Retail News CRM

Tag: asia

  • Hong Kong’s retail sales continue to growth

    Hong Kong’s retail sales continue to growth

    Hong Kong’s retail sales renaissance continued in June, with a 12 per cent rise for the month.

    That is marginally less than the 12.9 per cent increase in May, and below the 13.4 per cent increase for the first half year, but the rate shows signs the growth is stabilising.

    The Census and Statistics Department estimated the total value of retail sales in June at HK$37.8 billion (US$4.8 billion). After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the volume of retail sales in June rose by 9.8 per cent.

    Predictably, sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts led the way, up by 27.8 per cent. Other strong performing categories were cosmetics, up 18.3 per cent, department store sales up 15 per cent, footwear and accessories up 11.4 per cent and Chinese drugs and herbs up 10.3 per cent – all categories popular with visitors from Mainland China.

    Retail categories largely dominated by local shoppers showed more modest growth: supermarket sales rose 1.1 per cent, electrical goods by 0.4 per cent, furniture and fixtures by 8.9 per cent, books and stationery by 3.1 per cent, optical shops by 6.9 per cent and food and alcohol by 8.9 per cent.

    The C&SD said that after seasonal adjustment, the value of retail sales decreased by 0.2 per cent from the first quarter to the second and the volume by 0.1 per cent.

    A government spokesman said the sustained double-digit growth of retail sales in June reflected favourable local consumer sentiment amid a tight labour market and rising visitor arrivals.

    “Looking ahead, favourable job and income conditions and buoyant inbound tourism should continue to provide support to the retail sector in the near term. Yet, we need to closely monitor how the heightened external uncertainties might affect consumption sentiment going forward.”

  • Ford Vietnam recalls over 2,500 Thai-made vehicles for gearshift problem

    Ford Vietnam recalls over 2,500 Thai-made vehicles for gearshift problem

    Ford has recalled all 2015 Thai-made Ranger pick-up trucks sold in Vietnam because of a gearshift problem.

    The US company, which has sold more than 2,500 of these vehicles, said faulty gearshift cables could make the gear shift hard, leading to the driver losing control.

    It has advised customers to take their vehicles to the nearest dealership to fix the problem for free, saying it would only take about two hours.

    It is reported that Ford will introduce the Ranger 2.0 by the end of this year, but in limited numbers.

    Ford is one of many car brands that have suffered a drop in sales after a new government decree this year set tough conditions for imports.

    However, June auto imports saw a 45.6 percent surge, dominated by Thailand, after Vietnam’s quality control regulations were met.

    Ford, which also assembles vehicles in this country, had a 6 percent share of the market as of June 2018.

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  • Blow for House of Fraser as Chinese firm drops plan to invest

    Blow for House of Fraser as Chinese firm drops plan to invest

    C.banner International has dropped its House of Fraser rescue plan, dealing what some observers in the UK are describing as a potentially fatal blow.

    Hong Kong-listed C.banner, which is the parent of toy retailer Hamleys, had undertaken to invest £150 million into House of Fraser assuming control of the business.

    In June, the deal appeared to be confirmed after creditors of House of Fraser agreed to a Company Voluntary Agreement in which 31 stores would close in the UK and Ireland and 6000 jobs cut. After the downsizing, House of Fraser would have just 28 stores in the UK and Ireland. Creditor approval of the CVA was a pre-condition of C.banner’s investment.

    However in a statement issued to the Hong Kong stock exchange, C.banner has backed out.

    “In view of the fact that the recent market prices of the shares as quoted on the stock exchange have significantly dropped to a level which is far below the placing price range of HK$2.40 to $3.00 per placing share, the company and the placing agent are of the opinion that the placing has been rendered impracticable and inadvisable, and therefore no longer intend to proceed with the placing.”

    C.banner’s share price has fallen to $0.71 since June 1, when it announced the plan.

    Furthermore, C.banner has issued a profit warning, predicting a loss of RMB20 million in the six months to June, compared with a RMB39 million profit for the same period last year.

    Talks with new suitors

    Meanwhile, House of Fraser is now in negotiations with other parties, including Mike Ashley, the owner of Sports Direct, over a rescue bail-out – it needs £50 million rapidly to avoid collapse.

    As reported, the department store group is struggling to pay a quarterly rent bull of nearly £25 million due in late September and to fund the purchase of millions of pounds of stock for the peak Christmas trading period.

    And, subsequent to creditor approval of the CVA, some of the company’s landlords have launched a legal challenge against the planned store closures and rent reductions. While all creditors had a vote on adopting the CVA, it only required a majority of 75 per cent to be carried. The landlords were on the losing side of that vote.

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  • Pacific Place launches new campaign

    Pacific Place launches new campaign

    Pacific Place has launched its new brand campaign – a celebration of Pacific Place as ‘The Place’ to elevate everyday moments and unique experiences.

    As a pioneer of innovative retail concepts in Hong Kong, Pacific Place continues to transform physical spaces into delightful immersive experiences that are ever more progressive, personalised and exclusive.

    As part of the brand refresh, Pacific Place has unveiled a stunning mirrored installation in Garden Court that will be in place from today until 27 August. A vision of colours and reflections, those familiar with the space will be able to reimagine it with a fresh perspective, while new visitors will find themselves immersed in one of the many unique experiences that Pacific Place offers. The interior of the artwork also holds an unexpected surprise, with an intimate infinity garden nestled within, handcrafted by local floral artist Kirk Cheng.

    The brand refresh is the culmination of Pacific Place’s strategy over recent years to evolve into the ultimate lifestyle destination in the city, and engage a diverse and broad customer base. With much to offer from its 140+ coveted brands and boutique dining options, ‘The Place’ represents a lifestyle worth celebrating.

    The mall’s above loyalty programme also just rang in its first anniversary. With exclusive benefits including the recent Audi on Demand partnership, a first-of-its-kind offering which provides premium mobility service at the touch of a button, Pacific Place continues to engage and reward above loyalty members for being a part of the Pacific Place family.

    Pacific Place’s brand refresh marks only the beginning of more exceptional experiences to come, including the Hong Kong debut of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s renowned “Shoes: Pleasure and Pain” exhibition in September. Looking ahead, 2019 will also mark a momentous year for Pacific Place with a series of celebrations for its 30th anniversary.

    With a focus on the future and providing elevated lifestyle experiences and services for its customers, Pacific Place is making its integrated digital customer journey even more seamless through the revamped website and in-mall directories earlier in the year.

    The Pacific Place website now features a newly-enhanced user experience and improved functionality, including a wishlist and social sharing function for in-store items, and inventory updates. Additionally, its new online magazine, The Style Sheet, offers a wealth of content from and for those in the know.

    By extending its offerings through digital channels, Pacific Place aims to present engaging experiences at every touch point, further elevating visitors’ experience of ‘The Place’.

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  • Ralph Lauren sales decline, and Asia saves it

    Ralph Lauren sales decline, and Asia saves it

    Fashion label Ralph Lauren sales reached US$1.4 billion for the first quarter of this fiscal year, driven by sales in Asia and Europe.

    Ralph Lauren sales in Asia increased 19 per cent to US$248 million on a reported basis and by 16 per cent in constant currency, driven by strength in both retail and wholesale channels. Samee-store sales in Asia increased 6 per cent in constant currency, reflecting growth in both the brick-and-mortar and digital-commerce operations.

    By comparison, European revenue in the first quarter increased 8 per cent, while North America declined by 2 per cent.

    Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer for the company said, “I continue to be inspired and energised by the passion our teams have for our brand and our company. This passion, along with Patrice’s [Louvet, president and CEO] partnership over the last year, the clear plan he and the team laid out in June, and the initial progress in this quarter, gives me confidence in our future as we celebrate 50 years in business.”

    Louvet added: “We are off to an encouraging start to the new fiscal year on both the top and the bottom line… we are on track to return the company to long-term, sustainable growth and value creation.”

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  • Bangkok Bank seeks nod to grant more loans in Vietnam

    Bangkok Bank seeks nod to grant more loans in Vietnam

    The Vietnamese branch of Bangkok Bank has sought permission to lend more as it nears the 15 percent annual growth limit.

    Tharabodee Serng-Adichaiwit, senior vice-president and general manager of the Vietnamese branch, said the bank has adjusted its lending growth target to 30 percent by the end of this year, after it already reached 13 percent in the first six months.

    The report stated, rapid, steady economic growth of neighboring countries has made the Thai bank’s loan outlook for the upcoming months promising.

    The 15 percent loan growth cap by Vietnam’s central bank applies to both local and foreign banks. The credit growth limit was introduced last year to better regulate inflation, exchange rate, and interest rates.

    However, institutions can submit a request form to exceed this threshold and the regulator will determine this on a case-by-case basis.

    Other banks have also sent their requests to boost credit growth by more than 15 percent, Tharabodee said.

    Vietnam’s economy has sustained and built on last year’s gains with an impressive 7.08 percent growth in the first half of 2018, the highest rate since 2011.

    The World Bank had forecast in a recent report that Vietnam’s economy could expand by 6.8 percent in 2018, revising upwards its previous estimate of 6.5 percent. It has estimated the nation’s GDP growth at 6.6 percent in 2019 and 6.5 percent in 2020.

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  • Starbucks and Alibaba form New Retail Partnership in China

    Starbucks and Alibaba form New Retail Partnership in China

    Starbucks China and Alibaba have announced an alliance that stretches way beyond the latter’s online delivery platform Ele.me.

    The two companies describe their pact as “a deep, strategic New Retail partnership” that will enable a seamless Starbucks experience and transform the coffee industry in China.

    The partnership spans Ele.me, the food delivery platform acquired by Alibaba last month, Hema supermarkets, Tmall, Alipay and Taobao. Pilot delivery services by Starbucks China will start next month with the coffee company opening delivery kitchens to fulfil orders and “co-create an unprecedented virtual Starbucks store”.

    Starbucks China CEO Belinda Wong says the partnership with Alibaba breaks the physical and virtual barriers between the home, office, in-store and digital space.

    “It will make China the first Starbucks market to deliver a seamless Starbucks experience across all facets of our customers’ lives.”

    Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang said Starbucks is more than a destination for premium coffee “and we share the same vision to pioneer a new coffee culture and lifestyle through innovation and technology”.

    It starts with Ele.me

    Ele.me, China’s largest on-demand food delivery platform with 3 million registered delivery riders, will start delivering Starbucks orders from 150 stores in key trading zones in Beijing and Shanghai next month. By the end of the year, that service is expected to expand to more than 2000 Starbucks stores across 30 Chinese cities.

    The two companies have worked together to develop what they describe as “a unique, customised delivery infrastructure” including dedicated delivery riders, precise delivery times, and custom carriers. They believe they will be able to offer “a best-in-class coffee delivery service standard for Chinese customers” which could well be interpreted as a challenge to local startup Luckin Coffee which has grown into a US$1 billion company in less than a year, based on a mixed delivery and in-store model.

    Starbucks will partner with Hema supermarkets to open dedicated “Starbucks Delivery Kitchens” within stores. The kitchens will use Hema’s fulfillment and delivery capabilities to complement the delivery of Starbucks beverages offered through existing Starbucks stores. Starbucks will also use Hema’s consumer insights and fulfillment expertise to reach more communities across China.

    Data from Hema stores will be used to help plan the location of future Starbucks cafes, combined with delivery kitchens. The first delivery kitchens will open in selected Hema supermarkets in Shanghai and Hangzhou next month.

    Digital transformation

    Starbucks China and Alibaba say the creation of a ‘virtual Starbucks store’ in China is a key strategic initiative under the partnership.

    Alibaba will develop a centralised online management hub, with the capability to integrate and deliver a consistent Starbucks experience across multiple digital platforms. “This innovation will transcend the traditional limitations of a single-app visit by providing the consumer an elevated, and even more personalised Starbucks digital experience across the Starbucks app and Alibaba’s customer-facing mobile apps, including Taobao, Alipay, Tmall and Koubei,” the companies said in a statement.

    “This latest innovation will revolutionise the traditional offline-to-online model by effectively extending the reach of the Starbucks experience into the everyday lifestyle ritual of the Chinese consumer, regardless of time or place. Whether it is at home or in the office, within a Starbucks store or online, Starbucks customers will be able to access and enjoy a one-stop Starbucks experience when purchasing merchandise online, buying a Starbucks handcrafted beverage to be delivered to a friend or sending a Starbucks gift of love on the “Say it with Starbucks” social gifting platform.”

    Starbucks will progressively integrate its Starbucks Rewards membership platform onto the centralised system to use its consumer insights to deliver a personalised experience to customers.

    “Starbucks China and Alibaba are trusted business partners who share common values in the spirit of innovation and the unrelenting pursuit of product and service excellence,” the statement said.

    “Thanks to the elevated customer experience delivered by our more than 45,000 partners, Starbucks is growing and innovating faster in China than anywhere else in the world,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO at Starbucks Coffee Company. “Our transformational partnership with Alibaba will reshape modern retail, and represents a significant milestone in our efforts to exceed the expectations of Chinese consumers. Starbucks China is one to watch, and I have full confidence in the team that will bring the new innovation behind the Starbucks Experience to life.”

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  • Bluebell opens two stores in one day to kick-off OWNDAYS’ expansion plan in HK

    Bluebell opens two stores in one day to kick-off OWNDAYS’ expansion plan in HK

    Bluebell officially announces the joint venture with the Japanese Eyewear retail concept OWNDAYS, expanding its activities in the lifestyle segment to attract millennials.

    Bluebell and Owndays are joining forces to execute an aggressive roll-out plan with privilege access to various shopping malls thanks to Bluebell’s years of experience and strong network.

    OWNDAYS is an international optical retail concept founded in Tokyo, Japan. It currently has more than 120 stores in Japan and has successfully established stores in 10 overseas countries in Asia-Pacific.

    This year, OWNDAYS will be expanding its network to its 11th overseas market – Hong Kong, starting with 2 shops on 31st July located at East Point City, the first large-scale multi-function shopping mall in Tseung Kwan O, and Tuen Mun Town Plaza, which has been acknowledged as the largest shopping mall in the Northwest New Territories in HK.

    Following similar geo-marketing strategies, Zoff and Jins, two Japanese fast fashion eyewear retail concepts, have also been expanding into HK this year, increasing the number of Japanese companies targeting overseas markets.

    In consistency with the brand image, the retail concept is by an open shop front and extensive use of wooden panels aimed to create a sense of harmony. Display racks with mirrors are designed to accommodate the different collections of glasses and give customers the freedom to try them on in a relaxed shopping environment.

    OWNDAYS is characterized by a solid knowledge and professional skills. All staff is trained to process quality glasses within 20 minutes from optometry to delivery to ensure the best service. OWNDAYS lenses are manufactured by leading international lens makers and high index aspheric lenses come with UV protection and dust-resistant coating.

    OWNDAYS has a wide portfolio of products which include: Progressive Lenses, Polarised Lenses, Transitions Lenses, Colour Lenses, and PC Lenses. All glasses displayed in shop are original brands designed and manufactured by OWNDAYS. OWNDAYS’ brands range from stylish and fashionable to functional and are able to satisfy different customer profiles.

    Among the brands available in HK lies:

    Graph Belle
    Graph Belle is a brand for sophisticated ladies. With charming and feminine frames, the portfolio includes a rich selection from modern-designed frames to classic designed frames. They are simple but full of playful spirit, catered to ladies willing to make eyewear a distinctive trait of their outfit.

    John Dillinger
    In the early 1930s, John Dillinger was highly supported by the citizens as a benevolent thief in the Midwestern United States. The brand, borrowing his name, revisits his period and history and it blends it to the present by creating a neo-classic collection. From the standard to the unique designs, each frame has its own name with motifs from 1960’s famous people.

    JUNNI
    This brand is for modern kids with fashionable sense. Characterized by a playful mix of colours and cool designs, the original KIDS frames are named “Junni”. This collection has also enchanted adults as those ones with small faces could enjoy the design.

    In the occasion of the launch of OWNDAYS in HK, the current President & CEO Shuji Tanaka will meet press and fans. Shuji Tanaka took over OWNDAYS in 2008 and has transformed it into a retail chain operation that sells over 2 million pairs of glasses annually.

    He redefined OWNDAYS’s philosophy, adding a closer personal touch to the design and tailoring it to customers’ needs. He follows operations from product design, production, sales to after-sales making sure that OWNDAYS stays up-to-date with changes in the market and sets trends for upcoming generations.

    OWNDAYS is keen on working with different platforms from different industries, including participation in one of the largest fashion shows in Japan – ‘Tokyo Girls Collection’ in 2010, and as one of the official sponsors of the world’s first large scale fashion tournament for top stylists – ‘World Runway Premiere’ in 2011. OWNDAYS also sponsored the 4th Okinawa International Movie Festival in 2012.

    Shuji Tanaka is also aware of the importance of contributing to society and in 2015 has launched OWNDAYS Eye Camp Project, a project to start vision correction support activities in Tamil Nadu, India, through the distribution of glasses.

    The OWNDAYS Eye camp is conducted every 3 months in partnership with Voice Trust, a non-governmental organization based in South India, where volunteer doctors conduct eye checks for people in rural parts of India for eye health evaluations. OWNDAYS hopes to help and make a difference to their quality of lives through the project.

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  • Longchamp opens boutique at HKIA

    Longchamp opens boutique at HKIA

    Travel retailer Dufry has launched a Longchamp boutique at Hong Kong International Airport.

    It is the world’s first duty-free boutique to host a Longchamp “personalisation station” offering to stamp customer initials on their purchases.

    Dufry’s global head of luxury Coral Clavero said, “The HKIA store will be the first duty-free point of sale worldwide to offer the personalisation service with the hot stamping machine, and premium product lines, including an exclusive selection of items.

    “Dufry values its strong partnership with Longchamp, which has been built on the basis of mutual trust and the satisfaction of a well done job in the industry. This enduring and collaborative partnership goes back more than 15 years and accounts for a distribution network of over 25 points of sale, geographically spread around the world.”

    Longchamp CEO Jean Cassegrain said airport locations have played a significant role in the history of the brand, both as a point of departure and one of growth.

    “This new boutique is an opportunity to connect with our clientele from around the world while paying tribute to our origins. We are happy to be growing our network in Hong Kong and strengthening the ties between our home, Paris and Hong Kong, two cities overflowing with energy and creativity.”

  • Lotte Duty Free exits Incheon Airport Terminal 1 contracts, sets its sights on Vietnam

    Lotte Duty Free exits Incheon Airport Terminal 1 contracts, sets its sights on Vietnam

    Lotte Duty Free exits its contentious Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 cosmetics, fashion and leathergoods contracts, to be replaced by Shinsegae Duty Free.

    As reported, South Korea’s duty free giant served notice on 13 February of its intention to quit three contracts – DF1 (P&C), DF5 (leathergoods & fashion) and DF8 (miscellaneous categories).

    The company cited “the burden of rent increases” following the sharp downturn in Chinese tourists in 2017 amid the THAAD dispute with China.

    The three concessions, later consolidated into two by Incheon International Airport Corporation, were subsequently awarded to Shinsegae Duty Free, which commences business on 1 August. Lotte Duty Free will continue to operate its DF3 liquor, tobacco and foods business at T1 until 2020.

    Lotte Duty Free said that it expects to save about 1.4 trillion won (US$1.25 billion) in rent by 2020 through its premature exit. “Based on improved profitability through the withdrawal from Incheon Airport, the company intends to strengthen its competitiveness in downtown duty free shops and to expand online duty free shop marketing,” it said.

    “In addition, in order to revitalise sales of our [T1] liquor and cigarettes stores, we plan to analyse outbound passengers and target enhanced marketing through improved linkage with city and online duty free shops.”

    Lotte said that it also aims to boost downtown and online sales of cosmetics and fashion to avoid losing custom to its Incheon successor. A customer prepaid card for Lotte’s vacated T1 business can now be used downtown.

    Lotte Duty Free plans to concentrate its efforts on expanding business overseas, with Vietnam the key focus. As reported, the company celebrated the grand opening of its Da Nang International Airport concession on 1 November last year, after a soft opening in May. The business, registered as Phu Khanh Duty Free, is a 60/40 joint venture between Lotte Duty Free and a local partner.

    In June this year Lotte Duty Free opened arrivals and departures stores at Cam Ranh International Airport in Nha Trang, after being awarded an exclusive ten-year duty free concession.

    Lotte said that it also plans to invest heavily in additional downtown stores in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

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  • A Land Korea starts expansion in USA by store opening

    A Land Korea starts expansion in USA by store opening

    South Korean fashion retailer A Land, known as a department store format for millennial shoppers, has opened in Brooklyn, New York.

    The store’s first Western Hemisphere location plays host to many of the same brands it features in its Asian stores, marking a point of difference from US fashion retailers. The majority of products on sale are South Korean, with high-quality low-cost items the norm.

    The firm’s US president Nam Cho said, “It’s very unique, it’s different from what mainstream US fashion retailers are doing. We want Americans who are interested in fashion to come here and find something unique.”

    A Land is a leading fashion and beauty retailer in South Korea, and is targeting expansion in Japan and Mainland China, as well as high-potential Southeast Asian markets where Korean pop culture influence is strong. It already runs stores in Hong Kong and Bangkok.

    The company has no immediate plans to expand in the US, apparently seeing the Brooklyn store as a test bed in the market, although it is seeking to replicate its successful online business there.

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  • Givenchy Beauty opens first shop in Korea

    Givenchy Beauty opens first shop in Korea

    International luxury fashion and perfume house Givenchy has just launched in Korea.

    Its first Givenchy Beauty outlet opened on 31 July at the Hyundai Department Apgujeong store in the posh neighborhood in Southern Seoul.

    A Hyundai Department Store official said “Hyundai Department Store in Apgujeong has very trendy customers who have a big purchasing power. We will focus more on enhancing the competitiveness among luxury cosmetics.”

    Hyundai Department Store in Apgujeong decided to strengthen imported cosmetics division by establishing exclusive perfume zone on the second basement floor in the second half of the year.

    Givenchy Beauty is the French luxury brand cosmetics line launched in 1989 by Givenchy. It has outlets in the world’s top upmarket department stores including Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marche in France and Isetan in Japan.

    It has named Shinchon, university district in Western Seoul as the site for its second outpost.

    Givenchy Beauty will offer nearly 200 types of products, including makeup and skin care, as well as perfumes.

    Givenchy Beauty Korea plans to offer various products from makeup products to skin care goods and perfume to engage glamorous Korean women, according to a company official.

    Following the opening of Givenchy Beauty stores, Hyundai Department Store will become the first Korean retailer to offer global top five premium beauty brands including Chanel, Dior, YSL and Tom Ford. It aims to transform its Apgujeong outlet into a luxury beauty house.

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  • Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh opens first restaurant in Taiwan

    Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh opens first restaurant in Taiwan

    Singapore-listed restaurateur Jumbo Group has opened its first Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh restaurant in Taiwan.

    The new venue, which specialises in peppered pork soup, is situated in a 1400sqft space in Taipei’s Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Mall, seating 86 guests. It is operated by local franchisee Ho Sing Food, which intends to open at least 19 more outlets in the country.

    Jumbo CEO Ang Kiam Meng said the introduction of Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh to Taiwan marks a key milestone for the group and is testament to the company’s growing presence in the Asian consumer market.

    “We are excited to bring one of the most-loved Singaporean heritage dishes to Taiwan, and aim to leverage the potential demand for Singapore’s cuisine in the Taiwanese consumer market, together with our franchise partner.”

    The group runs Jumbo-branded franchises in Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand.

  • SILA’s mini jewel watches are coming to Hong Kong

    SILA’s mini jewel watches are coming to Hong Kong

    Watches have moved from being antiquated accessories indicating time to a fashion accessory giving people an opportunity for personal expression.

    Bringing a modern twist to vintage elegance, SILA, the French jewel mini watch brands, has disrupted the watch market. The brand promotes timeless and elegant watches that are interchangeable in an instant. With two mini clasps allowing for over 75 color customization options, SILA watches offer customers a wide selection to choose from to find the perfect match to their outfit.

    Debuting in Hong-Kong this September, SILA will be opening its first pop-up store in the region at PMQ in partnership with Kapok. The pop-up will bring the brand’s values to life through an experiential installation with hundreds of colorful ribbons. Indeed, from elegant gold or silver chains to beautiful splashes of vibrant color, the options to alternate SILA’s range of straps are part of SILA’s DNA: fresh, energetic, versatile and elegant.

    SILA, “Sorry I’m late again”, celebrates, through a playful and quirky tone, women living life to the fullest and always having a good reason to whisper: Sorry I’m late again.

  • Five Guys makes debut in Asia

    Five Guys makes debut in Asia

    The first Five Guys Asia burger outlet is under construction in Hong Kong.

    The move is part of an aggressive global expansion plan for the US fast-food chain. Founded in 1986 in Virginia, Five Guys first expanded outside the US in 2003 now has almost 1500 outlets worldwide, in the US, Canada, UK, Europe and the Middle East.

    The company says it has another 1500 outlets under development as the brand has built “a cult-like following around the world”.

    Food blog Delish and lifestyle blog Coconuts broke the news of the Five Guys Hong Kong launch this week.

    The first Five Guys Hong Kong outlet is being fitted out on Johnston Road, next to The Pawn and below the Bo Innovation restaurant.

    Five Guys was founded by the Murrell family with a single burger outlet using fresh mince to make hand-formed burgers and quickly expanded with four sit-down restaurants. Within 18 months, the family sold options for more than 300 franchised units after it was named the best destination to buy a burger in the DC metro area.

    The chain’s arrival follows the opening of the first Hong Kong Shake Shack in IFC mall by Dairy Farm International’s Maxim’s subsidiary early this year.

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