Retail News CRM

Tag: asia

  • Sri Lanka’s Island Tea opens its first branch at home

    Sri Lanka’s Island Tea opens its first branch at home

    Sri Lankan retail tea chain Island Tea has opened for the first time in its home territory with its first branch in Ella.

    The Ceylanka Trading-owned chain has blossomed in the Philippines over the past two years with more than 35 branches selling specialty Ceylon teas and fusion blends. The brand offers a range of popular drinks, including a variety of milk teas as well as fruit teas & green teas.

    Following the signing of franchise agreements in Columbo between ITC’s marketing director for the Philippines, India and Qatar Minodh de Sylva and Wild Holidays Limited chairman Vijith Welikala, the brand plans to expand in key Sri Lankan cities with an offering that is distinct from other local tea houses.

    As well as Sri Lanka, the firm also plans to further expand in the Philippines, India and Qatar this year.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Japan’s RMK aims for Chinese consumers with Tmall Global launch

    Japan’s RMK aims for Chinese consumers with Tmall Global launch

    Japanese cosmetics brand RMK has launched a flagship store on Chinese e-commerce platform Tmall Global.

    The move has been described as part of RMK’s broader focus to tap the lucrative Asia-Pacific beauty market and create a stable platform for beauty brands in China.

    Shagun Sachdeva, a consumer insights analyst at GlobalData, says RMK is already available in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea.

    “The calculative move to tie up with Tmall Global has been made to indulge in omnichannel retailing with an aim to increase its presence in the high-value Chinese market and get access to a wider customer base,” he said.

    According to GlobalData, the Cosmetics and Toiletries market in China is growing at a steady pace and is almost double than that of in Japan last year.

    GlobalData’s 2018 fourth-quarter consumer survey revealed that 63 percent of Chinese consumers prefer online channels to buy beauty and grooming products.

    “The strategic decision to expand seems to be driven by rising popularity and growing demand of Japanese beauty products among Asia-Pacific consumers owing to perceived safety, better quality and multi-functionality,” said Sachdeva.

    “The brand has grabbed the opportunity of looking at the high intensity of J-beauty products being imported in China or bought by Chinese visitors in Japan. With the launch on Tmall Global, the company aims to target such customer base first and then include more products in its range soon.”

    Lees ook:

  • UOB Issued Letter of Demand To Libra Group

    UOB Issued Letter of Demand To Libra Group

    UOB has asked  Libra Group, which is mired in financial troubles, to pay up $18.8 million.

    UOB has issued a letter of demand to Libra Group for the above amount, based on outstanding banking facilities, the Catalist-listed company announced in a filing on Friday. The letter, dated Oct 8, reveals that events of default have occurred, and «UOB shall cease to be under any further commitment to the Company.»

    The entire sum of $18.8 million is immediately payable to the bank by last Friday, the filing said.

    The Singapore lender also issued a letter demand to Kin Xin Engineering, a unit of Libra that provided guarantees for the US$18.8 million sum, for repayment by the same deadline.

    Another Libra unit, Libra Engineering & Manufacturing, separately received a letter of demand dated Sept 30 from WMS Industrial Gas & Equipment for 72,940 Ringgit (S$23,940), related to goods sold and delivered.

  • Singapore Fintech Investments Crossed S$1 Billion

    Singapore Fintech Investments Crossed S$1 Billion

    Investment in financial technology ventures in Singapore rose sharply in the first nine months of 2019, led by fundraising with payments startups and insurtech firms and a shift toward more-mature companies.

    The total value of financial technology (fintech) deals in the nine months ended September jumped 69 percent from the prior-year period to $735 million (S$1 billion) from $435 million, and exceeded the $642 million raised in all of 2018, according to an Accenture analysis of venture-finance data from CB Insights, Pitchbook and Tracxn. The 2019 and 2018 figures included $47 million and $12 million respectively in undisclosed venture capital transaction data provided by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

    Crossing a billion-Singapore-dollar investment threshold is a recognition from investors around the world of the potential of Singapore’s fintech ecosystem and the outlook for digital financial services not just in Singapore, but also in Southeast Asia, said Sopnendu Mohanty, chief fintech officer of the Monetary Authority of Singapore in a statement.

    Singapore’s active investments into its fintech ecosystem, alongside its annual Singapore Fintech Festival, seems to be paying off: the city-state saw a nearly six-fold increase since 2015.

    It’s encouraging to see the local startups financing their global growth from Singapore. Additionally, several global fintech companies with regional headquarters in Singapore have recently raised sizeable funds to fuel their Asian expansion, Mohanty added.

    However, the number of fintech deals fell by almost one-third (29 percent) in the first nine months of 2019, to 94 from 133 in the prior-year period showing that investors made larger bets into fewer deals as startups grow their business.

    As we’ve seen in other parts of the world, fundraising is shifting to support the scaling up of challenger and collaborative fintech, which will cause lumpiness in some rounds as the market becomes more mature, said Divyesh Vithlani, a managing director at Accenture and head of Financial Services in the ASEAN region in a statement on Monday. Investments in payments startups and those in lending took the bulk of fintech fundraising, accounting for 34 percent and 20 percent of the total, respectively, while insurtechs raked in 17 percent.

    The value of payments deals jumped 113 percent, to $251 million, making the biggest contribution to the overall gains this year. Insurtech funding nearly quadrupled, to $128 million from $35 million, and lending rose more than 50 percent, to $145 million.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • UOB Trains Staff to Adapt to Digital Era

    UOB Trains Staff to Adapt to Digital Era

    In order to upgrade its staff and equip them for the digital era, UOB has launched a comprehensive learning and development program to upskill its employees.

    The Better U program includes a 12-week foundation course alongside more specific career pathways and learning tracks. Its 12-week course focuses on five core competencies: encouraging a growth mindset; alongside acquiring skills in complex problem solving; digital innovation; human-centered design; and data.

    For its career pathways and learning tracks, it recently introduced the fields of data management and project management which will be covered in three-year programs.

    According to the bank, the Better U program was the first such training initiative accredited by the Institute of Banking and Finance Singapore (IBF) that included both soft skills coupled with digital and data skills. By 2020, UOB expects that at least 70 percent of its more than 26,000 employees globally will have completed the foundation course and subsequently receive a UOB-IBF certificate of achievement.

    By designing a holistic development program that covers both soft and technical skills, we are sowing the seeds of learning to prepare our people for successful careers in an industry that is undergoing significant change, said Dean Tong, UOB’s head of group HR.

    Lees ook:

  • Pokemon GO Halloween event kicks off on October 17

    Pokemon GO Halloween event kicks off on October 17

    Niantic has revealed the Pokemon GO Halloween event, which will begin on October 17 and run through November 1. During the event, Pokemon GO players will receive a handful of bonuses, avatar items and a chance to catch rare Pokemon.

    So, starting October 17, players will be able to rescue more Shadow Pokemon from Team GO Rocket. The following Pokemon will be available at PokeStops near you: Weedle, Kakuna, Beedrill, Electabuzz, Magmar, Lapras, Mareep, Seedot, Nuzleaf, Sableye, Trapinch, Cacnea, Shippet, and Duskull.

    New dreadful avatar items will be available in the Style Shop, including Zubat Bag, Pikachu Onesie, Cubone cap, Litwick Cap, and Mimikyu Bag. Also, if you’re lucky enough, you might encounter Shiny Yamask.

    But that’s not all, as Niantic announced that more Ghost- and Dark-type Pokemon will appear in the wild, in Eggs, and in raids, including Gastly and Murkrow. In addition, Yamask, the Spirit Pokemon will make its Halloween debut.

    To make things even more fun, Pokemon wearing Halloween costumes will appear in raids and in the wild. Don’t be surprised to encounter Bulbasaur wearing Shedinja costumes, Charmander wearing Cubone costumes, and Squirtle wearing Yamask costumes in raids. On the other hand, you’ll find Pikachu wearing Mimikyu costumes in the wild.

    Other Halloween-related activities include some fun Field Research tasks, which will be available for a limited time, and the ominous Darkrai that will appear in five-star raids. Finally, once the Halloween events start later this week, players should check their Special Research for a chance to face a Forbidden Pokemon.

    As far as the bonuses go, Niantic announced that throughout the entire Halloween event, players will receive the following bonuses: 2x Catch Candy, 2x Hatch Candy, and 2x Transfer Candy.

    Lees ook:

  • WhatsApp update adds new features for iPhone users

    WhatsApp update adds new features for iPhone users

    WhatsApp is testing a lot of features before bringing them to the general public, and many times we report on these improvements if they’re newsworthy. Today, we have news about another update that all iPhone users should be able to get via the App Store.

    The most important change is the ability to play voice messages directly from notifications. This can be done by long-pressing and tapping play. Also, WhatsApp users will now be able to change font styles in the camera by tapping the T icon.

    Furthermore, the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS allows users to quickly edit and send back media in their chats. Simply tap the doodle icon when viewing an image or video and should be on the right track.

    Last but not least, memoji can now be sent as stickers from the emoji keyboard on iOS 13. To benefit from all these changes mentioned above, make sure your WhatsApp app is updated to version 2.19.100.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Starbucks Launches Bar Mixato in Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai

    Starbucks Launches Bar Mixato in Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai

    Starbucks today announced the new addition of Bar Mixato to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai, further elevating the multi-sensory experience of China’s coffee wonderland. Starbucks unique interpretation of the modern café and bar experience, Bar Mixato brings together the craftsmanship of specialty coffee and the artistry of cocktail concoctions to offer a novel nighttime third-place experience that will enthrall coffee lovers and bar-goers alike. It features a full bar menu, which includes the global debut of 11 innovative coffee- and tea-based cocktails specially created and available only at the Shanghai Roastery.

    “The Roastery has been at the forefront of innovation since its opening two years ago, epitomizing Starbucks relentless efforts to create imaginative new experiences that exceed customers’ expectations,” said Belinda Wong, chairman and chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “The launch of Bar Mixato elevates the nighttime third-place experience with the exquisite fusion of coffee and cocktail art, to delight customers with unique Starbucks Experiences throughout the day. As Starbucks Innovation Lab in China, we will continue to leverage the Starbucks Reserve Roastery to pilot and gradually scale new products and offerings that our Chinese customers love.”

    Bar Mixato extends Starbucks passion for coffee to the theater of cocktail mixology, conjuring new creative expressions of coffee, while adding a novel dimension to cocktails to meet the discerning tastes and growing thirst for unique experiences among consumers in China. Customers at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery may now enjoy Starbucks ReserveTM Coffee expertly handcrafted by Starbucks Coffee Masters by day, and connect over coffee- and tea-inspired cocktails mixed with precision by Starbucks Mixologists by night. Altogether, Starbucks has launched seven Bar Mixatos at Starbucks Reserve stores across Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin and Shenzhen since the concept was first introduced in China in May.

    Located on the second floor of the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, the bar was personally designed by Starbucks global design officer, Liz Muller. It is helmed by Timothee Becqueriaux, winner of the globally prestigious 2019 Chivas Bartender Competition (China region), and his team of more than 20 talented Mixologists, who are not only experts in cocktail mixing, but also coffee and tea aficionados. From the use of ingredients to mixing techniques, they have reinterpreted traditional cocktails to create drinks with unique taste and aesthetic profiles, providing an unprecedented sensory experience for customers.

    Headlining the comprehensive bar menu are 11 unique coffee- and tea-based cocktails specially created by Starbucks China in collaboration with leading bartenders in the industry. Classic cocktails, Italian aperitivo, wine, draft beer and mocktails are also available, as is a thoughtfully curated selection of complimentary food choices that customers can pair with their favorite cocktails. The menu will be refreshed quarterly based on the flavors of new Starbucks Reserve coffees.

    Since opening in December 2017, the Roastery has played a leading role in Starbucks retail innovation, incubating new offerings such as Modern Mixology, a new beverage category boasting natural fruit ingredients. With the addition of Bar Mixato, the Roastery will expand to serve as the hub for Starbucks cocktail innovation, before launching to other Bar Mixatos locations nationwide.

    Lees ook:

  • Jeweller Platinum Guild opens Shenzhen store

    Jeweller Platinum Guild opens Shenzhen store

    Platinum Guild International (PGI) has just opened its first store in Shenzhen, China.

    The new store is a part of PGI’s strategy to accelerate the manufacturing and distribution of new-generation platinum jewelry designs.

    “Research has shown that the number-one barrier to acquiring platinum jewelry in recent years has been the lack of appealing designs, so PGI has worked closely with key industry manufacturers and retailers to fast forward the adoption of new designs,” said Huw Daniel, CEO of PGI. “This showroom will showcase the abundance of new designs now available, together with innovative ways to merchandise and brand collections for today’s discriminating consumers”.

    Premium cabinets and windows were installed in the showroom along with multimedia devices to display its partners’ platinum jewelry collections. Blue is used as the theme color of the store.

    PGI China MD said the new Shenzhen outlet will provide a stronger presence for platinum jewelry in the traditionally gold-intensive jewelry-manufacturing hub and showcase the platinum jewelry industry’s advanced craftsmanship and designs to expand its business potential in China.

  • Crystal Jade restaurants opening in the Philippines

    Crystal Jade restaurants opening in the Philippines

    Philippines specialty store retailer SSI Group will play host to Chinese restaurant chain Crystal Jade in the territory.

    The firm has contracted with Crystal Jade Management to own and operate the brand in the Philippines as part of its expanding F&B portfolio.

    “The strategic partnership with SSI group is yet another proud moment for Crystal Jade,” said Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts Holdings CEO Douglas DeBoer. “We are excited to join in partnership with such a renowned specialty retailer which has successfully brought so many iconic international brands to the Philippines. Crystal Jade is dedicated to bringing authentic, quality Chinese cuisine to contemporary audiences around the world, and we look forward to delighting consumers across the Philippines very soon.”

    SSI president Anthony Huang said the opening of Crystal Jade in the Philippines is aligned with his company’s desire to provide consumers with complete lifestyle offerings through global partnerships “that cater to the eclectic and sophisticated taste of the Filipino consumer”.

    SSI will initially open a Crystal Jade Hong Kong Kitchen outlet early next year at Central Square in Bonifacio Global City, before rolling out Crystal Jade’s other three international dining concepts – which include Crystal Jade Golden Palace, Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Crystal Jade Go.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Wumart wins bidding war for Metro China

    Wumart wins bidding war for Metro China

    Chinese retail group Wumart has won a lengthy bidding process for the Metro China business.

    The German grocery and hypermarket retailer commenced a search for a buyer for the business in March, with various sources reporting an asking price of between US$1.5 billion and $2 billion. As many as eight bidders were in the running with a short list culled several times before non-binding bids were due in June.

    “This partnership includes the sale of Metro’s entire indirect participation in Metro China to a subsidiary of Wumei for an enterprise value of approximately US$2.1 billion,” Metro said in a statement.

    However, Metro will retain a 20-per-cent stake in the Metro China-Wumart joint venture. The deal is subject to regulatory sign-off.

    Metro China has 95 stores in the territory as well as real estate assets in several major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Kyoto coffee chain % Arabica opens store in London

    Kyoto coffee chain % Arabica opens store in London

    Kyoto coffee chain % Arabica has made its debut in the UK with its first store in London.

    Located right by Covent Garden’s piazza, a tourist destination, it is surrounded by a shopping hub and close to West End theatres.

    Meanwhile, the brand has already established its presence in Paris and Berlin, with future plans of setting foot in Switzerland and Spain as part of its European strategy.

    The brand opened its first-ever shop in Hong Kong at Discovery Bay in 2013 with its headquarters situated in Hong Kong, before planting its world-recognized flagship in Kyoto. Now trading in more than 11 countries, Arabica has more eight stores in the works and plans to continue to expand in new international markets.

  • Vacheron Constantin re-opens Ion Orchard boutique

    Vacheron Constantin re-opens Ion Orchard boutique

    Timepiece brand Vacheron Constantin is reopening its Singapore boutique at Ion Orchard, debuting its new retail concept.

    The boutique’s revamped interior is designed to convey modern elegance and a refined aesthetic, featuring new design codes accented by contemporary Asian elements. It contains lounge areas and an in-house watchmaker to enable interaction with customers. The storehouses the brand’s complete collection in addition to exclusive boutique limited editions.

    “This new boutique experience exemplifies the maison’s constant search for excellence and aesthetic perfection, embodying the ‘One Of Not Many’ spirit,” said Vacheron Constantin Southeast Asia and Australia MD Yassin Tag. “It will not only be a gathering place for customers, enthusiasts and the public, but to also discover the heritage and transmission of know-how that defines Vacheron Constantin.”

    An exhibition titled “Nicknames” is being held to mark the boutique’s opening, featuring a curation of vintage timepieces with unusual designs and evocative nicknames.

  • Most Singaporeans purchase online overseas every month

    Most Singaporeans purchase online overseas every month

    A recent survey has shown that around 75 percent of Singaporeans purchase overseas products at least once a month.

    According to Southeast Asian and Taiwanese e-commerce platform Shopee’s Global Deals Survey 2019, which polled more than 4000 Singaporeans about their overseas online purchasing habits, more than 90 percent of survey respondents indicated that they buy overseas products on Shopee more today, as compared to three years earlier. Reasons cited include convenience, cost-savings, increased product variety and being able to purchase products not available in Singapore. The survey also found that shoppers prefer to purchase overseas products from sellers who have a wide variety of products available (70 percent) and offer free shipping (30 percent).

    A recent YStats report found Singapore to be the top market for cross-border shopping in Southeast Asia, and according to a Forrester report, 60 percent of e-commerce sales consist of overseas orders.

    Japan is the fastest-growing market for overseas purchases, as demand for health supplements rises. Over the years, Japanese brands have increasingly made inroads in Singapore, gaining ground in the local retail scene with the entrance of a new wave of Japanese fashion labels and discount stores.

    According to Shopee’s survey, when it comes to purchasing Japanese products, quality (70 percent), variety (75 percent) and items that are not available in Singapore (73 percent) are what fuels the appetite of Singaporean shoppers.

    Shopee has recently unveiled a dedicated in-app space where users can access more than 50 million deals from six popular shopping destinations. Named Global Deals, the feature introduced deals from China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia and Hong Kong, and is accessible via a dedicated button on the Shopee homepage.

    “Singaporean shoppers have become globalized consumers who now have the world at their fingertips, and they are constantly on the lookout for convenience, quality and variety,” said Shopee CCO Zhou Junjie.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Taubman Asia names new president

    Taubman Asia names new president

    Taubman Asia president Peter Sharp has resigned after almost three years in the role.

    Parent Taubman Centers has announced Sharp’s replacement will be Paul Wright, executive VP and global head of leasing, who will relocate to Hong Kong and take up the new role on January 1.

    “We thank Peter for his contributions and his steadfast commitment to driving the company’s growth in Asia,” said Robert Taubman, chairman, president and CEO of Taubman.

    a

    “Paul’s significant relationships with global retailers and partners, and his knowledge of the Asia market, has been an important part of our business in the US and abroad,” said Taubman. “This promotion is the natural next step for Paul, and his competencies will be essential as we prepare to open Starfield Anseong in South Korea in 2020 and evaluate other opportunities in the region.”

    Wright, joined Taubman Asia in 2006. During his tenure, he led the leasing program for the company’s ground-up development properties in China — CityOn. Xi’an (opened April, 2016) and CityOn.Zhengzhou (opened March, 2017), as well as Starfield Hanam (pictured) in South Korea (opened September, 2016). He also led leasing of IFC Mall in South Korea, a center for which Taubman Asia previously provided leasing and management services.

    Prior to joining Taubman Asia, Wright worked with Citta Management Limited where he was responsible for leasing, property management and retail operations at the Taipei 101 Mall. He also held management roles with Lendlease Corporation in Asia and Jones Lang Wootton in Perth and Sydney. An Australian, Wright speaks Mandarin Chinese and English.

    Lees ook: