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Tag: club

  • China Cracks Down on Walmart’s Sams Club Over Food Safety Concerns

    China Cracks Down on Walmart’s Sams Club Over Food Safety Concerns

    In a recent development, China’s market regulator has enforced stringent measures on the supermarket chain, Sam’s Club, which is owned by Walmart. The regulator has initiated these steps as part of a bid to eradicate food safety risks from the company’s supply chain and ensure public dietary safety.

    The directive comes as Sam’s Club is actively pursuing expansion activities in China. As a result of new store openings, the company achieved double-digit growth in its transactions last year. This has increased the number of its membership-only stores to 63 across the nation, as per the data available on the company’s website.

    The decision was made following a meeting with a top-level executive from the U.S. retail giant to address recently identified food safety concerns. The State Administration for Market Regulation shared this information in an announcement on Monday, without specifying the date on which the meeting took place.

    As of now, Walmart’s China office has not responded to any requests for comments on this matter.

    In response to the regulator’s directive, Sam’s Club has issued an apology stating, “We will consistently report the progress of our rectification measures to the regulatory authorities and willingly accept their supervision.”

    In an effort to rectify the situation, the grocery chain has established an exclusive task force, headed by its management. This team is responsible for conducting supply chain inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and maintain the highest standards of product quality control.

    Questions & Answers

    What actions has China’s market regulator taken against Sam’s Club?
    The regulator has ordered Sam’s Club to enforce strict measures to eliminate food safety risks in its supply chain and ensure public dietary safety.

    What was the reason behind the regulator’s directive?
    The decision was made following a meeting with a top-level executive from Sam’s Club to address recently identified food safety concerns.

    What steps is Sam’s Club taking in response to the regulator’s orders?
    Sam’s Club has established a specialized task force, led by its management, to ensure strict compliance with regulations and maintain the highest standards of product quality control. The company will also regularly update the regulatory authorities about the progress of these rectification measures.

  • Richard Hinson Takes Helm As Ceo Of Minor Dkl, Sets Stage For Coffee Club Expansion

    Richard Hinson Takes Helm As Ceo Of Minor Dkl, Sets Stage For Coffee Club Expansion

    Minor DKL Food Group, the Australian subsidiary of Thai-based company Minor International, has recently announced the appointment of Richard Hinson as their new CEO. This strategic move sets the stage for the next expansion phase of The Coffee Club.

    Hinson’s Background and Future Roles

    Before joining Minor DKL, Hinson held several high-ranking positions, managing intricate supply chains, high-volume consumer retail, and multi-location hospitality operations. His previous roles involved managing turnaround programs at Retail Food Group and aiding Countrywide in becoming a prominent foodservice distributor in Australia.

    Hinson emphasized the importance of people-centered operations in the success of cafés. “The heart of a successful café lies in its people – our franchise partners, their teams, and the customers who have made The Coffee Club a part of their daily routine,” Hinson stated.

    He pledged his commitment towards bolstering these partnerships and creating a culture that revolves around collaboration and innovation. Hinson aims to ensure a thriving environment for franchise partners and a personalized, memorable experience for every customer. He believes that such an approach will help continue to cultivate a café network that Australians can love and trust for generations to come.

    Hinson’s Plans for The Coffee Club

    In his new role with The Coffee Club, Hinson’s focus will be on strengthening franchise partnerships, boosting operational efficiency, and enhancing the customer experience. He has expressed his intention to support the launch of the new grab-and-go concept, Three Stories Café, which recently opened its first store in South Brisbane.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Richard Hinson’s background?

    Richard Hinson has a wealth of experience in the retail and hospitality sectors, having held senior leadership roles where he managed complex supply chains, high-volume consumer retail, and multi-site hospitality. He has also managed turnaround programs and helped establish a leading foodservice distributor.

    What is Hinson’s primary focus as CEO of Minor DKL Food Group?

    Richard Hinson aims to strengthen franchise partnerships, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the customer experience at The Coffee Club. He also plans to support the rollout of the new grab-and-go concept, Three Stories Café.

    What is the ultimate goal of Hinson’s strategy for The Coffee Club?

    Hinson’s objective is to create a thriving environment for franchise partners and provide a personalized, memorable experience for every customer. He believes that this approach will help build a café network that Australians will continue to love and trust for the years to come.

  • Billionaire Boys Club And Tuborg Debut Music-inspired Streetwear Collection In China

    Billionaire Boys Club And Tuborg Debut Music-inspired Streetwear Collection In China

    Esteemed New York-based streetwear label, Billionaire Boys Club (BBC), has announced a unique partnership with the noteworthy Dutch lager brand, Tuborg, to launch an exclusive limited-edition collection.

    The collaboration will be introduced to China via dedicated pop-up stores in the cities of Guizhou and Zhengzhou. Under the compelling theme “Live a Billion Lives Again,” the pop-ups will provide a first-hand look at this much-anticipated collection.

    Billionaire Boys Club, co-founded by globally recognized artist and singer, Pharrell Williams, has cultivated a reputation for its luxury streetwear pieces that are deeply influenced by music. The new capsule collection features an exciting range of products that showcase this unique music-inspired aesthetic including graphic T-shirts, caps, keychains, and playing cards that channel the essence of urban street art.

    Jeff Chong, a leading executive of international premium brands at Carlsberg Asia, the parent company of Tuborg, acknowledged the significance of the collaboration. According to him, the partnership underscores Tuborg’s ongoing commitment to music culture and its aspiration to resonate with a younger demographic of consumers.

    Chong further emphasized, “This collaboration reflects the shared vision and synergy between two brands that genuinely connect with the spirit of youth.”

    Tuborg has confirmed plans to expand the launch of the capsule collection to other Asian markets. At the same time, BBC has committed to promoting the line on a global scale through its extensive retail network in the United States.

    Questions & Answers

    Who are the collaborators for the exclusive capsule collection?
    Billionaire Boys Club, a New York streetwear label, and Tuborg, a Dutch lager brand, are the collaborators for this collection.

    Where will the collaboration debut, and what is the theme of the launch?
    The collaboration will debut in China through pop-up stores in Guizhou and Zhengzhou, under the theme “Live a Billion Lives Again.”

    What does the capsule collection include?
    The collection includes products like graphic T-shirts, caps, keychains, and street art-inspired playing cards.

  • Exclusive Singapore Club 1880 Set to Reopen Next Month After Brief Closure

    Exclusive Singapore Club 1880 Set to Reopen Next Month After Brief Closure

    Singapore’s exclusive members’ club 1880 is gearing up for a surprising comeback this August, just weeks after announcing its sudden closure. Nestled along the scenic Robertson Quay, a bustling destination along the Singapore River, 1880 will reestablish its presence at the same locale, as confirmed by a spokesperson. This unexpected turnaround brings a glimmer of hope to fans who thought they had seen the last of the club, which had a reputation for hosting prominent events and guest speakers.

    In a reassuring sign of continuity, over 90% of the staff from the previous iteration of 1880 are expected to return to their roles. However, fans will notice a significant absence: the three original co-founders—Marc Nicholson, Jean Low, and Luke Jones—will not be involved in the new venture.

    The shuttering of 1880 in mid-June ended nearly eight years of operations. “The club and all its operations will cease immediately. Please do not come to the premises as the doors will be locked,” Nicholson informed staff at that time, as reported by The Straits Times. The abrupt closure stemmed from declining member spending and failed efforts to attract new investors or buyers.

    With dwindling funds to cover employee and supplier payments, the club had no choice but to call it quits. Notably, 1880 had previously hosted illustrious figures, including former Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo and Netflix’s Mind Your Manners host Sara Jane Ho. Sadly, the club’s closure echoes a broader trend, as its Hong Kong branch similarly folded shortly after opening, facing debts estimated at HKD20 million (US$2.5 million) due to unpaid rents and salaries for its 100 employees, according to the South China Morning Post.

    Questions & Answers

    What prompted the original closure of 1880?
    The closure was primarily due to a decline in member spending and unsuccessful attempts to find investors or buyers, leading to insufficient funds to cover operational costs.

    Will the founding team be involved in the new iteration of 1880?
    No, the original co-founders—Marc Nicholson, Jean Low, and Luke Jones—are not part of the reopening venture.

    What significant events did the original 1880 host?
    Throughout its operation, the club hosted notable speakers, including former Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo and Sara Jane Ho, the host of Netflix’s Mind Your Manners, showcasing its prominence in social and cultural conversations in Singapore.

  • Elon Musk Leaves $200-Billion-Club Empty

    Elon Musk Leaves $200-Billion-Club Empty

    Geopolitical tensions affecting global stock markets have also cut into the fortunes of the world’s wealthiest.

    The richest man on the planet has lost a large chunk of his wealth after Tesla shares fell 13 percent on Wednesday.

    Until yesterday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk was the only person whose wealth exceeded $200 billion, leaving the club-of-the-over-$200-billionaires empty. In the past, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ wealth also reached the $200 billion thresholds, the report says.

    Musk’s wealth reached a record $340.4 billion in November last year, after which he sold over $16 billion worth of stock and donated $5.7 billion to charity.

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  • Singapore Fintech Association Launches Networking Club

    Singapore Fintech Association Launches Networking Club

    The initiative aims to foster deeper social engagements among local fintech professionals and corporates and enhance the vibrancy of the industry ecosystem.

    Members of Singapore’s fintech community can look forward to more industry networking, upskilling opportunities, and lifestyle privileges with the launch of the SG Fintech Club by the Singapore Fintech Association and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

    Among its programs are talent matchmaking sessions, industry expert mentorship programs, and masterclasses organized by SFA. The Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF) and J.P. Morgan have also been brought on board to curate skills and career development events, the announcement said.

    The rapid shift towards digital acceleration and increasing competition in the ecosystem has made it more urgent for fintech professionals to stay relevant, connected and competitive, Damien Pang, MAS deputy chief fintech officer, said in the announcement.

    He said he hopes the club will help build a tight-knit community of talents, facilitate more collaboration within the industry and bring more value to the fintech ecosystem.

    The lineup of events for the next month is already packed, and includes fireside chats with fintech founders, strategy sessions, and masterclasses. Find out more at https://club.singaporefintech.org.

  • AirAsia X offers a year’s unlimited flights for $181 in response to coronavirus

    AirAsia X offers a year’s unlimited flights for $181 in response to coronavirus

    AirAsia X is offering unlimited international flights for a year for just 499 ringgit ($A181) as the coronavirus hits passenger numbers.

    Passengers will be able to fly from the airline’s home base in Malaysia to Australia, Japan, China, India and South Korea as many times as they like.

    The bad news is the deal is not available to Australians, only to Malaysia-based members of the airlines’ BIG loyalty scheme.

    The AirAsia Unlimited Pass went on sale Saturday and will only be available until March 7. Among the various terms and conditions, passengers will still have to pay taxes, airport fees and charges. They will be able to use the pass until March 2, 2021.

    “This is unprecedented,” said AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail in a statement. “However, AirAsia has always been known as the disruptor and we want to restore traveler’s confidence amid the current sentiment towards flying.

    “Travelling is still very safe as long as everyone travels responsibly and is kept updated by World Health Organisation (WHO) or respective government’s travel advice.”

    Meanwhile, AirAsia X said it will defer delivery of 78 Airbus A330neo planes and consider other changes to reduce its fleet, as the coronavirus outbreak adds pressure on the loss-making carrier.

    AirAsia X said late on Thursday it might sell two A330s that could fetch up to $US100 million ($153 million) and return five others to lessors early, adding it was already in negotiations with lessors about a targeted 30% cut in lease rates.

    The airline canceled 600 flights for March, according to an investor presentation published after it reported a higher quarterly net loss. AirAsia X flagged lower forward bookings and pressure on fares in the presentation.

    The virus has deepened the challenges facing the airline and sister carrier AirAsia Group, whose Chief Executive Tony Fernandes and Chairman Kamarudin Meranun have both stepped aside for at least two months amid investigations into a corruption scandal. Airbus was alleged to have paid a $US50 million bribe for plane orders.

    Brendan Sobie, a Singapore-based independent aviation analyst, said AirAsia X was highly exposed to China and other markets in North Asia significantly impacted by the coronavirus but the carrier was also in a weak financial position prior to the crisis.

    AirAsia X shares fell by 5 percent on Friday to a record low after it posted a net loss of 95.8 million ringgit in the quarter ended December 31, increasing from an 88.1 million ringgit loss a year ago.

    Flights to and from mainland China accounted for about 30 percent of AirAsia X’s capacity before the outbreak of the virus. It has a fleet of 24 A330 planes.

    The carrier last August reached a revised deal with Airbus to take 78 A330neos and 30 long-range A321XLR narrowbodies, down from earlier plans for 100 A330neos. AirAsia X is Airbus’ biggest customer for the A330neo, a more fuel-efficient version of the older A330 model.

    AirAsia X said delivery of the A330neos would be deferred and it would move toward a dual-fleet strategy with A321s set to replace its A330s on routes of four to six hours when demand recovers.

    “We believe advanced aircraft technology has changed business dynamics as we can now fly narrow-body aircraft longer,” AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail said in a statement.

    An AirAsia X spokeswoman said the airline was evaluating market conditions and had yet to confirm the duration of the A330neo delivery deferrals. An Airbus spokesman said the manufacturer does not comment on delivery schedules for individual airlines.

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  • The Coffee Club opens first store in Vietnam

    The Coffee Club opens first store in Vietnam

    The first The Coffee Club Vietnam store has opened, marking the Australian-founded chain’s 10th international market.

    Minor International subsidiary Minor Food signed up Vietnam Investment Group (VI Group) as its local partner in The Coffee Club Vietnam last October.

    Paul Kenny, CEO of Minor Food said the chain will provide a coffeehouse-style experience with an all-day menu following the Australian format. Together with Western dishes, the Vietnam store’s menu also includes Asian cuisine.

    “The Coffee Club offers a distinctive restaurant experience with great selections of food and beverages menus, excellent coffee and a welcoming relaxed atmosphere enriching the contemporary lifestyles of the Vietnamese consumers,” said David Do, VI Group MD.

    Since opening its doors in Brisbane in 1989, The Coffee Club has become Australia’s largest home-grown cafe group serving approximately 40 million customers in more than 400 stores.

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  • Impossible Foods and The Butchers Club commission 3D art work at K11

    Impossible Foods and The Butchers Club commission 3D art work at K11

    The “Impossible Burger”, featured plant-based ‘meat’ from Impossible Foods, can now be bought at all The Butchers Club locations in Hong Kong.

    To celebrate the launch of The Butchers Club Impossible Classic Burger, the two companies have commissioned local artist Terena Wong to create a thought-provoking 3D artwork in the Piazza at K11.

    The artwork is a symbolic representation of Impossible Food’s stated mission to restore biodiversity and reduce the impact of climate change by transforming the global food system, as well as The Butchers Club’s ongoing commitment to being more sustainable.

    Impossible Foods’ long-term goal is to accelerate the switch to a more sustainable food system, starting with its burger offering and expanding to a range of pork, chicken, fish and dairy products made directly from plants.

    Served in more than 15,000 restaurants in the US, Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore, the Impossible Burger uses a fraction of natural resources needed to produce animal beef: 96-per-cent less land, 87-per-cent less water and 89-per-cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

    Terena Wong has completed more than 40 community art projects, street art works, 3D mural paintings and 3D floor paintings in Hong Kong, the US and China, and has worked with many different parties including the government and non-profit organisations.

    The artwork is available to view and interact with until August 31.

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  • Piaggio India Launches Vespa Urban Club 125 In India

    Piaggio India Launches Vespa Urban Club 125 In India

    Piaggio India has announced the launch of its new 125 cc scooter range, the Vespa Urban Club. Priced at ₹ 73,733, the new Urban Club 125 is currently the of the most affordable Vespa scooter available in India, right below the Vespa ZX that is priced at ₹ 81,829 (both ex-showroom, Delhi). The new Vespa Urban Club 125 is offered in four vibrant colors of Azzurro Provenza, Maze Grey, Glossy Yellow, and Glossy Red, with glossy black embellishments like mirrors, grab rail, brake levers and wheels, with all options.

    Commenting on the launch of Vespa Urban Club, Diego Graffi, CEO and MD Piaggio India said, “We are delighted to launch the classy Vespa Urban Club in India. Drawing inspiration from the timeless brand, Vespa Urban Club is a culmination of elegance and new trends, backed by cutting edge technology. We believe the new Vespa Urban Club will add to the style quotient of the rider and will be well-appreciated by Vespa fans.”

    Like the other Vespa such as SXL, VXL, and Elegante, the new Urban Club is also powered by the same 125cc single-cylinder air-cooled engine that is tuned to churn out 9.5 bhp at 7,250 rpm and develops a peak torque of 9.9 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The 3-valve motor comes with an aluminum cylinder head, overhead cam, roller rocker arm, and variable spark timing management.

    In terms of features, the new Vespa Urban Club comes with 10-inch black alloy wheels, equipped with drum brakes, both at the front and back, assisted by a Combined Braking System. It also offers additional provisions for owners to install Piaggio’s mobile connectivity feature to operate and control features of the scooter at a click.

  • AirAsia takes partnership with World Surf League to new heights

    AirAsia takes partnership with World Surf League to new heights

    AirAsia and the World Surf League (WSL) Australia / Oceania are excited to announce the extension of their partnership to support the three Australian Championship Tour events in 2019.

    As the Official Airline Partner of the WSL, the world’s best low-cost airline has unveiled an AirAsia Beach Club and the AirAsia Flight Cam at each event, beginning with the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast this week, and continuing through to the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and Margaret River Pro.

    AirAsia will also extend its ‘Surfboards Fly Free’ initiative in 2019, meaning surfers from Australia will be able to travel with their surfboard with no excess luggage cost, to any of the surfing hotspots found in AirAsia’s network of more than 140 destinations.

    “We are really excited to be continuing our partnership with a company that keeps the dream of the perfect surfing holiday a reality for Australians from all walks of life. We’re really excited about the continuation of these programs but especially the engagement of our fans through this partnership,” said Andrew Stark, General Manager, WSL Australia and Oceania.

    “Partnering with the WSL is a natural fit for AirAsia. Since announcing the deal last year, we’ve been able to showcase the breadth and depth of our fast-growing network. Take Padang in Indonesia, for example – the gateway to the Mentawais – where we now see thousands of surfers each year travel with us. This is what makes the partnership so unique,” said AirAsia Group Head of Branding Rudy Khaw.

    To celebrate the renewed partnership, AirAsia and WSL are offering two lucky winners with the chance to see pro-surfing at its best, including access to corporate hospitality and multi-day passes for each event. To enter, simply follow @AirAsiaAustralia on Facebook and look out for the competition details.

    The AirAsia Beach Club is now open at the Quiksilver Pro and Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast on at Snapper Rocks in Queensland, Australia

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  • First UFC Gym opens at CityLink Mall, Singapore

    First UFC Gym opens at CityLink Mall, Singapore

    UFC Gym Singapore has opened its first branch at CityLink Mall.

    The gym has been opened under a franchise agreement with local operator NF Fitness, which is planning to expand to 15 gyms during the next decade.

    “We will have access to best-qualified coaches, as well as top-notch gym-training equipment,” said Barnabas Huang, UFC Gym Singapore’s MD.

    The gym aims to combine MMA and fitness, including functional workouts (Daily Ultimate Training, TRX Suspension Training), MMA classes (boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai) as well as group fitness classes (Zumba and yoga).

    It has gained more than 300 members since pre-sales began in January and about 1500 more are being targeted.

    UFC Singapore may face competition from other MMA academies in Singapore, such as Evolve MMA, Juggernaut Fight Club, Fight G and Impact MMA.

    The American gym chain already has more than 160 gyms in more than 14 countries.

  • UK-based international chain bar Toy Room enters India

    UK-based international chain bar Toy Room enters India

    Toy Room, one of the most talked-about premium and international brand which has attracted visits from A-listers around the world including Jessie J, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Scherzinger, has opened its first outlet in India in Aerocity. According to Akshay Anand, Owner Toy Room India, “Present in eight different countries, Toy Room is one of the biggest and hottest UK-based international entertainment brands with outposts already operating in London, Dubai, Istanbul, Rome, Mykonos, Athens, São Paulo and now India.”

    “This was the right time to introduce the brand in the country as food service industry is at its full-bloom all thanks to the well-informed and frequent travelling consumers,” he adds.

    Toy Room is the first international nightlife brand to enter the Indian market.

    Elaborating more about the brand, Anand says, “Toy Room is a playful, provocative, unpretentious and sexy place with a special focus on intimate hospitality and service and that is going to set it apart from other brands in the same category.”

    “With capacity for over 400 guests and a Hip-hop/ Rock ‘n’ Roll only music policy, Toy Room is derived from an urge to create an intimate setting for people to have fun,” he adds.

    Spanning across 4,500 sq.ft. Toy Room has been positioned as a finest party place that delivers an upscale nightclub experience with a focus on delivering premium hospitality, while still retaining its brand of sexy and provocative playfulness, which made it a worldwide sensation.

    The Toy Room brand internationally is known for placing children’s toys and imagery in an entertaining setting for adults, bringing together the notion of innocence alongside deviant party behaviour.

    “We are eyeing Rs 25 crore per annum revenue from Toy Room and going ahead we will be opening more outlets in Mumbai and Goa,” Anand concludes.

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  • Hard Rock Cafe to be reintroduced in Philippines

    Hard Rock Cafe to be reintroduced in Philippines

    Bistro Group has acquired the exclusive franchise for Hard Rock Cafe in the Philippines, planning to reintroduce the brand in the region after a year’s absence. The Hard Rock group has high hopes for the partnership given the new local partner’s proven performance in the “Western-driven market.”

    Area franchise development VP Steve Yang said: “The Bistro Group is a strong industry player and with its robust portfolio of brands as well as its track record for more than 20 years, we are confident that they will be a strong partner to help us take Hard Rock Cafe in the Philippines to the next level.”

    The new Hard Rock Cafe will open next month in a 653sqm space at the Conrad S Maison mall in Pasay City, with four to five branches potentially in the works for Cebu and Bonifacio Global City.

    “Putting Hard Rock inside a mall is in response to the current lifestyle trend and is one of the best locations we’ve seen in our operations,” Yang said.

    Hard Rock’s VP for franchise operations and development Anibal Fernandez said the company wants to expand its presence in high-growth markets frequented by locals and tourists.

    “Last year alone we launched cafes in Spain, Austria, South Africa, Andorra, Bolivia, India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Argentina and Nicaragua. In 2018 we are developing in Africa, Middle East, Europe, North and South America, South Asia and China, among others.”