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Tag: adventure

  • Air New Zealand’s ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’ calls for airports

    Air New Zealand’s ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’ calls for airports

    Air New Zealand is looking for two airports to further support its efforts towards decarbonization and has opened an expression of interest as part of selecting a route to fly its commercial demonstrator aircraft from 2026. 

    The move is part of the airline’s ‘Mission Next Gen Aircraft’ launched in December last year, where the carrier announced partnerships with Eviation, Beta, VoltAero and Cranfield Aerospace with plans to launch the first-zero emissions demonstrator flight by 2026. 

    Air New Zealand is working towards its ambition of flying next-generation aircraft on its domestic network from 2030. The airline will work with its partners to develop the technology and associated infrastructure required to make this a reality. The commercial demonstrator aircraft will be either electric, hybrid or hydrogen fuel celled, initially operating as a cargo-only service. The airline said it will announce the type of demonstrator aircraft it will use from 2026 by early next year. 

    “Decarbonising aviation is not easy, and we’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re committed to reducing our emissions as quickly as we can, and this process is another step in the right direction,” said Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s chief sustainability officer. 

    “While we’re looking forward to bringing two frontrunner airports on board, it’s also important to note that all airports in New Zealand play an important role as we work towards bringing next-generation aircraft into our network here in Aotearoa at scale.  

    “The selected airports will be leaders in supporting the implementation of this new technology and will be the conduit of information between airports across the motu as we drive the change required in advance of our larger fleet replacement needs from 2030.” 

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  • Porsche Introduces 2 New e-Bikes

    Porsche Introduces 2 New e-Bikes

    We all knew Porsche as the carmaker but now the company is expanding its range of e-mobility products by introducing 2 new ebikes. Available in Europe for now, the Porsche eBike Sport and the Porsche eBike Cross are the first e-bikes from the carmaker. The full-suspension carbon frame featuring an organic shape inspired by the lines of the Porsche Taycan, the powerful, latest-generation Shimano motor and the Magura high-performance brakes are just three of the features that ensure top performance. Both models were developed in collaboration with eBike expert Rotwild and are manufactured in Dieburg, Germany.

    The Porsche eBike Sport is perfect for daily rides, whether in the city or countryside, on the way to work or enjoying some free time. The new, powerful and ultra-compact Shimano EP8 motor, which provides motor support up to 25 kmph, and Shimano electronic gear shifting system guarantee optimum performance.

    Thanks to the Magura high-performance brakes that are integrated into the handlebars, the Porsche eBike Sport has a clean and compact cockpit. The elegant and puristic design is emphasized by M99 LED lights from lighting specialist Supernova, which are embedded in the handlebar stem and aerodynamic seat post. In addition, high-quality suspension components such as the Magura upside-down suspension fork and the Fox rear shock absorber, in combination with smooth-running tires, provide a sporty and balanced ride on asphalt or gentle terrain.

    The Porsche eBike Cross is at home in the countryside, off the beaten path and away from roads. The powerful motor, newly developed by Shimano, demonstrates its full ability in difficult terrain and delivers maximum performance while maintaining a natural riding sensation. The Magura-MT Trail high-performance brakes have extra-large, heat-resistant brake discs that ensure optimum deceleration, while the mechanical Shimano XT 12-fold shifting system enables fast gear changes according to the rider’s needs and the terrain.

    The hydraulically adjustable Crankbrothers Highline seat post ensures the seat can be quickly adjusted to varying degrees in order to find the perfect position. The ergonomically designed handlebars guarantee full control at all times. They feature the Shimano color display, which shows not only speed but also distance and range in real-time. The clean design is rounded out by a full-suspension carbon frame, which perfectly combines the spirit of adventure with style.

    Both models were inspired by the sporty character of the Porsche Taycan. The wheels draw inspiration from the naturally shaped carbon frame of the vehicle’s fly line. The elaborate design, developed by Studio F. A. Porsche, ensures optimum reflection of light.

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  • Outdoor lifestyle brand Giriox arrives with premium adventure gears and worldwide delivery

    Outdoor lifestyle brand Giriox arrives with premium adventure gears and worldwide delivery

    The current COVID-19 lockdown period has let us feel trapped and restless in our own homes only. No wonder many people, especially the outdoor enthusiasts, are chalking out adventure plans they will set out for once the lockdown ends. And a recently launched outdoor lifestyle brand, Giriox, is extending a comprehensive range of novel adventure gears to complement those upcoming adventures.

    Based in the USA, Giriox caters to the whole of the USA as well as the U.K., Canada, and Australia.

    “We are excited to bring to you our innovative outdoor lifestyle brand Giriox this month. We know we are passing through a testing phase of late in the wake of the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. But amid the frustration of lockdown, there is still a positive aspect- we are getting plenty of time to plan and prepare for our upcoming adventure trips and reinvent our life. And this is when you have Giriox to help you with all the adventure gears and accessories you might need to make the most of your camping or hiking trips once this lockdown ends”, stated a leading spokesperson from Giriox.

    Claimed as the “outdoor lifestyle specialist” Giriox is bustling with a vast and versatile range of outdoor activity gears and accessories.

    The spokesperson mentioned about their unique collection of designer camp cookware sets that one can take along in his adventure trips in the woods. Some of the cookware or cutlery sets are also foldable to ensure a travel-friendly package. Customers can choose from utensils or cutleries made from stainless steel, titanium alloy and also eco-friendly bamboo. In regards to design, Giriox cutleries are a refreshing change from run-of-the-mill regular counterparts. From spoons and forks in unique wrench shapes to cutleries in trendy dual-toned pink & blue shades, customers will find many exotic options on Giriox website.

    “We have come up with high quality, rust-free, easily cleanable, durable and risk-free portable camping utensils and cutleries that will last for years. Our exquisite designs are another great reason why you would love to have a look at our camping tableware collections, says Sven.”

    Other than cookware or utensils, Giriox also houses different kinds of fire equipment like a butane torch, color flames powder, solar spike lighter and so on. Additionally, customers will find camping sleeping bags, camping mats & pillows as well as camping tents. The tents are available in various styles and sizes to choose from as per the size of one’s camping group.

    “We have got almost everything and anything you would need to make your outdoor trips safe and memorable. From fire equipment to sturdy weather-resistant tents, we have them all and many more. We promise you exceptional quality and smart designs too. Whether you are going out for casual hiking tours in nearby woods with family or are about to set out for solo camping in extreme conditions like dense jungles- you can always count on us your one-stop partner for best adventure gear. Giriox is the ‘outdoor lifestyle specialist’ that you have been waiting for all these years.”

    Giriox also offers expert consultation for camping and other adventures for the new outdoor enthusiasts or anybody who needs pro guidance in adventure trips.

    For more information, please visit www.giriox.com.

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  • 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.

  • Google Maps gets a smart new feature perfect for travelers

    Google Maps gets a smart new feature perfect for travelers

    If you’re a frequent traveler who’s always looking for a new place to eat, you might really appreciate this subtle-but-powerful new feature baked into Google Maps.

    New to Google Maps is integration with Google Lens, the powerful image recognition system first introduced in 2017. With the latest update to Maps, the software will enhance listings for restaurants with more information on the menu.

    We already know how competent Google Lens is at identifying text and symbols in images, but this new feature will take things a step further with more information. When user-uploaded pictures include a shot of the menu, the software will kick in and give you more context to help you decide what to eat.

    The interface will give you the option to ‘Explore dishes’. It can identify the most popular items, find images for dishes, or even translate foreign menus to give you a better idea of what a dish will look like.

    The exciting thing about this is that it happens without any work from the restaurant’s end. As long as a reasonably clear photo of the menu exists in Google’s database, your phone should be able to generate these options and context information.

    As you might expect from how heavily it relies on Google services, the feature is only available on Android for now, but like most Maps features, it’ll likely make its way across to the iOS pond before too long.

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  • Kathmandu, Cactus Outdoor team up for newly launched NZ Made Day

    Kathmandu, Cactus Outdoor team up for newly launched NZ Made Day

    Kiwi brands Kathmandu and Cactus Outdoor have created a new line of apparel made in New Zealand to celebrate the inaugural NZ Made Day.

    Launching today, NZ Made Day is a new annual event dedicated to celebrating products made by New Zealanders.

    Ryan Jennings, Buy NZ Made’s executive director, said the day will encourage New Zealanders to buy at least one locally made item from retailers or direct from the manufacturer.

    To celebrate the launch, Kathmandu and Cactus Outdoor have teamed up to create the Merino Tee, made by Albion Clothing, a manufacturer purchased by Cactus Outdoor earlier this year. The tee will be sold under Kathmandu’s branding.

    The merino tee has been designed, cut, sewn and packaged in New Zealand with the use of wool farmed in high county stations on the South Island.

    Kathmandu will start selling the tee today in all its New Zealand stores.

    “Brands like Cactus Outdoor and Kathmandu are stronger than ever because they have found their edge with customers by guaranteeing product longevity and customization over generic fast fashion,” Jennings said.

    According to Jennings, in the face of international consumer choice, manufacturers are building direct-to-consumer offerings that complement their retail channels to market.

    “Manufacturers that create direct relationships with consumers can offer customized products or simply pass on the retail savings, something that ‘stack ’em high’ big box retailers importing from overseas may struggle to match,” he said.

    Consumers who purchase any NZ Made products displaying the Kiwi trademark, including two new NZ Made caps released for NZ Made Day, can win one of five $1000 giveaways by texting 313 with the details of the purchase.

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  • Chloe opens first Hong Kong travel retail store

    Chloe opens first Hong Kong travel retail store

    French luxury brand Chloe has opened its first travel-retail store inside Hong Kong International Airport.

    The opening comes after the brand won a retail concession by the Airport Authority of Hong Kong last year.

    The store offers a selection of accessories including handbags, small leather goods, shoes, sunglasses, and jewelry. It boasts furnishings and decor featuring contrasting soft femininity with touches of burnished brass. The immersive installation is inspired by the brand’s signature atmosphere with a color motif of powdery beige rosé to shades of white and a touch of mustard.

    The store is operated in partnership with global travel retailer Dufry, which has more than 2300 shops around the world.

    Chloe has been accelerating its travel-retail expansion strategy, having opened 10 other stores at other international airports this year so far.

    HKIA is undergoing a transformation in its luxury zone and food court “to heighten and refresh passengers’ shopping and dining experiences”. It aims to further enhance luxury retail brand options, awarding luxury tender contracts to other prestigious brands including Louis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Montblanc and Rimowa last year.

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  • Fjällräven launches in Singapore with Outside

    Fjällräven launches in Singapore with Outside

    Swedish outdoor apparel brand Fjällräven has launched in Singapore and Malaysia.

    The 59-year-old brand, whose name translates into ‘the arctic fox’ is known for its collections of high-end clothing and equipment which focus on timeless design and long-lifespan.

    Fjällräven collections are now available at the Outside store located at Jumpa@SungeiWang Plaza Kuala Lumpur and at the retailer’s two stores on Singapore’s Orchard Road.

    One of Fjällräven’s most popular products is a backpack called Kånken, which is popular among hipsters and backpackers across the world.

    Outside is an outdoor-lifestyle multi-brand retail store that was launched in July 2017 “to link the gap between people and nature”. Brands it stocks include Patagonia, Keen Footwear, Freitag, Chums, Primus, United By Blue, NatureHike, Ellesse, Diadora, Baggu, Eno, Uttara, Dedicated, Camp Collection and Wildo.

  • Goldwin opens first overseas store in San Francisco

    Goldwin opens first overseas store in San Francisco

    Japanese outdoor apparel brand Goldwin plans to launch its first international outlet in San Francisco, California this November.

    “American outdoor enthusiasts expect the highest quality technical apparel and we are confident that Goldwin will deliver a head-to-toe range that will raise the bar for skiers, hikers, climbers and other athletes who test themselves in the outdoors,” said Gen Arai, GM at Godwin.

    “Most American outdoor enthusiasts are just learning about Goldwin so with the new store location we are looking to provide a unique retail experience that connects urban city life with nature and adventure.”

    The Japanese brand will also launch the latest Fall 2019 collection with signature garments on its website and through selected retail channels in North America next month.

    Founded in 1951 as a manufacturer of knit fabric, Goldwin now specialises in lifestyle products and premium sportswear, including ski apparel.

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  • Superdry opens Queenstown store with huge range of winter gear

    Superdry opens Queenstown store with huge range of winter gear

    Sports fashion brand Superdry said its newly opened store in Queenstown offers the largest range of snow gear across the Tasman region.

    Superdry’s new 200sqm Aotearoa store, the second in New Zealand, is split in two levels offering men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.

    The Queenstown store also offers a selection of Superdry Snow, which features fashion-forward, technical alternatives to traditional snow gear.

    “Superdry Snow, introduced globally nearly six years ago, has been heralded as the perfect fashionable alternative to the traditionally generic adventure wear and has seen double-digit YOY sales growth globally,” the retailer stated.

    Martin Matthews, CEO of Brand Collective which holds the license for Superdry across Australia and New Zealand, said the adventure spirit that is synonymous with Queenstown and its alignment to their brand is what ultimately brought them to the area.

    “Superdry was the natural next step,” Matthews said.

    He added that while the brand has yet to confirm any additional sites in the country, New Zealand presents a significant opportunity for the brand, and there are broad plans to expand.

    Superdry opened its first store in the country in Auckland’s Queen Street shopping district last April.

    The 193sqm store is split into two levels, with the menswear department on the first level and a glass staircase leading consumers to the womenswear section on the second level. The store also offers the brand’s Superdry Snow collection.

  • Kathmandu Australia joins B Corp movement

    Kathmandu Australia joins B Corp movement

    Kathmandu on Tuesday announced it has become a certified B Corporation, making it the biggest B Corp in Australia and New Zealand.

    B Corps are for-profit businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability.

    Started in the US in 2006 as a way to raise awareness of purpose-driven businesses by giving them a recognizable seal of approval, there are now more than 3000 B Corps worldwide, and more than 300 in Australia and New Zealand, which is the fastest-growing region per capita for B Corps.

    Local retailers with B Corp certification include Outland Denim, Etiko, Koala, GlamCorner, Bellroy, Flora & Fauna, KeepCup, Good Day Girl, Koskela, Arndsorf and Kester Black.

    The addition of Kathmandu to this list reflects a shift in the way many large companies view sustainability – no longer as a niche topic confined to the CSR team, but rather a core value that permeates every part of the business.

    “Sustainability is part of Kathmandu’s DNA  and is integral to our entire operation, from our supply chain to our materials and products and our operational footprint,” Xavier Simonet, Kathmandu’s CEO, said in a statement.

    To receive B Corp certification, organizations need to earn a certain number of points on the B Impact Assessment, an online tool that asks around 200 questions in five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.

    The tool is administered by B Lab, a nonprofit with locations in 26 countries, which sets the global standards, awards B Corp certification and advocates for the adoption of ‘benefit company’ status at a state level.

    In the US and other countries, businesses can register as a ‘benefit company’, which means they are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on all stakeholders, such as employees, suppliers and the planet, not just shareholders. This locks in their purpose, no matter who owns or runs the company.

    Benefit companies currently have no legal status in Australia, though B Lab Australia and New Zealand is actively campaigning for an opt-in legal form to be introduced through a minor amendment to the Corporations Act.

    This issue will become more critical as publicly listed companies like Kathmandu join the B Corp movement.

    T2, which is owned by Unilever, is also in the process of becoming a B Corp, and B Lab Australia and New Zealand is taking the opportunity to encourage other big businesses to get on board.

    “Kathmandu’s announcement as New Zealand’s first B Corp-certified multinational retail business, and Australasia’s biggest B Corp, is a significant milestone for Australia, New Zealand and the wider B Corp movement,” Andrew Davies, CEO of B Lab Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement.

    “Certification is open to all sizes of business, and we are seeing increasing interest from large corporations across the world, Kathmandu’s certification sends an important signal for other big businesses to follow in their lead.”

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  • Fjallraven opens huge Sydney flagship store

    Fjallraven opens huge Sydney flagship store

    Swedish heritage outdoor brand Fjallraven has opened a flagship store in Sydney nearly one year after making its brick-and-mortar debut in Australia.

    The store, located on York Street in Sydney’s CBD, stocks the brand’s popular Kanken rucksack, as well as a broader range of outdoor apparel, including men’s and women’s jackets, tops and trousers.

    It is the brand’s second brick-and-mortar location in Australia. The first opened in Melbourne Central in October 2018, and marked Fjallraven’s inaugural location in the Southern Hemisphere.

    Susan Park, Fjallraven’s brand manager in Australia and New Zealand, said the Melbourne store has been trading well over the past year.

    “Opening our retail store was an important stage of brand development in Australia. We were optimistic about our performance before launch as we knew the demand was there,” she said.

    Fjallraven launched in Australia in early 2017 through retail partnerships and online, which helped the team better understand which products to range in the Melbourne store.

    Now, the team is further refining its decision-making through in-store feedback.

    “We review and incorporate our customers’ feedback into what we range and how we present our products in-store and it’s been a process of constant improvement,” Park said.

    According to Park, the Kanken rucksack is still a best seller, though interest in trekking equipment – especially trousers and jackets – has grown significantly as a result of increased access and awareness.

    More broadly, the store is driving an uplift in Fjallraven’s overall wholesale and e-commerce business in Australia, Park said.

    “We are really seeing the benefits of a controlled omnichannel approach and we anticipate this will be the case for Sydney as well,” she said.

    The Sydney store, like the Melbourne store, will also offer shoppers a daily ‘fika’, a Swedish tradition which translates roughly to a coffee break.

    The retailer serves complimentary coffee, tea, and small snacks to customers at certain times of the day and invites them to spend time in the store and chat with the staff.

    In addition to this in-store experience, the brand is planning to launch ‘Fjallraven Discovery Australia’ in 2020 – a three-day and two-night hike in the Grampians, designed to get people outdoors and back to nature.

    The hike will incorporate indigenous history and is in keeping with a growing theme of Fjallraven hikes all over the world.

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  • Monocle opens its first travel store in Hong Kong

    Monocle opens its first travel store in Hong Kong

    Global media brand Monocle has opened its first dedicated travel-retail store, at Hong Kong International Airport.

    The shop is the first in a new rollout of airport-based outposts for the brand, with an emphasis on books, periodicals, travel essentials and Monocle’s full range of products and collaborations.

    The store was developed in association with Paris-based Lagardere Travel Retail, and is located at one of the airport’s popular retail destinations selling globally sourced essentials, accessories and apparel.

    “The launch of this new concept at Hong Kong International Airport comes at the perfect time for our sector,” said Monocle’s editor-in-chief and chairman Tyler Brule. “Airport news and shop formats have not been keeping pace with the retail industry in general, and this debut seeks to raise the game for both the print industry and customers.”

    The 190sqm stand-alone store retails the brand’s range of Monocle travel guides as well as special-edition products available only at Hong Kong International Airport.

    “Hong Kong is already one of our most important markets both for readers and brand partnerships,” added Brule. “In order to tailor this for the local audience, visitors and passengers connecting, we’ve developed a store that is calm, elegantly designed and stocked with good reads for the long haul, gifts for friends and clients at the other end and of course lots of accessories and fashion items for our core audience.”

    Monocle currently operates stores and cafe concepts in London, Zurich, M

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  • Yamaha Tracer Mini Adventure Tourer Spotted In Vietnam

    Yamaha Tracer Mini Adventure Tourer Spotted In Vietnam

    Yamaha may be looking at introducing a small displacement adventure tourer in the Yamaha Tracer range, as a latest spy shot from Vietnam seems to suggest. There are not enough details about what the powerplant of this mini adventure touring motorcycle is, but speculations point to a Yamaha Tracer with either a 125 cc, or a 150 cc engine. From the looks of the spy shot, it appears that the mini Tracer is near production ready, and Yamaha Vietnam may soon unveil the model, in all likelihood, at the upcoming Ho Chi Minh Motorshow later this month.

    What is also not clear at this stage is whether Yamaha will be introducing a 125 cc Tracer, or a bigger 150 cc Tracer based on the Yamaha MT-15. So far, Yamaha has two models in the Tracer range, based on the MT-09 and the MT-07, called the Tracer 900 and the Tracer 700 respectively. But none of the models in the Yamaha Tracer family are offered on sale in India. If Yamaha does decide to introduce a 150 cc Tracer, and if it is eventually manufactured completely in India, we could look at a possible launch sometime in 2020, but that would also depend on if at all India Yamaha will be looking at demand for such a model in the world’s largest two-wheeler market.

    A production-ready model of the mini Yamaha Tracer, in both 125 cc and 150 cc variants, could well be unveiled in November this year at the EICMA show in Milan. We are of course, excited at the prospect of a compact adventure tourer in the lower end of the displacement spectrum, and if Yamaha does decide to introduce such a model in India, it will certainly make for a very attractive package. The current naked 150 cc Yamaha MT-15 has been well-received in India, and a touring variant could well make for a good product strategy in India.

  • The North Face reveals future plans with NY opening

    The North Face reveals future plans with NY opening

    Activewear label The North Face has initiated its global retail strategy with the opening of a new store in Manhattan’s SoHo neighbourhood last Friday.

    The brand will transform its existing locations to create a stronger connection with consumers and evolve The North Face retail environment into a space that feels more like the brand and less like a store.

    The 8000sqft venue is the first of a number of planned updates to the brand’s locations globally, including Seattle and Cherry Hill, NJ in the coming weeks, as well as locations in Europe later this autumn. The North Face is aiming to refresh the majority of its fleet of stores by the end of 2024.

    The North Face set out to design a store to reflect its brand positioning as premium, long-lasting and sustainably built. The SoHo location and all new stores moving forward will feature FSC certified reclaimed wood, steel, granite and low VOC paints. The environments are purposefully designed for longevity and to avoid the need for wasteful refurbishing throughout the years.

    “Our stores will continue to offer a convenient and seamless shopping experience, but it is no longer the sole mission of the store,” said VP of direct to consumer Mark Parker.

    “We’re now focused on creating an environment that highlights our heritage and allows consumers to deeply connect with the brand as they prepare for their own exploration, wherever it may be.”

    Elements of the new space include a museum-like archive of The North Face athlete expeditions and significant products, a signature half dome scent, and a team of “guides”, equipped to offer gear and exploration recommendations tailored to local adventure.

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