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Tag: Aeon

  • Tea Tonic: Australian Organic Tea Brand Brews Up Expansion in Malaysia with Aeon Retail Partnership

    Tea Tonic: Australian Organic Tea Brand Brews Up Expansion in Malaysia with Aeon Retail Partnership

    Tea Tonic, a renowned Australian organic tea brand, is marking its arrival in Aeon Group’s Malaysian outlets, a move that is part of its broader strategy to expand across Southeast Asia.

    Support from Global Victoria

    The brand’s expansion into Malaysia is a result of the support it has received from Global Victoria. This assistance has enabled the Melbourne-based firm to extend its export reach to several countries, including Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, and now Malaysia.

    About Tea Tonic

    Tea Tonic has its roots in 1998 when it was founded by Lisa Hilbert, a naturopath and herbalist. The brand prides itself on producing certified organic teas that are naturopath-formulated and made from natural ingredients that are Australian-certified organic.

    The company offers its products in two formats – loose-leaf and individually wrapped teabags. Additionally, it also provides tea accessories and gift sets.

    Some of the brand’s most popular blends are the Apple Tree Tea, Blue Magic Tea (with butterfly pea), Body Reset Tea, Chocolate Chai Tea, Chamomile Tea, and French Earl Grey Tea.

    Message from Tea Tonic

    Tea Tonic expressed its excitement about the launch in Malaysia, stating, “Malaysian consumers can now enjoy our colourful range of Melbourne-crafted teas made with organic ingredients that celebrate both flavour and wellbeing.”

    Questions & Answers

    Question: What is Tea Tonic’s expansion strategy?
    Answer: Tea Tonic’s expansion strategy focuses on broadening its reach across Southeast Asia, and its recent launch in Malaysia’s Aeon Group outlets is a part of this plan.

    Question: Who is the founder of Tea Tonic?
    Answer: The Australian organic tea brand, Tea Tonic, was founded by Lisa Hilbert, a naturopath and herbalist, in 1998.

    Question: What products does Tea Tonic offer?
    Answer: Apart from offering a wide variety of tea blends like Apple Tree Tea, Blue Magic Tea, Body Reset Tea, Chocolate Chai Tea, Chamomile Tea, and French Earl Grey Tea, the brand also provides loose-leaf tea, individually wrapped teabags, tea accessories and gift sets.

  • Aeon expands Vietnam footprint with first Mekong Delta shopping centre

    Aeon expands Vietnam footprint with first Mekong Delta shopping centre

    Japanese retail conglomerate, Aeon, is set to boost its footprint in Vietnam by launching its eighth shopping complex, Aeon Tan An, marking its first entry into the Mekong Delta region.

    Operational Launch and Location

    The center is slated to commence operations on September 23, before officially launching on October 4. The mall is strategically positioned in the administrative region of Tay Ninh province, located on the bustling Hung Vuong artery, in close proximity to the National Highway 1A and a mere 1km from the significant Ho Chi Minh City-Trung Luong Expressway.

    Community-Oriented Design

    The project embodies Aeon’s “Daily Community Park” concept, blending contemporary aesthetics with green spaces and a community-focused layout. To augment the natural ambience of the center, around 11,000 plants have been integrated throughout the complex, paired with spacious seating areas and an alfresco terrace.

    Tenant Profile and Facilities

    The new center will accommodate approximately 30 retailers, a significant 80% of which are making their debut in the Mekong Delta. The retail mix will be anchored by the Aeon General Merchandise Store and will feature a diverse range of outlets including fashion and sports stores, cafes, eateries, bookstores, a cinema, and various entertainment facilities.

    The company statement emphasized the vision of Aeon Tan An as more than just a shopping and entertainment hub, but as a place where people can naturally come together and connect on a daily basis. It further highlighted the opportunities for every family member to explore unique experiences, savor enjoyable moments in a contemporary shopping environment, and benefit from high-quality services and varied entertainment amenities.

    Aeon’s current portfolio includes shopping centers in major Vietnamese cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Binh Duong.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Aeon’s new project in Vietnam?
    Aeon’s latest project in Vietnam is the Aeon Tan An shopping mall, which will be their eighth shopping center in the country and their first in the Mekong Delta region.

    What is the concept behind the design of Aeon Tan An?
    The design of Aeon Tan An embodies Aeon’s “Daily Community Park” concept, which combines modern design with green spaces and a layout focused on community engagement.

    What kind of facilities and stores can visitors expect at the new Aeon Tan An shopping mall?
    Visitors to the new Aeon Tan An shopping mall can expect a variety of outlets including fashion and sports stores, cafes, eateries, bookstores, a cinema, and various entertainment facilities.

  • AEON Bank and foodpanda Partner to Boost Digital Banking Adoption for Riders and Merchants

    AEON Bank and foodpanda Partner to Boost Digital Banking Adoption for Riders and Merchants

    In a significant move to enhance digital banking access, AEON Bank has announced a partnership with foodpanda Malaysia aimed at boosting financial services among the platform’s extensive user base, which includes customers, delivery riders, merchants, and business partners. This collaboration, formalized under a memorandum of understanding, seeks to combine their strengths in customer acquisition, digital financing, and joint promotional campaigns.

    A Bold Step for Islamic Digital Banking

    As Malaysia’s first Islamic digital bank, AEON Bank stands at the forefront of innovation in finance. “We are excited to bring added value to foodpanda’s riders and merchants by providing them access to digital banking, rewards programs, and services that will enhance their overall experience,” stated YM Raja Datin Paduka Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, the bank’s CEO.

    Linking Platforms for Greater Impact

    The partnership aims to utilize foodpanda’s vast network in conjunction with AEON Bank’s Shariah-compliant financial products and AEON Points loyalty program. Teh Maimunah emphasized that this integration will significantly impact target segments, particularly gig workers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “Our goal is to drive growth and engagement within these communities,” she added, hinting at a future where digital banking and food delivery intersect seamlessly.

    The Future of Food Delivery and Online Grocery Shopping

    Both companies are optimistic about contributing to Malaysia’s burgeoning food delivery and online grocery sector. Projections suggest that user penetration in this market could climb to 34.2% by 2025, translating to over 14.5 million users by 2030. Who knew that a simple meal delivery service could serve as a gateway to financial empowerment?

    Signing the memorandum of understanding were Teh Maimunah and Tan Ming Luk, the Managing Director of foodpanda Malaysia, marking the beginning of a partnership that promises to reshape the digital finance landscape for many in Malaysia.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main goal of the partnership between AEON Bank and foodpanda Malaysia?
    The partnership aims to enhance digital banking access and services for foodpanda’s wide array of users, including customers, riders, and merchants, while fostering customer acquisition and growth for both companies.

    How does AEON Bank intend to support gig workers and MSMEs through this collaboration?
    AEON Bank plans to provide Shariah-compliant financial products and integrate its AEON Points loyalty program to offer meaningful services that cater to the specific needs of gig workers and micro, small, and medium enterprises.

    What are the projected figures for Malaysia’s food delivery and online grocery sector?
    User penetration in this sector is expected to reach 34.2% by 2025, with forecasts indicating over 14.5 million users by the year 2030.

  • AEON Credit Service Reports Impressive 31.3% Profit Surge to US$13.9 Million in Q1!

    AEON Credit Service Reports Impressive 31.3% Profit Surge to US$13.9 Million in Q1!

    AEON Credit Service (Asia) Company Limited has announced promising financial results for the three-month period ending May 31, 2025, showcasing its resilience and strategic focus in a competitive market. The company recorded a revenue of HK$442.2 million (approximately US$56.33 million), reflecting a 3.7% increase year-on-year. This growth was primarily fueled by enhanced interest income and a steady rise in revolving credit card and personal loan receivables, underscoring the firm’s robust lending framework.

    Moreover, AEON Credit’s after-tax profit reached HK$109.3 million (US$13.92 million), marking a 31.3% surge compared to the same period last year. With earnings per share climbing to 26.11 HK cents, up from 19.88 HK cents, the company is clearly on a bullish trajectory, toasting to a fruitful quarter.

    Operational Profits and Strategic Enhancements

    Operating profit before impairment losses saw an impressive increase of 8.7%, rising to HK$229.7 million. Concurrently, the company’s cost-to-income ratio improved, dropping to 44.6% from 47.3% the previous year, signaling efficient management and cost control.

    To navigate the intricacies of credit exposure, AEON Credit has bolstered its credit assessment model. This strategic move allows the company to better manage higher-risk advances and receivables, ensuring that growth is sustainable and backed by robust risk management.

    Marketing Innovation and Customer Engagement

    The financial institution is also reaping the rewards of its focused marketing efforts. By employing targeted marketing and innovative digital advertising campaigns, AEON Credit has stimulated spending and maintained momentum in its credit card segment, even as personal loan sales faced a decline.

    Looking towards the future, AEON Credit is betting on its “AEON HK” mobile app as a cornerstone for acquiring new customers for both credit card and personal loan services. Moreover, the company is in the process of developing a new rewards platform tailored to its customers in Hong Kong, promising a more convenient way to redeem premium points and e-coupons. It seems the customer experience is set to take flight, with rewards that will surely keep clients engaged and coming back for more — because who doesn’t love a little extra something on their shopping spree?

    Questions & Answers

    How did AEON Credit perform financially in Q1 FY2024/25?
    AEON Credit reported a revenue of HK$442.2 million, a 3.7% YoY increase, while profit after tax surged by 31.3% to HK$109.3 million.

    What factors contributed to AEON Credit’s revenue growth?
    The growth was primarily driven by higher interest income and an increase in revolving credit card and personal loan receivables.

    What future initiatives is AEON Credit undertaking to enhance customer engagement?
    AEON Credit plans to leverage its “AEON HK” mobile app for new customer acquisitions and is developing a rewards platform for easier premium point and e-coupon redemptions.

  • Aeon eyes eightfold expansion in Vietnam by 2030

    Aeon eyes eightfold expansion in Vietnam by 2030

    Aeon, a renowned Japanese retail conglomerate, has laid out ambitious plans to increase its presence in Vietnam’s retail sector. The group is charting an eightfold expansion of its network of general merchandise stores and large-format supermarkets across Vietnam over the next half a decade, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

    Current Operations

    Aeon currently manages 12 general merchandise stores in Vietnam, including a trio of “super-supermarkets” – a blended retail model that integrates groceries, food courts, and sections for beauty and household goods. In addition to these, the company also oversees 36 small-format supermarkets, which include Citimart outlets operated by an Aeon subsidiary.

    Yasuki Furusawa, President of Aeon Retail, shared the strategic plans with Nikkei Asia. Furusawa revealed that the company aims to operate 100 general merchandise stores and super-supermarkets, alongside 200 smaller-scale grocery stores by 2030.

    Flagship Store Expansion

    Earlier this year, Aeon inaugurated its latest flagship store, Aeon Xuan Thuy, located in a vibrant district of Hanoi, well-positioned near offices, schools, and a newly installed subway station.

    The four-level building offers a diverse range of products to its customers. The first three floors house a wide array of goods, including food, cosmetics, furniture, and apparel. The third floor also features a spacious dining area that can accommodate up to 450 patrons. Additionally, the store boasts a sizeable prepared foods section, covering 1620 square meters, where customers can choose from a variety of offerings such as sushi, ramen, boxed meals, fried dishes, and baked goods.

    “Family outings to the store, where each member can select what they want, followed by a meal around the table, is a major form of entertainment in Vietnam,” Furusawa mentioned, underscoring the cultural context of their business model.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Aeon’s expansion plan in Vietnam?
    Aeon plans to increase its network of general merchandise stores and large-format supermarkets in Vietnam eightfold over the next five years.

    How many stores does Aeon currently operate in Vietnam?
    Currently, Aeon operates 12 general merchandise stores in Vietnam, including three “super-supermarkets” and 36 small-format supermarkets.

    What does Aeon’s flagship store in Hanoi offer?
    Aeon Xuan Thuy, the flagship store in Hanoi, offers a range of products including food, cosmetics, furniture, and apparel across its first three floors. The third floor also features a 450-seat dining area and a substantial prepared foods section.

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  • Aeon Plans 100 Large Retail Stores in Vietnam by 2030

    Aeon Plans 100 Large Retail Stores in Vietnam by 2030

    Aeon Targets 100 Large-Scale Stores in Vietnam by 2030: A Major Brand Expansion in Retail News

    Japan’s leading retailer, Aeon, is setting its sights on a substantial growth trajectory in Vietnam, with ambitious plans to establish 100 large-scale supermarkets and general merchandise locations by 2030. This expansion marks a significant eightfold increase in its footprint across the country and aims to redefine the retail landscape.

    Expanding the Retail Experience

    In a strategy driven by rising consumer demand, Aeon intends to introduce a novel concept of “super-supermarkets” that seamlessly blend grocery shopping with general merchandise offerings. These stores will feature food courts and beauty sections, enhancing the shopping experience for Vietnamese consumers.

    Yasuyuki Furusawa, who has recently transitioned to President of Aeon Retail, emphasized the need for this expansion to stay competitive against other key players in the market, such as Thailand’s Central. In addition to the larger stores, Aeon is also planning to grow its network of smaller grocery outlets, targeting an extensive reach of 200 locations throughout Vietnam.

    Current Operations and Future Plans

    As of February 2025, Aeon operates 12 general merchandise stores in Vietnam—including three super-supermarkets—and 36 standard supermarkets, which includes the Citimart stores managed by its subsidiary. With a strategic investment of approximately $1.5 billion over the past decade, Vietnam has become Aeon’s second most crucial market after Japan.

    In 2024, Aeon Mall reported a profit of JPY 4.23 billion (around $29.6 million) from its Vietnamese operations, achieving revenues of JPY 17.3 billion. This success positions Vietnam as Aeon’s top-performing market in Southeast Asia and the second largest after China, underscoring the country’s potential for retail growth.

    Retail Landscape in Vietnam

    Vietnam’s retail sales recorded an impressive 8% increase, totaling VND 4.92 quadrillion last year, capturing the attention of international brands, particularly Japanese firms. According to a survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), over 60% of Japanese companies operating in Vietnam reported profitability in 2024, the highest rate seen in five years. Additionally, about 56% of these businesses plan to expand their operations within the next two years, highlighting a robust demand for growth in the region.

    Ozasa Haruhiko, the chief representative of Jetro Hanoi, commented, “This is the highest rate in ASEAN, indicating that Vietnam has one of the strongest potentials for growth.”

    Conclusion: A Shift in Consumer Trends

    Aeon’s significant investment and expansion plans could reshape Vietnam’s retail sector, enhancing consumer choice and access to high-quality products. As the company reinforces its presence, consumers can expect a retail experience that combines convenience with a variety of options, signalling positive growth in the industry.

    Questions & Answers

    1. What are Aeon’s expansion plans in Vietnam? Aeon plans to increase its network to 100 large-scale supermarkets and general merchandise stores by 2030, alongside growing its smaller grocery outlets to 200 locations.
    2. How has Aeon’s performance been in the Vietnamese market? Aeon reported a profit of JPY 4.23 billion ($29.6 million) from its Vietnamese operations last year, making it the top-performing market in Southeast Asia for the brand.
    3. What trends are influencing retail in Vietnam? Vietnam’s retail sales rose by 8% last year, attracting international brands, particularly from Japan. A significant percentage of Japanese businesses reported profitability and plan to expand operations, highlighting a strong market potential.
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  • Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City Launches Exciting AEON Supermarket & General Merchandise Store

    Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City Launches Exciting AEON Supermarket & General Merchandise Store

    AEON General Merchandise Store & Supermarket Set to Open at Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City: A New Era for Retail in Hanoi

    In a move poised to reshape the retail landscape in Hanoi, Vincom has announced the grand opening of AEON General Merchandise Store & Supermarket within its Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City. This expansive 7,550 square meter store represents the inaugural collaboration between AEON and Vincom, highlighting an ambitious strategy for brand expansion in one of northern Vietnam’s most dynamic commercial zones.

    Strategic Collaboration Enhances Retail Offerings

    Vincom is already a well-established name in retail real estate, partnering with leading brands such as WinMart, Co.opXtra, and Annam Gourmet to create seamless shopping experiences nationwide. The addition of AEON’s General Merchandise Store aligns with Vincom’s commitment to diversify its tenant portfolio and elevate consumer experiences, reinforcing emerging consumer trends in Vietnam’s retail sector.

    Hagino Tatsuya, Senior Director of Project Development and Construction at AEON Vietnam Co., Ltd., expressed enthusiasm at the partnership, stating, “We aim to deliver a comprehensive, modern shopping and leisure destination that promotes a safe, convenient, and high-quality retail environment.” He added that this collaboration marks a promising start for future joint projects that will benefit the community.

    Transformative Consumer Experience at Ocean City

    Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City is pioneering the One-Stop Shoppertainment model, strategically located in the rapidly growing Ocean City mega-urban complex. With an existing population of over 70,000 and projections of reaching 300,000, the mall is on track to become a vibrant hub for consumption, entertainment, and community engagement.

    Spanning nearly 70,000 square meters, Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City is designed to not only meet retail needs but also provide an integrated venue for cultural, culinary, and leisure experiences. By fostering brand-customer engagement through its experiential offerings, the center is set to become a premier destination in the region.

    Innovative Amenities Cater to Diverse Audiences

    In addition to AEON, Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City will host notable brands such as CGV Cinemas, Phuong Nam Book City, S.Fitness, and Kidzoona. The project is set to impress with unique amenities that are unprecedented in Vietnamese shopping centers, including the VinPalace Theater, offering a 4,100-seat venue for international concerts and community events, a luxurious Korean-style spa, and Gourmet Avenue, featuring a variety of gourmet international dining options.

    The VinPalace Theatre, located on the third floor, is envisioned as a dedicated performance space that celebrates Vietnamese culture while inviting global audiences to enjoy curated arts experiences enhanced by state-of-the-art technology.

    A Promising Future for Retail in Hanoi

    The strategic decisions made by AEON General Merchandise Store & Supermarket, along with other international brands looking to join Vincom Mega Mall Ocean City, highlight the burgeoning potential of Hanoi’s eastern corridor. This collaboration reinforces Vincom Retail’s commitment to comprehensive investment strategies that resonate with the evolving preferences of Vietnamese consumers. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration promises to set new standards and enrich the shopping experience for both residents and visitors in Hanoi.

  • AEON Hong Kong switches to Vietnamese bananas

    AEON Hong Kong switches to Vietnamese bananas

    Japanese retailer AEON has replaced Philippine and Taiwanese bananas with Vietnamese imports at its Hong Kong outlets.

    AEON started selling Vietnamese bananas at its 91 outlets in Hong Kong last year because they are of high quality and grown using a process that does not result in waste, Yuichiro Shiotani, CEO of AEON Topvalu Vietnam, said at a forum Friday.

    “This process meets AEON’s sustainability criteria.”

    Apart from prices, environment friendliness and quick delivery are now top priorities for retailers, he added.

    The company plans to double its purchase of Vietnamese bananas this year and also switch exclusively to Vietnamese mangoes instead Thai and Philippine varieties.

    Mirash Basheer, CEO of May Exports Vietnam, a division of LuLu Group International, a major retailer headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, said there is increasing demand for Vietnamese goods, especially those that meet green production requirements.

    May Exports Vietnam plans to buy more cashew from Vietnam, along with other products such as canned fruit juice, coconut juice and canned tuna.

    U.S. retailer Walmart said it buys from around 500 suppliers in Vietnam, but most are foreign-owned companies with Vietnamese ones mostly being secondary suppliers.

    More Vietnamese goods could reach American consumers if they meet sustainability criteria, a spokesperson for the retailer said.

    Do Ngoc hung, a trade consultant for Vietnam in the U.S., said Vietnamese businesses should study the requirements of U.S. distributors such as Walmart, Costco and Amazon, who all require green products.

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  • Aeon Vietnam secures $41 million loan to fuel expansion

    Aeon Vietnam secures $41 million loan to fuel expansion

    DHL Supply Chain has announced a landmark investment of €500 million into Latin America over the next years (until 2028) as part of a strategy to strengthen its capabilities in high-demand sectors like healthcare, automotive, technology, retail and e-commerce.

    Projects in the pipeline include decarbonizing the domestic fleet through greener alternatives; building, developing and retrofitting real estate assets and warehouses in the market; as well as significant investments into new technologies, robotics and automation solutions.

    DHL Supply Chain is confident in its plans for the region, citing its proximity to large consumer markets in North America as well as booming sales markets which make it attractive for industries to invest and therewith request additional logistics support.

    The company has been growing its operations in Latin America with more than 240 locations. In Mexico last year, it acquired NTA, a company focused on logistics services for the pharmaceutical industry.

    In Brazil, it recently announced the expansion and modernization of its distribution centre located in Goiás, while expanding its operations and presence in Extrema Minas Gerais for various clients in pharmaceuticals and retail fashion. It also opened a new distribution centre in Pudahuel, Chile, and expanded its presence in Mexico with new warehouses in Tijuana and Monterrey, including a new campus in the State of Mexico, which will serve the e-commerce, retail, fashion, consumer, medical devices, aerospace, electronics, and automotive sectors.

    Following the announcement of the investment, DHL Supply Chain Mexico inaugurated a new center of excellence for electric vehicles to provide synergy to the automotive industry in the region.

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  • Aeon plans to triple Vietnam malls

    Aeon plans to triple Vietnam malls

    Japanese retailer Aeon plans to triple the number of malls in Vietnam by 2025 as part of its expansion strategy to meet the needs of a growing middle class population.

    A report said the number of Aeon malls will nearly triple to 16 throughout Vietnam.

    Aeon has some 200 stores in Vietnam at present, including six shopping malls.

    The stores are concentrated in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam’s biggest metropolises.

    A mall will be opened in the central town Hue in 2024.

    The company is also considering increasing its supermarkets in Hanoi to 100 by 2025, about 10 times the current number.

    Vietnam is “the most important market in our overseas strategy,” the report quoted a senior Aeon executive as saying.

    The country has a population of 100 million people with an average age of 33. Economic growth of more than 7% is expected this year in a repeat of last year’s performance.

    Aeon entered Vietnam in 2014 and has invested over $1.18 billion in the country to date.

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  • Aeon launches clothing line to compete with fast fashion in Vietnam

    Aeon launches clothing line to compete with fast fashion in Vietnam

    Japanese retailer Aeon launched a new label in Vietnam, focusing on cheap everyday clothing, as an answer to brands like H&M or Uniqlo.

    The new lineup, called My Closet, features around 400 items that cost 50%-75% that of its competitors, targeting 16- to 24-year old women, a group of consumers that is growing fast in terms of population and spending.

    Its T-shirt, for example, costs around VND150,000 ($6). That of other Western or Japanese brands is usually priced at VND200,000-300,000.

    “We aim to make it Aeon’s first fast-fashion” foray, Aeon Vietnam General Director Yasuyuki Furusawa told Nikkei Asia.

    Vietnam is becoming Aeon’s “most important market” as it tries to expand beyond Japan, with the local capacity of handling clothing production thanks to a cheap and abundant labor force, which can minimize risk of supply disruption and bring costs down.

    It is also considering selling those items on Vietnamese e-commerce sites as well as in neighboring countries, Nikkei reported.

    Aeon entered Vietnam in 2014, and has opened around 200 stores in the country, including supermarkets and six malls.

    Its rivals, Uniqlo and H&M, entered the market in 2019 and 2017, respectively. They have less locations than Aeon, but are growing fast thanks to the rising middle class that have more money and are eager to shop.

    Vietnam has a population of nearly 100 million — behind only Indonesia and the Philippines in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations — with a young average age of 33. Its economy grew at over 7% a year before the pandemic, and has been bouncing back as coronavirus curbs are removed.

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  • Aeon to bring Japan’s Komeda’s Coffee to Hong Kong

    Aeon to bring Japan’s Komeda’s Coffee to Hong Kong

    Aeon Hong Kong is set to open the territory’s first Komeda’s Coffee store next month after securing the regional franchise rights to the Japanese cafe chain earlier this year.

    Aeon Hong Kong said the Komeda’s Coffee store will be situated inside Aeon Style Huangpu and adopt Japanese traditional architecture. Komeda’s Coffee was founded in 1968 in Nagoya, considered the home of Japan’s cafe culture. As of last May, the chain has 33 international stores across Taiwan and Shanghai.

    “This new strategic cooperation is the first time that Aeon Hong Kong has joined hands with a well-known Japanese coffee chain, which may accelerate Aeon Hong Kong in the format of restaurant chain stores,” said Isao Sugawara, MD of Aeon Hong Kong.

    Established in 1985, Aeon Hong Kong operates 10 general shopping department stores, two independent supermarkets, 43 independent Living Plaza by Aeon, 25 Daiso Japan, one Bento Express by Aeon and four independent stores in densely populated areas of Hong Kong.

    The group said will continue to further expand the network of small specialty stores and deepen the strategic cooperation with Daiso.

    The first half of the year saw a 4.2 per cent growth in the group’s Hong Kong business revenue, reaching US$300 million, despite the Covid-19 disruption. The loss from this business shrank to $9.7 million from more than $13.5 million the year before.

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  • Aeon Hong Kong looks to its Daiso network to restore profit

    Aeon Hong Kong looks to its Daiso network to restore profit

    AEON Stores Hong Kong have lost HK$470 million in 2021, but the retail group is still planning to expand its footprint in the city by launching more retail stores under the brand Daiso Japan.

    In the recent announcement of its annual result for the financial year ended on 31 December, AEON Stores (Hong Kong) said it lost HK$470 million (US$60.04 million), representing an increment of HK$433.2 million (US$55.34 million) compared to 2020. The company said in the year 2021, the group’s revenue decreased by 4.1% year on year to HK$9.56 billion (US$1.22 billion). Moreover, the group received fewer government subsidies from the Hong Kong government and municipal governments in China in 2021. The amount of subsidies decreased from HK$146.4 million (US$18.7 million) in 2020 to only HK$10.0 million (US$1.27 million) last year.

    The group added that as the pandemic was gradually brought under control in 2021, daily social, business and economic activities resumed, resulting in the decreasing sales performance of some merchandise spurred by the pandemic including food and cleaning products. At the same time, due to the prolonged pandemic and its subsequent disruption, the local economy was slowly recovering, and the sentiment among citizens was generally cautious about consumption. As a result, the group’s apparel merchandise demand did not improve significantly.

    In the third quarter of 2021, with the assistance of the launch of the consumption voucher scheme and a relatively stabilised pandemic environment, sales performance recorded a slight improvement but such improvement were relatively weaker in the subsequent rounds of consumer voucher scheme launched in the fourth quarter of 2021. To strengthen this company’s position in the Hong Kong market, in February, AEON Stores (Hong Kong) February 2021, the group partnered with foodpanda mall to provide Topvalu food products, HÓME CÓORDY household products and frozen food products. By June, the whole line of supermarkets was online, offering sales and home delivery services for a variety of supermarket items.

    Moving forward, the group will open stores in accordance with its preset investment plan. In February 2022, the group opened its fourth “AEON STYLE” store at Domain Mall, Yau Tong to meet the demand of customers in the district.

    When it comes to this new store, the company previously said that due to the nature of its retail businesses, the group has to enter into tenancy agreements for the leasing of retail stores from time to time. According to AEON, the retail fronts contribute to and maintains the group’s scale of operation which in turn benefits the group in lowering the overall operation costs. Along with the store space, the company has also rented one internal advertising light box on the ground floor and two outdoor advertising banner spaces outside the building facades for the display of the company’s name and advertising of the company’s business at the premises.

    At the same time, the group will further expand the business of small specialty stores under the brand Daiso. When it comes to digitalisation, to improve operational efficiency and control costs, the group will optimise its mobile assistant for employees and increasing the utilisation rate via “Mobile Assistant”. In addition to strengthening the use of the self service cashier system “POS Express”, the group will further deploy cashiering machines to accept and change cash to customers, reducing the workload of cashiers and using its resources better.

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  • Aeon eyes 100 grocery stores in Vietnam

    Aeon eyes 100 grocery stores in Vietnam

    Aeon has unveiled plans to expand its network of MaxValu compact supermarket stores in Vietnam, eyeing about 100 new locations across the country by 2025.

    According to Nikkei Asia, the expansion will include a larger store format with floor space spanning 500sqm or more. MaxValu currently operates four Vietnam stores, all in Hanoi. In addition, Aeon Group’s subsidiary, Aeon Mall, aims to expand its network of malls in Vietnam from six to 16 by 2025.

    Despite the challenges of the Delta-variant wave hitting the country, the group sees significant opportunity in the Southeast Asian market, where customers are gradually shifting from shopping at local markets to supermarkets due to hygiene concerns.

    “Next year, Aeon Vietnam will focus on opening more business locations with diverse retail models including shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores and specialized stores,” Furusawa Yasuyki, general director of Aeon Vietnam, told local press.

    The expansion plan also helps Aeon further strengthen its position in the market, where retail giants such as locally-owned Masan Group and Thailand’s Central Group are ramping up the competition.

    Last week, Masan Group unveiled an expansion plan for its mini-mall chain WinMart+, which will integrate a to-go cafe and mini bank offices including ATMs and customer-service reps. The group is set to have 20,000 franchised stores together with an addition of 10,000 outlets owned by the group by 2025. WinMart+ is expected to expand the multi-utilities concept in the future.

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  • Japanese business giants eye expansion in Vietnam

    Japanese business giants eye expansion in Vietnam

    Japanese companies, including retailer Aeon and energy firm Enos, have told Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh that they want to expand their investments in Vietnam.

    The country’s business environment is improving and Japanese companies have confidence in their Vietnamese operations, the heads of major companies told Chinh in Tokyo Tuesday. The Prime Minister is on a four-day official visit to Japan.

    Aeon, with six malls in the Southeast nation, has invested $1.18 billion in the country so far, and its chairman, Motoya Okada, said it wants to double the number of malls.

    It also wants to list on the Vietnamese stock market and begin exports of fisheries and garment products to Japan, he added.

    Chinh said the company’s plan is opportune since Vietnam now offers great advantages due to its 17 free trade agreements.

    Aeon could expand its business and source products from several localities like Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, An Giang, and Kien Giang, he said.

    Eneos, one of the biggest energy firms in Japan and with annual revenues of $70 billion in Vietnam, wants to expand its investment.

    Chairman Tsutomu Sugimori expressed interest in Vietnam’s energy development plan and helping reduce its carbon emissions.

    Chinh welcomed this, saying his country is drafting its Power Development Plan VIII with a focus on diversifying power sources and developing clean and renewable energy.

    Fast Retailing, which owns fashion brand Uniqlo, wants to invest further in Vietnam. Chinh said the company should to help local employees reach global standards.

    Japan’s leading pharmaceutical firm Shionogi wants to establish its first Covid-19 research and manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia in Vietnam. Conglomerate Hitachi wants to contribute to Vietnam’s railway development.

    Masayoshi Fujimoto, chairman of conglomerate Sojitz Corporation, said his company is also interested in reducing carbon emissions in Vietnam.

    It has 17 ventures in Vietnam in equipment manufacturing, energy, chemicals, electricity, and others.

    Chinh said Sojitz should grow timber in his country and export it to major markets.

    Another conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation, is interested in power projects in Vietnam and wants to develop infrastructure for the Quang Yen economic zone in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

    Chinh said it should focus on Vietnam’s transition to energy sources that are modern and environment-friendly.

    He told the executives they could contact his ministers to resolve any challenges they might face while seeking to invest. “If that does not work, send me a letter directly”.

    Japan was the third biggest foreign direct investor in Vietnam in the first 10 months, behind Singapore and South Korea, with a registered capital of nearly $3.4 billion, accounting for 14.3 percent of total, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

    In the first 10 months, bilateral trade rose 6.4 percent year-on-year to $34.4 billion, according to Vietnam Customs.

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