Retail News CRM

Tag: expansion

  • Skechers launched biggest Southeast Asia flagship store in Bangkok

    Skechers launched biggest Southeast Asia flagship store in Bangkok

    Bangkok’s CentralWorld shopping centre is home to the newly opened Skechers Thailand flagship store. The North American footwear company says Thailand represents its fastest-growing market in the region which is why the store, at 275sqm, is its largest yet in Southeast Asia. In the first nine months of the year, sales grew by more than 50 per cent.

    The new store features the Skechers apparel range for the first time in the market, with management hoping that will grow to account for up to 30 per cent of Thailand sales volume.

    Kaimuk Nilsatetee, assistant VP of CRC Sports, the licensee for Skechers Thailand, said the company sold about 400,000 pairs of Skechers across the country last year and is targeting double that number this year.

    “Skechers shoes generate the most sales revenue for CRC Sports,” Kaimuk said. “Its performance has gone well since expanding its business to Thailand in the past several years.”

    CRC Sports sells Skechers in 32 concept stores, two outlet stores, 25 concessions and through 95 resellers. Another 12 stores are planned for next year.

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  • Japan’s % Coffee to open in China

    Japan’s % Coffee to open in China

    Japanese cafe chain % Coffee is preparing to launch new locations in China and Hong Kong. The business is planning to open its fourth Hong Kong store at Monster Mansion in the middle of next month, its 27th location worldwide. Meanwhile, the franchise’s head roaster Takahiro Uemisha is stationed in Shenzhen preparing for the opening of three locations in the city, scheduled to open within the coming months.

    Shanghai will see two % Coffee stores emerging in Xintiandi and Fangsuo Bookstore. Both locations are being designed by the brand’s new architect Alexis Dornier.

    The Kyoto-headquartered coffee chain is preparing to open its first store in Singapore as well as plotting expansion into Indonesia, Malaysia and India.

    With its slogan “See the world through coffee”, % Coffee has built a strong following via social media. As well as its Asian foray, the company has outlets in Germany and several Middle East markets, with plans for France, Morocco and Canada.

    The Japanese cafe chain was founded in 2014 by Japan-born Kenneth Shoji who grew a love for the beverage while studying in California.

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  • JD China Will Launch Flagship U.S. Store on Google This Year

    JD China Will Launch Flagship U.S. Store on Google This Year

    Chinese e-commerce platform JD is preparing to launch a flagship US store on Google. The move will allow JD, the second largest online retailer in China, to sell directly to American consumers by the end of the year, despite the emergence of potential new trade restrictions between the US and China.

    Google, which has been making moves to build a strong presence in e-commerce via its planned Google Shopping platform, purchased a US$550 million shareholding in JD this year. JD meanwhile is eyeing global markets as consumption slows in its home market. It is already selling in the US through partner and major investor Walmart.

    JD Logistics’s director of strategy Bao Yan said: “When Google Shopping launches, JD will have a flagship store. We are shipping from US fulfillment centers to US end-customers.”

    JD operates warehouse and delivery services in Los Angeles and has plans to expand its US-based facilities with several new fulfillment centres, ahead of opening its store on Google.

    Google, moving to compete with Amazon, will be responsible for payment and order processing for the enterprise.

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  • 18 hours queue for Jollibee London opening

    18 hours queue for Jollibee London opening

    Jollibee opened its first fast-food restaurant in London on Sunday, drawing queues of expat Filipinos who braved the autumn chill overnight to be among the first locally to savour Chicken Joy and burgers. According to mainstream news media, “thousands” of Filipinos visited the Jollibee London restaurant, located in Earl’s Court.

    Ernesto Tanmantiong, CEO of Jollibee Foods, said at a press briefing on the site that the crowds at the London store demonstrated the depth of customer loyalty to the brand which was helping the company reach its ambition of expanding all over the globe. He wants Jollibee to one day become the world’s largest fast-food operator.

    “Today, we are at number 11 or 12, depending on [our] stock price. To achieve that dream, we will require an aggressive expansion coming from strong organic growth and strategic acquisitions.”

    Jollibee plans to open 50 stores across Europe during the next five years, with Spain and Italy the priority markets after the UK, where it would target large cities.

    “We believe we can be successful in the UK because of two factors,” added Dennis Flores, head of international business in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. “We know our flagship product is Chicken Joy and the UK is the largest fried chicken [market] in Europe.”

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  • Canada Goose debuts in Hong Kong market

    Canada Goose debuts in Hong Kong market

    Canadian clothing manufacturer Canada Goose has opened its first Hong Kong store. Located in the IFC mall, the inaugural greater China store follows a partnership struck in May with Alibaba to launch the brand on the mainland. Canada Goose’s CEO in China Scott Cameron said the brand chose to open in Hong Kong because of its status as China’s fashion capital, as well as its strategic location between the mainland and the rest of the world.

    The brand’s new 2018 fall products are available in store as well as its classic down jacket and “Fusion Fit” collection for Asian wearers.

    The Alibaba partnership was created in part to ensure consumer access to genuine products in a market category frequently assailed by counterfeiting.

  • Original Ice Creams to expand to new cities in India

    Original Ice Creams to expand to new cities in India

    Delhi based ice-cream start-up Original Ice Creams founded by ex- defence personnel Vinay Gaur has announced robust business expansion plan and growth strategies. Original Ice Creams, a newly launched ice cream start-up had started its operations in the early months of the year 2018 and in July, 2018 got a funding of Rs 30 million from Maverick Group. The company is now deepening its presence in most of the parts of Delhi NCR. Their newly launched outlets are set up at Indirapuram Laxmi Nagar, V3S Mall, Nirman Vihar, Laxmi Nagar, Shahdara, and Noida Sector 137 in Delhi NCR.

    Catching pace with the ice cream market, Original Ice Creams are extensively focusing on deploying a state-of-the-art ice cream technology which would allow its products to be softer and creamier than other competitor ice cream brands. Also, to make their consumers familiar with the brand this ice cream start-up is planning to come up with all possible formats to grow its brand presence and visibility in the market. For achieving this, they are tailoring in insights such as growing their presence and existence through the combination of traditional and modern selling methods by setting up various retail counters, exclusive ice cream parlors and numerous push carts as well.

    Original Ice Creams while aiming to cement as India’s highest retail seller of pure and authentic fruit flavored ice cream is taking effective and efficient steps to make Original Ice Creams soon diversify to many more cities of India – enabling the brand familiarity and growth. The brand is also focusing to help people make better food choices that satiate their sweet tooth in the healthiest, tastiest and most nutritious manner.

    Vinay Gaur, Founder Original Ice Creams said,“ With an enticing selection of flavors to choose from, Original Ice Creams is eyeing to grab most of the Northern and Western part on the country covering Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, Haryana, Rajasthan by the end of financial year 2018-2019. The ice cream brand is focusing to tap all the formats in these targeted regions as well. We are looking for new ways to take forward our business by launching our umbrella of franchising in different parts of the targeted market segment.

    “Each of our outlet turned out to be profitable within 45-60 days of its establishment. Apart from 4 running outlets, we are planning to add 10 more before Diwali. Moreover, each of our outlets saw a growth of 100 percent monthly and we are able to achieve breakeven within 2 months of setup itself. The first round of funding which we had received in July month we have utilized that in our expansion to NCR and soon we are planning to invest in freezers, brand building and visibility and for opening outlets in other cities of north India,” stated Gaur.

    Additionally, Original Ice Creams will soon let customers enjoy milkshakes with fresh fruit pieces.

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  • Vietjet Inks Financing Agreements for Fleet Expansion Worth US$1.2billion

    Vietjet Inks Financing Agreements for Fleet Expansion Worth US$1.2billion

    Vietjet signed and exchanged an aircraft financing agreement with Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company Limited (MUL) – a member of Japan’s leading finance group Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), and France-based banking group BNP Paribas. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and several high-ranking Japanese and Vietnamese dignitaries. The agreement paves the way for MUL and BNP Paribas to finance Vietjet’s acquisition of up to five brand new aircraft, worth US$614 million, according to the manufacturer’s listed price.

    Additionally, Vietjet also signed a Memorandum of Understanding valued at US$625 million according to the manufacturer’s listed price with France-based banking group Natixis and some Japanese equity underwriters to facilitate the financing for five additional aircraft.

    These deals were made under a financing plan for Vietjet’s future ownership of the aircraft.

    The acquisition of these aircraft is part of a new-and-modern aircraft contract signed earlier between Vietjet and Airbus, including A321neo aircraft, which incorporates the latest in engine design, advanced aerodynamics and cabin innovations. According to the aircraft manufacturer, A321neo engines offer a significant reduction in fuel consumption — at least 16 percent from day one and 20 percent by 2020 — as well 75% reduction in noise and 50% in emissions.

    All aircraft financed will be delivered to Vietjet in the last quarter of 2018 or early 2019.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vietjet’s Vice President Dinh Viet Phuong said, “The critical financing agreements signed once again confirms the confidence of leading Japanese financiers in Vietjet as the airline prepares to launch new routes to Japan soon. Also, these deals will greatly contribute to Vietjet’s plan for fleet expansion and network growth in the coming time, thus helping to better connect Japan and Vietnam. We are proud to have leading and renowned financing partners accompany us on the airline’s growth path. Together we are all fully committed to bring greater added values to the community.”

    Under the terms of the agreement, Vietjet and all financing partners will also work together to share best practices for the operation and management of the airline, boosting effectiveness and encouraging sustainable growth.

    Vietjet currently operates the latest generation narrow body aircraft fleet, which has helped the airline achieve an impressive operation performance rating of 99.66% for technical reliability.

    The airline’s flight safety performance and ground operation indicators are also amongst the top in the region while operating costs are among the lowest in the world.

    Vietjet was recently listed by Airfinance Journal as one of the world’s 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations, achieving a better ranking than many of the world’s most prestigious airlines.

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  • Daniel Wellington put more focus to boosts travel retail sector

    Daniel Wellington put more focus to boosts travel retail sector

    Daniel Wellington is strengthening its expansion in global travel retail, opening more than 35 stores in key travel destinations during the past six months.

    Helen Wong, head of travel retail at Daniel Wellington said that the watch brand has consolidated its brand image in travel this year through stronger collaborations and exclusive concepts.

    “We are approaching the travel retail experience not only on a product level, through our new Daniel Wellington travel retail-exclusive products, but also through elevated brand concept environments,” she said.

    “Thanks to stronger collaborations with our partners and popular demand from our fans, we have been able to present the brand in creative and engaging pop ups and shops-in-shops this year, with more exciting spaces to come.”

    The company opened at Shenzhen Bao’an Airport last month, marking the first Daniel Wellington boutique in a travel retail location at a Chinese airport.

    In Malaysia, the brand has partnered with Dufry to open at the Genting Highlands integrated resort, northeast of Kuala Lumpur.

    And in Thailand, Daniel Wellington has signed the lease for its first store, to be opened at Chiang Mai in partnership with local duty-free retailer King Power.

    Travel is also on the agenda in South Korea, where the brand is consolidating its presence with renovation projects planned across 16 locations, including in Seoul, Incheon, Busan and Jeju. The brand is also targeting premium destinations and has designed a new furniture concept specially for travel retail locations.

    Other travel retail openings this year include a first store in Cam Ranh Airport, which serves the popular Vietnamese tourist destination of Nha Trang.

    Besides opening stores in travel-related locations, Daniel Wellington has developed products exclusive to these stores this year, including the Classic Cambridge 36mm style modelled on the 40mm size, one of the brand’s first styles launched.

    Wong said the company’s greatest focus during coming months will be to solidify the brand awareness through controlled distribution and a global social media strategy for travel retail.

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  • Sneakersnstuff reveals expansion plan in Asia

    Sneakersnstuff reveals expansion plan in Asia

    Swedish boutique athletic footwear retailer Sneakersnstuff has announced plans for an Asian expansion.

    According to co-founder Erik Fagerlind, the brand is targeting a presence in Seoul and Tokyo next year, after opening in Los Angeles late this year. The move is designed to smooth out options for further expansion in the region.

    “It’s easier for us to open another store in Europe than another store in the US because we already have that machinery in place,” said Fagerlind. “So our focus is to build the machinery in Asia so we can open up stores.”

    Sneakersnstuff has stores in Stockholm, London, Paris, Berlin and New York City.

  • Asia-Pacific retailers plan overseas expansion

    Asia-Pacific retailers plan overseas expansion

    Asia-Pacific retailers as increasingly embracing overseas expansion, according to new research by commercial real estate company CBRE.

    The report, Rise of Apac Retailers 2018, analysed 600 openings in the region, showing the proportion of Apac retailers (predominantly F&B operators, fashion and beauty brands) had increased from 17 to 30 per cent between 2014 and last year, accounting for almost a third of new regional entrants. The strongest target markets are China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore, while the expansion itself has been shown to strengthen brands in their home markets.

    Most retailers expanding into Apac territories are from Australia, Japan and Korea.

    The firm’s  head of retail, advisory and transaction services Asia Vivek Kaul said: “Apac retailers are becoming a driving force in the region, spurred on by potential revenue growth and the need for stronger brand awareness. This expansion is not focused on one single market – instead, it reflects the diversity and dynamism within Asia Pacific’s retail sector.”

    Associate director of Asia Pacific research Liz Hung said whether they are establishing flagship stores in gateway cities or testing the waters in emerging markets, Apac brands are “increasingly adopting a savvier approach” to regional expansion.

  • US’s Papa John to try Central Asian market

    US’s Papa John to try Central Asian market

    US pizza giant Papa John’s International has continued its Central Asian expansion, opening its first restaurant in Kazakhstan.

    The Kazakhstan Papa John’s is located in the capital city of Almaty and opened its doors this week. Papa John’s is now in 46 countries and territories around the globe.

    Master franchisee PJ Western plans to open 16 Kazakhstan Papa John’s restaurants. PJ Western currently operates 181 Papa John’s in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Poland, and will continue to expand in Eastern Europe and into Central Asia. A second restaurant in Almaty is scheduled to open in October.

    “We believe that our passion for better ingredients will transfer well to Almaty and beyond and our new customers will love our quality pizza,” said Christopher Wynne, co-owner and CEO of PJ Western.

    The company is Papa John’s largest international franchisee with more than 180 restaurants.

    Papa John’s International is looking for potential franchisees in Paris, Belgium and Denmark.

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  • Smart Trends eyes Asian, African markets

    Smart Trends eyes Asian, African markets

    Smart Trends International Sdn Bhd, a training recruitment and consultancy specialist, is looking to expand its operations in the emerging Asian and African markets.

    Smart Trends offers corporate training and technical programmes, which are designed to equip workers and non-workers with specific skills and abilities to perform their jobs efficiently and helps in improving their skills and enhancing their performance.

    The company had also recently signed a strategic partnership with NCFE (UK) to develop specially tailored technical and vocational courses for the Asean region. NCFE is an awarding organisation by the qualification regulators for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

    “We are trying to venture into these markets in the fourth quarter of this year because we feel that there is a lot of potential especially in terms of vocational education,” Smart Trends chairman and group CEO Datuk Dr Emmanuel Benson said on the sidelines of the Global Leadership Awards 2018 recently.

    “Africa is an emerging market and they need education, especially on vocational and technical training. Not everyone (there) can afford to attend college or university,” he added.

    Smart Trends currently has presence in Sri Lanka and Vietnam with the opening of its training centres in these countries.

    In 2017, it has successfully trained and placed over 1,200 Malaysians with global multinational companies (MNCs) and Malaysian manufacturing, construction and oil & gas firms, according to its website.

    Going forward, Benson said he believes that there will be a lot of multinational job opportunities coming in to Malaysia, driven by surging foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the country as well as growing industries.

    “Training industry is an evolving and growing sector where you know micro-skilling is always needed.

    And what we are lacking (here) is that our graduates are not able to get a job and many people are getting retrenched, so micro-skilling is pivotal and plays an important role in order to get one employed,” he added.

    During the event, Benson bagged two awards, namely the “Masterclass CEO of the Year” and “Leadership Excellence in Human Capital Development Through Technology Innovation”.

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  • Korea’s cosmetics exports in January-May up 36.7 percent on year

    Korea’s cosmetics exports in January-May up 36.7 percent on year

    South Korea’s beauty exports remain unfazed, gaining nearly 40 percent in the first five months of the year against a year-ago period.

    According to data released by the Korea Customs Service on 28 June, K-beauty exports between January and May this year amounted to US$2.06 million, up 36.7 percent against a year ago and showing little signs of softening.

    Last year, cosmetics exports reached an all-time high of US$3.92 billion, nearly quadrupling from US$1.05 billion in 2013 and overwhelming imports of US$1.17 billion.

    The bulk went to ethnic Chinese – 37.4 percent in the mainland and 24.6 percent in Hong Kong. Of the remainder, 9.4 percent was consumed by Americans, 5.0 percent by Japanese, and 3.4 percent Thais.

    Chinese have been the biggest non-Korean consumers of K-beauty products since 2000. Exports reached US$1.47 billion last year alone, also helped by a sales tax cut on cosmetics in China.

    Korean beauty products are rapidly gaining ground in Vietnam. Exports to Vietnam hit US$123 million last year, up a whopping 109.5 percent on year. Shipments to traditional beauty powerhouses of France and the United Kingdom have also been on a steady rise.

    Basic skin care products accounted for the largest 50.7 percent of the country’s total cosmetics exports last year while makeup products made up 9.5 percent, those for eye makeup 3.6 percent, and lipsticks 3.2 percent.

    The Korea Customs Service forecast cosmetics exports to extend strong growth this year, fueled by renewed popularity of K-pop and Korean entertainers.

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  • Uniqlo unveils plans to open in Denmark in 2019

    Uniqlo unveils plans to open in Denmark in 2019

    Uniqlo has been working hard on expanding its presence across Europe, and will arrive in Sweden and the Netherlands in fall 2018.

    The next new market for the casualwear label will be Denmark, where a new store is expected to open Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, in Copenhagen in the spring of next year.

    The company has chosen a historical building dating back to the mid-1700’s, once occupied by clothier Louise Christine Rasmussen, for its first Danish store, which will occupy a space of approximately 1,400 square metres across three levels. Elements from the original classic style architecture will feature throughout the interior of the store and on the façade.

    “We are pleased to be announcing our next phase of growth in Scandinavia with the launch of our first store in Denmark next year, on the renowned Strøget in Copenhagen. We look forward to introducing the Uniqlo brand and our LifeWear concept to Danish customers, who appreciate well designed, functional and high quality clothes,” said Taku Morikawa, chief executive officer of Uniqlo Europe.

    Denmark will become Uniqlo’s 9th country in Europe, joining the UK, France, Russia, Germany, Belgium and Spain and new markets Sweden and the Netherlands.

  • JD Sports expands retail footprint with 36 new stores

    JD Sports expands retail footprint with 36 new stores

    Ahead of its annual general meeting, JD Sports Fashion Plc said in a statement that the Group announced record results for the year ended February 3, 2018 and its board believes that the company continues to be on track to deliver a result for the full year in line with consensus market expectations. The company also opened doors to 36 new stores starting this fiscal year to June 23, 2018.

    “There has been a further expansion in the JD store estate with a net increase of 36 stores in the period to June 23, 2018. As expected, the emphasis has been on international development with 18 new stores to date across Europe. There has also been an increase of 16 stores in the Asia Pacific region with additional stores in both Malaysia and Australia and the first JD stores in both South Korea and Singapore. The 16 new JD stores in the Asia Pacific region include 12 conversions from other fascias operated by our partners in these territories,” said Peter Cowgill, the Executive Chairman of JD Sports in a statement.

    “Overall, we remain encouraged about the progress that we are making internationally and, following the recent acquisition of the Finish Line business, are excited by the opportunity ahead of us in the United States,” Cowgill added.

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