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  • Harlan + Holden Brews $12M Expansion Deal for Southeast Asia Presence

    Harlan + Holden Brews $12M Expansion Deal for Southeast Asia Presence

    Harlan + Holden, a lifestyle and coffee brand, is reportedly close to finalizing a funding round estimated to be around US$12 million. This capital injection is intended to propel the brand’s expansion strategy across Southeast Asia.

    Harlan + Holden: From Clothing to Coffee

    Established in Manila in 2015, Harlan + Holden has built a retail presence in Indonesia and the Philippines and runs its own online store. Initially, the brand focused solely on fashion, but it later branched out into the specialty coffee market.

    Investor Interest and Use of Proceeds

    The impending funding round is expected to attract notable angel investors and venture capital firms. Among the potential backers are Michael Soerijadji, co-founder of AC Ventures; Willix Halim, former CEO of e-commerce powerhouse Bukalapak; and Trihill Capital.

    The funds raised will be allocated to expanding the brand’s store network and enhancing its footprint in critical regional markets.

    Investors are demonstrating increased interest in Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing coffee and tea sector. Earlier this year, the budget coffee chain Pickup Coffee in the Philippines reportedly secured up to $8 million in convertible notes from Venturi Partners and new investor Antler. Meanwhile, Indonesian mobile coffee startup Jago Coffee raised $12.5 million in a Series B round led by Beenext.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Harlan + Holden?
    Harlan + Holden is a lifestyle and coffee brand that began as a clothing company in Manila in 2015 before expanding into the specialty coffee market.

    How much is Harlan + Holden expected to raise in its upcoming funding round, and what will the funds be used for?
    Harlan + Holden is reportedly nearing the completion of a US$12 million funding round. The capital raised will be used to broaden the brand’s store network and strengthen its presence in key regional markets.

    Who are the potential investors in Harlan + Holden’s funding round?
    Prominent angel investors and venture capital firms are anticipated to back the funding round. Potential investors include Michael Soerijadji, co-founder of AC Ventures; Willix Halim, former CEO of e-commerce giant Bukalapak; and Trihill Capital.

  • Damien Licciardi: From Richemont to Cartiers New MD in Thailand

    Damien Licciardi: From Richemont to Cartiers New MD in Thailand

    Luxury jewelry brand Cartier has announced the appointment of Damien Licciardi as the Managing Director (MD) for its operations in Thailand. This appointment is effective immediately.

    Licciardi’s Professional Background

    Damien Licciardi steps into the role of MD at Cartier with over a decade of experience in the luxury retail industry. Licciardi has spent the past 12 years with Richemont, a Switzerland-based international distributor of luxury goods. During his tenure at Richemont, Licciardi served in various high-ranking roles. He held the positions of General Manager and Chief Financial Officer for the company’s Mexico operations. More recently, he was the Chief Operating Officer of Richemont’s Thailand business.

    Licciardi’s multi-faceted experience with Richemont, from operational roles to senior leadership responsibilities, has provided him with a broad understanding of the luxury retail sector.

    Licciardi’s Remarks on His Appointment

    Expressing gratitude upon his appointment, Licciardi acknowledged the exciting opportunity to be a part of Cartier. He expressed his admiration for the brand, its distinctive culture, unique craftsmanship, and its talented team. Licciardi notes that he is looking forward to continuing his learning and development journey at Cartier.

    He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Cartier’s regional and headquarters management for entrusting him with this new role. Licciardi thanked his teams, partners, and colleagues who have supported him in moving into this new chapter in his career. He gave special thanks to his wife and family for their steadfast support and for embarking on this new adventure alongside him.

    Questions & Answers

    Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director for Cartier Thailand?
    Damien Licciardi has been appointed as the new Managing Director for Cartier Thailand.

    What was Damien Licciardi’s previous role before joining Cartier?
    Before joining Cartier, Damien Licciardi was the Chief Operating Officer of Richemont’s Thailand business.

    What are Licciardi’s sentiments concerning his new role at Cartier?
    Licciardi expressed gratitude and excitement for his new role at Cartier, acknowledging the brand’s unique culture and craftsmanship, and expressing his eagerness to continue his learning and development with the company.

  • Grab and GoTo Yield to Pressure: Slash Driver Commissions in Indonesia

    Grab and GoTo Yield to Pressure: Slash Driver Commissions in Indonesia

    Indonesia’s GoTo, a ride-hailing and food delivery company, alongside Singapore-based Grab, announced they will reduce the per-trip commissions for their two-wheeled driver partners in Indonesia. Beginning July 1, the commission rate will be slashed from 20% to 8%.

    Implementation of Reduced Commissions

    Indonesia’s President, Prabowo Subianto, first brought up the idea of an 8% cap on commissions in his speech on May 1. However, he did not provide details regarding when this initiative would be implemented.

    GoTo’s VP Director, Catherine Hindra Sutjahyo, expressed the company’s support for the initiative at a press conference. “We support the efforts to continue increasing the prosperity of the drivers,” she stated.

    Neneng Goenadi, Grab Indonesia’s CEO, echoed Sutjahyo’s sentiments. Both leaders confirmed that their respective companies will start applying the new 8% commission rate from July 1.

    Impact on Ride-Hailing Platforms

    This development was first reported in January, with concerns raised about its potential effect on the profitability of ride-hailing platforms, particularly in Southeast Asia, which serves as their largest market.

    Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, the Deputy Parliament Speaker, lauded the reduced commissions as a testament to President Prabowo’s administration’s commitment to supporting all ride-hailing drivers in the country.

    Questions & Answers

    **What is the new commission rate for two-wheeled drivers for GoTo and Grab in Indonesia?**
    The new commission rate is 8%, reduced from the previous rate of 20%.

    **When will the new commission rate take effect?**
    The new commission rate will be implemented starting July 1.

    **What potential impact could this reduction have on ride-hailing platforms?**
    The reduction could potentially affect the profitability of ride-hailing platforms, particularly in Southeast Asia, their largest market.

  • Essilor Luxottica and Meta Unveil Affordable AI Glasses for the Masses

    Essilor Luxottica and Meta Unveil Affordable AI Glasses for the Masses

    Renowned eyewear manufacturer, Essilor Luxottica, has entered into a collaboration with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta for the creation of a more affordable range of AI glasses, targeting price-conscious customers. This move follows the successful release of AI glasses under the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands, with the Ray-Ban line becoming the top-selling AI glasses on the market.

    Creating Affordable AI Glasses

    The Essilor Luxottica range, priced from just $299, promises to bring the company’s innovation in smart eyewear to a wider audience, offering consumers around the globe enhanced and more integrated experiences. The CEO of Essilor Luxottica, Francesco Milleri, expressed his excitement at this cutting-edge development in the realm of smart eyewear. He asserted the launch provides an opportunity for budget-conscious consumers to experience the transformative effect of wearable tech in their daily lives.

    According to Milleri, Essilor Luxottica’s range of “iconic brands” have been instrumental in boosting the adoption of their products in the market. The company, a result of the 2018 merger of lens manufacturer Essilor and frames producer Luxottica, boasts a remarkable portfolio that includes global brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Oliver Peoples. In addition, they produce glasses for luxury brands like Chanel, Prada, Coach, and Armani.

    The Future of Eyewear

    Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was enthusiastic about the partnership with EssilorLuxottica, highlighting the aim to integrate potent AI into eyewear frames that consumers will want to wear. Zuckerberg suggested that glasses could become a primary medium for individuals to access personal superintelligence, and with the new Meta Glasses, this possibility could become a reality for a much broader audience.

    The new collection will initially offer three styles, coupled with a variety of lens options. Currently, the range is available online for customers in the US, Canada, and a select number of European countries, with plans to extend further into additional markets later in the year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the pricing for the new Essilor Luxottica AI glasses?
    The AI glasses will start retailing from $299.

    Who is Essilor Luxottica partnered with for this new venture?
    Essilor Luxottica is partnering with Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta for the production of these glasses.

    Where are the new AI glasses currently available?
    They are available online for customers in the US, Canada, and select European countries.

  • Starbucks Brews Major Expansion in India: Targets 100 New Stores Annually

    Starbucks Brews Major Expansion in India: Targets 100 New Stores Annually

    Starbucks has announced ambitious plans to open up to 100 outlets annually in India, marking an accelerated expansion in one of the company’s most rapidly growing global markets.

    Sushant Dash, CEO of Tata Starbucks, emphasized the potential for significant expansion in India, despite the country’s dominant tea culture. Coffee remains a smaller category, but the industry size and potential for growth cannot be overlooked.

    Tata Starbucks, a successful joint venture between Starbucks and the Tata Group, presently manages more than 500 outlets across India, accounting for roughly 30% of the nation’s structured coffee market. The partnership plans to amplify its presence by inaugurating between 50 to 100 stores each year.

    According to Dash, India ranks as one of Starbucks’ fastest expanding markets globally. The renowned coffee chain has more than doubled its number of stores in the country within the last four to five years.

    This aggressive expansion comes in response to the observed increase in coffee consumption amongst the youth and urban consumers in India. This uptick has sparked intensified competition from both local and international brands.

    To seize this opportunity, Tata Starbucks is considering a multi-format expansion strategy that includes drive-through outlets, highway locations, kiosks, and experiential stores. The company has also invested in its Starbucks Reserve concept, with six locations currently operating across major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

    This most recent expansion supports the company’s aspiration to reach 1,000 stores in India by 2028. In line with this goal, Tata Starbucks aims to increase its workforce to approximately 8,600 partners and further extend its network of drive-through outlets, airport cafes, and 24-hour locations.

    Notably, the company’s expansion plans extend beyond metropolitan areas. Tata Starbucks seeks to tap into India’s next wave of consumer growth by stepping up its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    Questions & Answers

    What are Starbucks’ expansion plans in India?
    Starbucks plans to open between 50 to 100 outlets annually in India, aiming to reach 1,000 stores in the country by 2028.

    Is coffee popular in India?
    Despite India’s tea-dominant culture, the consumption of coffee is rising, particularly among the younger and urban demographics, leading to a surge in growth opportunities for coffee retailers.

    How does Starbucks plan to capture the growing coffee market in India?
    Starbucks, through its joint venture with the Tata Group, aims to leverage the growing coffee market in India by expanding its network of drive-through outlets, airport cafes, and 24-hour locations. The company is also broadening its reach to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

  • British Sportswear Giant Castore Bags Historic Brand Grenson Shoes: A Strategic Move to Boost Profitability

    British Sportswear Giant Castore Bags Historic Brand Grenson Shoes: A Strategic Move to Boost Profitability

    UK-based sportswear retailer Castore has recently announced its acquisition of the longstanding footwear brand Grenson Shoes. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering Castore’s financial stability and expanding its product portfolio.

    Embracing Heritage Brands

    According to Thomas Beahon, co-founder of Castore, the acquisition of Grenson, a 160-year-old brand, underlines the company’s belief in the value of heritage brands. Grenson has built a diverse customer base over the years and has successfully partnered with some of the most renowned global brands.

    Beahon highlighted that the rich heritage that brands like Grenson possess is one of the key factors contributing to their enduring appeal. He believes that the historical legacy, born out of years of dedication, love, and passion, is an element that cannot be artificially recreated or replaced by advanced technologies like AI.

    Grenson, which is based in Northampton, England, has earned international acclaim for its high-quality leather shoes. Among its wide range of styles, the brand’s signature wingtip shoes are especially popular.

    Overcoming Common Challenges

    Throughout Castore’s decade-long journey, Beahon has observed that many brands grapple with similar issues, such as balancing growth and profitability, deciding between short-term and long-term goals, developing multi-channel distribution, and strategizing international expansion.

    He pointed out that it’s challenging for brands to achieve profitable growth without seeking external funding, which often leads to the dilution of the brand’s unique identity and values.

    However, Beahon argued that Castore’s new approach of investing in premium and established brands has effectively addressed the common issue of cash flow that many similar brands face. Moreover, he emphasized that Castore’s strategy is primarily focused on yielding long-term returns.

    He expressed his strong belief in the potential of great brands to continually strengthen over time with the right nurturing and management. As a company, Castore is deeply committed to promoting British brands’ competitive edge on the global platform.

    Questions & Answers

    Why has Castore acquired Grenson Shoes?
    Castore’s acquisition of Grenson Shoes is part of a strategic move to enhance its financial health and broaden its product range.

    What is Castore’s view on heritage brands?
    Thomas Beahon, co-founder of Castore, holds a high regard for heritage brands. He believes that their rich history and legacy, achieved over many years of dedication, love, and passion, contribute significantly to their lasting appeal.

    What are the common challenges that brands face according to Beahon?
    Beahon identified several common challenges that many brands face, including balancing growth and profitability, deciding between short-term and long-term goals, developing multi-channel distribution, and strategizing for international expansion.

  • Danone Boosts Australian Footprint with Profitable Made Group Takeover

    Danone Boosts Australian Footprint with Profitable Made Group Takeover

    Global food corporation Danone is extending its foothold in Australia by acquiring Made Group, the parent company of Cocobella and Rokeby. This transaction is an element of a two-part acquisition designed to increase Danone’s influence in the Asia Pacific region. In addition to this, Danone has also announced the full ownership of its fresh dairy joint venture with Saputo Dairy Australia by acquiring the remaining 49% stake.

    Made Group’s consistent performance with “appealing profit margins”, backed by its sales of $490.7 million in the last fiscal year, was a driving factor behind the acquisition. Made’s portfolio includes popular brands such as The Collective, Nutrient Water, and Impressed.

    Mutual Values and Profitable Growth

    According to Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone SA, Made Group has had a remarkable history of fast and profitable growth, thanks to its robust brand portfolio and health-focused nutritional products. He notes that both companies share a belief in promoting health through food and expressed excitement about welcoming Made into the Danone family.

    Made Group was sold by US-based TPG Capital in a transaction that earned TPG approximately $2 billion, a mere five years after it had purchased the beverage business.

    Shared Commitment to Health and Innovation

    Amanda Butler, CEO of Made, views this as an exciting new phase for the company. She acknowledged Danone’s shared commitment to health and enthusiasm for innovation, expressing optimism about future prospects. Butler anticipates that their joint efforts will unlock new infrastructure, capabilities, and research and development expertise, spurring growth across the region.

    Questions & Answers

    What companies has Danone recently acquired in Australia?
    Danone has recently acquired Made Group, the parent company of Cocobella and Rokeby.

    What motivated Danone’s acquisition of Made Group?
    Made Group’s consistent “attractive profit margins” and sales performance, coupled with its strong brand portfolio and focus on health-focused nutritional products, influenced Danone’s decision to acquire the company.

    What are the anticipated benefits of this acquisition for Made Group?
    Following the acquisition, Made Group expects to access new infrastructure, capabilities, and research and development expertise to accelerate growth in the region.

  • Boost in Personalized E-Commerce Experience Demanded by Savvy Singapore Shoppers

    Boost in Personalized E-Commerce Experience Demanded by Savvy Singapore Shoppers

    Singaporean consumers are increasingly expecting more from their online shopping experiences, favoring personalised and relevant product discovery over novelty. This finding is according to a recent report called the Spark of Discovery 2026.

    Efficiency and Personalisation

    The study shared that Singaporeans are progressively seeking out efficient, customised experiences. Nearly half of the respondents (43%) stated that a swifter, more streamlined shopping process would be the most valuable improvement that retailers could offer them.

    In addition, the survey indicated that 63% of surveyed participants still find enjoyment crucial in online shopping, 62% prefer to stick with planned purchases, and 60% remain open to discovering new items. These data points signify a more purposeful approach to online browsing and purchasing.

    Trust Over Influence

    Trust is more important than influence when it comes to online shopping. Only 28% of Singaporean consumers admitted that content from influencers generates excitement about brands, which falls below the Asia-Pacific average of 34%. Meanwhile, positive reviews and readily accessible customer support emerged as the strongest factors driving engagement.

    Singapore is seen as a key indicator of the direction in which e-commerce in the Asia-Pacific region is moving, according to Sukesh Singh, MD, SEA at Criteo. Singh goes on to explain: “Consumers here are highly digitally literate; they know exactly what a great shopping experience looks like, and they have no patience for anything less. They want discovery to find them at the right moment, not interrupt them at the wrong one.”

    Artificial Intelligence and Personalisation

    These findings have emerged as retailers are boosting investments in artificial intelligence to enhance personalisation. Over half of the respondents declared that they are comfortable with brands leveraging their purchase history to provide customised recommendations, while 44% noted that timely and relevant advertisements enhance the shopping experience.

    On the retailer side, the report found that a vast majority (92%) plan on utilising AI to improve customer experiences, while 91% intend to employ it to make product discovery more efficient. These figures suggest that retailers are increasingly shifting their focus towards data-driven targeting as opposed to broad-reaching campaigns.

    The report also underscored the significant influence of shopping festivals on Singapore consumers, with 85% stating that they are swayed by such events. This reinforces the importance of providing pertinent recommendations during peak spending periods.

    Questions & Answers

    What value do Singaporean consumers see in online shopping experiences?
    Efficiency and personalisation are highly valued by Singaporean consumers in their online shopping experiences. A streamlined, less time-consuming shopping process is seen as the most valuable improvement that retailers could offer.

    How important is trust for Singaporean consumers when shopping online?
    Trust is crucial for Singaporean consumers when shopping online. Positive reviews and accessible customer support are among the strongest factors driving engagement.

    How are retailers responding to the demand for personalised experiences?
    Retailers are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence to enhance personalisation. They plan to utilise AI to improve customer experiences and make product discovery more efficient.

  • Starbucks Brews Plan for India Expansion, Aiming for 100 New Stores Annually in the Tea Land

    Starbucks Brews Plan for India Expansion, Aiming for 100 New Stores Annually in the Tea Land

    Starbucks is setting its sights on India, one of its fastest-growing markets worldwide, with plans to launch up to 100 stores per year. The renowned coffee chain, despite coffee being a less popular choice than tea in India, sees substantial potential for growth in the region.

    Tata Starbucks, a joint venture between Starbucks and the Tata Group, currently boasts over 500 stores across India, holding around 30% of the country’s structured coffee market. It intends to continue expanding its footprint by adding 50 to 100 outlets each year.

    Sushant Dash, Tata Starbucks CEO, highlighted the significant growth rate India represents for Starbucks on a global scale. He noted that the store count in India has more than doubled over the last four to five years. This growth coincides with the rise in coffee consumption among younger and urban consumers, which has sparked competition from both local and international entrants.

    Adapting to Local Consumer Needs

    To seize the emerging opportunities, Tata Starbucks is broadening its horizons by diversifying its store formats, including drive-through stores, highway locations, kiosks, and experiential outlets. The company is investing in the Starbucks Reserve concept, now operating in six different locations in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

    This expansion aligns with the company’s ambition to operate 1,000 retailers in India by 2028. In line with this aspiration, Tata Starbucks intends to increase its workforce to approximately 8,600 partners and extend its network of drive-through stores, airport cafes, and 24-hour locations.

    In addition, the company is exploring opportunities beyond major metropolitan areas, intending to extend its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to capitalize on India’s upcoming wave of consumer growth.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Starbucks’ growth plan for India?
    Starbucks plans to open up to 100 stores per year in India, aiming to operate 1,000 stores by 2028.

    How is Tata Starbucks adapting to the Indian market?
    Tata Starbucks is diversifying its store formats to meet local needs, including drive-through stores, highway locations, kiosks, and experiential outlets. It is also expanding its presence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    What is the current position of Starbucks in the Indian coffee market?
    Starbucks, through its joint venture with the Tata Group, Tata Starbucks, currently operates over 500 stores and holds about 30% of the country’s structured coffee market.

  • Kevin Murphy Grows Marketplace Revenue 141% with Pattern 

    Kevin Murphy Grows Marketplace Revenue 141% with Pattern 

    Premium haircare brand strengthens marketplace control while maintaining salon channel growth

    Premium haircare brand Kevin Murphy has grown its Amazon Australia revenue by 141% with ecommerce accelerator Pattern, transforming the marketplace from a grey market challenge into one of the brand’s fastest growing retail channels.

    Distributed in Australia by Ozdare, Kevin Murphy partnered with Pattern to manage its presence on Amazon Australia amid growing consumer demand and unauthorised reseller activity.

    “Given the growing influence of marketplaces in Australia, it was important for Kevin Murphy to establish a stronger presence where consumers are increasingly searching for and purchasing products,” explained George Leighton, Head of Retail (Consumer) for Ozdare/Kevin Murphy. “At the same time, maintaining the balance between our professional salon channel and consumer retail presence remained a key priority throughout the process.”

    Launched in November 2025 ahead of the peak Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) shopping period, Kevin Murphy entered Amazon Australia with no official marketplace presence despite significant existing consumer demand on the platform. Within just four months of launch, the brand increased units sold by 115% quarter-on-quarter while simultaneously increasing average order value by 8.4%, demonstrating strong consumer demand for premium haircare products on Amazon Australia.

    Pattern’s ANZ Managing Director, Merline McGregor said the results reflected a broader shift occurring across the Australian retail landscape as premium brands increasingly embrace marketplaces as strategic growth channels rather than viewing them as discount environments.

    “Many premium beauty and haircare brands have historically approached Amazon cautiously because of concerns around pricing control, unauthorised sellers and protecting brand equity,” McGregor said. “What Kevin Murphy has demonstrated is that with the right retail media, marketplace and brand protection strategy, Amazon can become a highly effective growth channel that complements existing retail and salon partnerships rather than competing against them.”

    Kevin Murphy’s growth trajectory is significant given the brand launched during the peak BFCM promotional period yet continued accelerating well beyond the initial sales surge. Strong March performance against a BFCM-boosted comparison period highlighted that the brand’s Amazon Australia strategy was driving sustained long-term growth rather than short-term discount-driven spikes.

    Working with Pattern has helped Kevin Murphy regain greater control over its marketplace presence and pricing environment. Since launch, Buy Box ownership increased from 65% to 91% while multiple unauthorised sellers were successfully removed from the platform, helping to protect brand integrity.

    As part of the ongoing partnership, Pattern developed and manages Kevin Murphy’s Amazon Australia storefront, optimising all product listings and implementing a full-funnel advertising strategy spanning branded search, generic category discovery and competitor targeting. By the end of the first quarter, approximately 80% of ad-driven sales were coming from first-time Kevin Murphy customers on Amazon Australia, highlighting the platform’s ability to drive new customer acquisition.

    “The reality is consumers are already searching for premium brands like Kevin Murphy on marketplaces, regardless of whether those brands officially sell there or not. What Kevin Murphy has demonstrated is that when brands take ownership of that customer experience with the right marketplace, retail media and brand protection strategy, Amazon can become a powerful channel for both growth and new customer acquisition,” concluded McGregor.

    About Pattern Inc

    Pattern accelerates brands on global ecommerce marketplaces leveraging proprietary technology and AI. Utilising more than 77 trillion data points, sophisticated machine learning and AI models, Pattern optimises and automates all levers of ecommerce growth for global brands, including advertising, content management, logistics and fulfilment, pricing, forecasting and customer service. Hundreds of global brands depend on Pattern’s ecommerce acceleration platform every day to drive profitable revenue growth across 60+ global marketplaces—including Amazon, TikTok Shop, Walmart.com, Target.com, eBay, Tmall, JD, and Mercado Libre.  For more information, visit https://au.pattern.com/

     

     

  • Converse Unveils Mega Flagship Store in Bengaluru, Launches Converse By You Customisation Platform in India

    Converse Unveils Mega Flagship Store in Bengaluru, Launches Converse By You Customisation Platform in India

    Converse, the iconic American shoe company, has unveiled its largest flagship store in Bengaluru, India, located in the esteemed Phoenix Mall of Asia. This venture has been accomplished in collaboration with Bhaane Group and it marks a significant milestone for Converse as it introduces its global customisation platform, Converse By You, to the Indian market for the first time.

    A New Retail Experience

    The Converse By You platform grants customers the ability to add a personal touch to their purchases using an array of design elements, limited-edition patches, and artwork inspired by the local culture. This move underscores Converse’s commitment to offering an enhanced retail experience that is tailored to its customers’ preferences and the prevailing local trends.

    The new store goes beyond the conventional retail experience by seamlessly integrating elements of skateboarding, art, music, and youth culture to create an immersive atmosphere for customers. Noteworthy features of the store include ‘Play for Peace,’ an interactive skateboard installation designed by artist Ansh Kumar, and a grand mural by Bengaluru’s very own artist, Benson Diengdoh.

    Besides offering an innovative retail experience, the store also houses Converse’s staple footwear collections, such as the Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70 ranges, as well as a selection of newer products.

    Converse’s Journey in India

    Converse, established in 1908 and a part of Nike Inc since 2003, launched its first standalone store in India in November 2024 through an exclusive collaboration involving franchise, wholesale, and e-commerce distribution with Bhaane Group. In addition to the newly minted flagship store in Bengaluru, Converse operates three other standalone stores across India, specifically in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the new Converse store in Bengaluru?
    This store is Converse’s largest flagship outlet in India and it introduces the Converse By You platform to the Indian market, allowing customers to personalise their purchases.

    What unique features does the new store offer?
    The store includes an interactive skateboard installation named ‘Play for Peace’ by artist Ansh Kumar, and a large mural by local artist Benson Diengdoh. The store also integrates elements of skateboarding, art, music, and youth culture to offer an immersive shopping experience.

    What are the key products available at the new store?
    The store offers Converse’s core footwear lines, including the Chuck Taylor All Star and Chuck 70 collections, as well as an assortment of newer product ranges.

  • From Delivery Uniforms to Designer Accessories: DHL and Eric Wongs Eco-Friendly Upcycled Collection Takes Flight

    From Delivery Uniforms to Designer Accessories: DHL and Eric Wongs Eco-Friendly Upcycled Collection Takes Flight

    In a novel sustainability initiative, DHL Express has teamed up with Eric Wong, a renowned Hong Kong-based fashion designer, to create the DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection. This unique line of accessories is fashioned from old courier uniforms which have been taken out of service.

    Eric Wong, the creative mind behind Absurd Laboratory, earned the DHL GoGreen Plus Alumni Prize at the Redress Design Award held the previous year. His design philosophy is commonly recognized for its utilization of deconstruction and upcycling techniques.

    The Upcycled Collection

    The upcycled collection features an array of items crafted from repurposed DHL polo shirts and cargo trousers. Included in the collection is a multipurpose bucket hat, a sling bag, a pair of clogs, and bear-shaped pendants that boast cartoon-inspired designs.

    The revenue generated from this assortment will be used to fund Redress and its initiatives aiming to help budding designers who are passionate about sustainable and circular fashion.

    A Step Towards Sustainability

    Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau, expressed that this project aligns with the company’s wider sustainability objectives.

    DHL, being a crucial logistics ally to the fashion industry, will be fulfilling international orders of this collection using its GoGreen Plus service. It is a purposeful move aimed at lowering CO2 emissions by employing Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

    Eric Wong shared that this project was a chance to breathe new life into discarded materials. By reusing old DHL courier uniforms, he endeavored to create modern accessories that tell a tale of sustainability and circular design.

    The DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection can be purchased from the Absurd Laboratory’s online store, Midwest Vintage stores, and The Redress Closet.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the DHL x Absurd Laboratory BFFS Upcycled Collection?
    It’s a collection of accessories created from old courier uniforms which are no longer in use. The collection includes a convertible bucket hat, sling bag, clogs, and bear-shaped pendants.

    Where will the profits from this collection be directed?
    The revenue generated from the sales will fund Redress, an organization that supports emerging designers with a focus on sustainable and circular fashion.

    How does this project support sustainability?
    This initiative contributes to sustainability in two ways: firstly, it upcycles old courier uniforms into fashionable accessories, reducing waste. Secondly, DHL will be using its GoGreen Plus service, which employs Sustainable Aviation Fuel, to ship international orders of the collection, thereby reducing CO2 emissions.

  • Cracking Into Global Markets: Vietnam’s First Shipment of Ready-to-Eat Eggs Lands in Japan

    Cracking Into Global Markets: Vietnam’s First Shipment of Ready-to-Eat Eggs Lands in Japan

    Vietnam has made significant strides in its food export sector with its first shipment of ready-to-eat poultry eggs to Japan. The delivery was facilitated by Vinh Thanh Dat Food (VFood) on Thursday, following an extensive collaboration with a Japanese partner. The endeavor is notable as Japan is renowned for having some of the world’s most rigorous food safety standards.

    Years of Collaboration Lead to a Successful Shipment

    The partners invested nearly two years in product development, tailoring the ready-to-eat eggs to the specific tastes of Japanese consumers while ensuring they adhered to the country’s stringent food safety regulations. This meticulous process involved comprehensive research, product refining, and assistance from Japanese experts.

    This shipment represents more than just a successful export; it symbolizes VFood’s determination to elevate the worth of Vietnamese eggs. Further, it opens doors for other processed egg products to penetrate demanding international markets and solidify their presence.

    Addressing Oversupply through Increased Exports

    Presently, the poultry egg market in Vietnam is grappling with an oversupply due to a surge in farm expansions when egg prices were high. This expansion has led to production exceeding demand, thereby resulting in a drop in egg prices. Thus, venturing into new export markets is seen as a viable solution to manage the surplus stock, enhance poultry farmers’ earnings, and in turn, instill greater confidence in them to sustain production.

    In the long run, increasing exports can help farmers standardize and upgrade their production processes. Simultaneously, it could serve as a catalyst for growth in Vietnam’s poultry egg sector.

    Questions & Answers

    What is significant about the recent shipment of ready-to-eat eggs from Vietnam to Japan?
    This shipment marks the first time that Vietnam has exported ready-to-eat eggs to Japan, a country known for its strict food safety standards.

    How did VFood prepare for this milestone shipment?
    VFood collaborated with a Japanese partner and invested nearly two years in product research, development, and refinement to ensure the eggs met Japanese consumers’ tastes and the country’s food safety regulations.

    What are the potential benefits of expanding egg exports for Vietnam’s poultry sector?
    Expanding exports can help manage the current oversupply of eggs in the Vietnamese market, improve poultry farmers’ incomes, and encourage them to maintain production. In the long term, it can aid in standardizing and upgrading production processes and boosting the overall poultry egg sector.

  • JD.com Ignites Hong Kong Expansion with Launch of Citys First JD Mall

    JD.com Ignites Hong Kong Expansion with Launch of Citys First JD Mall

    JD.com, a prominent Chinese e-commerce company, has inaugurated its first physical JD Mall in Hong Kong. This venture marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion strategy, which projects the opening of 6 to 8 more stores across the city over the forthcoming three years.

    The retail store, located in Wan Chai, boasts a sprawling 30,000 square feet area, making it one of the largest home appliances and consumer electronics specialists in Hong Kong. Notably, this is the first JD Mall branch established outside of mainland China, adding to the over 30 stores already operating across the country.

    The decision to open a physical store in Hong Kong followed an announcement by JD.com last year about its quest for an ideal location. The company’s offline retail concept integrates product displays, interactive experiences, and post-sale services.

    JD.com’s expansion blueprint includes the addition of six to eight JD Mall branches in Hong Kong. Future locations are expected to be in prominent districts like Sha Tin, Mong Kok, and Tuen Mun.

    The Wan Chai store offers an extensive array of products, from home appliances and consumer electronics to smart home systems, AI-enabled devices, and robotics. JD.com asserts that the store adheres to a “sourced in Hong Kong, sold in Hong Kong” policy. This is supported by local suppliers and products designed based on local market needs.

    A spokesperson for JD Mall labelled Hong Kong as a significant gateway to the Greater Bay Area. The city’s mature consumer market and robust retail ecosystem were also cited as the reasons for this expansion.

    The spokesperson highlighted that JD Mall will leverage JD.com’s strong supply chain capabilities, digital operations expertise, and experience-led retail model. They also assured that the store would comply with local regulations and cater to consumer preferences.

    The spokesperson added, “Through our local operations, we will deliver high-quality products, innovative retail experiences, and exceptional service to Hong Kong consumers, while contributing to the continued diversification and upgrading of the local retail sector.”

    JD.com also revealed plans to broaden omnichannel retail services in the city, and to reinforce partnerships with other businesses within the JD.com ecosystem.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the expansion plan of JD.com in Hong Kong?
    JD.com plans to open six to eight more physical JD Mall locations across the city over the next three years.

    What is unique about the new JD Mall store in Hong Kong?
    The store is unique because it offers a wide variety of products, including home appliances, consumer electronics, smart home systems, AI-enabled devices, and robotics. Moreover, it follows a ‘sourced in Hong Kong, sold in Hong Kong’ approach.

    How does JD.com plan to cater to the Hong Kong market?
    JD.com plans to cater to the Hong Kong market by aligning with local compliance standards and consumer preferences. It also aims to strengthen collaboration with other businesses within the JD.com ecosystem and to expand omnichannel retail services in the city.

  • Vietnam’s Gold Prices Soar Despite Global Market Decline: A Week of Ups and Downs

    Vietnam’s Gold Prices Soar Despite Global Market Decline: A Week of Ups and Downs

    Vietnam’s gold market saw a modest rise in prices on Saturday, ending the week on a slightly high note. The day observed a 0.34% increase in the prices of gold bars from Saigon Jewelry Company, which closed at VND147.2 million (US$5,594.85) per tael. This showed a 0.14% increase over the week.

    Similarly, the prices of gold rings also rose, marking a 0.4% increase to VND147.2 million per tael. For context, a tael is a traditional Asian unit of weight, which is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces.

    Global Gold Prices

    In contrast to Vietnam, global gold prices experienced a downward trend on Friday. The decline marked the third consecutive weekly fall for the yellow metal. The decrease in prices was influenced by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and a hawkish stance of the Federal Reserve.

    Spot gold decreased by 0.9%, settling at $4,169.44 per ounce. This was after hitting its lowest level since June 11 at $4,119.78. Also, U.S. gold futures contracted by 1.4% to $4,186.50.

    Senior market analyst at Jefferies-owned Tradu.com, Nikos Tzabouras, commented on the situation. He noted that gold is at risk of sinking further into bear market territory, potentially falling below the $4,000/oz mark. He attributed this to the challenging market environment and the unfavorable effects of prolonged higher Federal Reserve expectations on non-yielding assets, which, however, is beneficial to the dollar.

    With regards to gold price projections, Goldman Sachs revised its forecast, lowering its December prediction to $4,900 per ounce from its earlier estimate of $5,400. The firm reasoned that while its price outlook remains generally positive, it is exercising caution due to potential near-term downside risk and medium-term upside risk.

    Questions & Answers

    What caused the rise in Vietnam’s gold prices?
    The increase in Vietnam’s gold prices is not attributed to a specific cause in the article. However, gold prices can rise due to various factors such as fluctuations in currency values, inflation, and geopolitical instability.

    What is causing the downturn in global gold prices?
    The global decline in gold prices is attributed to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar and the hawkish stance of the Federal Reserve, which has increased expectations for higher interest rates.

    What is Goldman Sachs’ revised forecast for gold prices by December?
    Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for gold prices by December to $4,900 per ounce, a decrease from its previous estimate of $5,400 per ounce.