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Tag: cool

  • Hollister Brings California Cool to the Philippines with First Store Debut at SM Mall of Asia

    Hollister Brings California Cool to the Philippines with First Store Debut at SM Mall of Asia

    Following closely on the heels of Abercrombie & Fitch’s entrance into the Philippine market, Hollister, the popular American lifestyle brand, has also opened its doors at the SM Mall of Asia.

    Partnership with PT Mitra Adiperkasa

    The grand unveiling was made possible through a collaboration with PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP). MAP is an Indonesian lifestyle retail giant that holds the reins of more than 150 global brands under its umbrella.

    Hollister, renowned for its relaxed, eclectic style influenced by Californian casual chic, will be offering a wide array of clothing options. Customers can look forward to browsing through a diverse assortment of denim, dresses, woven tops, shorts, and other accessories.

    Expanding its reach further, Hollister is also launching its Summer Essentials collection for kids. This range boasts of lightweight garments, tailor-made for active children and designed with warm weather in mind.

    Introducing Hollister’s Unique Style to the Philippines

    Representatives for Hollister expressed their eagerness to introduce the brand’s unique fashion sense to the Filipino market. “We couldn’t be more excited to introduce Hollister’s unique vibe to the Philippines,” shared Steven Sare, the MD of Apac for Hollister.

    He added, “The energy in this country is truly phenomenal, and our partnership with MAP has allowed us to create an immersive space where customers can fully experience our brand’s youthful clothing line, designed to capture moments, create memories, and promote an unapologetic self-expression.”

    In addition to Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch’s recent launches, MAP is also reviving the presence of Marks & Spencer in the country.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Hollister’s style influence?
    Hollister’s style is heavily influenced by California’s casual and relaxed fashion.

    Who facilitated the launch of Hollister in the Philippines?
    The launch of Hollister was facilitated by PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), an Indonesian-based lifestyle retailer.

    What else is Hollister introducing in the Philippines apart from its standard clothing line?
    Apart from its standard clothing line, Hollister is also introducing its Summer Essentials collection for children in the Philippines.

  • Meituan Sees Silver Lining as Food Delivery Battles Cool Down Despite Another Quarter Loss

    Meituan Sees Silver Lining as Food Delivery Battles Cool Down Despite Another Quarter Loss

    Meituan, China’s foremost food delivery company, reported its third consecutive quarterly loss this Monday. However, it did manage to meet revenue growth projections. The company has been weathering a particularly tough year, characterized by fierce, subsidy-driven competition in China’s one-hour delivery sector. However, the market shows signs of normalizing again.

    In earlier years, the rapid expansion and profits of Meituan were put under strain when Taobao, owned by Alibaba, and JD introduced their ‘instant retail’ services in 2025. Instant retail, also known as quick commerce, involves online purchases of items such as food, bubble tea, and daily essentials that are delivered within an hour.

    In 2026, after persistent disapproval from Chinese regulators who coined the term ‘race to the bottom’ to describe the fierce instant retail competition, the excessive discounting on food delivery platforms began to moderate. This shift indicated that the industry was moving into a phase of more regular growth.

    The revenue for Meituan for the quarter ending on March 31 was reported to be 91 billion yuan (equivalent to US$13.45 billion). This represented a 5.6% increase from the previous year and was in line with financial analysts’ predictions.

    The adjusted net loss of the company shrunk to 4.97 billion yuan, which was a significant improvement from a loss of 15.1 billion yuan in the last quarter. During the same period in the previous year, Meituan had reported a profit of 10.9 billion yuan.

    CEO Wang Xing addressed the situation optimistically, stating, “With industry-wide subsidies finally getting more rational, we are seeing a shift back to the fundamentals of operational efficiencies and user experience. This transition plays to our strengths.”

    However, the company has also faced regulatory challenges. In April, the Chinese market regulator imposed fines amounting to a total of 3.6 billion yuan on seven e-commerce platforms, including Meituan, for violating food delivery safety regulations.

    Last week, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation instructed local authorities to conduct a special inspection campaign until December on companies operating in sectors ranging from live-streaming to food delivery.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Meituan’s standing in China’s food delivery industry?
    Meituan is the leading food delivery company in China.

    What challenges has Meituan been facing in recent years?
    Meituan has been dealing with intense competition in the instant retail sector, regulatory penalties for food delivery safety violations, and financial struggles reflected in consecutive quarterly losses.

    What is the ‘race to the bottom’ that Chinese regulators refer to?
    The ‘race to the bottom’ refers to the extreme competition in the instant retail sector, characterized by excessive discounting by food delivery platforms.

  • Konvy Bags $15M from Cool Japan Fund to Boost Japanese Beauty Brands in Southeast Asia

    Konvy Bags $15M from Cool Japan Fund to Boost Japanese Beauty Brands in Southeast Asia

    Konvy, a renowned Thai retailer specializing in beauty and healthcare products, recently received a $15 million investment from Japan’s Cool Japan Fund (CJF). This strategic partnership aims to stimulate demand for Japanese beauty and healthcare brands across Southeast Asia.

    The Strategic Investment

    CJF’s investment into Konvy is intended to leverage the retailer’s robust multi-channel network and digital marketing prowess for the promotion of Japanese-brand products within the healthcare and beauty sectors in overseas markets. The main goal is to amplify the international appeal and consumption of these products, thereby cementing Japan’s position in these markets.

    Konvy, established in 2011, has rapidly developed into a frontrunner in Thailand’s beauty e-commerce scene. Its expansive product range boasts over 20,000 items from more than 1000 brands, spanning categories such as skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, and beauty accessories.

    Konvy’s Multi-Channel Retail Network

    Konvy’s retail operation utilizes a multi-faceted approach, leveraging both online and offline channels. The retailer operates its proprietary e-commerce platform and collaborates with prominent online marketplaces like Shopee and Lazada. It has also adopted social commerce, marking its presence on platforms like TikTok Shop.

    Further, Konvy has successfully expanded its brick-and-mortar footprint, with 16 stores in Thailand and one in the Philippines. The company also collaborates with retail partners such as Watsons to strengthen its offline presence. Apart from Thailand and the Philippines, Konvy operates in Malaysia as well.

    This recent investment signifies a continuation of Konvy’s previous partnership with Japanese companies under the Japan External Trade Organization’s Japan Mall Project that took place between 2022 and 2023. This project aimed at promoting Japanese products in overseas markets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the Cool Japan Fund’s investment in Konvy?
    The investment aims to increase the global demand for Japanese-brand products in the healthcare and beauty sectors, leveraging Konvy’s multi-channel retail network and digital marketing capabilities.

    What categories of products does Konvy offer?
    Konvy offers a wide range of products spanning categories such as skincare, cosmetics, fragrances, and beauty accessories.

    Where does Konvy operate?
    Konvy operates in Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia, both through its online platforms and physical retail stores.

  • Authenticity In Retail: How Employees Shape Brand Culture For Competitive Advantage

    Authenticity In Retail: How Employees Shape Brand Culture For Competitive Advantage

    In the dynamic world of retail, heritage brands and new entrants alike are recognizing the power of authenticity. This realization was notably demonstrated when a sponsored post by an employee reached a staggering 3.9 million views. In this case, the loss experienced by Chick-fil-A in terms of authenticity was compensated for by Shake Shack, which gained significantly in cultural credibility. This situation illuminated the compelling fact that employees can serve as highly effective cultural translators, particularly when they are empowered to express their unique perspectives.

    The Power of Culture

    Culture is not just a buzzword; it’s a unique element that sets one brand apart from another. While it is possible to invest considerable resources into marketing strategies, creating a ‘cool’ image is not something that can be purchased. Similarly, authenticity, a highly coveted trait in today’s retail environment, cannot be feigned.

    The implication for organizations is that they need to consider whether they are sufficiently courageous to allow their employees to mold, interpret, and enhance their culture. This approach necessitates an openness to divergent viewpoints and a willingness to relinquish a degree of control over the organizational narrative.

    Authenticity: A Critical Competitive Advantage

    In an increasingly cluttered retail landscape, authenticity allows brands to distinguish themselves from their competitors. An authentic culture resonates with consumers, who are increasingly seeking out genuine connections with the brands they support. This authenticity can be instrumental in fostering customer loyalty and driving business growth.

    While the concept of authenticity might seem intangible, it is deeply rooted in the actions and attitudes of an organization’s employees. By empowering employees to serve as cultural ambassadors, organizations can tap into their unique insights and perspectives, fostering an authentic culture that resonates with consumers.

    Questions & Answers

    What role do employees play in shaping a brand’s culture?
    Employees play a crucial role in shaping a brand’s culture. They can serve as cultural translators, offering unique insights and perspectives that can help define and enhance an organization’s culture.

    Why is authenticity important in today’s retail environment?
    Authenticity is important because it allows brands to distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive market. Consumers are increasingly seeking genuine connections with the brands they support, making authenticity a critical factor in fostering customer loyalty and driving business growth.

    How can organizations foster an authentic culture?
    Organizations can foster an authentic culture by empowering their employees to express their unique perspectives, thereby shaping, interpreting, and enhancing the organizational culture.

  • PepsiCo brings Doritos Cool Ranch back to Australia

    PepsiCo brings Doritos Cool Ranch back to Australia

    PepsiCo has announced the triumphant return of Doritos Cool Ranch to the Australian snacking scene after a six-year hiatus. Ahead of a nationwide launch scheduled for September, these flavorful chips will be exclusively available at select 7-Eleven stores starting from July 30.

    Iconic Flavor Makes a Comeback

    According to Kathryn Miller, Doritos’ marketing manager, Cool Ranch has been one of the most sought-after flavors from the brand’s fan base. Miller expressed the intent to make the return of this beloved flavor a memorable event, thus the creation of a unique treasure hunt designed to satiate the snack cravings of their consumers. She emphasized that this re-release is targeted towards snack enthusiasts who enjoy bold flavors and the thrill of the so-called FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) experience.

    A Digital Treasure Hunt

    To enhance the excitement surrounding the flavor’s comeback, Doritos has crafted a digital campaign which revolves around a national treasure hunt. Clues will be released on popular social media platforms, TikTok and Instagram, urging participants to solve a code that will unveil hidden stashes of the returning Cool Ranch flavor. The grand prize includes a year’s supply of the coveted Cool Ranch chips, adding a tantalizing incentive for Doritos fans to partake in the digital endeavor.

    Availability

    The Cool Ranch flavor will be available for a limited period, with a national rollout planned across major supermarket chains like Coles and Woolworths, as well as leading convenience retailers, from September onwards.

    Questions & Answers

    When will Doritos Cool Ranch be available in Australian stores?
    Starting from July 30, the chips will be exclusively available at select 7-Eleven stores. A broader release is planned across major retailers from September onwards.

    What is the marketing strategy for the return of Doritos Cool Ranch?
    Doritos has planned a digital campaign revolving around a national treasure hunt on TikTok and Instagram. Participants can solve a code to discover hidden supplies of the returning flavor.

    What is the prize for the Doritos treasure hunt?
    The grand prize for the treasure hunt is a year’s supply of Cool Ranch chips.

  • AEON together with Robinson make this summer cool ! The “Robinson Summer Holiday” campaign

    AEON together with Robinson make this summer cool ! The “Robinson Summer Holiday” campaign

    Mr. Praphan Rangsiyopas (2nd from left), Executive Vice President of AEON Thana Sinsap (Thailand) Public Co., Ltd. together with Mr. Anawat Sangkhasap (Left), Senior Vice President – Customer Strategy, Robinson Public Co., Ltd. welcome summer by launched a special promotion campaign “ROBINSON SUMMER HOLIDAY”. Exclusive for AEON credit cardholders, get up to 8,000 Baht cash back when spend through AEON credit cards at Robinson department store, and get 10 exclusive chances to win 1 Baht gold necklace 45 prizes, with a total value of 1 million Baht. The campaign start from now on until 23rd May, 2018 at 46 Robinson department store locations across the country.

  • Hong Kong Brewcraft opens ‘cool’ branch in TST

    Hong Kong Brewcraft opens ‘cool’ branch in TST

    Homebrew store HK Brewcraft has opened a branch in Tsim Sha Tsui showcasing 200 international beers.

    It is the company’s second outlet. Its original store in Central houses 300 different craft beers.

    However, says the company, the new shop is the first in Hong Kong to offer 100 per cent temperature-controlled cellaring for beers, which are stored at three different temperatures to ensure an “optimal drinking experience”.

    “The demand for craft beer is growing in Hong Kong,” says HK Brewcraft’s Arielle Ng.

    She says the new store will also offer the popular one-gallon (3.7-litre) homebrew kit designed specifically for Hong Kong’s space-constrained apartments.

    Other than beers and home-brewing gadgets, HK Brewcraft TST will also be the hub for beer events in Kowloon.

    The new outlet has already co-hosted the Mikkeller Running Club event as well as the new seasonal launch for rising star Brewlander & Co from Singapore.

    A new educational tasting series, Beers @ Hillwood, will be held each month with special guests such as head brewers, brew pub managers and Beer Judge Certification Program judges sharing their favourite beers.

    Hong Kong’s Beertopia festival attracted more than 14,000 people last year with 14 local breweries showcasing their brews alongside international offerings.

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