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  • RedMart Singapore raises $26.7m

    RedMart Singapore raises $26.7m

    Singapore online grocer RedMart has raised more capital and appointed a former Amazon executive to drive regional expansion.

    RedMart Singapore has previously indicated an interest in expanding into Vietnam, Thailand, Manila, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Taiwan – but it has not disclosed which markets it sees as a priority with its newly secured funds.

    RedMart has secured US$26.7 million in a round of funding tapping existing shareholders Garena, Softbank Ventures Korea, Visionnaire Ventures and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. It has also attracted a new investor – Far East Ventures, part of Singapore property developer Far East Organization which is diversifying its investment portfolio eyeing startups and tech ventures.

    The funds will be used to expand into regional markets outside Singapore, a move to be led by new recruit Colin Bryar, a former VP of US eCommerce giant Amazon.

    RedMart Singapore increased sales to US$9.43 million in 2014, but massive investment in infrastructure saw its losses balloon to $29.4 million – a not uncommon scenario of eCommerce startups.

    Bryan will oversee engineering, marketing and operations, taken over from co-founder Vikram Rupani, who takes on the title of President of RedMart.

  • Major Cineplex plans Laos rollout

    Major Cineplex plans Laos rollout

    Thai cinema chain Major Cineplex plans to have 30 screens in Laos within three years.

    Major Cineplex has entered the Laos market in a 60:40 joint venture with local partner Platinum Cineplex.

    With a population of 7 million, a growing economy and young population, the Thai company believes it offers strong opportunity to expand its business outside Thailand.

    “Laos is a growing area for the movie business with its young population,” Major Cineplex chairman Vicha Poolvaraluck said in an interview with The Nation this week.

    “The country is [also] attracting foreign investors, particularly from China, to erect a number of new projects including shopping malls, hotels and business centres.”

    Major Cineplex typically operates its multiplex cinemas as anchors of modern shopping malls. It has just opened its first five screen, 1148 seat facility in Vientiane Center an upmarket shopping centre developed in a partnership including China’s Huawei

    Vicha said his company expects to sell at least 500,000 tickets within the first year of operation.

    “Forty per cent of Vientiane’s 700,000 residents are aged between 10 to 35 years,” he added.

    Major Cineplex will open three more cinemas in Vientiane by 2018, one in the planned World Trade Centre and another in a development planned by Thai investors.

    Vicha says his company is also eyeing opportunities in Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietnam. It currently operates just one cinema outside Thailand – in the year old Aeon Mall in Phnom Penh, also in partnership with Platinum.

    He told The Nation he expects to have 100 screens outside Thailand by 2020, creating 10 per cent of the company’s revenue.

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  • Defining the ‘perfect store’

    Defining the ‘perfect store’

    The ultimate goal of the “perfect store” is to enhance a customer’s shopping experience to maximise your sales opportunities.

    Many consumer goods companies operate on a one “perfect” size fits all principle. But we know treating all stores the same does not work. There are marked differences that exist not only by region, but also by market, channel and retailer.

    A better way to define your “perfect store” is to acknowledge that every store is different and break your business down to the individual store level defining in-store objectives by store.

    Consider factors like:

    1. What is the perfect assortment for this store?
    1. What are the perfect pricing and promotion strategies for this store?
    1. What is the perfect location for your product in this store?
    1. What are the perfect displays for this store?
    1. How to take the perfect order in this store?

    To understand what “perfect” translates to in each case, use information like point of sale, distribution and inventory data to help you define the specific goals around assortment, price and promotion and placement. The use of shopper insight data, consumer demographics and spend data and scan sales data will also help provide a rich understanding of what the perfect store looks like.

    For example:

    Company A has a large seasonal promotion upcoming with major TV and supporting media advertising.

    Company A negotiates with a major grocery chain with tight control over store ranging a certain promotional position and in store plan.

    o Store A has a very high scan sales for this type of product. Perfection in Store A means convincing the store to place two additional touch points through a large secondary floor display along with an upgraded aisle end position, and ensuring the manager has enough additional stock available to refill the display and prevent stock outs.

    o Store B has low scan sales for this type of product. Perfection in Store B means ensuring the upcoming promotion will be implemented correctly, avoiding any downgrading of position or placement Company A also looks for incremental opportunities in other types of retail outlets (independent retail, pharmacy, HORECA, route trade or others).

    o Store C has high sales potential for this type of product (for example based on consumer demographics in surrounding areas), and uses distributors to get products into store. Perfection in Store C is the same as Store A, however securing additional facings on shelf to increase product visibility during and after the promotional period is required. Plus taking a turn in order that is sent back to the retailer’s distributor for fulfilment to avoid stock outs.

    o Store D trades directly with Company A. Perfection in Store D means aligning the store to Company A’s view on the ideal product assortment on shelf and the ideal position, while ensuring that the perfect amount of stock is ordered based on ordering history and upcoming promotion expectations.

    Finally, whose responsibility is it to define the perfect store and set the goals?

    To succeed it must be the senior leadership team. Company leaders need to be engaged at the outset. It is easy to view this as an execution task rather than a strategic one – however it is both. The Perfect store has to be a pillar for your brand(s) and considered one of the company’s strategic goals. Then it can be brought to life through in-store execution.

    Using the right processes, tools and technology will help; so make sure this is part of your discussions. The end goal is well worth it – winning over your competitors, at the shelf, every time.

  • LG Electronics opens Middle East stores

    LG Electronics opens Middle East stores

    South Korea’s LG Electronics is making a strong push into the Middle East, opening premium brand shops in the area.

    The company is deliberately positioning its brand at the higher end of the market to differentiate it from lower cost brands.

    LG says it has opened a premium brand shop in Jordan on Mecca Street, the premium home electronics business district. The shop is the third premium brand outlet to open in the region this year after Tehran in Iran and Beirut in Lebanon.

    The Jordan store is the largest of the brand’s shops in the area. The exterior of the store is made of glass, allowing potential customers to look inside. A video pillar that shows a moving image on an LED screen is set on the outside of the building.

    The latest premium products from LG electronics, such as a 65-inch ultra all-red TV, 105-inch curved surface ultra HD TV, double magic space refrigerator, and premium smartphones are exhibited. Consumers can actually use the devices and learn about their features in the convenience room.

    LG Electronics is planning to expand its premium brand shops to other major countries in Africa and the Middle East.

    “We will strengthen our leadership in the premium market through the premium brand shops that maximise convenience in living,” a company spokesman said.

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  • Lotte.com launches China app

    Lotte.com launches China app

    South Korea’s Lotte.com has launched a Chinese mobile shopping mall service known as ‘china.lotte.com’ to meet demands of consumers chasing the ‘Korean Wave’.

    Growing numbers of Chinese are buying goods online from offshore sources – a practice referred to as ‘Haitao’ locally. And Korean goods – especially in the beauty and fashion categories – are enormously popular among the younger demographic.

    China.lotte.com, launched Wednesday (August 19) is’ exclusively focused on customers from Greater China. After global.lotte.com launched in February last year, Lotte spent a whole year preparing for the Chinese version of the site.

    More than 10,000 lines have been selected for China.lotte.com and another 5000 local Chinese lines are being added progressively.

    Chinese customers can shop using regular payment services including Alipay, UnionPay, Tenpay, PayPal and local Chinese credit cards.

    Lotte.com’s global business team manager Hwang Hyun Jung says China.lotte.com considered even minute details to meet the expectations of the rapidly growing Chinese overseas shopping market.

    “Through meticulous translations and user tests via Chinese supporters, this service is mainly composed of local-friendly user interface,” she said.

    Lotte.com has attracted “hundreds of thousands followers and supporters” via Weibo during the last six months in preparation for the launch.

    The company is also promising to work with Korean small businesses to help expose their brands and products to Chinese consumers via the portal.

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  • Aeon Hong Kong to invest in new stores

    Aeon Hong Kong to invest in new stores

    Aeon Hong Kong is ramping up its store network expansion in the territory and the mainland.

    The Japanese retailer’s locally listed subsidiary has set aside HK$420 million to build new stores and refurbish existing ones, MD Christine Chan Pui Man said in announcing the company’s half year result. The cash – vastly more than the $51 million spent in the first half of this year – will be spent during the second half of 2015 and in 2016.

    Chan said despite a “stagnant” retail industry in both China and Hong Kong, the group improved its sales by 2.4 per cent to $4.499 billion in the six months to June 30, largely from stable growth in the mainland. Gross margin rose from 30.6 per cent to 31.1 per cent due to merchandise enhancement, boosting the core business profit by 20.8 per cent to $43.7 million.

    In the first half of this year Aeon Hong Kong opened four new stores – two in Tsuen Wan, one in Sai Ying Pun and another in Sham Shui Po, giving it a network of 46 on June 30.

    Revenue from the group’s Hong Kong operations was maintained at HK$1.87 billion, down marginally on a year ago, but profit fell from $44.7 million to $23.6 million.

    On the mainland, revenue rose by 6.8 per cent to $2.626 billion and the segment results achieved a turnaround with profit of $20.2 million compared with a loss of $8.4 million last year. Aeon now has 29 stores in south China, no more than at the end of last year.

    With a focus on now expanding the network, Aeon Hong Kong believes the mainland will become a major growth driver of the group.

    “In spite of the unstable macroeconomic environment and the volatile stock market, the PRC is still one of the economies with the largest potential for further business growth,” Chan said.

    In the second half of 2015, a new store will open in Zhongshan and in the first half of 2016, one will open in Panyu and two in Guangzhou and Shenzhen respectively in the second half.

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  • National Gallery Singapore to get new food, retail concept

    National Gallery Singapore to get new food, retail concept

    New retail business ‘& Co’ has partnered with the National Gallery Singapore to create a food and beverage and retail concept called Gallery & Co.

    Inspired by Southeast Asian art and culture, Gallery & Co fuses art and design into a curated retail experience featuring specially designed products for the museum, books, design collectibles and prints, amongst others, as well as a quick-service, casual dining venue (comprising a café and cafeteria). The new space, to open in November, spans the entire frontage of the City Hall Wing on the ground floor, overlooking the historically significant Padang.

    The partners of & Co. are local industry heavyweights Loh Lik Peng (Unlisted Collection), Yah-Leng Yu and Arthur Chin (Foreign Policy Design), along with Alwyn Chong (Luxasia). This new venture combines their diverse experience and depth of expertise, creating a unique platform for cross-disciplinary projects spanning retail, F&B, art, design and culture.

    Leading the culinary direction at Gallery & Co. will be Lik Peng, while Yah-Leng and Arthur oversee the branding, space and product design. Alwyn heads & Co’s retail strategy, forming a dream team with Yah-Leng to direct & Co’s merchandising vision, curate brands and identify exciting collaborations exclusive to Gallery & Co.

    “This collaboration creates a seamless experience for visitors as they extend their art journey into Gallery & Co to shop, read and dine,” said Chong Siak Ching, CEO of the National Gallery Singapore.

    “We are delighted that & Co responded to our brief with a pitch that reflects our unique visitor experience philosophy. We welcome visitors to explore Gallery & Co when it opens, and be among the first to immerse in an experience that is unique to National Gallery Singapore.”

    With Chef Sufian Zain of Restaurant Ember as consultant chef, the cafeteria’s menu will feature the distinctive flavours of Southeast Asia, reinterpreted with his signature pared down style. The café offers cakes, coffee and sweets from choice local purveyors and artisans, a perfect respite between exhibition hopping and a gathering place for friends.

    “At Gallery & Co, we want to dispel the elitist stigma associated with art,” said Arthur Chin.

    “Being the first-ever museum shop in the world to house a bookstore, F&B establishments and retail in one continuous space, we hope to create a dynamic visitor experience that not only bookends a visit to the National Gallery Singapore, but is also a destination in its own right. By curating and purveying products that provoke curiosity and inspire, we hope to make art accessible to everyone.”

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  • Marks & Spencer Vietnam opens second store

    Marks & Spencer Vietnam opens second store

    UK-based department store retailer Marks & Spencer has opened a second store in Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh.

    Marks & Spencer Vietnam plans to have 20 stores trading in the country by 2020, focused on selling womenswear and menswear.

    The new store is at Crescent Mall in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7, a four year old mall which also hosts a newly opened Robins Department store.

    It is operated by Marks & Spencer’s long-term franchise partner, Thailand-based Central Retail Corporation, a member of Central Group, which also owns Robins.

    The first Marks & Spencer Vietnam store opened in a 1200 sqm space in the Vincom Center in downtown Ho Chi Minh City last year, the site previously occupied by UK rival Debenhams.

    M&S now has over 800 stores in the UK and more than 460 international stores across 56 markets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

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  • Honda BR-V prototype debuts at Gaikindo in Indonesia

    Honda BR-V prototype debuts at Gaikindo in Indonesia

    Japanese automotive major Honda has unveiled its Honda BR-V Prototype, powered by a 1.5 liter i-VTEC engine with 6-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable transmission (CVT), at GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2015.

    honda

    Stated to blend the appearance of an SUV with the spacious cabin of an MPV, the new vehicle will first hit the stores in Indonesia next year at a price range between $16,432 and $18,932.

    Production of the vehicle will begin at the firm’s facility at Karawang, Indonesia, in January.

    Honda Motor regional operation (Asia and Oceania) COO Noriaki Abe said: “Honda started business in Indonesia in 1971, and the importance of this country for Honda’s auto business has been increasing year by year.

    “With the all-new 7-seat BR-V and the rest of the Honda line-up, we will continue to offer exciting products and the joy of driving to our customers in Indonesia.”

    With the exterior sporting high ground clearance, big roof rails for all grades, LED connected tail light design in C-character and new 16-inch aluminum wheels, the interior flaunts a spacious and comfortable cabin with additional knee room and head room.

    PT Honda Prospect Motor president director Tomoki Uchida said: “Honda BR-V was developed to fulfill the needs of Indonesian customers. We believe Honda BR-V will be greatly received by customers in Indonesia and become the main attraction in this year’s motor show.”

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  • Royal Enfield enters Indonesian market

    Royal Enfield enters Indonesian market

    Royal Enfield has entered Indonesian market targeting mid-size motorcycle segment and an exclusive store in Jakarta, the company said Monday, adding that the move into the world’s third largest two-wheeler is part of its growth strategy and international thrust to expand its presence in the mid-sized motorcycle segment (250-750cc).

    The company announced the foray at GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show 2015. The two-wheeler major displayed its range of motorcycles at the show including the Bullet 500cc, the retro-street models – Classic 500cc and Classic Chrome and the Continental GT (535cc) cafe racer.

    Abhijit Singh Brar, head of marketing for Royal Enfield, said the company will commence retail operations soon from its exclusive dealership in Jakarta that is being set up in partnership with PT Distributor Motor Indonesia. In addition to the store, they will also build service and aftermarket capability for Royal Enfield in Jakarta.

    Backed by a growth of over 50% year on year in the past five years, the company is aiming to lead and grow the middle-weight segment, which is underserved globally. The move to enter Indonesia is part of the company’s larger growth strategy which includes a thrust on expanding its international presence.

    The company believes this growth will largely come from markets like India such as Latin America – it entered the Colombian market last year – and South East Asia, given their size and comparable commuting trends.
    Indonesia is a strategic market for Royal Enfield. With its large commuter based, this market has enormous potential to upgrade to the next level of motorcycles, should there be optimal product choice.

    “We will build our presence from Jakarta and depending on the response, we will expand our footprint to the other key cities in Indonesia,” said Arun Gopal, head for international business at Royal Enfield.
    In 2014, Royal Enfield sold more than three lakh motorcycles globally. In 2015, the company aims to produce 4.50 lakh motorcycles to supports its growth strategy globally.

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  • CapitaLand may sell Rivervale Mall

    CapitaLand may sell Rivervale Mall

    Singapore property conglomerate CapitaLand has confirmed it is reviewing its options for the future of Rivervale Mall.

    “CapitaLand Mall Trust has not come to any decision or entered into any agreement or transaction in connection with the options, nor is there any certainty or assurance that CMT will enter into or conclude any such transactions,” the company said in a disclosure to the Singapore stock exchange.

    The company said the consideration was in line with its policy of continually evaluating its portfolio of assets “and exploring opportunities to maximise” their value.

    Rivervale Mall is located in the Sengkang housing estate close to Rumbia LRT station in the north-eastern region of Singapore. The three-storey mall has a net lettable area of 81,159 sqft and serves the local community.

    Key tenants include NTUC Foodfare, Daiso, Bata, Eu Yan Sang TCM, McDonald’s, Long John Silver’s, Guardian, KFC, BBQ Chicken, Watsons, Kimage, NTUC Denticare, Unity NTUC Healthcare.

    In 2014, it had a footfall of 9.9 million.

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  • Missha expands in Vietnam

    Missha expands in Vietnam

    Korean cosmetics retailer Missha has opened its 15th retail store in Vietnam.

    The newest store, at Cach Mang Thang St in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, is located in a neighbourhood popular with tourists and locals.

    Besides its focus on Vietnam’s most populous city, Missha is expanding in other Vietnamese cities. In April it opened in the holiday resort of Danang

    Missha Korea has 1650 stores in 29 countries including about 110 in Southeast Asian markets including Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.

    The company says it sold US$570,000 worth of products in Vietnam in the first half of 2015, up 32.5 per cent on the same time last year.

    The Korea Cosmetics Industry Institute predicts Vietnam’s cosmetics markets will grow by 17.5 per cent this year, making it the second fastest growing market in Asia, behind India.

    “With Missha’s main items of makeup cosmetics, including mascaras and BB creams, we will accelerate the market invasion in Vietnam,” said Lee Kwang-sup, chief manager of Missha’s overseas business unit.

    “As Missha has already been established as one of the most popular brands in the country, we will dominate the market in advance by actively expanding stores.”

  • Studio City retail tenants revealed

    Studio City retail tenants revealed

    Studio City and Taubman Asia, have revealed the lineup of fashion brands that will open inside The Boulevard at Studio City.

    A mix of fashion-forward labels and internationally-renowned luxury brands include Macau’s first Balmain, Macau’s first Belstaff, and Tom Ford’s largest store in Asia, amongst many others. The selection was assembled by Taubman Asia and Melco Crown Entertainment’s combined team of retail specialists to meet Chinese consumers’ increasing desire to express their individuality through high quality, expertly crafted clothing and accessories. Bespoke and personal services will be offered to ensure our shoppers take center stage.

    Taubman says The Boulevard at Studio City will bring “an unparalleled shopping experience” to Studio City.

    “Unlike any retail offering to be found in Asia, the unique 35,000 sqm ‘immersive’ retail entertainment environment brings shopping to life by ‘transporting’ visitors to high-energy street-scapes and entertaining them at every turn with featured streets and squares inspired by iconic shopping and entertainment locations, including New York’s Times Square and Hollywood’s Beverly Hills,” Taubman said in a statement.

    “At the futuristic Times Square Macau, inside The Boulevard at Studio City, a variety of entertainment from ‘virtual’ musicians to film stars will be shown through holographic projections.

    “Leveraging our global expertise increating extraordinary retail environments, and our exceptional relationships with the world’s leading brands, our talented team in Asia has brought together an exciting mix of brands for The Boulevard at Studio City,” said René Tremblay, president of Taubman Asia.

    “Our merchandising and management services are the industry standard for performance and excellence. We are thrilled to welcome these brands to our latest project and are committed to supporting them for the long term.”

    List of brands:

    Aeronautica Militare
    Balmain
    Bank of China
    Belstaff
    Boss
    Bottega Veneta
    Bulgari
    Cigar Emporium
    Coach
    Cosmos Food Station
    Din Tai Fung
    Dunhill
    Emporio Armani
    Fendi
    Girard-Perregaux
    Givenchy
    Glashutte Original
    Graff
    Gucci
    Hide Yamamoto
    Hublot
    ICBC
    Trattoria Il Mulino
    Image Digital
    IWC Schaffhausen
    Jaeger-LeCoultre
    Jaquet Droz
    kate spade new york
    Kenzo
    Longines
    McCafe
    McDonald’s
    MCM
    Michael Kors
    Montblanc
    Philipp Plein
    Piaget
    Prada
    Rainbow
    Rimowa
    Roberto Cavalli
    Saint Laurent Paris
    Shiki Hot Pot Restaurant
    Starbucks
    Tag Heuer
    T Galleria Beauty by DFS
    Tiffany & Co.
    Tom Ford
    UM
    Vacheron Constantin
    Valentino
    Van Cleef & Arpels
    Versace Collection
    Ermenegildo Zegna
    Zenith

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  • Telent to open Malaysia stores

    Telent to open Malaysia stores

    Chinese outdoor apparel brand Telent says it plans to set up retail points of sale in Malaysia as a first step in a broader Southeast Asian push.

    Telent specialises in the design, manufacture, marketing, brand management and distribution of branded outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment. It is China’s second largest outdoor wear brand measured by retail sales value.

    Telent is undertaking an IPO in Malaysia, issuing 103.39 million new shares at ten US cents each.

    The first new store will open in Kuala Lumpur with other Southeast Asian stores will follow as early as the third quarter of this year, in part funded with the funds raised in the IPO

    Telent Group executive director Hui Tang Tat says the product sales mix percentage in outdoor apparel and outdoor footwear respectively posted 43.8 per cent and 49.5 per cent sales growth last year, while equipment products grew by a more modest 6.7 per cent.

    As of October, Telent had 817 retail points of sale and 23 network distributors across China.

    “The Malaysian market is competitive and building our presence there will offer us a platform and opportunity to expand in this region,” Hui said during a media conference.

    “Perhaps in the next five to 10 years, we can go down the road to tap other Asian markets as we want our brand to be globally recognised,” he said.

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  • China Fordoo boosts store network

    China Fordoo boosts store network

    China Fordoo Holdings opened 42 new stores in the first half of this year, helping it boost sales in a soft Mainland retail market.

    Fordoo, a specialist menswear designer, manufacturer and retailer, now has 1494 stores across the Mainland, including two self-managed. Trousers account for 58 per cent of its revenue.

    For the six months to June 30, group profit was about RMB136.9 million (US$21.4 million), up 6.4 per cent on the same period last year. Sales increased by 8.1 per cent to RMB828.4 million ($129.56 million).

    “The increase was mainly due to the expansion of the group’s distribution network and the enhancement of its brand recognition,” the company said in its statement.

    Fordoo said in the first half, China’s economy had entered into a “New Normal” phase.

    “The economy has shifted from high growth to medium-to-high growth, and the economic structure has improved and been upgraded. Under the “New Normal” phase, the economy is increasingly driven by innovation rather than input and investment.”

    Apparel retail growth slowed. Total retail sales of garments, hats, footwear and knitwear in China recorded a 8.3 per cent year on year increase which was 0.4 percentage points lower than that of the corresponding period in 2014.

    “The overall retail market in China remained weak and consumer sentiment showed no sign of notable recovery. However, we are glad that China Fordoo Holdings was able to continue to grow at a stable and moderate pace during the period in terms of number of retail outlets, distributors and revenue.”