Retail News CRM

Tag: Discount

  • Score a 30% Discount on Malaysia’s Domestic Train Routes Starting April 15!

    Score a 30% Discount on Malaysia’s Domestic Train Routes Starting April 15!

    In an effort to promote increased use of trains amidst surging fuel costs, Malaysia has implemented a 30% fare reduction on weekdays for its Electric Train Service and Ekspres Rakyat Timuran routes. This incentive is applicable for journeys between Johor Bahru Central and Tumpat in Kelantan, beginning from Wednesday, as announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

    Exclusions and Discounts

    The KTM Shuttle Tebrau, which operates between Singapore and Malaysia, is not included in this discount scheme. The move is in line with the government’s objective to establish rail as the main mode of transport while concurrently lowering commuting costs.

    The discounted fares will be accessible from Monday to Thursday, excluding school holidays and public holidays. To avail of the discount, passengers are required to purchase tickets utilizing a promotional code. This code will be announced by the national rail operator, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, between April 15 and 30, valid for travel from April 15 to October 14. However, these discounted rates will not be applicable for business and first-class passengers.

    The Electric Rail Link service is also encompassed by this initiative, with two new monthly passes offering up to 90% discounts. Civil servants residing or working in Putrajaya, as well as Malaysians employed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminals 1 and 2, are eligible for these passes.

    Impacts of Middle East Conflicts

    The stakes of fluctuating prices are high due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, a concern which the Malaysian government has raised with its citizens. Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail voiced the government’s primary challenge – preparing the public to accept the impending economic hardships.

    The government’s main priority is to protect the welfare of Malaysians and shield them from the full brunt of external economic shocks, whilst maintaining economic stability. Simultaneously, he highlighted potential risks such as disruptions to energy supplies and escalating costs.

    Despite being one of the largest oil and gas producers in the Asia-Pacific region and the world’s fifth largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in 2023, Malaysia continues to be significantly dependent on fossil fuels like coal for electricity generation.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the fare discount?
    The fare discount aims to promote the increased use of trains amidst rising fuel costs and make rail the main mode of transport in Malaysia.

    Who can avail of the fare discount?
    Passengers travelling between Monday and Thursday, excluding school and public holidays, on the Electric Train Service and Ekspres Rakyat Timuran routes can avail of the fare discount. However, it does not apply to business and first-class passengers.

    What are the potential risks of the Middle East conflicts to Malaysia?
    The potential risks include disruptions to energy supplies and rising costs, which could have significant impacts on the Malaysian economy and its citizens.

  • Inditex’s Budget Brand Lefties Makes A Comeback In France Amid Rising Online Competition

    Inditex’s Budget Brand Lefties Makes A Comeback In France Amid Rising Online Competition

    In a recent announcement, the CEO of Inditex, the parent company of renowned fashion brand Zara, revealed plans to expand the company’s budget brand, Lefties, into France. The move is seen as an attempt to appeal to younger consumers and increase competition with low-cost rivals, including the popular online retailer Shein.

    Lefties Returns to France

    This new development signifies Lefties’ re-entry into the French market after a previous launch in 2009 that saw the closure of all its French outlets by 2012. Lefties, which was established a quarter of a century ago, began as an outlet for Zara’s leftover items. It has since blossomed into a significant player in the industry with a presence in 18 countries. The brand’s growth comes amidst increasing competition from online-only retailers such as Shein, known for their ultra-low prices.

    As part of its recent rebranding efforts, Lefties unveiled a new, all-capital letters logo in May alongside the slogan, “Lefties everywhere, on everyone.” While the brand’s main focus remains Spain and Portugal, Inditex CEO Oscar Garcia Maceiras recently stated that Inditex is currently “testing Lefties in new markets.”

    Pricing Competitive to Market Rivals

    Lefties offers competitively priced items, with dresses costing as low as 9.9 euros (US$11.55) and jeans at 12.99 euros. These prices are on par with those of Shein and Primark, and offer a more affordable alternative to Zara, which has seen price hikes in recent years.

    Expansion of Inditex’s Other Brands

    In addition to the expansion of Lefties, Inditex is also extending its range of other brands, as announced by Garcia Maceiras at the firm’s annual shareholder meeting. Bershka is slated to open its first stores in Denmark, Stradivarius in Austria, Oysho in the Netherlands, and Massimo Dutti in Brazil. In the United States, the Zara Man label is set to launch with a store in Costa Mesa, Los Angeles.

    The planned store openings, including Lefties’ expansion into France, are scheduled to occur this year and next, according to an Inditex spokesperson.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the expansion plans of Inditex for its budget brand Lefties?
    Lefties, the budget brand of Inditex, is set to expand into France as part of a strategy to attract younger consumers and compete with low-cost rivals.

    When did Lefties first launch in France and what happened?
    Lefties initially launched in France in 2009, but by 2012 all its French outlets were closed. The current plan signifies a re-entry of the brand into the French market.

    What other brands are Inditex planning to expand and where?
    Inditex is also planning to expand other brands, including Bershka in Denmark, Stradivarius in Austria, Oysho in the Netherlands, and Massimo Dutti in Brazil. Furthermore, the Zara Man label is set to make its U.S. debut with a store in Costa Mesa, Los Angeles.

  • Chinese Discount Retailer Surges as Consumers Seek Affordable Goods in Growing Demand

    Chinese Discount Retailer Surges as Consumers Seek Affordable Goods in Growing Demand

    In a vibrant response to shifting consumer behavior amid an economic slowdown, Chinese discount store sensation HotMaxx is quickly becoming the go-to destination for price-savvy shoppers. The retailer’s strategy of offering branded goods at jaw-droppingly low prices has turned heads and wallets alike, particularly as consumers tighten their belts.

    Managed by Shanghai’s Xinguo Technology, HotMaxx’s “super warehouse” outlet in a Nanjing shopping mall has garnered immense popularity since its debut in December. This retail gem proudly displays an eclectic range of discounted products, from Nike apparel to Doritos chips, and even the occasional Hermes bag—because who doesn’t want to snag a luxury item at a fraction of the cost?

    The festive atmosphere in the store is palpable as shoppers sift through aisles stuffed with savings. Many are drawn to the thrill of finding items typically reserved for high-end retailers, but at prices that could make even the savviest shoppers do a double-take. The allure of spending less and finding great deals is certainly hard to resist!

    HotMaxx’s success illustrates a profound shift in retail dynamics in China, where value-driven shopping is gaining traction. The fusion of convenience, accessibility, and quality has positioned HotMaxx as not only a retail player but a trendsetter in the increasingly competitive landscape of discount retail.

    As the retailer continues to expand its footprint, it’s clear that HotMaxx is not just selling products; it’s tapping into the psyche of a consumer base eager for both savings and satisfaction. If there’s one lesson from this booming warehouse wonder, it’s that in retail, the stakes—and savings—have never been higher.

    Questions & Answers

    What strategy is HotMaxx using to attract customers in a challenging economic environment?
    HotMaxx has embraced a pricing strategy that focuses on offering branded goods at significant discounts, appealing to consumers who are more cautious with their spending amid an economic slowdown.

    What unique products can shoppers expect to find at HotMaxx’s super warehouse outlet?
    Customers can explore a diverse array of discounted items, including popular brands like Nike, snack favorites like Doritos, and even luxury items such as Hermes bags, all at reduced prices.

    How does the atmosphere at HotMaxx contribute to its appeal?
    The vibrant shopping experience at HotMaxx, characterized by enthusiastic bargain hunters and a treasure-hunt vibe, adds an exciting dimension to the retail experience, making it more than just a store but a destination for savvy shoppers.

  • Vietnam gives second electricity discount as Covid-19 relief

    Vietnam gives second electricity discount as Covid-19 relief

    The government has cut electricity prices by 10 percent for the year’s last quarter to support economic recovery from Covid-19 impacts.

    The discount applies to businesses and households for a maximum of 300-kilowatt-hour consumption per month from October to December. Consumption above this limit will attract normal prices.

    Covid-19 quarantine centers will get a 100 percent discount on their electricity bills, while medical facilities that test and treat Covid-19 patients can enjoy getting a 20 percent discount.

    The government had already given a 10 percent discount in the second quarter, which was estimated to cost the state coffers nearly VND11 trillion ($476 million).

    The discounts came as Vietnam’s economy was badly hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic, with key sectors posted drastically reduced or even negative growth.

    In the first nine months, 31.8 million workers were affected by the pandemic, losing their jobs or having their working hours reduced, according to the General Statistics Office.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • AirAsia launches three-day sale for domestic flights

    AirAsia launches three-day sale for domestic flights

    AirAsia Group Bhd, which resumed its domestic flights on April 29, has launched a three-day sale for domestic flights booked through airasia.com and its mobile app from today to Sunday.

    During the sale, AirAsia BIG members can enjoy all-in one-way fares from as low as RM129 for domestic travels between July 1 and Nov 19, while non-members’ fares start from RM134.

    In a statement, Amanda Woo, head of the commercial for AirAsia, said passengers can now perform an unlimited number of date changes to their flights with the recent announcement of flight change fee waiver for all new bookings with travels up to Dec 31.

    She added that since the resumption of its domestic services, AirAsia has enhanced its safety measures throughout the entire flying journey, including pre-flight, in-flight, and arrival processes.

    Several contactless procedures including contactless payments at the airport, contactless kiosks, passenger reconciliation system, as well as enhanced features on AirAsia mobile app are also in place to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for all AirAsia’s guests.

  • Huawei discount phone promotion leads to anger

    Huawei discount phone promotion leads to anger

    Huawei discount phone promotion has backfired causing shops to be shuttered and one indignant shopper arrested.

    The Chinese company promoted that its Huawei Y6 Pro 2019 model would be discounted from S$198 to $54 for consumers aged over 50 for three days beginning last Friday. But when hundreds of would-be buyers arrived at the company’s 27 stores across the island on Friday morning they were told stock had run out before opening hour, causing many to wonder if there was ever any stock in the first place, or the brand was adopting a bait-and-click tactic to get customers into stores. Instead of the $54 Y6, disappointed shoppers were offered another discount on a Huawei Mate 20, a promotion due to start on Saturday and since canceled.

    Police were called to some of the stores where angry customers were demanding Huawei stick to its promise. A woman, aged 53, was arrested for trespass after refusing to leave one store.

    A Huawei spokesperson said the ‘Sold Out’ signs were put up by store employees before opening time in response to seeing the long queues formed outside.

    “We are truly sorry to have disappointed those who have shown your support from early morning… Y6 Pro 2019 handsets have been sold out island-wide and have recorded an unprecedented surge of demand,” Huawei said.

    “The company would like to thank members of the public for their continued support and regrets the insufficient supply for the masses.”

    “How can it be that you are telling the public there is no stock before the store opens or the promotion starts?,” one customer asked. “Are you trying to fool people and make use of the nation’s 54th anniversary?”

    Huawei launched the promotion celebrate the generation of Singaporeans that made great contributions to the nation’s development, ahead of the country’s 54th National Day on August 9.

    The company did not reveal how many of the handsets were sold during the Huawei discount phone promotion or how many were available at each outlet.

  • Daiso launches its first Threeppy shop in Singapore

    Daiso launches its first Threeppy shop in Singapore

    Japanese discount retailer Daiso will launch its Threeppy store at Funan mall on Sunday.

    Japanese discount retailer Daiso will launch its Threeppy retail store at Funan mall on Sunday (July 14).

    Known as the ‘premium’ version of Daiso, the first Threeppy outlet in Singapore and Southeast Asia will offer kitchenware, household goods, and stuffed toys, among other items, with prices starting at US$5.80

    The new brand is hoping to attract family shoppers in Singapore with women in their 20s to 40s their main target.

    Daiso currently operates 22 Threeppy shops in Japan, and plans to add 30 stores every year.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Uber, Indian Oil To Offer Fuel Discounts To Drivers

    Uber, Indian Oil To Offer Fuel Discounts To Drivers

    Ride-hailing giant Uber on Thursday announced it is partnering with state-run Indian Oil Corp Ltd (IOCL) to offer discounts to drivers on petrol, diesel and CNG at IOCL petrol pumps across India. Over 12,000 Uber driver partners have already registered for this programme.

    “This partnership is targeted at easing the cost of fuel and giving back to driver partners who use the Uber App to earn a livelihood,” Prabhjeet Singh, Head of Cities, Uber India and South Asia, said in a statement.

    Uber launched its services in India in 2013 with its UberBLACK service and launched its premium UberX service in 2014. Uber currently operates in 31 cities in the country and aims to take its services to other, wider parts of the country.

    Lees ook:

  • DFS Changi celebrates lunar new year with offers

    DFS Changi celebrates lunar new year with offers

    DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, is celebrating Lunar New Year 2019, ‘The Year of the Pig’ with a series of exciting promotions, exclusive offers, personalization services and interactive activities at DFS, Singapore Changi Airport.

    Until 19 February, DFS has partnered with Moët Hennessy to celebrate the new year festivities with an exclusive Hennessy pop-up store at Changi Airport, the only one of its kind in the global travel retail sphere. Offering interactive consumer experiences and tastings, the pop-up features Hennessy’s first ever engraving station in travel retail for travelers who wish to add a personalized touch to their bottles. Hennessy partnered with contemporary artist, Guang-Yu Zhang to create an exclusive art piece, incorporating the zodiac symbol of the boar and Hennessy’s double distillation process. The artwork is featured on limited-edition festive packaging for Hennessy XO, Hennessy VSOP and James Hennessy.

    “Lunar New Year is one of the world’s most celebrated festivals and is a time for family, friends, giving, happiness and good fortune. As we welcome the Year of the Pig, we thank our loyal customers and look forward to welcoming new traveling customers to a luxurious shopping experience that only DFS can offer. Our Lunar New Year campaign enhances the pleasure of giving by offering an array of DFS exclusive products – for customers to show appreciation to loved ones or treat themselves to something extra special at this special time,” said Ariel Gentzbourger, DFS Group Executive Vice President Merchandising.

    Exclusive and limited-edition products available at DFS Changi include the Macallan Concept No.1, an Asia First Launch, the limited-edition Benedictine Dom Chinese New Year tin and the limited-edition Royal Salute 21 Year Old. All products are also readily available on www.iShopChangi.com, where travelling customers can browse and purchase products from 18 hours to 30 days before their flight. Purchased products can be collected at the departure terminals or arrival halls. Travelers can enjoy 10 per cent discount when they check out with the ‘CHEERS10” promocode now through until 31 March 2019.

    In preparation for festive feasts and celebrations, travelers arriving in Singapore during the festive period can enjoy an unlimited purchase of wines and champagnes. By absorbing all duties and taxes, DFS allows customers to purchase as many bottles as they wish from an extensive collection at an affordable price. Products range in cost and variety and start from as little as S$25, with travelers enjoying savings of up to 70% versus domestic prices.

    From now through 4 February, travelers at Changi Airport can try their hand at winning a 999 Pure Gold Bar (10 g) by playing the exclusive ‘Fortune Catcher’ claw machine. Located in each DFS departure store, travelers are able to use vouchers to play the claw machine – that offers an array of prizes with a minimum purchase of S$168 in store.

  • Online Black Friday runs lackluster campaign in Vietnam

    Online Black Friday runs lackluster campaign in Vietnam

    Online Black Friday retailers failed to enthuse customers with usual discounts, while brick and mortar stores saw heavy traffic. E-commerce giant Lazada combined its Black Friday and Cyber Monday into a four-day promotional event, offering discounts of up to 70 percent, mostly on cosmetics and fashion items.

    New items were discounted by 15 percent, and the strongest price reductions were offered on low-value items of unpopular brands.

    Other e-commerce services claimed to offer bigger discounts, of up to 91 percent on Tiki and 99 percent on Shopee, but these were restricted to a particular time frame after which the discounts passed on to other items.

    However, such “flash sales” are familiar to online shoppers as daily offerings made by most e-commerce services.

    Thus, retailers failed to enthuse customers with the discounts.

    Minh Tien, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, said that he regularly checks flash sale items on these websites. “It’s the same method this time, and I’m in no rush as the event will last three to seven days.”

    Market observers said another reason that Black Friday online sales in Vietnam failed to catch fire was the Chinese Singles’ Day promotional event held earlier this month and the upcoming Online Friday hosted by the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (iDEA), under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, on December 7.

    But in contrast to the online market, the shopping atmosphere was vibrant at brick-and-mortar stores. People started to queue up at large shopping centers in Hanoi and HCMC early Friday.

    A large fashion store on Ba Trieu street in Hanoi offered a discount on all items for five hours, attracting a large number of customers.

    In other stores, customers had to wait for up to two hours to buy household items. Office workers joined the shopping frenzy at lunch time, only to find out they were late because shops stopped letting new customers after 11 a.m.

    As of 10 p.m. Friday night, customers were still queuing up at major shopping malls in Hanoi.

    Lees ook:

  • Lotte gears up for winter promotion at downtown and airport stores

    Lotte gears up for winter promotion at downtown and airport stores

    The winter promotion for Lotte Duty Free will kick off on 23 November and run until 2 January 2019. The large-scale event will see more than 50 overseas brands, including  MaxMara, Ferragamo and Vivienne Westwood, offered at a discount of 20-80%.

    During the six-week promotion, any customers spending more than $1 at the retailer’s Myeongdong head office, World Tower, Coex, Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, Busan or Jeju stores will be given the chance to enter a lottery. 10 winners from the lottery will be presented with a ₩3m ($2,658) travel voucher.

    Customers spending a certain amount instore will be entitled to giveaways and gifts with purchase. Those that more than $800 in Lotte’s World Tower or Coex downtown stores will receive tickets for the Picasso and Cubism Art Exhibition; those spending more than $300 at World Tower, Coex, Busan or Jeju from 28 November will receive a Lotte calendar, while those spending more than $300 at Incheon, Gimpo or Gimhae airports after 1 December will receive a free microfiber knee blanket; and those that spend more than $100 at the retailer’s Coex store will be awarded a scratch coupon.

  • Zara confirms it is taking part in Black Friday, with huge discount

    Zara confirms it is taking part in Black Friday, with huge discount

    High street giant Zara has finally confirmed it will be taking part in this year’s Black Friday event. The retailer has remained very tight-lipped about its plans for the shopping event which officially takes place tomorrow, and has even opted against advertising its plans in its windows.

    Speculation has been high as to whether the retailer would be taking part this year- following last year, which marked the first time Zara has been involved in the discount event.

    But it has finally released details of the money its customers could save tomorrow.

    Zara will be offering shopper 20% off selected departments for Black Friday.

    Last year, there was a variety of products which the discount could be used on, including coats, shoes, tops and more.

    Fans have been eagerly waiting for Zara’s Black Friday announcement. On Twitter @amarjhot said: “Still waiting on Zara to drop a Black Friday sale? … no? Ok.”

    @CharlyOConnor said: “I need to place a Zara order but I’m holding out for the Black Friday sale – this is going to end up being a disaster I bet.”

    And, @_JAEopardizes said: “Zara need to hurry up and put their Black Friday sale up.”

  • Telenor Pakistan and foodpanda bring exclusive discounts for customers

    Telenor Pakistan and foodpanda bring exclusive discounts for customers

    Country’s top telecom digital services provider, Telenor Pakistan, and the country’s leading food delivery service, foodpanda, have announced collaboration in three key areas namely marketing, operations, and cash management with an aim to offer exclusive discounts to their mutual customers in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other cities in the southern region.

    A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Telenor Pakistan and foodpanda in Hyderabad at the latter’s corporate launch event in the city. As part of the agreement, Telenor subscribers in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Quetta who are first-time foodpanda users will be offered exclusive discount vouchers for their food delivery orders.

    Telenor Pakistan will also distribute discount vouchers at its franchises and retail outlets in these locations with the sale of every new Telenor 4G SIM, Wingle & MiFi device, as well as SIM upgrade to 3G/4G.  In order to bring the benefit of the partnership, an awareness campaign will be launched with foodpanda advertising to Telenor customers on its own channels including website, mobile app and blog and Telenor reaching out to its subscriber base through SMS broadcast.

    “We remain the primary digital lifestyle partner of millions of Pakistanis and want to facilitate them in the most innovative of ways,” said Umair Mohsin, VP Circle South, Telenor Pakistan, during the MOU signing ceremony. “By forging such associations as the one with foodpanda, we aim to bring ease and excitement to everyday lives of our customers and help them take maximum advantage of their smartphones and super-fast Telenor data network.”

    “We are pleased to have partnered with Telenor Pakistan for promotion of foodpanda services,” said Noman Sikander Mirza, Country Manager, foodpanda. “At foodpanda Pakistan, we continually aim to serve our customers better and expand our food delivery network. We hope that Telenor Pakistan customers will find the exclusive discount offers exciting and enjoy using our food delivery services.”

    Presently, over 1,000 foodpanda riders and restaurants are connected with Telenor Pakistan network with the two partners aiming to connect an additional 5,000 riders and restaurants in the next few months. Moreover, the partnership envisions utilization of TelenorPakistan’s transformative digital financial services assets such as Easypaisa and QR Code technology for collection of cash from riders and customers in the future.

    Lees ook:

  • Tigerair Taiwan announces Cebu-Taipei flights with seat sale

    Tigerair Taiwan announces Cebu-Taipei flights with seat sale

    Tigerair Taiwan said it would start flying between Cebu City and Taipei on Dec. 1. Taiwan’s only low-cost carrier said it would offer a 2-day seat sale for the new route starting Monday. Tigerair will use the new Mactan-Cebu International Airport and will compete with the Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia in the Cebu-Taipei route.

    “Tigerair Taiwan’s presence in Cebu shall give Filipinos more access to fun, affordable, and memorable flights to Taipei. We look forward to this development before the year ends,” said Tigerair Taiwan spokesperson Bernard Hsu.

    Tigerair flight IT537 will depart Taipei for Cebu every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. The return flight, IT538, will depart Cebu every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.