Retail News CRM

Tag: asia

  • Second Courts store in Indonesia begins construction

    Second Courts store in Indonesia begins construction

    Courts Asia, the operator of retailer Courts Megastore, began with construction of its second outlet in Indonesia on Thursday, as the company races to tap into the country’s growing middle-income group.

    The three-storey structure will boast 20,400 square metres of retail space in Bumi Serpong Damai, a satellite city located south of Jakarta, said Terence Donald O’Connor, Courts Asia’s executive director and group chief executive.

    That would dwarf Court’s first store in Bekasi, which offers 12,000 square metres of soft retail space and is currently the biggest Courts Megastore in Southeast Asia.

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  • Matahari expands to “Chinatown” of Indonesia’s Kalimantan

    Matahari expands to “Chinatown” of Indonesia’s Kalimantan

    Matahari Department Store (MDS) opened a new store in Indonesia’s Singkawang, West Kalimantan, to tap the economy prospects in the region, the publicly-listed company said in a statement on Thursday.

    The store, called Matahari Singkawang Grand Mall – MDS’s 13th store in Kalimantan – has a total area of 6,300 square metres. The store is the first new location MDS has opened this year.

    “The presence of Matahari at Singkawang Grand Mall is expected to benefit citizens in its surrounding area, hiring 322 employees, the majority of whom are locals,” Matahari human resources director Andre Rumantir said.

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  • Supermarket giants’ push into healthfood gets boost

    Supermarket giants’ push into healthfood gets boost

    Coles’ and Woolworths’ push into the healthfoods category has been bolstered by a global survey underlining the strength of consumer demand for healthier packaged and fresh foods.

    According to research firm Nielsen, about 71 percent of consumers in the Asia-Pacific region are changing their diets to lose weight and 25 to 40 percent are more than willing to pay a premium for foods that are free from artificial colours, flavours and gluten, low in fat and salt, and higher in protein and fibre. In Australia, more than half (56 percent) of consumers believe they are overweight and 78 percent believe changing their diet is more important than exercising.

    This behaviour is underpinning strong growth in the healthfoods category and prompting Coles and Woolworths to boost their offers by creating health food “destinations” within stores – increasing shelf space, expanding the number of products, and building private label brands.

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  • Apple ranks No. 1 in luxury gift giving in China on hot streak

    Apple ranks No. 1 in luxury gift giving in China on hot streak

    Apple Inc has taken the number one luxury gifting spot in China from designer goods maker Hermes International SCA, according to a Hurun luxury report on Thursday, reflecting the iPhone maker’s recent hot streak in the country.

    The US tech firm’s focus on glitzy stores and high prices helped it post a 70 percent rise in sales in China in the last three months of 2014 and powered the company to the largest profit in corporate history.

    Spending on gift giving overall fell 5 percent in 2014, after a 25 percent drop the year before, according to the Hurun Chinese Luxury Consumer Survey. Beijing has been cracking down on corruption and luxury spending among public officials, weighing down sales of premium liquor to handbags.

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  • Malaysian cable TV enters retail JV

    Malaysian cable TV enters retail JV

    Malaysian cable TV operator Astro has entered a joint venture with South Korean multimedia retailer GS Home Shopping.

    And Astro is projecting sales of RM500 million (US$143 million) annually by 2019 after the service has gained critical mass.

    Astro will own 60 per cent of the joint venture, Go Shop, which will operate 24-seven on TV and online. The service was soft launched in a trial last November.

    Datuk Rozalila Abdul Rahman, CEO of the JV, said the key to the concept’s success will be its presence across multiple platforms – Go Shop’s competitive edge was that it was available on various platforms. On Astro’s service it is on Channel 118 and it is also accessible online and on smartphones.

    Astro CEO Datuk Rohana Rozhan said the company reaches 4.3 million homes in Malaysia, with a reach of 17 million consumers. By nature, these will be largely middle class families or individuals with relatively high disposable incomes.

    Since the soft launch, Go Shop has sold more than 110,000 products, the majority household items.

    While just 60 products are available currently, the offer will double within the year.

    “To-date, the new 24-hour shopping service has over 72,000 customers with 800 new customers daily,” Rohana told a media briefing.

    She predicts the Malaysian retail market will grow from RM110 billion now to more than 160 billion by 2020.

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  • CapitaLand China mall sales soar

    CapitaLand China mall sales soar

    CEO of CapitaRetail China Trust Management Limited (CRCT), Tony Tan said the growth was underpinned by the new contribution from CapitaMall Grand Canyon and rental growth from the other multi-tenanted malls.

    “Rental reversion was a robust 20.6 per cent, and portfolio occupancy as at December 31 was a healthy 95.9 per cent. Tenants’ sales and shopper traffic for 2014 increased year-on year by 16.2 per cent and 3.9 per cent respectively.”

    Singapore-based CRCT has 10 income-producing CapitaMall-branded shopping malls in greater China: Xizhimen, Wangjing, Grand Canyon, Shuangjing and Anzhen in Beijing; Qibao in Shanghai; Erqi in Zhengzhou, Henan Province; Saihan in Huhhot, Inner Mongolia; Wuhu in Wuhu, Anhui Province; and Minzhongleyuan in Wuhan, Hubei Province. Total assets are valued at about S$2.4 billion.

    All the malls are positioned as one-stop family-oriented shopping, dining and entertainment destinations for the sizeable population catchment areas in which they are located, and are accessible via major transportation routes or access points. A significant portion of the properties’ tenancies consists of major international and domestic retailers such as Beijing Hualian Group and Carrefour under master leases or long-term leases, which provide unitholders with stable and sustainable returns. Other tenants include KFC, Paris Baguette, Pizza Hut, Sephora, Uniqlo, Vero Moda, Watsons and Zara.

    “For 2014, CapitaMall Xizhimen and CapitaMall Wangjing – our largest revenue contributors – recorded growth of 16.4 per cent and 13.7 per cent in their net property income (NPI) respectively, after a series of tenant mix adjustments,” said Tan.

    “Over at CapitaMall Grand Canyon, new tenants such as Nanjing Impressions opened to strong sales, and plans for further reconfiguration of the mall’s layout to add more retail units are progressing well. CapitaMall Qibao, which achieved 17.5 per cent growth in NPI, strengthened its education and children-related trade offerings on its Level 4 with the introduction of C&S – an enrichment centre which offers baking classes to both adults and children and held well-received thematic marketing activities such as the Shanghai Animation Film Studio Exhibition.

    “The upgrading of the tenant mix at CapitaMall Saihan also showed positive results, with its NPI increasing by 19 per cent in 2014.”

    Tan said CapitaMall Wuhu is also currently undergoing tenant mix adjustments to achieve a stronger positioning and better trade mix.

    “In the short term, CapitaMall Minzhongleyuan’s NPI has been impacted by the road closure for subway construction works, but the mall will stand to benefit from increased shopper traffic when subway Line 6 linking Hankou and Hanyang becomes operational by end-2016. With the financial flexibility provided by our robust balance sheet, we continue to be on the lookout for acquisition opportunities to grow our portfolio further.”

    The trust achieved distributable income of S$20.5 million for the quarter, an increase of 15.6 per cent over the S$17.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2013.

    Chairman Victor Liew said China’s economy expanded by 7.4 per cent in 2014 and retail sales grew 12 per cent to RMB26.2 trillion.

    “The Chinese government has continued to place a strong emphasis on quality and sustainable growth, and we have seen an overall stability in the economy and the labour market in the past year. The country’s efforts at economic restructuring are seeing progress, and the services sector has developed into the largest pillar of China’s economy.

    “Moving forward, with the government’s focus on driving domestic consumption and maintaining long term stability, CRCT remains upbeat about China’s retail growth prospects,” said Liew.

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  • Changi retail again tops $2 billion

    Changi retail again tops $2 billion

    Singapore’s Changi Airport says sales at retail outlets across its terminals topped S$2 billion in 2014, despite a slump in passenger numbers inbound from China.

    It’s the second year in a row the $2 billion barrier was breached – Its 2013 growth represented a nine per cent increase on 2012, but the percentage growth was not revealed this year, suggesting a stable result.

    The strength of the airport’s retail business – in part a consequence of the airport’s careful positioning as a transit hub, delivering a captive market of thousands of potential shoppers every day – underlines its decision to invest in the massive Jewel retail experience in partnership with CapitaMalls. The complex – already under construction and scheduled for completion by end of 2018 – will have five storeys above ground and five basement storeys, covering a total gross floor area of about 134,000sqm.

    Last year, Changi hosted 54.1 million passenger movements, the highest number yet, representing an average of 148,219 every day, the most in its 33-year history.

    What’ significant about Changi’s 2014 figures is that the retail sales held up despite a significant downturn in spending by Chinese passengers. China has been a key market for retailers in the airport, but fewer visited, or transited, in Singapore last year and those who did were coming from less affluent population centres, thus with more restricted budgets. It’s the same challenge retailers in the high streets and malls of Hong Kong and Singapore bemoaned all last year.

    Changi Airport Group (CAG) said that – just like in 2013 – the biggest customer groups by nationality were China, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Australia.

    The most-purchased retail categories were, perhaps predictably, cosmetics and perfumes, chocolates and candy, electronics, luxury goods, liquor and tobacco.

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  • Google shopping fest debuts in Singapore

    Google shopping fest debuts in Singapore

    Google is expanding its Great Online Shopping Festival from India to Singapore, from today through Wednesday.

    The online event, loosely modelled on the famous US Cyber Monday, allows global apparel brands such as adidas and Uniqlo and travel retailers like Agoda, Hotels.com and Airbnb to make the most of Singapore’s high penetration of broadband internet.

    Just like Cyber Monday or Singles Day in China, the Google project encourages companies to offer discounts for products and services ahead of the retail-friendly Chinese New Year, later in the month.

    Google launched Cyber Monday in India in 2012, teaming up with well known fashion brands. It has grown year by year and the US based company “would love to do this everywhere” according to Singapore country manager Joanna Flint, who denied there are concrete plans for that just yet.

    The deals went live today, February 2, although previews of the promotions have been online for several days.

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  • New Horizons eyes ASEAN

    New Horizons eyes ASEAN

    New Horizons, the world’s largest independent computer training company is planning expansion into ASEAN.

    The company, which offers a broad range of technical and desktop application training and certification courses, has signed an exclusive franchise consultancy agreement with VF Franchise Consulting with the aim of expanding to Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

    Scott McDaniel, director of international development of New Horizons, says that with successful training centers already open in Singapore and Malaysia, New Horizons’ expansion into the remaining countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) will service the existing high demand for professional IT training and certification.

    “We are happy to partner with VF Franchise Consulting to bring our world-class IT training and certification centers to the rest of ASEAN.”

    Headquartered in the US, New Horizons has been embarking upon an aggressive international expansion campaign that has seen it grow successfully in over 60 countries and over 300 locations.

    “Through our extensive research, further expansion into ASEAN is desirable due to the significant growth of the IT sector in Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam,” McDaniel said.

    New Horizons Computer Learning Centers is one of the most successful franchises in the training industry. Over the last 30 years, the company has successfully trained over 30 million people. New Horizons offers instant recognition for franchisees as the clear market leader in IT training.

    Added Sean T. Ngo, CEO of VF Franchise Consulting: “New Horizons offers global recognition for franchisees as the clear market leader in IT training. The brand’s huge brand name and international success in the IT training industry gives its franchisees the ultimate competitive advantage.”

  • Aeon teams with two Vietnamese major retailers, to have 200 stores across the country

    Aeon teams with two Vietnamese major retailers, to have 200 stores across the country

    Japanese retail giant Aeon Co. said on Tuesday that it has reached an agreement on a business tie-up with two of Vietnam’s major retailers Fivimart Co. and Citimart Co. in a bid to develop supermarket business in Vietnam.

    Fivimart Co. is the largest supermarket company in Hanoi, operating 20 stores in the capital city. Citimart Co. is the largest supermarket operator in southern Vietnam, operating 27 stores mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in the region.

    Aeon Co. has been promoting a “Shift to Asian Markets” strategy, working together with the group companies in China and countries of the ASEAN region. It’s one of the group’s strategies under its medium-term management plan.

    In Vietnam, the company launched Aeon Financial Service Co. in 2008 which made it the first Japanese company to engage in instalment sales in the country. Two years later, Ministop launched its CVS convenience store business in 2011. In January 2014, Aeon opened its first shopping mall in Vietnam, Aeon Mall Tan Phu Celadon, in Ho Chi Minh City, becoming one of the country’s largest shopping mall. This was followed by the second mall, the Aeon Mall Binh Duong Canary, opened in Binh Duong province in November 2014. With the plan to open its third mall in Hanoi this year and other proactive initiatives ahead, Aeon continue to broaden its business in the country.

    “Toward the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community planned at the end of 2015, the ASEAN countries began integrating and further economic growth is expected in the area. Vietnam, in particular is making prominent growth in its market, backed by a population in excess of 90 million and a high economic growth rate that has contributed to an expanding middle class,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.

    “In order to achieve rapid growth in Vietnamese market as such, we believe the partnerships with Fivimart Co. and Citimart Co.; the companies with strong business foundations in two of the largest cities in north and south of the country as well as knowledge about the varying regionally oriented customer needs, are of great significance,” it added.

    Aeon sees Vietnam as its second most important market in Southeast Asia after Malaysia and plans to have 200 stores across the country eventually and to grow sales to JPY100 billion (USD848 million), according to The Japan Times Online.

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  • Singapore online discounter launches

    Singapore online discounter launches

    Singapore’s newest eCommerce player SavingMart.sg believes it will complement existing online merchants.

    SavingMart.sg will offer value-conscious shoppers access to coupons and deals from the growing list of existing online businesses.

    “Whether the goal is to prove savvy fashionistas can surely find their favorite products in Singapore or to shatter the misconception that there aren’t good deals to be found online, SavingMart.sg spans the fashion, beauty and lifestyle sectors with online retailers offering great products and deals, free or cheap shipping and more,” the company said.

    SavingMart has already partnered with several high profile e-tailers.

    Sunnanz has become a popular online store for fans of cult skincare brand Dermalogica. Operated by a local Singaporean couple, Sunnanz offers prices reportedly the lowest in Singapore and Malaysia. It also stocks discounted SK-II, Etude House, Skin Food and other well-known beauty brands from Korea and Taiwan.

    At the other end of the scale is multinational Zalora, which stocks affordable fashion, grooming and hardware products. The site features many recognised brands in addition to stocking local Asian labels.

    And Style Tribute, launched in 2013, where shoppers can buy and sell discounted and factory second designer goods. They can also browse clothing, bags and accessories from the likes of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Prada and more, all at up to 90 per cent off the original retail price, according to Style Tribute representatives.

    “With online fashion stores, there are no limits of time or space with regard to shopping activities,” said a SavingMart.sg spokesperson.

    “With the best online fashion stores, shopping is taken to a whole new level where convenience complements product quality perfectly along with buyers’ tastes and the number of fashion collections. To this end, we believe SavingMart.sg will succeed – whether for the ladies looking to turn some heads in a sexy ensemble when they hit the nightclubs, or for the style-centric professional woman seeking that perfect business suit.”

  • A seriously repellent flagship concept

    A seriously repellent flagship concept

    Could this be the most bizarre retail concept yet? An entire retail store devoted to natural mosquito repellents, located in the world’s busiest airports?

    But it makes a lot of sense…

    MosquitNo is a Dutch business has pioneered a natural means of protecting humans from mosquitos, a major vector of tropical diseases throughout Asia and in other regions with warmer climates.

    MosquitNo has just signed space in Hong Kong for its regional headquarters. From there it will commence a roll-out of standalone stores in 60 per cent of the world’s international airports. It plans 10 flagship stores within five years, and aims to open in every airport which has 5 million or more passenger movements annually.

    “This new venture will enhance growth of our business and enable us to present our full assortment to consumers,” MosquitNo said in a statement.

    “As anti-mosquito products are amongst the top 10 most forgotten products when traveling we will help the consumer at large to help them protect themselves.”

    MosquitNo is more than just a cream or spray. The company has created a whole range of merchandise to support the brand – and thus ensure it can actually stock a small retail store.

    To date, there has been no indication of typical store size, but the brand has adopted vivid green livery for its marketing and promotional materials, cosmetics and even a clothing range.

    MosquitNo’s website says the company was launched in 2009. “Our product range has become a distinctive concept with a new look at products that offer protection against mosquitoes and other insects – this is applicable for our polo and placemats.” For regulatory reasons it cannot make claims for its bracelets and adhesive ‘spotzzz’.

    “Protecting our skin from biting mosquitoes previously meant using sticky lubricants including the toxic substance Deet. MosquitNo thought ‘this can be done with more fun and functionality’. Our concept and products are a new way of trendy, fashionable and comfortable protection against mosquitoes and other insects.” Ten per cent of its net profits are donated to Unicef.

    In Hong Kong, it will open a warehouse to supply Asian stores and a growing online business.

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  • Wings chain lands in Philippines

    Wings chain lands in Philippines

    US-based Buffalo Wild Wings opened its first restaurant in the Philippines on Thursday, (January 29).

    The new restaurant at Capitol Commons in Pasig City is the first of several to open in the Southeast Asian country, joining more than 1070 Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in North America.

    “Between our fresh, diverse menu and sports centric dining experience, we are confident that Filipinos will enjoy this new option for watching their favorite sporting events,” said Sally Smith, CEO and president.

    Aside from delivering on its mantra of ‘Wings. Beer. Sports.’ Buffalo Wild Wings locations will feature the company’s new restaurant design, which provides the ultimate sports viewing experience while bringing the look and feel of the stadium experience into the restaurant.

    The Philippines is the third overseas market the chain is expanding into, after Canada and Mexico.

    “What we’ve found through our international expansion is that true passion for sports and the camaraderie that comes with watching a big game with family and friends is a universal phenomenon,” said Smith.

    Buffalo Wild Wings serves Buffalo, New York-style chicken wings, available in 21 signature sauces and seasonings, ranging from Sweet BBQ to Blazin’. It also offers a full menu of burgers, appetisers and thin-crust flatbreads, all designed to be shared with friends, and a wide selection of beers.

    Each restaurant has an extensive multi-media system that features large wall-to-wall high-definition televisions for excellent sports viewing.

    The Pasig City restaurant is operated by The Bistro Group, which currently owns and operates 10 restaurant concepts, a culinary centre (The Bistro Academy) comprised of international franchises, as well as homegrown brands. The franchise group expects to open multiple Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in the Philippines over the coming years.

    Buffalo Wild Wings will soon expand into Dubai and Saudi Arabia later in 2015 and is eyeing other international market opportunities.

    “As we explore new markets, we take the time to learn about the countries, cultures and potential partners,” said Smith. “We’re pleased to be working with a franchise partner in the Philippines who understands the needs and interests of this dynamic, evolving market, as well as our target guest, and shares our philosophy of bringing people together through great food and sports.”

  • Kate Spade targets 100 stores in Greater China

    Kate Spade targets 100 stores in Greater China

    Kate Spade is to buy out its Chinese joint venture partner in favour of a new partnership with Lane Crawford Group.

    Walton Brown, the brand wholesaling and retailing subsidiary of Hong Kong-based department store operator Lane Crawford, will team with Kate Spade in a major expansion of the New York brand into mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan in a new joint venture announced overnight, targeting 100 stores long term.
    The newly formed partnership will leverage the expertise of Walton Brown, and the global demand for Kate Spade & Company products, to establish a strategic network of stores in key cities, enhanced by a robust organisational and marketing platform across China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

    Kate Spade’s current Chinese JV partner is E-Land Fashion China Holdings which owns 60 per cent of KS China Co Ltd. Next month, Kate Spade will pay US$36 million to buy out E-Land’s 60 per cent share in KSC.

    The new partnership will align Kate Spade & Company’s existing businesses in China and Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan under one combined structure, owned 50-50 by the two parties. Kate Spade & Company and Walton Brown will actively manage the business together. The partnership will have an initial term of 10 years.
    Kate Spade CEO Craig A Leavitt said the new partnership is a pivotal next step as Kate Spade continues to advance a key axis of its growth strategy – geographic expansion.

    “Walton Brown is the right strategic partner as we position Kate Spade & Company for sustainable growth, allowing us to take a holistic approach to expansion, influence consumers and leverage resources across the Greater China region. Walton Brown’s relationships, operations and marketing expertise will help us create a cohesive foundation of stores surrounded by a vibrant ecosystem to help deepen our connection with consumers in Asia.”
    Walton Brown president Thomson Cheng said Kate Spade already has strong appeal in the market, with strong growth potential.

    “Together, we will build upon this momentum to establish a broader foundation and fuel Kate Spade & Company’s scale in the region. Drawing upon our best-in-class expertise and network, we look forward to partnering with Kate Spade & Company to enhance its global presence during this exciting time in the company’s transformation.”
    Kate Spade’s distribution agreements with Valiram in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia and with AT Luxury in Thailand are not affected by these transactions.

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  • Michael Kors to open Ginza monster

    Michael Kors to open Ginza monster

    Michael Kors will open its largest Japanese flagship store this fall, on Chuo St in Tokyo’s Ginza district.

    The store will be the first in the world to carry every category offered by the global luxury lifestyle brand.

    “Japan is a key market for our continued development in Asia,” said Michael Kors.

    “This is a very exciting opening. Ginza is one of the world’s great shopping neighborhoods, in one of the greatest fashion cities, so it’s both exciting and appropriate that we’re debuting this very special store in Tokyo.

    “I look forward to welcoming our customers to the new store, and sharing with them the mix of sophistication, glamour and ease that defines everything we design.”

    The store, which measures approximately 7800 sqft, will reflect the new design concept unveiled last year at the Jing’An Kerry Centre in Shanghai, (pictured above), including the shimmering exterior facade inspired by Michael Kors’ signature use of metallics and texture. The facade, designed by Michael Kors’ in-house design team, consists of luminous screens made of unique, light-reflective facets set within a grid of internally lit recesses.

    Michael Kors, the business, describes the effect is elegant and kinetic, “evoking the light-catching allure of a sequined gown”.

    A large-scale video screen will cover the balance of the second- and third-story facade, while the ground floor features large storefront windows framed in Bianco Dolomiti marble.

    The interior of the store will reflect the signature jet set glamour of the Michael Kors brand, with polished stainless steel fixtures, white marble flooring, Macassar wood and zebra-skin accents used to create a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.

    Women’s ready-to-wear will occupy the upper floor, housed in a sophisticated, exclusive environment designed to complement both the Michael Kors Collection and ‘Michael’ Michael Kors labels. Here shoppers can browse, try on clothes and consult with the store’s personal stylists in an ambience of calm and complete indulgence. This floor will also showcase a grand shoe salon.

    On the ground floor, handbags from Michael Kors Collection and ‘Michael’ Michael Kors will be showcased in a variety of dramatic displays, along with curated presentations of accessories, watches, jewelry and eyewear. The lower level will be dedicated to menswear and men’s accessories, making the Ginza flagship the first freestanding Michael Kors store in Japan to offer menswear.

    “Japan is a key market for our continued development in Asia,” said John Idol, chairman and CEO of Michael Kors.

    “The importance of Tokyo to luxury and fashion retailing makes this the right place and time to open our first store showcasing every facet of the Michael Kors brand. We look forward to offering the full breadth of our product assortment, presented with our signature glamour, chic and superlative service, to our Japanese customers and tourists traveling to Tokyo.”

    Michael Kors, established in 1981, produces a range of products through his Michael Kors and ‘Michael’ Michael Kors labels, including accessories, footwear, watches, jewelry, men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, and a full line of fragrance products. Michael Kors stores are operated, either directly or through licensing partners, in global cities including New York, Beverly Hills, Chicago, London, Milan, Paris, Munich, Istanbul, Dubai, Seoul, Tokyo and Hong Kong.