at risk that could be safeguarded if governments extend financial support packages to the industry.”

  • Get SiriusXM free for your iOS or Android device through May 15

    Get SiriusXM free for your iOS or Android device through May 15

    While you’re stuck at home trying to entertain yourself or looking for the latest news about the COVID-19 outbreak, satellite content provider SiriusXM is offering iOS and Android users a free subscription through May 15th. More than 300 channels are available featuring music, news, sports talk, comedy and politics (and some times the lines between the last two are blurred). The SiriusXM “steam free” offer doesn’t require a credit card charge or a commitment to become a paid subscriber down the road.
    The announcement was made by “Shock Jock” Howard Stern, who is broadcasting from home these days. SiriusXM CEO Jim Meyer said, “With so many people asked to stay at home, we are making our full streaming lineup of music, entertainment, news, and information easily accessible to everyone. In the days ahead, we hope it’s a valuable source of information or diversion, a generous mix of fresh live content, and a source of companionship that comes from the hosts on our many shows and channels. And there was no better way to launch the Stream Free content than with Howard this morning.”
  • Netflix goes down and is now back up as millions breathe a sigh of relief

    Netflix goes down and is now back up as millions breathe a sigh of relief

    Although there are many streaming alternatives like Amazon Prime, Disney+, Apple TV+ and Hulu, during the current crisis with so many people stuck at home, Netflix is the service that tens of millions of shut-ins depend on for entertainment. Friends and relatives are watching movies and binge-watching television shows from separate locations and then discussing it with each other via a video chat. But many could only feel isolated and alone when Netflix went down this morning in parts of the U.S. and U.K.
    The morning outage lasted only one hour but must have felt like much longer to those who could not stream their favorite Netflix fare. According to DownDetector.com, starting at 11:43 am ET, the number of complaints received about Netflix rose from 25 to peak at 1,646 by 12:43 pm. 41% of those complaining said that they could not connect to the service. 35% had issues with the video streaming and 23% said that they could not access the service via the Netflix website.
    A Netflix spokesman said, “Some of our members in the U.S. and Europe were unable to use Netflix via our website for around an hour this morning. The issue is now fixed and we’re sorry for the inconvenience.”
    Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and some other streamers have lowered the quality of their streams in certain markets in order to reduce the demands on the internet. With much of the world stuck inside and unable to work from home, the internet is being taxed as it never has been before.
  • Anta Sports hits sales and profit record

    Anta Sports hits sales and profit record

    Chinese sports shoe retailer Anta Sports has delivered its sixth consecutive year of sales growth, reaching a record US$4.8 billion in 2019, 40 percent up on the prior period.

    Hong Kong-listed Anta Group owns many Chinese and international sports brands, including Anta, Fila, Descente and Kolon Sport.

    Sales of the Anta brand surged 21.8 percent, and for Fila by 73.9 percent.

    Profit attributable to shareholders was a record $757 million, up 30.3 percent, marking the third consecutive year of 30-per-cent-plus growth for the company.

    Anta ended last year with 12,943 stores, 10,516 of those across Mainland China bearing the Anta or Anta Kids banners. Another 1951 Fila stores are located on the mainland and in Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore and there are 136 Descente stores in China.

    The company said a policy of pursuing “high-quality growth, organic operation, and strong cost management” over recent years had laid a solid foundation for the group to cope with market uncertainties especially in times of challenges posed by the global Covid-19 outbreak.

    “Prior to the outbreak, brands under the group have already realized strategic plans of both online and offline development,” the company said in a statement.

    “In the early stage of the outbreak, the group has also reacted promptly to offset the blow from coronavirus – implementing strict cost management, exercising community marketing, building more flexible supply chains, maintaining on-time logistics and deliveries, and promoting e-commerce innovation are all among concrete moves that Anta Group has made.”

    The company is predicting a “low double-digit” decline in sales for the first half of the current year as a result of the coronavirus crisis impacting retail, but anticipates a return to growth in the second half given the rebounding Chinese economy.

    “Therefore, the group is confident to achieve positive annual growth by the end of 2020.

    “From a long-term perspective, the Covid-19 outbreak will not last for an indefinite period of time and consumers’ needs for health and fitness products will definitely be heightened, which will contribute to the group’s swift recovery after the crisis.”

  • Bookstore chain Popular exits Hong Kong, shuttering all 16 stores

    Bookstore chain Popular exits Hong Kong, shuttering all 16 stores

    Singapore-based bookstore-chain Popular has fallen victim to the coronavirus pandemic and shuttered all 16 stores in Hong Kong, effective immediately.

    However, Popular’s other non-retail businesses in publishing and distribution will continue to operate locally.

    The company was recently taken to court by Palliser Investments over unpaid rent for its Whampoa Gardens branch during the past two months, accumulating HK$520,000 in debt. As employees cleared out the stores, Popular’s Facebook and official website page has also been deactivated.

    A representative spoke to HK01 news explaining the group’s difficult decision: “The retail book industry in Hong Kong has been facing structural challenges in the market over the past decade. It has continued to deteriorate in the past 12 months, leading to a severe contraction in retail revenue”.

    The group will now divert its resources and focus on education publishing, e-learning and educational services instead of retailing, the spokesperson said.

    The bookstore-chain Popular Book Company will continue to operate in nine of its other international markets, including Singapore and Malaysia.

  • Giant Japanese sports store Alpen to open next month

    Giant Japanese sports store Alpen to open next month

    Japanese sports and outdoor goods retailer Alpen Co is set to launch Kanagawa’s first experience-based store late next month.

    The Alpen Outdoors LaLaport Yokohama store will handle more than 40,000 predominantly outdoor-related products under 200 brands. Alpen’s new location will be offering products in two formats, “Alpen Outdoors”, which will cover the entire light outdoor product range for activities such as camping and hiking; and “Alpen Mountains”, which focuses more on mountaineering. The store offers a tent trial experience with a realistic camp atmosphere.

    Popular outdoor brands Coleman and Snow Peak have shops-in-shops at the store with dedicated support staff.

    Alpen currently operates 11 stores nationwide, including a flagship in Kashiwa, which opened in April last year and is one of the largest in the world.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Snap Fitness to open 300 locations in Japan

    Snap Fitness to open 300 locations in Japan

    Snap Fitness plans to open 300 locations in Japan in partnership with local franchisee Global Fitness Japan Co.

    The international franchised gym group will open a flagship location in Tokyo this year, followed by more venues in Osaka and other regions.

    “Snap Fitness has been successfully providing innovative fitness services in a sustainable manner across the world for more than 15 years,” said Kazuki Takenouchi, CEO and GM at Global Fitness Japan.

    “Global Fitness Japan believes Snap Fitness will enhance the wellness of all people’s lives in Japan by providing technology-based, results-driven workouts.”

    With a population of about 126 million, Japan is the 11th most populous country in the world, yet just 3.3 percent of people own a gym membership providing what Snap Fitness’ US-based parent company Lift Brands consider is a significant growth opportunity.

    Lees ook:

  • Spotify introduces customizable profiles on Android and iOS

    Spotify introduces customizable profiles on Android and iOS

    Spotify has been on fire since the beginning of the month, as multiple updates added important new features and improvements to the music streaming. The most recent changes involve Spotify profiles and the option to customize them.

    Starting this week, depending on what music you’re listening to on your phone, you’ll be able to update your Spotify profile, including the photo and username, to create a personalized music page representative of your music tastes.

    Spotify users on Android and iOS, regardless of whether they’re using a smartphone or tablet, can head to Home / Settings / View Profile to see their recently played artists, followers, and public playlists. Then, tapping “Edit Profile” will allow users to customize their status starting with the photo, which can be either JPEG or PNG.

    Keep in mind that if you’re using an iPhone or iPad, the picture must be less than 10MB. You can even remove your photo completely if you didn’t link your Spotify account to Facebook, in which case you’ll have to disconnect the two from the Settings menu.

    Apart from adding a photo to your profile, you can also change your Spotify display name. To do that, simply go to Home / Settings / View Profile / Edit Profile and tap your display name, then type your new display name (make sure to save).

    If you’re proud of your new profile and want to share it with your friends, you can do that by heading to Home / Settings / View Profile and tapping the three dots in the top right where you’ll find the Share option.

    Lees ook: