Retail News CRM

Tag: expansion

  • Lulu Group to enter Indonesia

    Lulu Group to enter Indonesia

    Plans $500mn investment in the country over the next five years

    The first LuLu Hypermarket in Indonesia will be opened in Jakarta by the year-end as the group has announced plans to invest $500mn in the country over the next five years.  The announcement came during the visit of Indonesian President, Joko Widodo to Abu Dhabi. He visited LuLu Hypermarket along with a high-level delegation at Khalidiyah Mall in Abu Dhabi. “With an initial investment of $300mn in the first phase, we plan to open some 15 hypermarkets by the end of 2017 and a central logistics and warehousing facility in Jakarta.

    These projects are likely to generate more than 5,000 job opportunities for Indonesians and help train them at all levels” said MA Yusuffali, LuLu Group managing director. The fact that we are going to Indonesia with our Halal Hypermarket concept, is giving us the encouragement to look for a wider market segment there” Yusuffali said. Apart from Jakarta, LuLu intends to open hypermarkets in Bandung, Solo, Semarang, Surabaya and Yogyakarta. “We also plan to set up contract farming to ensure continuous supply of high-quality products and support the Indonesian agriculture sector,” Yusuffali added.

    The Indonesian president is on a five-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, to boost the country’s ties with the three countries, particularly on investment, trade and Indonesian migrant worker protection.

    Coordinating Minister of Economy Darmin Nasution, Trade Minister Thomas Lembong, Minister of National Development Plans Sofyan Djalil, State Secretariat Minister Pratikno, head of the Investment Coordinating Board Franky Sibarani and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung were also part of Widodo’s delegation.  The Indonesian president was given a rousing welcome at the LuLu Hypermarket by Yusuffali; Saifee Rupawala, CEO; Salim MA, director; Rajmohan Nair, director – LuLu (Far East Operations); and a large number of Indonesian expatriates.

    President Widodo and the accompanying delegation were taken to a guided tour of the hypermarket by Yusuffali who briefed him about specialties of the retail store. The president later said his visit to LuLu Hypermarket was to see Indonesian products mainly agricultural products and asked Yusuffali to import more products from villages and towns in Indonesia.  A LuLu release said Widodo inquired about the prices as well of the various Indonesian products imported to Abu Dhabi.

    The LuLu chain currently operates some 117 stores across the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, and India.

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  • Seiko Moscow boutique opens

    Seiko Moscow boutique opens

    Japanese watchmaker Seiko has opened its first boutique in Russia – 50 years after it first started exporting watches to Russian.

    The Seiko Moscow boutique opened at the St. Nickolas complex on Nikolskaya St, a high-end shopping district in the capital city.

    At the heart of the 80sqm boutique are Seiko’s luxury brands: Grand Seiko, Credor and Galante. The Grand Seiko selection at the boutique is one of the widest outside of Japan. A large selection of Credor and Galante, brands which until now have been sold mainly in Japan is also offered for the first time in Russia.

    The boutique also carries many exclusive and limited-edition models such as the Credor masterpiece “Eichi II”, a hand-crafted watch which has attracted wide praise among connoisseurs of luxury watchmaking, and sells for RUB3,990,000 (including VAT). In addition, Seiko’s latest technologies are found in a variety of Astron and Prospex watches.

    Takashi Aizawa, director and executive VP of Seiko Watch Corporation, said at a reception: “Seiko was registered as a trademark in Russia in 1965. We are delighted to open this boutique in this important anniversary year. This new boutique is one of several that are opening in the world’s leading cities. Last year we opened one in New York, and this year we added Frankfurt and Tokyo.

    “Our aim is to allow visitors a unique, exciting and intriguing opportunity to explore the world of Seiko through our history and our finest watches.”

    Darya Klishina, one of Russia’s leading athletes and Seiko’s ambassador since 2012, was present for the opening ceremony.

    A dedicated website will open soon where information about new models and special events at the boutique will be announced.

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  • Apple To Launch Retail Stores In China, Italy And Belgium By September End

    Apple To Launch Retail Stores In China, Italy And Belgium By September End

    Apple Inc.  announced that by September end, it will open two new stores in Italy and China. The announcement was made on September 9, at its long-awaited annual event in San Francisco, where it also launched a range of its new products.

    According to the company, the Chinese outlet in Nanjing will launch on September 19, while the Florence outlet will debut on September 26; both stores will open at 10 AM. Moreover, Apple unofficially confirmed its plans to launch a new store in Brussels on September 19, which would the company’s first-ever retail store in Belgium.

    The Brussels branch will be located at Avenue de la Toison d’O, the Florence outlet at Republic Square, and Nanjing outlet at Rainbow Joy Shopping Mall. Currently, the Belgium branch sports a board that states: “Creativity, to be continued,” with paintings surrounding the barricade.

    It is evident that Apple’s plan to open three new stores in different countries will help the company expand its product line to a wider customer base. With the event’s worldwide coverage, Apple’s efforts to attract a larger audience may prove successful.

    With the debut of iPhone 6s, iPad Pro, an upgraded Apple TV, and the Watch leather bands, Apple has successfully launched a diverse category of products that will help the company attract clients globally. Customers may be inclined to check the new Apple Stores after the immense hype about the new products.

    With the gradual product shipments, the company has smartly kept its users hooked for updates. Furthermore, with the three new stores scheduled to open in September, Apple has made a conscious effort to place them in central locations, which will help attract larger crowds.

    The new Apple Stores will create new job opportunities for local people, and help recruit potential employees in the respective regions. Through this expansion plan, the tech giant will not only help expand its services to other countries, but also establish improved and reliable relations for future ventures.

    The launch of the new stores, along with subtle hints for a potential store in Antwerp later, may push excited customers get a head start to plan their preorders.

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  • Lawson, Three F in partnership talks

    Lawson, Three F in partnership talks

    Japanese convenience store rivals Lawson and Three F say they are “discussing options” for a capital and business alliance.

    The move was announced in a statement which was short on detail.

    Lawson, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, is Japan’s second largest c-store operator behind 7-Eleven with a network of more than 11,500 stores in Japan, Indonesia, China and Thailand. Three F Co, headquartered in Yokohama, operates only in Japan where it has about 560 stores in Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa.

    In the statement, the companies said an alliance would help boost their convenience store operations in an extremely competitive environment. Japan is a mature market, which is main reason its convenience store players are seeking growth offshore.

    While both companies will maintain independent management and protect their individual corporate brands and culture, they would conduct joint product development, procurement and promotional campaigns, and also share information that could boost management efficiency.

    “Both companies are determined to discuss ideas frankly and openly, with the aim of creating a concrete, workable alliance agreement. Further developments will be announced once they are finalised,” the statement said.

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  • Sizzlin’ Steak heads to Vietnam

    Sizzlin’ Steak heads to Vietnam

    Filipino corporate restaurateur Max’s Group is to launch its Sizzlin’ Steak concept in Vietnam.

    Max’s Group is the largest casual dining restaurant company in the Philippines. It owns Yellow Cab Pizza, which it recently launched in the UAE.

    Sizzlin’ Steak is an eight year old Japanese steak barbecue concept, serving steak and other meats cooked on hot plates at low price points. Barbecue style dining concepts are popular amongst Vietnamese.

    Max’s is entering Vietnam in partnership with L Concepts, a subsidiary of the Longfort Group, which focuses on developing unique dining concepts and brands in Southeast Asia.

    According to documents filed with the stock exchange in Manila, L Concepts will open a minimum of 10 Sizzlin’ Steak restaurants in Vietnam within five years. Max’s currently has 10 in metro Manila and is considering a pilot store in the US.

    Max’s Group president and CEO Robert Trota says the company plans to add at least 200 stores to its overseas network by 2020.

    “We envision to rollout our key brands outside the Philippines with strategic franchise operators. As new markets are established and momentum builds in the next few years, we expect the international portion of our business to be a significant contributor to system-wide sales and to our bottom line,” he said.

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  • Altelier D’Auchel Hong Kong store opens

    Altelier D’Auchel Hong Kong store opens

    French leather goods brand Altelier D’Auchel has opened its first retail store in the territory.

    Altelier D’Auchel Hong Kong is located on the 14th floor of Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace in Central.

    The label makes leather goods to order, with price tags ranging from HK$40,000 to $300,000, depending on the materials, style and colours chosen. Once ordered, a bag takes anywher from a fortnight to a month to be created.

    A truly artisan brand, Altelier D’Auchel employs craftsmen who have trained in the traditional techniques at the Compagnons du Devoirs, which is a French apprentice training organisation dating back to the Middle Ages where master craftsmen and artisans train apprentices in a craft. After qualifying, the designers have to spend another 10 years at a name atelier to make the grade.

    Altelier D’Auchel sent master craftsmen from France to Hong Kong to celebrate the exclusive store’s opening and to provide a live demonstration of the art of making fine handbags.

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  • Seed Heritage opens at VivoCity

    Seed Heritage opens at VivoCity

    Australian childrenswear chain Seed Heritage has opened a new store in VivoCity.

    It is Seed heritage’s second store in the city state, following its debut in Parkway Parade.

    Last week’s opening was marked with a 20 per cent off storewide sale across its range of baby, child and teenage girls clothing, which ended on Sunday.

    Seed Heritage is one of Australia’s most popular premium childrenswear brands, providing solutions from top-to-toe for babies, boys, and girls, from the ages of newborn to 10 year olds. It recently expanded its range into a teen collection for girls aged eight to 14 years.

    Seed Heritage is best known in Australia for its quality and detail and distinctive design across apparel, shoes, accessories, and toys.

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  • First Garrett Popcorn Taiwan store planned

    First Garrett Popcorn Taiwan store planned

    Garrett Popcorn, the Chicago-based gourmet popcorn brand, is continuing its Asian expansion with the opening of a store in the landmark Taipei 101 complex.

    The first Garrett Popcorn Taiwan store expands the brands presence in Asia, where it already has stores in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.
    Garrett says it chose Taipei 101 to set up its first Taiwan store because of its proximity to public transportation and a commercial community and the potential for tourism business.

    “The Taiwan marketplace is exciting and vibrant, with an especially rich food culture. We are happy to commit Taipei 101 as the location of choice for our flagship shop in the heart of Taipei,” said Lance Chody, chairman and CEO of Garrett Popcorn Shops.

    “We are also excited to bring delicious handmade Garrett Popcorn – made fresh with real ingredients every day – to join the landmark Taipei 101 experience,” he said.

    “The launch of Taiwan flagship store in Taipei 101 is essential in our expansion plan in the Asia market,” added Olivia Huynh, VP of Asia-Pacific operations at Garrett Popcorn Shops.

    Taiwan is the 10th overseas market for Garrett Popcorn. Outside Asia it has stores in the UAE and

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  • Chang Beer producer says ‘cheers’ to Manhattan

    Chang Beer producer says ‘cheers’ to Manhattan

    Asian beverage producer ThaiBev has now completed a multi-site implementation of Manhattan Associates’ warehouse management technology, as it looks to improve service levels and fulfil orders more profitably.

    Using the vendor’s Warehouse Management Solution (WMS), the Chang Beer producer is aiming to grow its business and expand its reach across its local market of Thailand and into new territories, while it also hopes to benefit from better inventory management and improved stock visibility.

    The project was delivered by a joint team from Manhattan and ThaiBev’s distributor arm Thai Beverage Logistics, as well as IT infrastructure and managed services partner TCC Technology (TCCT). The Manhattan solution, which has been embedded into ThaiBev’s existing SAP ERP system, is hosted at TCCT’s data centre.

    ThaiBev is working towards its “2020 Vision”, which is centred on the development of five core principals: growth, diversity, brand, reach and professionalism. Its latest investment in technology has been made with these business goals in mind.

    Kosit Suksingha, senior vice president at ThaiBev, commented: “In Thailand alone, Thai Beverage Logistics operates a supply network comprising three regional DCs and a series of provincial warehouses.

    “With Manhattan’s WMS technology and with TCCT’s complementary hosting infrastructure, we have improved product availability for our trade customers and are now able to fulfil customer orders within 24 hours of receiving the order.”

    He added that the technology is driving top-line sales growth and helping to improve the organisation’s operating margins.

    Manhattan has recently announced supply chain partnerships with baby and maternity products retailer Mothercare and fashion house Paul Smith, with both companies looking to improve their stock visibility and behind-the-scenes systems.

     

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  • Hooters Bangkok to open this month

    Hooters Bangkok to open this month

    Hooters Bangkok opens its doors this week on Sukhumvit Soi 15, kickstarting a THB100 million (US$2.8 million) marketing campaign to raise brand awareness in the country.

    The Hooters Thailand franchise was secured by Destination Resorts, the company behind DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket at Surin Beach, DusitD2 Phuket Resort, Sri Racha International Golf at Sri Racha Hills, Hard Rock Café Phuket at Patong Beach, Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort & Spa, Novotel Hua Hin Cha Am Beach Resort & Spa and the Swissotel Resort Phuket.

    It also operates the Four Points by Sheraton hotel on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit 15, where Hooters Bangkok is located, a 253 sqm, two storey bar to be officially opened on September 18.

    Since securing the franchise, Destination Resorts has opened its first restaurant in the holiday resort of Phuket and has a third under construction on Pattaya’s Beach Rd, a massive 810 sqm complex with 50 high definition televisions screening sport, two bars and two outdoor areas.

    Destination Resorts will open 30 Hooters restaurants across Southeast Asia in partnership with the American brand owner over five years. A fourth is planned for Samui next year.

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  • Kumamon arrives in Thailand

    Kumamon arrives in Thailand

    The first official theme stores of Japanese bear character Kumamon have opened in Thailand’s capital city, Bangkok.

    Kumamon is a mascot created by the government of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan. It was created in 2010 for a campaign called to draw tourists to the region after the Kyushu Shinkansen line opened. Now it has grown into an internationally-recognised character, especially in Southeast Asia where Japanese and Korean cartoon and animated characters, and fashion trends, are quickly adopted.

    The first Kumamon store opened on the third floor of Siam Paragon shopping centre, at B-Trends in late July. That was followed by a more recent opening at Studio B Trend in the Emporium shopping centre.

    The Thai rights to Kumamon have been acquired by ICC International, who invited Kumamon’s creators to visit Thailand during a recent trade fair.

    ICC says it plans to open more themed stores inside premium department stores in Bangkok and in other Thai provinces.

  • Vietnam retailer plans 8000 c-stores

    Vietnam retailer plans 8000 c-stores

    The Gioi Di Dong, a Vietnam retailer known for its 450-strong chain of bright yellow phone retail stores says it will launch a new convenience store format in October.

    Dang Thanh Phong, a spokesman for the company which is also known as Mobile World Investment Corporation, said the company plans to open between 6000 and 8000 convenience stores by 2020, and take up to15 per cent of convenience food and grocery market.

    Mobile World also currently operates 37 electronic stores known as Dien May Xanh.

    Vietnam’s convenience store sector remains in its infancy despite relatively recent forays by Circle K and FamilyMart. 7-Eleven, the world’s largest c-store operator, recently signed a Vietnam partner in IFB Vietnam, which owns the local Pizza Hut franchise. But 7-Eleven is planning just 1000 stores over the next decade, a fact that tests the credibility of Mobile World’s ambitions.

    The first five new The Gioi Di Dong convenience stores will open in October, with as many as 50 trading by the end of this year according to information obtained by the Saigon Times Online.

    In an initial year-long trial phase, the company will invest up to VND50 billion (US$2.24 million) refining the concept.

    The Gioi Di Dong says its stores will have a footprint of between 150 and 400 sqm depending on their location and will trade from 6am to 9pm – shorter hours than the c-stores of established international brands, some of which trade around the clock.

    A month out from the first opening the chain’s brand name has yet to be chosen.

    CEO Tran Kinh Doanh was quoted on news website Zing.vn says the new store network will target customers of traditional markets and grocery stores.

    While it may lack experience in convenience or food retailing, The Gioi Di Dong has a strong pedigree in retailing: In the first seven months of this year it reported sales of VND12.92 trillion, or US$566.26 million – a year on year increase of 158 per cent.

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  • RedWhite Apparel expands abroad

    RedWhite Apparel expands abroad

    Singapore-born sportswear brand RedWhite Apparel is expanding into two new Asian markets.

    RedWhite Apparel makes clothing for cyclists, high quality gear for those undertaking ultra-long distance rides.

    The company has announced the appointment of CobbleSports in South Korea, which will be managing online sales of the brand’s products, distributing to independent retailers and executing a marketing program.

    And in Japan RedWhite Apparel has appointed Funks Trading to oversee retail and wholesale distribution.

    Founded just last year with only one product – a $150 ‘bib short’ manufactured in Italy – the brand is achieving success beyond expectation in Asia and is now eyeing an entry into the US market. It has achieved distribution in five stores in Thailand and is stocked in London by UK boutique Always Riding.

    The brand’s founder is Yuvaraman Viswanathan, whose previous job was as a designer with Dyson in Singapore.

    Launched in August 2014 initially through retailers, the company now retails direct online and is already shipping goods internationally. About 70 per cent of sales are into the US.

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  • Krispy Kreme to open 10 shops in Myanmar

    Krispy Kreme to open 10 shops in Myanmar

    Krispy Kreme announced this week that it is set to open 10 shops in Myanmar over the next five years.

    Dan Beem, Krispy Kreme’s Senior Vice President and President – International, said with a growing economy and a population eager to welcome global brands, the time is right for the company to bring its sweet treats to Myanmar.

    The company has signed a development agreement with Singapore-based Doughnut Group Pte. Limited.

    “We’re confident the Krispy Kreme experience will be as meaningful in Myanmar as it is in Memphis or Manila, or anywhere else around the world where our signature sweet treats and coffee are served,” said Pote Narittakurn, owner of Doughnut Group Pte. Limited

    Krispy Kreme has more than 1,000 retail shops in 24 countries. Its  fundraising program has, for decades, helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds.

  • America’s bebe stores to enter Greater China

    America’s bebe stores to enter Greater China

    US-based global specialty retailer of contemporary women’s apparel and accessories – bebe stores, inc. has announced that it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Longgoal LLC, a leading Shanghai-based agency of international high-end brands.

    In a press statement, it said the agreement includes a five-year exclusive license to open between 60 and 150 retail and wholesale bebe points of distribution in Greater China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The first boutique is expected to open in the summer of 2016.

    “As we continue to expand our international footprint, our entrance into Greater China is a significant opportunity to accelerate that growth and reinforce bebe as a global lifestyle brand for women. We look forward to working closely with the Longgoal team, who have a proven track record of success and operational experience in introducing high profile retail brands to this key market,” said Jim Wiggett, CEO of bebe stores, inc.

    As a part of the agreement, Longgoal will open a minimum of 60 points of sale in Mainland China, including free standing boutiques and bebe shop-in-shops and identify third party retailers in certain provinces of China to sublicense the brand for retail operations. Longgoal is currently identifying potential locations in Shanghai and Beijing, including flagship boutiques. After the five-year exclusive term, Longgoal retains an option for an additional 10 year partnership with bebe based on performance.

    “bebe is truly an iconic affordable luxury brand and one that we are honored to have the opportunity to introduce to women across Greater China in a variety of ways. As style and design are among the top priorities for sophisticated woman in China, we are confident that bebe’s bold design and contemporary fashion will appeal to the ever-changing lifestyle of the confident and sexy modern Chinese woman,” said Madam Celine Chen, Chairwoman of Longgoal LLC.

    bebe plans to locally design and develop up to 30 per cent of the product for China to create trendy fashion styles to reflect the local fashion and suit the bebe woman’s lifestyle in China. In addition, the company anticipates expanding further into licensing agreements for handbags, shoes and intimates in the initial partnership phase.

    bebe complements Longgoal’s current portfolio of retail brands, including GANT, the original American Sportswear brand launched in China nearly a decade ago, and Thomas Pink, the luxury British shirt brand under the LVMH Group.

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