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Tag: asia

  • Malaysia’s Leather Avenue to expand across Asia

    Malaysia’s Leather Avenue to expand across Asia

    Malaysian leather goods and bags retailer Leather Avenue is planning a complete store redesign across its more than 30 outlets in Malaysia before it starts expanding across Asia.

    The new retail concept is currently on show at the firm’s 3000sqft “La Galleria” flagship located in The Curve, which opened last September. The store design is intended to give customers an experience akin to looking at pieces of art in an interactive gallery, inviting the viewer to not only see the product, but to touch and smell the leather. The immersive experience is designed to allow customers to observe the quality of the products first-hand, offering a retail experience distinct from online shopping.

    “We want to ensure Malaysians have access to premium quality leather goods, bags, and accessories without having to splurge on high-street brands,” said Leather Avenue executive director Stanny Chan. “Malaysians are typically not as brand conscious as other Asian consumers and are practical when it comes to purchasing leather goods that complement their fashion tastes without compromising on quality. That is precisely what we want our customers to experience premium quality fashion accessories.”

    While only one “La Galleria” store is currently in operation, the brand is intending to open more in the next two to three years. The firm currently has plans to expand into prime locations and stores to showcase more products.

    While expansion within Malaysia remains the company’s current trajectory, Chan told Inside Retail Asia in an exclusive interview that he sees the potential to take its ideas abroad. The firm hopes to expand regionally over the next two to three years, including to Singapore and Indonesia, before moving into Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines later on.

    Leather Avenue is concurrently expanding its owned brands – Charles Berkeley and Lushberry – overseas, where they are now available in China, Dubai, Italy, the UK, Japan, and several other countries.

    Chan says Leather Avenue is predominantly a retail company, and as a retailer, the challenge is to stay relevant.

    “This has been especially difficult in the age of e-commerce, where not only are you competing with other retail stores, but with online brands as well.

    “I believe you have to be agile, changing with the times and market rather than sticking to one business formula,” he said. “We previously focused solely on luggage and travel products, but we learned that our sales were not at the optimal level, so we expanded our line to include more lifestyle products. We are currently looking to reach out to a younger audience and attract them with products that are more funky and colorful, with modern and fashionable designs.”

    The main brands under Leather Avenue’s umbrella include Charles Berkeley, Esfolar, Cerruti 1881, Mendoza, The Bridge and Valentino Creations. The firm is also licensed to develop the Charles Berkeley and Esfolar brands in the territory.

    “This means that we have a free reign to design new products that cater to the local market,” said Chan. “With this type of license agreement, we have more control over the margins, product mix and brand positioning in the local market.”

    Leather Avenue is a family-owned company founded in 2010.

  • Jeweller to the stars Mouawad eyes Asian rollout

    Jeweller to the stars Mouawad eyes Asian rollout

    Dubai- and Geneva-headquartered Mouawad Group – dubbed jewelers to the stars – is planning to open stores across Asia.

    Pascal Mouawad, co-guardian of the retail division, told Arabian Business in an interview that the company will begin expanding in Asia Pacific next year and roll out stores across a subsequent decade.

    “We have a strategy of continuing our expansion in different markets, specifically Asia Pacific; that’s our target for the next decade, so China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. We want to expand our distribution network in that part of the world,” he said.

    The company is also planning to feature in several exhibitions in Asia before stores start to open next year.

    “This year is the year of exhibitions in the Asian market and hopefully next year we’ll be rolling out boutiques in that part of the world while keeping a good presence here in the Gulf countries,” he said.

    The 130-year-old company is run by three brothers of the fourth generation of the family which founded the business. It is known for selling jewelry, watches and artworks to clients, including A-list celebrities.

  • Pomelo to absorb Central Group’s Looksi

    Pomelo to absorb Central Group’s Looksi

    Online fashion label Pomelo has completed a deal with Thailand’s Central Group Looksi – previously Zalora – to absorb the online platform.

    Pomelo will add a variety of key international brands currently on Looksi to Pomelo’s app and website, including Adidas, Aldo, Havaianas, Topshop, Guess, Levi Jeans, and Nike.

    “Looksi has been serving Thai fashion e-commerce shoppers since its founding as Zalora in 2012,” said David Jou, CEO and co-founder of Pomelo. “This deal will accelerate Pomelo’s evolution to become a multi-brand fashion platform for fashion lovers all across Southeast Asia.”

    Central Group will remain committed to driving fashion and lifestyle omnichannel retail sales, said a spokesperson.

    As part of the deal, Looksi will no longer operate its app and website and instead join the Pomelo ecosystem. Looksi’s social-media channels will also transition to Pomelo.

    Pomelo previously raised a US$52 million Series C round last September to further its expansion plans across Southeast Asia.

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  • South Korea’s foodservice industry thriving despite rumours

    South Korea’s foodservice industry thriving despite rumours

    Rumors that South Korea’s foodservice industry is in a slump have been scotched by new data showing the sector is actually growing at a steady 9 percent annually

    And it’s the thriving coffee sector which is driving much of the growth.

    Analysts say the gap between business sentiment and the real economy is widening as the polarisation between sectors is deepening.

    According to a survey conducted by Kim Young-gap, a professor at Hanyang Cyber University, using a big data business analysis system from consulting firm Nice Genie Data, the size of the Korean foodservice industry was estimated to exceed US$155.2 billion last year.

    Unlike other sluggish industries, the coffee and beverage sectors grew at a fast pace of more than 20 percent, leaving other industries far behind.

    The growth rates of carb food, accounting for 15.2 percent, Chinese food, accounting for 14.3 percent, and bakeries, accounting for 11.7 percent, were also notable.

    On the other hand, bars saw a negative growth of -1.3 percent, buffets grew by 0.5 percent and Western food grew by 3.8 percent, which also illustrates poor growth.

    The total number of restaurants rose 3.2 percent annually from about 604,000 in 2016 to about 663,000 last year.

    In the number of restaurants, coffee and beverage companies also ranked first with a 19-per-cent increase, far ahead of the confectionery, baking, rice cake, and cake industries with an 8.7 percent increase.

    Major customers of South Korea’s foodservice industry are likely to be reorganized into those in their 20s and 50s and 60s.

    In terms of the rate of increase and decrease for consumers by gender and age at food service establishments, the number of people in their teens and 30s and 40s declined, while that of men in their 50s and 60s and 20s increased.

    This trend translated into an increase in the number of customers in their 20s, mainly at fast-food restaurants, as well as a growing number of customers in their 50s and 60s opting for Korean food, according to Kim.

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  • Mercedes-Benz India Announces Its Line-Up For 2020 Auto Expo

    Mercedes-Benz India Announces Its Line-Up For 2020 Auto Expo

    Mercedes-Benz India has announced its line-up for the 2020 Auto Expo, for which the company has planned a range of products, services, and future technology. Among the product line-up at the pavilion, the Stuttgart-based carmaker will also have some of the upcoming models set to be launched in India this year. That includes the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, the AMG GT 63 S 4 door coupe, and the new-gen GLA, among other models. The company will also showcase its first electric SUV for India, the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC Edition 1886, which is slated to be launched in April 2020.

    The new A-Class sedan will be one of the key products to be introduced in India in 2020 and will mark the entry of the new-gen A-Class range in India. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC 4 door Coupe, on the other hand, is also an important product for India, and we were the first ones to drive it. In fact, the car is the world’s fastest series production four-seater and will rival the Porsche Panamera. The new-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA only makes its global debut in December 2019 and is also set to be launched later this year. The EQC 1886, on the other hand, is the forerunner of Mercedes-Benz’s new product brand ‘EQ’ for electric mobility globally.

    Talking about the company’s Martin Schwenk, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “As leaders in the luxury car industry, our investments at the Auto Expo firmly reiterate Mercedes-Benz’s confidence in the long-term prospect of the luxury car market and the bullishness of its customers; it also underlines our responsibility to drive the industry and provide a positive stimulus to the market. Inspired by our mantra of “Restless for Tomorrow”, the Mercedes-Benz pavilion will be a perfect embodiment of modern luxury, future technology, and progressiveness, all of which are synonymous with the Three-Pointed Star”.

    The Mercedes-Benz pavilion at the Auto Expo 2020 will also have sedans like the new E-Class, MB Certified C-Class, and something from Mercedes-Maybach on display. In addition to the GLA, the company will also showcase the new-gen GLE and GLS, along with a bunch of AMG models like – AMG G 63, AMG A 35 Sedan and AMG C 43 Coupe. Mercedes-Benz will also showcase its flying car concept, the Volocopter, at the auto show. The carmaker will also showcase a bunch of digital innovations like – an e-commerce marketplace for sale of MB cars, collections, MBUX interactive exhibition, what3words and more.

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  • Cebu Pacific announces its $139 fares for Chinese New Year

    Cebu Pacific announces its $139 fares for Chinese New Year

    If the Philippines has been on your mind for a little while, then Cebu Pacific has got the flights for you. In celebration of the Chinese New Year 2020, airfares to the Philippines have been reduced to a price you’re going to love.

    This sale is short and sweet, take off from Melbourne to Manila from $139 or Sydney to Manila from $159 one way. That totals a round trip from $278 return, not bad if you ask us.

    Before you book, we suggest checking Skyscanner to make sure you’re getting the best possible price for your Philippines escape.

    You will be able to end 2020 with a bang, the travel dates run between 1 July to 31 December 2020 (and what a way to bring in the new year).

    If you’re stuck on itinerary, we’ve got you sorted. Whatever your idea of a holiday is, there’s something for everyone with visits to Boracay Island, the Chocolate Hills or the majestic Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

    This one really isn’t around for long, the sale ends 17 January 2020 unless sold out prior.

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  • AirAsia celebrates traditional CNY through a child’s grand adventure

    AirAsia celebrates traditional CNY through a child’s grand adventure

    AirAsia has unveiled its Chinese New Year ad, ushering in the celebrations and casting fresh eyes on the age-old tradition of the lion dance.

    The custom is an essential part of CNY festivities, bringing good luck and fortune. The ad depicts a young boy’s grand journey as he travels to his grandmother’s house for the Lunar New Year.

    He daydreams about flying through the skies while wondering if he will meet the famed lion. He sees his family celebrating various CNY traditions.

    He becomes disheartened when it appears it won’t show but when all hope seems lost, his father hands him a hongbao letter, giving him the luck he needs to meet the lion.

    Chief executive officer of AirAsia Singapore Logan Velaitham said, “At AirAsia, we want to encourage our flyers to start the new decade with excitement and childlike wonder, letting it light the path to achieve double blessings of abundance, adventure and happiness for the new year.”

    Rudy Khaw, group head of branding, AirAsia Group added: “To a child, every journey is a grand adventure. At AirAsia, that’s exactly how we view travel. It isn’t just a journey, but an adventure waiting to be unravelled. It’s through travel that we find purpose, discover new experiences, reconnect with our loved ones and make new connections.”

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  • Iconic US stationer to close all its stores

    Iconic US stationer to close all its stores

    US stationery retailer Papyrus is preparing to close all of its more than 260 physical stores throughout the country.

    Brand owner Schurman Retail Group’s COO Dominique Schurman broke the news in a letter to all staff, citing “current challenges of the retail industry”, explaining that the firm had been “diligently working to revitalize our business” during the previous months, without success.

    Liquidation firm Gordon Brothers will help with sales as the firm drops off the brick-and-mortar retail map, having traded via its physical outlets since 1973.

    “This decision is heartbreaking for me, personally of course,” said  Schurman, “and also because I know how dedicated you all have been to your stores and this company”.

    At present, it is unclear whether or not the firm will file for bankruptcy.

    The company will reportedly maintain its online store and its wholesale business which distributes Papyrus-branded greeting cards to other retailers.

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  • Kellogg’s tests cereal refill concept in UK supermarket

    Kellogg’s tests cereal refill concept in UK supermarket

    UK supermarket Asda is undertaking a 12-month trial to test initiatives to reduce, remove and reuse plastic packaging at its Middleton store in Greater Manchester.

    Shoppers are invited to bring their own containers to stock up on products such own brand coffee, rice and pasta at designated refill stations. The grocery has partnered with FMCG giants Unilever and Kellogg’s to create refill points for cereals such as Rice Krispies and Coco Pops and PG Tips tea.

    “We’re getting ready to trial lots of new and innovative ways to reduce and remove plastic packaging in our first-ever sustainability store. Customers at our Middleton store in Leeds will be the first to try the new innovations starting in May this year. Before then we’ll be working hard in the store to install new refill solutions and recycling options, like in the artist’s impression above,” said Asda in a statement.

    “We know lots of our customers would like to see us remove packaging on loose produce so this is another thing we’ll be trialing at the store. We will be removing the plastic packaging from mushrooms and cucumbers on produce and we’ll also be selling “naked” flowers without any plastic packaging,” said Asda.

    The supermarket will also install new recycling facilities in store. It will have a reverse vending machine for plastic bottles and cans, hanger recycling and a deposit box for unwanted small plastic toys.

    Asda said it will monitor feedback from customers to see if the new program will affect consumer’s shopping habits.

  • Crocs attracts A-listers as brand ambassadors

    Crocs attracts A-listers as brand ambassadors

    Casual footwear brand Crocs has added five new global ambassadors as it launches the fourth year of its Come As You Are global marketing campaign.

    Crocs’ lineup of famous faces now includes Suzu Hirose, Yang Mi, Zooey Deschanel, Sejeong and Priyanka Chopra. The global ambassadors for the Crocs brand this year are tasked with inspiring fans to feel comfortable in their own shoes.

    In addition to the global ambassadors, Crocs has also enlisted a diverse cast of models and influencers to bring more personal meaning to the brand message. The influencers and models will be featured in campaign photography and imagery that will be rolled out this year and will be encouraged to engage with fans through forums like social media.

    “The fourth iteration of the Come As You Are campaign is a proclamation to our fans: It’s time to stand up and stand out,” said Crocs chief marketing officer Terence Reilly. “Our new lineup of global brand ambassadors and ‘One-Of-A-Kinds’ ambassadors offers the perfect mix of star power and authentic representation to help CrocNation feel empowered and emboldened to own who they are.”

    Alongside the campaign, Crocs’ marketing efforts will focus on new, style-forward products as well as footwear comfort innovation.

    To help spread the word, Come As You Are will be seen through various digital, social, print, and in-store marketing materials with a global focus on countries including China, Japan, South Korea, the US, and Germany.

  • Costs cited as Gap cancels Old Navy spinoff plans

    Costs cited as Gap cancels Old Navy spinoff plans

    Gap has nixed plans to spin off its Old Navy subsidiary, saying that after further investigation the costs involved outweighed the benefits.

    “The plan to separate was rooted in our commitment to value creation from our portfolio of iconic brands,” said Robert Fisher, Gap Inc’s interim president and CEO. “While the objectives of the separation remain relevant, our board of directors has concluded that the cost and complexity of splitting into two companies, combined with softer business performance, limited our ability to create appropriate value from separation.

    “The work we’ve done to prepare for the spin shone a bright light on operational inefficiencies and areas for improvement,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the company is now searching for a new CEO to oversee the full portfolio of brands.

    Neil Fiske, president, and CEO of Gap brand who previously led Billabong before moving to Gap in 2018 has left without explanation. Last November, former long-term CEO Art Peck left Gap on the eve of the announcement of the Old Navy spinoff.

    Meanwhile, four of the company’s senior leaders have taken on additional responsibilities reporting to Fisher. Mark Breitbard, president and CEO at Banana Republic, will now lead Gap Inc’s specialty brands, including Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Janie and Jack, Intermix and Hill City; Sonia Syngal, president and CEO at Old Navy, will continue to lead that business; Teri List-Stoll, executive VP and CFO, will lead corporate operations related to finance, supply chain, technology, and real estate; and Julie Gruber, executive VP, global general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer, will lead corporate administrative functions including legal, corporate facilities and services, human resources and communications, loss prevention, sustainability, government affairs and foundation.

    Fisher said the company had “learned a lot” from the preparations to spin off Old Navy and intends to operate Gap Inc in “a more rigorous and transformational manner” in future in a way that empowers its growth brands, Old Navy and Athleta, and appropriately focuses on profitability for Banana Republic and Gap brand.

    “Our board is focused on supporting this work and appointing new leadership with the appropriate experience necessary to lead a portfolio of retail brands and to support our transformation efforts.”

    Meanwhile, as a result of better-than-anticipated promotional levels during the holiday period, particularly at Old Navy, the company now expects its adjusted the fiscal year 2019 earnings per share to be moderately above its previous guidance of $1.70 – $1.75.

    “We are working aggressively to stabilize and improve business results,” said List-Stoll. “We are committed to sharpen strategic focus, tailored operating strategies and operational discipline and accountability that can strengthen the health and profitability of our brands.”

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  • Stelux sales slump as network slims down

    Stelux sales slump as network slims down

    Stelux Holdings, parent of the City Chain watch retail business, says its sales in the December quarter were down 32.6 percent, or by HK$198.98 million (US$25.6 million).

    The company closed about 15 percent of its stores, primarily in Hong Kong, as social unrest continued throughout the city, affecting sales to both locals and visitors.

    While the company did not break out figures for Hong Kong, it said revenue for Greater China was down by 46.1 percent in the quarter, to $110.3 million. Sales in Southeast Asian stores, which comprise about 40 percent of the business, slipped by 2 percent.

    Total group sales were $650.5 million, compared with $895.8 million in the same quarter a year earlier.

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  • CapitaLand wins 9 year rights to manage Bugis Village

    CapitaLand wins 9 year rights to manage Bugis Village

    Singapore property developer CapitaLand is set to refurbish the Bugis Village and Bugis Street retail spaces after winning a tender to manage both from the Singapore Land Authority.

    CapitaLand told selected media outlets that it will build on the existing character and heritage of the sites when it takes over the management on April 1 for an initial three-year term. It has the right of renewal for two further three-year terms. The developer – which manages the nearby Bugis Junction shopping center – says it will use the existing shophouses and a spiral staircase to appeal to Instagrammers.

    Described as Singapore’s largest street market, the Bugis spaces have suffered from declining footfalls in recent years.

    According to the New Paper, CapitaLand plans to install colorful container boxes, creating open spaces that could serve as retail incubators for established brands and local start-ups, and a Singaporean and South-east Asian hawker food hub.

    “CapitaLand will be introducing a modern interpretation of Bugis’ street-market concept while celebrating the iconic architecture of the shophouses,” a CapitaLand spokesperson said.

    “Together with curated retail concepts and public spaces, we want to create a vibrant experience for both locals and tourists… We will also explore hosting marquee events such as programs, exhibitions, and events celebrating heritage, youth, and the arts community which are unique and distinct to the Bugis precinct.”

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  • Sephora launches giant flagship store at Fahrenheit88, Malaysia

    Sephora launches giant flagship store at Fahrenheit88, Malaysia

    Sephora Malaysia has launched a new flagship store at Fahrenheit88 shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, the French beauty brand’s largest outlet in Southeast Asia.

    Located in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Sephora Fahrenheit88 occupies a 17,000sqft area, featuring more than 10,000 products from 100 brands.

    “The opening of Sephora Fahrenheit88 is a testament to our ongoing effort to make Sephora the ultimate place for our beauty community and strengthen Sephora’s position as the world’s leading beauty retailer,” said Valerie Foong, GM at Sephora Malaysia. “This flagship is the largest beauty playground and will be the ultimate one-stop beauty destination in this market.”

    To celebrate the opening Sephora Malaysia has unveiled eight more premium brands to its local range, including Bobbi Brown, La Mer, SK-II, Sulwhasoo, Aerin, Maison Margiela, Dunk Elephant and Tatcha

    The Sephora Malaysia flagship features in-store interactive kiosks, pictured below, where customers can discover the latest promotions as well as services and events in store, flick through the Sephora buying guide and rewards boutique catalog, and play an interactive game.

    Sephora Fahrenheit88 also offers two special services: a breakthrough skin analysis app Skincredible and a facial and lip treatment Perk Treatment by Hydrafacial & Perk Lips.

    The Sephora store is also home to the brand’s first Beauty Loft in Southeast Asia, where Gold-level members of its rewards program can redeem their rewards and points as well as using in-house personal beauty-shopper services and exclusive product-engraving service.

    Besides the retail area, Sephora Fahrenheit88 dedicates a whole floor to Sephora University, a Sephora Lounge for events, and a photography studio for beauty-brand takeovers to engage with the customers, influencers and KOLs.

    The president of Sephora Asia, Benjamin Vuchot, said a driving force behind the Sephora Fahrenheit88 store was to make sure it truly represents what the Sephora brand stands for – the largest beauty community and a heart for Sephora Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia.

  • Global exclusive Kiehl’s Lunar New Year store launched at Changi Airport

    Global exclusive Kiehl’s Lunar New Year store launched at Changi Airport

    New York skincare brand Kiehl’s has launched one of its largest-yet airport pop-up stores in the region, at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

    The global-exclusive Kiehl’s Lunar New Year store at Terminal 3 was formally opened in partnership with the airport’s beauty-products concessionaire The Shilla Duty-Free and will trade until February 9.

    At Friday’s launch, popular Chinese actor, singer and model, Dylan Wang, best known for his appearances in Chinese television series Meteor Garden, made a guest appearance, greeting 35 young fans from across Asia who had won a contest to attend the event and wowing KOLs from Mainland China.

    The pop-up store artwork was created by Australian artist Eirian Chapman and features a mascot Rock-it the Rat traveling through a cinematic New York to the garden city of Singapore. Chapman also designed Year-of-the-Rat labels for three of Kiehl’s’ most-popular products, the Ultra Facial Cream, Avocado Eye Cream, and Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, sold in a travel-exclusive boxed set. Playing on the theme of the mischievous rat lighting up the sky and the year, Chapman also illustrated a Rat on a firecracker she has ‘set alight’.

    More than a just a large, high-profile store, the Kiehl’s Lunar New Year pop up features an interactive game where visitors can win prizes for tapping the rat as it pops up on a digital screen, an onsite calligrapher drawing Chinese characters and customizable messages on souvenir fans, and Instagrammable spots, including a Singaporean rickshaw.

    On an interactive screen, visitors can write New Year blessings on a rocket graphic, then decorate it with their choice of colors and stickers, before virtually blasting it off into the sky, to be shared with friends via email.

    Cellophane-free packaging

    Sustainability issues and the Kiehl’s commitment to the environment were also highlighted at Friday’s event. Petrina Kho, GM of Kiehl’s Travel Retail Asia Pacific, revealed the brand has eliminated all cellophane wrapping of its products as part of a commitment to reducing its environmental footprint.

    The company also presented a cheque for US$30,000 to Singaporean charity the Jane Goodall Institute which supports student-initiated activities under its Roots & Shoots program, encouraging and empowers youth to help solve human, animal welfare, and environmental problems in their communities. The funds will allow local youngsters to plant 800 saplings and monitor their growth and wellbeing over three years.

    “I am very proud that we continue to successfully engage customers in an evolving retail landscape while supporting a meaningful cause that gives back to the community,” said Kho.

    Jeff Lee, MD of The Shilla Duty-Free Singapore, says the Kiehl’s pop up helps his company create unique shopping experiences to excite airport travelers. “Working closely together with Kiehl’s Travel Retail Asia Pacific and Changi Airport Group, we strive to push the boundaries in delivering exceptional customer-centric retail experiences.”

    Teo Chew Hoon, group senior VP of airside concessions at Changi Airport Group said the Kiehl’s pop up kicked off Lunar New Year festivities for Changi Airport Group. “Travellers can engage in fun and memorable experiences at the interactive space, while shopping for the perfect gifts for their friends and families.”

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