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Tag: concept

  • Reviving Nostalgia: Bandai’s Tamagotchi Factory Revamps Interactive Retail In Tokyo’s Harajuku District

    Reviving Nostalgia: Bandai’s Tamagotchi Factory Revamps Interactive Retail In Tokyo’s Harajuku District

    A unique factory-themed concept store named “Tamagotchi Factory!” is preparing to open its doors in the Harajuku district of Tokyo. This venture is Bandai’s first permanent retail space since the shuttering of Tama Depa in 2017 and it comes in response to a resurgence in the brand’s popularity worldwide.

    The Tamagotchi Factory! will be located on the third floor of the Harakado building in the Jingumae area of Shibuya. This store will offer patrons an opportunity to blend retail shopping with an interactive experience, centered around the theme of a fun, functioning factory.

    Visitors to the store will have the opportunity to customize their virtual pets to their liking. The store’s interior decor, as well as the staff uniforms, have been designed to reflect the whimsical factory theme, effectively immersing patrons into the lively factory environment.

    Of the store’s many attractions, one standout feature is the “Minitama Fill-Up!” station. Here, customers will be able to fill up Tamagotchi-shaped bottles with miniature figures and themed items. The selection will include a variety of items such as sweets, rice balls, and even the brand’s signature “poop” icons.

    The virtual pet franchise, which made its debut in the 1990s, has sold over 100 million units globally. It continues to expand and evolve, capturing the hearts and minds of both nostalgic collectors and a new generation of Tamagotchi fans.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Tamagotchi Factory!?
    Tamagotchi Factory! is a factory-themed concept store owned by Bandai, located in the Harajuku district of Tokyo. This store encompasses a unique combination of retail shopping and interactive elements, providing a fun and immersive experience for visitors.

    What can visitors expect at the Tamagotchi Factory!?
    Visitors to the Tamagotchi Factory! can customize their virtual pets, fill Tamagotchi-shaped bottles at the “Minitama Fill-Up!” station with a variety of miniature figures and themed items. The store’s interior decor and staff uniforms are designed to reflect a whimsical factory theme.

    What is the history of the Tamagotchi brand?
    Tamagotchi is a virtual pet franchise that debuted in the 1990s and has since sold over 100 million units worldwide. The brand continues to expand, appealing to both nostalgic collectors and a new generation of fans.

  • Yum China Unveils ‘Fried Chicken Brothers’: A New Twist On Fast-food With Chinese And Korean Flavors

    Yum China Unveils ‘Fried Chicken Brothers’: A New Twist On Fast-food With Chinese And Korean Flavors

    Yum China, KFC’s operator in the country, has discreetly introduced a fresh pilot concept by the name of Fried Chicken Brothers, further diversifying its localized sub-brands.

    The pilot currently runs two compact stores in Shanghai, each approximately 20sqm in size, with a particular focus on takeaway and delivery services.

    The innovative brand presents two unique culinary adventures. One specializes in Chinese-style fried chicken, while the other embraces the distinct flavors of Korean-style fried chicken.

    The Chinese menu features dishes inspired by regional flavors, such as chicken spiced with Litsea cubeba, crispy chicken skin paired with chili, and chicken racks with a unique taste of Yanbian barbecue kimchi. The Korean-style shop, on the other hand, emphasizes boneless fried chicken, served with an array of bold sauces including creamy cheese, amber sweet and spicy, and honey mustard sauces.

    Based on user reviews, the average spending per person is estimated around 30 RMB (approximately US$4.12), positioning Fried Chicken Brothers as a cost-effective and flavor-rich alternative in the fast-food fried chicken market.

    This new addition expands Yum China’s increasing portfolio of KFC sub-brands in the country, which further includes KCoffee and Kpro. This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy of diversifying its offerings to cater to younger consumers and adapt to the ever-changing local tastes.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Yum China’s new pilot concept?
    Yum China has introduced a new pilot concept called Fried Chicken Brothers, which offers Chinese and Korean-style fried chicken.

    What does the Fried Chicken Brothers menu offer?
    The menu offers two distinct culinary experiences. The Chinese-style menu features dishes like Litsea cubeba-spiced chicken and Yanbian barbecue kimchi-flavoured chicken racks. The Korean-style menu focuses on boneless fried chicken with a variety of sauces.

    What is the positioning of Fried Chicken Brothers in the market?
    As per user reviews, the average spending per person is around 30 RMB (US$4.12), thus positioning Fried Chicken Brothers as an affordable and flavor-rich alternative in the fast-food fried chicken market.

  • Salomon Unveils Anfu Concept Store In Shanghai: A Fusion Of French Elegance And Chinese Innovation

    Salomon Unveils Anfu Concept Store In Shanghai: A Fusion Of French Elegance And Chinese Innovation

    Salomon, a French sporting lifestyle brand, has recently inaugurated its Anfu concept store in Shanghai, signaling an enhancement of its retail experience within the Chinese market.

    Situated in an iconic, French-style edifice on Anfu Road, the store mirrors a unique blend of French elegance, influenced by the Salomon Sportstyle store in Marais, Paris, and the vibrant local culture of Shanghai.

    The brand described the store as a bold platform that encapsulates both French and Chinese culture, the spirit of innovation, and an array of retail experiences.

    Guillaume Meyzenq, CEO and President of Salomon, stated, “The adaptation of the store embodies Salomon’s brand vision. This was enabled by our partners and the warm reception from local communities. It is becoming more and more evident that Chinese consumers are increasingly focusing on functionality and combined demands for style and performance. With the grand opening of the store, we anticipate growing alongside Chinese consumers and bringing more innovation to the global market!”

    In addition to hosting a unique shopping experience, the concept store also marked the premiere of the brand’s ‘Road to the Future Project’ in China, following its initial showcase during Paris Fashion Week.

    In the lead-up to the store’s official opening, Salomon partnered with 11 local businesses on Anfu Road to cultivate a strong bond with the local communities.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the new Salomon store in Shanghai?
    The opening of the new store signifies an upgrade in Salomon’s retail experience in the Chinese market. The store represents a fusion of French and Chinese culture and aims to cater to the growing functional and style demands of Chinese consumers.

    What is the ‘Road to the Future Project’?
    The ‘Road to the Future Project’ is an initiative by Salomon, which was first presented at Paris Fashion Week. The project made its debut in China with the opening of the Anfu concept store.

    How did Salomon connect with the local community ahead of the store opening?
    Prior to the official opening of the Anfu concept store, Salomon collaborated with 11 local businesses on Anfu Road, fostering a strong connection with the local communities.

  • Lojel Opens Innovative Concept Store At K11 Musea; Unveils Exclusive Journey Patch Collection

    Lojel Opens Innovative Concept Store At K11 Musea; Unveils Exclusive Journey Patch Collection

    Lojel, a Japanese luggage manufacturer, has recently opened the doors to its latest concept store at K11 Musea. This new venture marks the seventh store that Lojel operates in Hong Kong.

    Embracing Local Artistry

    The K11 Musea outlet is unique due to its partnership with acclaimed local artist Zoie Lam. Her artwork graces the central pillar of the store, vividly depicting the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Hong Kong. This display is a testament to the store’s architectural feature, the canvas, which serves as a visual interpretation of Lojel’s “art meets retail” narrative.

    Opening A New Chapter

    According to Tee Teng Li, General Manager of Lojel, the K11 Musea store represents a new beginning for the brand. “This store marks a new chapter for Lojel – a place where movement, creativity, and community come together,” he said. Li further explained that the concept store is a prototype for future outlets, intending to enhance the customer connection and provide a genuinely immersive experience.

    Journey Patch Collection

    The grand opening of the store came with the unveiling of the exclusive Journey Patch collection. This collection is the result of a collaboration with Danish artist Julie Solvstrom and is entirely made from post-consumer recycled polyester yarn. Lojel also joined forces with UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, and Made51 to initiate a handcrafted bracelet campaign.

    Lojel initially made its mark in Hong Kong last year, with the launch of its first flagship store.

    Questions & Answers

    What is unique about the new Lojel store at K11 Musea?
    The store is unique because it embraces local artistry. It houses artwork by local artist Zoie Lam, who has depicted the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Hong Kong on the store’s central pillar.

    What does the K11 Musea store represent for Lojel?
    According to Tee Teng Li, Lojel’s General Manager, the store signifies a new chapter for the brand. It represents a place where movement, creativity, and community converge.

    What was unveiled at the grand opening of the store?
    Lojel unveiled the exclusive Journey Patch collection at the grand opening. The collection, created in collaboration with Danish artist Julie Solvstrom, is entirely made from post-consumer recycled polyester yarn.

  • Miniso Unveils Innovative Miniso Space Concept, Making Its Debut in China!

    Miniso Unveils Innovative Miniso Space Concept, Making Its Debut in China!

    Global lifestyle brand Miniso has unveiled its inaugural Miniso Space at Deji Plaza in Nanjing, a significant step in its retail evolution that promises an immersive, IP-driven shopping experience. Nestled within one of China’s most prestigious luxury malls, this innovative store format emphasizes a fresh approach to consumer engagement.

    A Creative Fusion of Retail and Entertainment

    Maximizing its footprint, nearly the entire space is dedicated to vibrant collaborations with beloved global intellectual properties such as Disney, Harry Potter, Chiikawa, and Sanrio, among others. Notably, the store also showcases the exclusive debut of the WAKUKU limited-edition collection—definitely the kind of surprise that can make even a seasoned shopper do a double-take.

    With around 30 unique IPs on display, the Miniso Space stands out as one of the brand’s most content-rich offerings to date. Designed to transcend conventional shopping, this venue merges retail with exhibitions and interactive zones, crafting an immersive environment that artfully intertwines entertainment with consumerism.

    Aiming for the Upscale Consumer

    The Miniso Space isn’t merely a store; it’s an experience tailored for luxury mall visitors who crave a premium, trend-focused adventure. This aligns seamlessly with Miniso’s “Joy Philosophy,” aiming to enhance the shopping experience while making it distinctly enjoyable.

    This launch follows the brand’s recent successes with flagship stores in Madrid and Jakarta earlier in 2024, both of which spotlighted IP collaborations and expansive store layouts that cater to evolving consumer tastes. As Miniso continues to push the envelope, it raises the bar for retail innovation in Asia and beyond.

    Questions & Answers

    What makes Miniso Space different from regular stores?
    Miniso Space integrates retail, exhibitions, and interactive zones, creating a unique, immersive shopping experience focused on popular global IP collaborations.

    Which IP collaborations are featured in the Miniso Space?
    The store showcases around 30 collaborations with brands such as Disney, Harry Potter, Chiikawa, and Sanrio, along with an exclusive WAKUKU limited-edition collection.

    How does Miniso’s “Joy Philosophy” shape the shopping experience?
    Miniso’s “Joy Philosophy” emphasizes creating a fun, premium shopping experience that enhances customer satisfaction and engagement, especially suited for luxury mall visitors.

  • Pop Mart launches jewellery concept store

    Pop Mart launches jewellery concept store

    Pop Mart, the renowned creator of the globally popular “blind box” toys featuring the unique and charming Labubu character, unveiled its debut jewellery store in Shanghai last Friday.

    The new concept store, known as Popop, offers a variety of accessories embellished with Pop Mart’s most popular characters, which include Labubu, Molly, and Skullpanda.

    Despite the ongoing property downturn and sluggish economic growth, Chinese consumer expenditure has remained somewhat muted. However, the demand for Pop Mart’s delightful yet economical toys continues to thrive both domestically and internationally, which has contributed to an over 200% rise in its share value so far this year.

    Zhang Zhanming, a 34-year-old investor who owns Pop Mart shares valued at 100 million yuan (US$13.92 million), made the journey from his home in Chongqing, a city in southwestern China, to witness the store’s launch. He wanted to evaluate the new storefront and consider whether to expand his investment in the company.

    Zhang expressed his belief that Pop Mart’s pricing strategy and target audience are a perfect match. He also expressed confidence in Pop Mart’s potential to evolve into China’s counterpart of Disney. He also predicted that the company, currently valued at US$45.65 billion, could potentially double its market capitalization.

    Pop Mart’s characters, along with a selection of Disney characters and others from the realms of anime, comics, and popular video games, are seen as exemplifying “emotional consumption”. This concept involves young consumers purchasing affordable luxury items that bring happiness into their lives.

    Fang Ke, a 35-year-old woman who will be celebrating her birthday this month, decided to indulge herself by purchasing a 699 yuan Labubu bracelet at the launch. She has been a long-time fan of Pop Mart, citing its visually appealing, brightly coloured products that also deliver a visual impact, a sentiment echoed by her daughter.

    At Popop, pricing begins at around 350 yuan for charms or a simple silver ring. Prices can climb up to 2699 yuan for necklaces decorated with metallic representations of the characters, with the majority of items priced under 1000 yuan.

    In a typical Pop Mart store, the famous “blind box” toys generally retail for a starting price of 69 yuan. However, consumers have demonstrated a willingness to spend more on limited-edition items.

    Earlier in the week, a human-sized Labubu figurine sold for a record-breaking 1.08 million yuan at a Beijing auction house, signifying the toy’s transition from a fad to a collector’s item.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the name of Pop Mart’s new jewellery store?
    The jewellery store is named Popop.

    Who is Zhang Zhanming?
    Zhang Zhanming is an investor who owns Pop Mart shares valued at 100 million yuan.

    What is the concept of “emotional consumption”?
    Emotional consumption refers to the trend of young consumers purchasing affordable luxury items that bring happiness into their lives, such as Pop Mart’s toys and accessories.

  • Uniqlo debuts small-format ‘touchpoint’ concept store in Singapore

    Uniqlo debuts small-format ‘touchpoint’ concept store in Singapore

    Uniqlo, the Japanese casual wear designer, has launched a new innovative retail store model in Singapore. This pioneering initiative, referred to as the touchpoint store, is located at Velocity at Novena Square.

    Revolutionizing the Retail Experience

    The touchpoint store is a unique prototype that is only 10% the size of a traditional Uniqlo outlet. The store primarily serves as a collection point for click-and-collect orders. The innovative design of the store offers an efficient, digitally integrated shopping experience for customers.

    Customers can now effortlessly place their orders through the Uniqlo App or the company’s website. The touchpoint store offers the convenience of same-day collection, with no minimum purchase requirements or additional delivery fees. This new approach redefines the retail space, providing customers with a unified online and offline shopping journey.

    Redefining the Role of Physical Retail

    Cecilia Tan, the e-commerce director for Uniqlo Singapore, has stated that the brand’s goal is to maximize the store footprint for consumers, specifically those who prefer a flexible combination of online and offline (O2O) shopping experiences.

    She highlighted that the Velocity store is a prime example of how Uniqlo is merging the efficiency of digital platforms with the accessibility of physical retail locations. Tan expressed that improving customer engagement with the brand’s LifeWear range was paramount. She emphasized the brand’s dedication to providing high-quality, thoughtful everyday wear to more consumers, regardless of their location.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main purpose of Uniqlo’s touchpoint store?
    The touchpoint store serves as a hub for click and collect orders, providing a more efficient and digitally integrated shopping experience for customers.

    How does the touchpoint store benefit customers?
    Customers can place their orders through the Uniqlo App or the brand’s website and collect them from the store on the same day without any minimum spend or delivery fees.

    What is the aim of introducing the touchpoint store, according to Cecilia Tan, the e-commerce director for Uniqlo Singapore?
    The aim is to optimize the store footprint for consumers who prefer a flexible online-to-offline shopping experience, combining digital efficiency with physical retail accessibility.

  • Determinant reopens flagship Lab Concept store in Hong Kong

    Determinant reopens flagship Lab Concept store in Hong Kong

    Hong Kong-based menswear brand Determinant has unveiled its redesigned flagship at Lab Concept in Queensway Plaza, introducing an immersive retail experience centred on the art of shirt-making.

    The revamped store features curated zones and interactive elements that guide customers through Determinant’s signature design and manufacturing process.

    At the entrance, a magnifying glass window display spotlights five key elements of a shirt. A QR code allows customers to access a 3D virtualisation to explore the construction process in greater detail.

    Inside, the Premium Cotton Experience Zone invites visitors to touch and compare the fabrics used across the brand’s shirt range. A panel titled “Anatomy of the Perfect Fit” explains nine core components that contribute to each shirt’s comfort, fit and seamless construction.

    General manager Clement Chan said the relaunch is part of the brand’s broader expansion strategy across Hong Kong and international markets.

    “The name Determinant represents our determination to provide the highest quality products,” said Chan. “We aim to meet market needs with affordable, high-quality and ethical shirts.”

    The company plans to open a new store in Singapore later this year.

    Founded in 2020, Determinant is known for its minimalist, functional designs and proprietary technologies that produce breathable, wrinkle-free, anti-odour and antibacterial shirts.

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  • Owndays launches premium concept store in Singapore

    Owndays launches premium concept store in Singapore

    Japanese fast fashion eyewear brand, OWNDAYS, is pleased to announce the opening of a new store at Takashimaya S.C., Ngee Ann City. This will be the brand’s second premium concept store in the world and its 33rd store in Singapore. The new store will open to public on 20 May 2022 and will house a collection of made-in-Japan eyewear and premium ophthalmic lenses curated exclusively for its premium concept stores.

    The Takashimaya S.C. store mirrors the concept of “Japanese Luxury” originally introduced at its first premium concept store at Marina Bay Sands, offering a premium eyewear shopping experience topped with Japanese hospitality and an extended product offering. Drawing inspiration from Ryoanji Temple, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular attraction in Kyoto, Japan known for its famous rock garden, the new store features a distinct Japanese-styled aesthetics that pays homage to the origins of the brand while incorporating a touch of luxury.

    The main retail floor is flanked by a dry landscape complete with rock arrangements, gravel, moss and shrubs to achieve the Zen Garden interior. Beige wood elements are also heavily featured in the store interior to emphasise a sense of traditional Japanese-ness.

    Také Umiyama, Managing Director/COO of OWNDAYS INC. said, “The Takashimaya S.C. store reflects the core value of OWNDAYS, which is to constantly evolve and innovate in order to deliver quality eyewear to consumers at the best value. With a store that is located right in the heart of Orchard Road, it allows us to make well-designed, good quality eyewear more accessible to our customers. Besides, the new store is a space where we hope local consumers could enjoy a complete Japanese experience without having to physically travel to Japan. We welcome customers to visit the store even when they are not looking to purchase any spectacles and just to feel transported to Japan.”

     

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  • L’Occitane opens world-first green store concept in Australia

    L’Occitane opens world-first green store concept in Australia

    If you’re a fan of the French skincare brand L’Occitane, then you’ll be happy to know that the retailer has just launched their first eco-friendly shop in the city, as part of their efforts to embrace sustainability and reduce local plastic waste. Located in Pacific Place Mall, the new store is designed to appeal to the growing eco-conscious consumer market. The shop offers products that come in 100 percent recycled bottles, and refillable shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, and hand wash. The new store also launches a new limited edition body care product series called the Happy Shea collection which is exclusively available in the shop and their online store.

    The store aims to engage the public in environmental protection through fun activities with their #MEGA (Make Earth Green Again) Sustainability Reward Program, where shoppers can earn rewards by achieving green tasks such as dropping their empty beauty container – from L’Occitane or other beauty brands – in the store’s recycle bins. Shoppers can also participate in other activities like completing a three-minute personal carbon footprint evaluation or adding their ‘green new year wish or commitment’ to the store’s Tree of Wishes.

    Working in partnership with various eco-conscious organizations, L’Occitane’s MEGA concept store will host a series of sustainability-focused workshops that raise recycling awareness. The company is currently collaborating with A Plastic Ocean Foundation (APO) – a Hong Kong-based charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness against plastic pollution. All PET containers collected through L’Occitane stores go to APO for future recycling into rPET products. L’Occitane has already provided APO with 40kg of PET containers collected from customers for future recycling. Today, APO has created 1,000 pieces of #MakeEarthGreenAgain sandwich bags made from rPET and 1,500 pieces of rPET towels, made from PET plastic waste. Shoppers can receive a complimentary rPET sandwich bag for purchases of over $400 in L’Occitane’s eco-store until February 28, 2021.  L’Occitane’s MEGA concept storefront

    As part of the company’s dedication to lessening environmental carbon footprint and protecting biodiversity, L’Occitane’s Hong Kong and Macau general manager Nathaëlle Davoust signed the Ellen MacArthur Foundation New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. In collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, The Global Commitment ‘unites businesses, governments, and other organizations behind a common vision and target to tackle plastic waste and pollution at its source.’ Companies that signed the commitment represent businesses responsible for 20 percent of all plastic packaging produced globally. So, if you’re dropping by the store and purchasing goods, make sure you bring your own bags as the shop will not be providing you with any plastic or paper bags.

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  • H&M plans showing its first Home concept store in Paris

    H&M plans showing its first Home concept store in Paris

    The Swedish giant is about to open an XXL store in Paris. Officially inaugurated on Thursday September 9, 2021, this H&M Home store is to open in the famous Madeleine area. Here is what we know about this spot already.

    Good news for home décor fans looking for bargains. H&M is opening this Fall 2021 a new store dedicated to home. Called H&M Home, this first 100% home décor store in France by the Swedish giant is to take over the Madeleine district – already housing the first IKEA store in Paris.

    It is at 14 boulevard des Capucines, a stone’s throw from Olympia, and not far from their flagship the concept-store is about to welcome Parisians and tourists looking for bargains to transform their indoors. This new spot, covering 724sqm, will feature different styles, also available in the H&M Home collection and collaborations with other brands.

    In addition to decoration for each room, you can find storage units, accessories, bedding, indoor clothing, crockery, toys for children, and even furniture to fit on small surfaces. This will be the occasion for small budgets to change their décor for a lesser cost.

    So, when will this new H&M concept store dedicated to indoor decoration open in Paris? The official opening is scheduled on Thursday September 9, 2021 with a special weekend including exclusive guest brands to enjoy on-site, and a never-before-seen digital experience.

    After the opening of an Ikea Décoration in Paris 1st arrondissement, and before the inauguration of Maxi Bazar in the 13th, stores dedicated to decoration are very trendy in town!

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  • Coach Singapore introduces first concept store

    Coach Singapore introduces first concept store

    Coach is launching their first-ever concept store in Singapore, Tomorrow’s Vintage, a pop-up that celebrates Coach’s timeless style and its commitment to a better-made future.

    Inspired by Coach’s commitment to restoring, repurposing, and reimagining, the Tomorrow’s Vintage concept store will be hosted in a conservation shophouse located at 1 Teck Lim Road from today to 12 September 2021.

    In celebration of the brand’s 80th anniversary, the store space will pay homage to Coach stores from the past, with vintage television showcasing films featuring Coach’s renowned leather restoration specialist Debi the Restorer. Bags from Coach’s archival collection will be on display, including iconic designs from Bonnie Cashin’s era such as the Ergo and the Cashin, and a selection of re-released Coach Originals bags.

    Tomorrow’s Vintage will feature a limited-edition pop-up of the famous Coach craftsmanship bar and a dedicated craftsman trained by Mauricio, Coach’s master craftsman in New York City will offer leather cleaning, monogramming services, and customization options.

    From 3 to 5 September, customers can also have their bags customized by local artist Tiffany Lovage. Between 27 to 29 August and 10 to 12 September, professional embroiderer Zoey Wong will be on-site to personalize leather goods.

    Coach has also partnered with Big Crown Records, a Brooklyn-based independent record label that reissues rare vinyl and produces new releases on vintage equipment to curate a playlist for the Tomorrow’s Vintage pop-up store and a selection of vinyl records for display.

    Coach’s Tomorrow’s Vintage also adds a local touch, with a Tikam Tikam game available to play in the concept store. Each visitor can pick a random number from the Tikam board for the chance to win a complimentary Coach Create pin or patch. To drive visitors to the pop-up, Coach will also launch a ‘Digital Tikam’ game (mobile only):https://tomorrowsvintage.coachexperiencesg.com.

    Coach’s Tomorrow’s Vintage concept store will adhere to the government’s advisory and safe distancing regulations. All visitors have to adhere to regulations including Safe Entry check-in, temperature checks and wearing of masks at all times.

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  • Nike launching sustainable concept store in Seoul

    Nike launching sustainable concept store in Seoul

    After launching the Rise concept store last year to Guangzhou, China, sportswear giant Nike has unveiled a new version of the concept which will launch in Seoul, South Korea.

    The store will feature a new digital platform, Sports Pulse, which will seek to bridge the gap between physical and online retail and create an “immersive retail experience”, as well as an interactive RFID-enabled footwear table, Inside Track, where shoppers can compare product details by simply placing products on the table.

    Three new ‘experience zones’ will also be debuted in the Seoul store: The Sports Hub, which will help shoppers connect with sporting opportunities in the city; The City Replay, a space to showcase hyperlocal products; and The Huddle, a place for a group or one-on-one expert sessions tailored to their fitness goals.

    And, according to Nike, it does so while also boosting the business’ sustainability and circularity.

    “In addition to being among the first Nike stores to secure a LEED Gold certification, Nike Seoul is also the first in Asia to launch … Nike’s fully integrated service for recycling and donating gently worn footwear and apparel,” the business said in a statement.

    “Shoppers can drop off gently-worn shoes – and now, for the first time, apparel – to the Seoul store, where the products will either be recycled or donated to partnering organizations that help communities facing disasters and other challenging circumstances.”

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  • Mercedes-Benz Introduces ‘Direct To Customer’ Retail Sales Model In India

    Mercedes-Benz Introduces ‘Direct To Customer’ Retail Sales Model In India

    Mercedes-Benz India today introduced its new retail sales model called ‘Retail of the Future’ (ROTF). With this new model, the company plans to promote a ‘direct to customer’ retail approach to creating a more customer-centric brand. To the effect, under this business model, Mercedes-Benz India will own the entire stock of cars, sell them via appointed Franchise Partners, invoice the new cars to the customers directly, process the order, and fulfill them. This would also mean that the company will offer one transparent price across India. The new retail model will be applicable only for new car sales, whereas other verticals like – customer service, pre-owned cars, and allied businesses will remain unchanged.

    Talking about the introduction of the new retail sales model, Martin Schwenk, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “This long-term strategic move will strengthen our customer focus by introducing a fundamental transition in the retail business in the market. It also will deliver a win-win solution for both customers and Franchise Partners, underscoring our clear vision for a future that is sustainable, empowering and digital. The advent of new sales channels has brought sweeping changes in customers’ aspirations and requirements and being a customer-obsessed brand, we have adapted our current business models to meet our customers’ aspirations and needs.”

    Commenting on Mercedes-Benz India’s new retail model, Vinkesh Gulati, President, FADA India said, “The agency model introduced by Mercedes India will be an out-of-the-box thinking by the company. Even though the model has tested waters internationally, India is a unique market where customer physic is very different as they change Dealers and even brands on any additional discount. Even though on the face of it, this model looks beneficial for the dealer community dealing in Premium Brands with low Volume but we will need to see if this model can work with mass-market brands so that every dealer can benefit from it.”

    Now, for customers, this might not be a big change. They will still have to visit the showroom or go online to purchase the vehicle, and, they will continue to the facilitated by the franchise representatives. What will change, however, is they’ll get uniform and transparent pricing, larger stock availability for choosing, and better customers service as that will become the major focus areas for dealerships. However, things will be widely different for franchise partners, the dealers, who will be operating on reduced risks and liabilities right now. A direct-to-customer retail model would mean they won’t have to worry about inventory cost, warehousing of the stockpile, which is added cost to dealers right now.

    However, this also means that dealers won’t be able to offer selective discounts or deals to attract buyers to compete with other dealers and gain more margin. Instead, now, in order to compete with other franchise partners, dealers will have to offer improved customer service, which will be measured based on what the company calls the CSI rating. In short, dealers will get commissions instead of sales margin.

    As for Mercedes-Benz India, it will be responsible for centrally managing the selling price of all new cars. The company will also be owning and managing the entire stock of new cars and will have to take care of order processing and fulfillment. This means the company will stop wholesale despatches to dealers. The company says that this new retail model will allow Mercedes-Benz to have better control over volume scalability and achieve price stability within segments. The company will also get improved forecasting with regards to the market trends and customer insight, along with better inventory management.

    Mercedes-Benz India will implement its new Retail of the Future sales model starting from the fourth quarter (Q4) of the 2021 calendar year.

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  • General Motors Unveils Futuristic Flying Cadillac Concept Vehicle

    General Motors Unveils Futuristic Flying Cadillac Concept Vehicle

    General Motor on Tuesday presented a futuristic flying Cadillac – a self-driving vehicle that takes off and lands vertically and carries the passenger above the streets and through the air. A senior GM executive described the concept as “reimagining the future of personal transportation”. The single-passenger Cadillac – technically, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone – will be able to travel from urban rooftop to urban rooftop at speeds up to 55 miles per hour.

    It is fully autonomous and all-electric, with a 90kW motor, a GM Ultium battery pack and an ultra-lightweight body with four pairs of rotors.

    The flying Cadillac was presented in a video as part of a virtual keynote presentation by Chief Executive Mary Barra, along with a family-friendly Cadillac electric shuttle.

    Barra last year revealed the automaker was exploring such alternative transportation modes as aerial taxis.

    The concepts in the CES video were introduced by GM design chief Mike Simcoe, who described the VTOL as “the Cadillac of urban air mobility”.

    “VTOL is key to GM’s vision for a multimodal future,” he said.

    The autonomous Cadillac shuttle, described in the video as “arriving soon,” features a boxy silhouette that recalls the Cruise Origin, also designed by Simcoe’s team. It features fore and aft sliding doors and a panoramic glass roof.

    The cabin has wraparound lounge-like seating, plus biometric sensors, voice control and hand gesture recognition.

    GM declined to disclose further details.

    Other automakers, including Toyota Motor, Hyundai Motor and Geely Automobile, have previously have shown concept aerial vehicles as part of their future planning.