Retail News CRM

Tag: Fashion

  • Alexander McQueen opens Tokyo flagship store

    Alexander McQueen opens Tokyo flagship store

    British fashion label Alexander McQueen has opened a flagship store at Omotesando, Tokyo.

    Located in the shopping complex Oak Omotesando, the store occupies a 253sqm space and spans two stories. The first floor houses women’s clothes and accessories while the second floor features apparel and accessories for men.

    The Alexander McQueen Omotesando concept is a result of the collaboration between creative director Sarah Burton and architect Smiljan Radic. The store exterior features glass floor-to-ceiling doors and windows with grey metal frames, allowing customers to see into the store from the outside. The interior uses woods such as oak or walnut as the main material, creating a warm ambiance.

    The storehouses four fitting rooms designed in a glass cylinder shape with butterfly-patterned curtains. The patterns were previously featured in the brand’s Fall/Winter 2018 and 2019 Collection.

  • Skechers opening more outlets in Singapore

    Skechers opening more outlets in Singapore

    Skechers Singapore has accelerated its expansion plan in the city despite the Covid-19 situation.

    Since July, the footwear brand has rolled out five new stores in the territory, taking its store count to 30, employing 40 additional staff to man them.

    While many retailers are struggling to remain commercially viable during the Covid-19 crisis, and some closing stores, Skechers’ is bucking the trend. One of the latest victims of Covid-19 in Singapore is fashion retailer Topshop which has announced it will quit all its physical stores in the city and move entirely online.

    “It is without a doubt (that) in the retail industry, it is quite challenging,” VP at Skechers Southeast Asia, Zann Lee, told Channel News Asia. “This is a good time for us to actually enter into a market with good locations.”

    Besides expanding its physical presence, the brand is also developing its own online store as shoppers are shifting to online shopping. Although opening its own e-commerce store may seem like a late response to Covid-19, Skechers is already selling its products online via third parties such as Shopee or Lazada.

    Lees ook:

  • Hermes re-opens renovated and extended retail space in Sendai

    Hermes re-opens renovated and extended retail space in Sendai

    Luxury Maison Hermes has unveiled its refurbished store in the Fujisaki Department Store in Sendai, Japan.

    “This reopening marks a new chapter for Hermes in this Northern city of Japan, where it has been present since 2004,” the company said in a statement.

    The store’s new design is inspired by Sendai’s natural environment – the city is known as “The City of Trees” – and the floor space has been expanded to 144sqm.

    The store’s facade features floor-to-ceiling glass windows and copper-colored steel, offering a clear view of the interior from the outside.

    Designed by Parisian architecture agency RDAI, the interior was divided into two open-plan spaces. At the entrance, the floor features mosaic tiles “in subdued Havana-and chocolate-brown hues, complete with iridescent cabochons”.

    Hermes Fujisaki offers a wide selection of products, including silk collections, fragrances, and fashion accessories. The collections for the home, featuring homeware and tableware, including the new Hermes Passifolia service, complete the displays in this initial area. The store also houses a VIP lounge for “enhanced privacy”.

    “While the entrance area is characterized by mineral, airy and bright accents, the second section creates a more muted atmosphere with carefully selected fabrics and carpets,” the company said.

    “This renovated address showcases the house’s craftsmanship and freedom of creation through its exceptional objects and the enhanced experience it offers its customers and new visitors

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnamese, Argentinian designers top latest Redress Design Awards

    Vietnamese, Argentinian designers top latest Redress Design Awards

    Circular fashion environmental charity Redress has awarded two designers with collaboration prizes for their entries in the Redress Design Awards for 2020. The Redress Design Award 2020 Grand Final saw awards presented to menswear designer Le Ngoc Ha Thu from Vietnam and womenswear designer Juliana Garcia Bello of Argentina, who won design collaboration prizes with VF Corporation’s Timberland and upcycling brand The R Collective, respectively.

    A runner-up award was given to Sri Lankan designer Ruth Weerasinghe. The award for the best Hong Kong designer went to Grace Lant. The competition cycle, sponsored by local government body Create Hong Kong, has served to draw attention to the issue of waste in the fashion industry that has intensified under the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    “Fashion’s waste crisis can’t be swept under the carpet any longer,” said Redress and The R Collective founder Christina Dean. “Covid-19’s retail and supply chain disruptions have stranded materials in warehouses, factories and stores globally. Now is the time to catalyze the circular economy – and this is Redress’ focus. The Redress Design Award has for 10 years educated designers about circular design. The industry must not waste the opportunities that Covid-19’s crisis is offering.”

    “The Redress Design Award has established as a recognized brand in the sustainable fashion design community over the past years by educating emerging fashion designers in order to drive growth towards a circular fashion system”, said Create Hong Kong head Victor Tsang.

    Over the past fortnight, 10 finalists in the competition were subjected to a tough series of virtual design and business challenges focused on real-life sustainability business cases.

    VF’s executive VP & group president Asia Pacific region and emerging brands Kevin Bailey, one of the judges, said the company’s collaboration with Redress over the past two years has connected it with talented, emerging designers “who are passionate about creating fashionable, compelling designs with environmental responsibility in mind”.

    “We are constantly inspired by their commitment to circular design and creativity. These are the future leaders who are going to help drive lasting and positive change throughout our global industry and we are proud to be part of their journey.”

    Lees ook:

  • Maison Kitsune makes Thai debut at Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Maison Kitsune makes Thai debut at Bangkok’s EmQuartier

    Maison Kitsune has opened Thailand’s first Kitsune boutique and cafe at EmQuartier shopping center in Bangkok. The boutique and cafe occupy a 145sqm area with two entrances. The store design is a fusion of Japanese and Parisian style.

    The boutique’s facade features three white arches, “creating an impression of the endless sky”. The brand’s latest collection is displayed behind the glass windows. Located in the middle of the entrance is the brand’s signature Fox.

    The store interior features brass frames and wooden elements in contrast with white walls and marble floors. Meanwhile, the Kitsune cafe wall features “ Japanese-inspired panels in varnished bamboo stalks, a nod to Thai traditional craftsmanship”. The cafe houses an outdoor area with four tables set up in front of the store.

    The cafe offers a variety of drinks to pair with sweet and savory treats. The Cafe Kitsune collection of tableware, ready-to-wear and accessories is also available to bring home.

    Maison Kitsune is a French-Japanese electronic music record label and fashion brand created in 2002 by Gildas Loaec, Masaya Kuroki and London-based company Abake.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Prada opens a new store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district

    Prada opens a new store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district

    Italian luxury fashion house Prada has opened a new boutique in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, featuring the unique evolution of its green-themed interior design.

    Located at the Miyashita Park shopping mall, the store is designed by OMA studio, founded by Rem Koolhaas. With a floor area of about 300sqm, it displays Prada’s full range of clothing, bags, accessories, and footwear for men and women in unisex and thematic versions.

    The store also offers cotton poplin t-shirts featuring original prints exclusive for the store’s opening, including a Prada oval logo reinterpreted by OMA bearing the Prada Miyashita Park store name, and a travel tag print with TYO (Tokyo) symbols.

    The external facade features floor-to-ceiling glass, which allows a view into “a dreamlike, virtual ‘container’ against a dynamic backdrop.”

    The store interior has a black-and-white chequered floor and green walls designed in backlit “sponge” – the ‘air and matter’ hybrid material designed by OMA. A digital wall, which can be assembled and disassembled, is installed to draw attention.

    The brand uses aluminum for all displays and racks to “enhance the minimal aesthetics and contemporary feel of the interiors”.

    Coinciding with the store’s launch, Prada has announced a digital project called “My Shibuya View”, featuring personal films introducing creators and musicians’ favorite spots in Shibuya. Project participants include singer and songwriter Taichi Mukai, model Ruka and actor, model, and musician Yoshi.

  • Stussy launching new store in Japan, Nagoya

    Stussy launching new store in Japan, Nagoya

    American fashion label Stussy has opened a new store in Nagoya, its 46th outlet in Japan.

    Located in Sakae, the store was designed by WP & A and offers Stussy’s full selection of apparel, accessories and footwear, including a limited-edition collection.

    The store facade features floor-to-ceiling windows with black frames. A small sign showing the brand name is installed at the corner of the store’s front – barely noticeable in images.

    The store interior features wooden and metal shelves together with wood sculptures. The walls are painted in a half-white, half-grey style while two rows of LED lighting are installed on the ceiling. Several greenery corners balance the design.

    Stussy operates more than 60 outlets across more than 10 regions including the US, Australia, Singapore and Taiwan.

    Lees ook:

  • Uniqlo piping up to open Macau’s largest store ever

    Uniqlo piping up to open Macau’s largest store ever

    Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo is to open its biggest Macau outlet this month.

    Located at ‘Yellow House’ commercial building near the Ruins of St Paul’s, it is the first store in Macau to feature the UTme! design-your-own T-shirt service. The brand will collaborate with local artists to launch UTme! designs that feature local elements.

    According to the company, the new Macau store will occupy a 1772sqm area and span five stories. The store also houses an exhibition area where community events will take place.

    The Uniqlo Yellow House store is the second store in the city after the Uniqlo The Venetian store in Cotai. The new shop is scheduled to launch on September 30 after the opening was previously postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • H&M’s Cos launches online reseller marketplace

    H&M’s Cos launches online reseller marketplace

    H&M’s subsidiary Cos has launched a pre-owned fashion platform called Resell.

    Resell allows the brand’s customers to buy and sell their used Cos pieces, “re-inventing their wardrobe in a considered and sustainable way,” according to a statement from H&M.

    The launch is part of the brand’s program of developing circular fashion and renewable solution strategies.

    “Resell reinforces Cos’ ambition and journey to becoming fully circular and renewable, developing innovative ways to continue the brand’s commitment to quality and longevity by re-imaging the lifecycle of each pre-loved piece,” the company said.

    Resell will charge a 10-per-cent commission to cover “operational costs” for every item sold on the platform. The digital platform is now available in the UK and Germany and will go global this Autumn.

    “By extending the life cycle of your Cos item, we believe we can work together to make better environmental choices,” the company said.

  • Pomelo speeds up Southeast Asian retail expansion

    Pomelo speeds up Southeast Asian retail expansion

    Pomelo is speeding up its retail expansion plans across Southeast Asia as part of a multi-market retail strategy.

    The company said it will enter Indonesia and Malaysia next. Indonesia’s first store will open at Central Park mall this November, while Malaysia’s first store is expected to launch in the first quarter of next year.

    “Creating a seamless omnichannel experience has always been at the core of what we do at Pomelo, and it’s what allows us to continue expanding our retail presence at a time when other brands may be doing the opposite,” said Anders Heikenfeldt, chief retail officer at Pomelo.

    Last month, Pomelo Thailand opened two retail stores – at The Mall Ngamwongwan and Terminal 21 in Bangkok. By November, the brand will roll out three more stores in the city’s popular shopping locations, including Fashion Island and Siam Center. The company said it plans to reach 20 stores in the country by the end of this year.

    In Singapore, Pomelo will open the city’s second store at Nex mall in November.

    Pomelo’s Tap Try Buy, a rebranded iteration of the Pomelo Pick Up service, makes up almost half of Pomelo’s online orders, with this percentage continuing to increase during Covid-19.

    “With Tap Try Buy, we’ve seen a huge increase in user adoption, especially as Thailand started to ease lockdown restrictions,” said Heikenfeldt. “For us as a brand, this emphasized the importance of opening more physical touchpoints to both engage with our existing customers as well as enable new shoppers across the region to experience our unique omnichannel approach.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Gap closing over 225 stores globally as sales continue to drop

    Gap closing over 225 stores globally as sales continue to drop

    Struggling US apparel retailer Gap Inc has revealed plans to shutter more than 225 stores globally this year with another batch to follow next year.

    The company has reported a second-quarter net loss of $62 million on sales down 18 percent. Sales through physical stores were down by 48 percent, offset by a meteoric 95-per-cent rise on online sales. The company gained more than 3.5 million new customers during the period.

    The company did not give any indication of where in the world its stores would close, or which banners are most affected by the plan, although its namesake Gap network and Banana Republic stores seem to be performing the worst. As at August 1, Gap Inc had 1643 stores trading under those two brands.

    The decline in sales in physical stores during the quarter was caused by enforced temporary closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with shops beginning to reopen from May. As of August 1, about 90 percent of its stores globally were trading again.

    Worldwide sales by the Gap brand were down 28 percent and at Banana Republic by 52 percent. Old Navy performed better, down by 5 percent overall, and aided by a 136-per-cent increase online.

    Athleta was the standout, boosted by consumers purchasing more relaxing apparel as they moved to work from home. Sales were up 6 percent overall, and online by 74 percent.

    Lees ook:

  • Japan’s 2nd Street to launch in Taiwan

    Japan’s 2nd Street to launch in Taiwan

    Japanese pre-owned fashion retailer 2nd Street is launching in Taiwan with its first outlet set to open in Taipei. Located in the Ximen neighborhood, the store offers some 7000 items, including clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories from Japanese designer brands such as Comme des Garcons and Under Cover as well as luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.

    The brand plans to open three 2nd Street shops in Taiwan by next March.

    The 2nd Street Taiwan store’s layout and service will follow that of the stores in Japan. Prior to the launch, 2nd Street opened a pop-up store in Breeze Nan Shan mall to test the potential of the brand in the country.

    “Our aim is to expand the fan base for 2nd Street with a combination of the experience developed in Japan for the re-use business and the retail management skills beloved by the people of Taiwan,” said Sadaharu Deguchi, chairman, and GM at 2nd Street.

    “I sincerely hope that 2nd Street Ximen Taipei will become an attractive location for many customers,” Deguchi said.

    Launched in 2018, 2nd Street handles the sales of pre-owned products, including clothing, furniture, and appliances.

    Lees ook:

  • 6ixty8ight expands online into two more SEA countries

    6ixty8ight expands online into two more SEA countries

    Lingerie chain 6ixty8ight is expanding its e-commerce network into Thailand and the Philippines, less than two months after it launched in Japan.

    “With an increasing proportion of customers who prefer to shop online, 6ixty8ight puts e-commerce business as the top business priority,” the company said in a statement.

    The Hong Kong-headquartered brand said it uses online stores as a means to start building brand awareness in new markets before progressing into physical stores. In two months, 6ixty8ight has opened a presence in three new markets in Asia.

    The 6ixty8ight online stores in Thailand and the Philippines will feature a full range of lingerie, homeware, casualwear, and accessories. The brand will also introduce its new collections, including Modern Lace Collection and Summer Styles.

    Founded in 2002, 6ixty8ight operates more than 200 stores across Greater China, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Men’s swimwear label Debayn kicks off in Hong Kong

    Men’s swimwear label Debayn kicks off in Hong Kong

    French swimwear brand Debayn has launched in Hong Kong with a five-month pop-up store.

    Located on the walkway between Pacific Place and Admiralty Centre into the Lab Concept, the pop-up store offers Debayn’s full collection and new products, including tailored polo shirts featuring the label’s distinctive color strips, and caps named after a village in French Riviera.

    “True sea lovers at heart, and thirsty to find daily functional swimwear edits that are for both sea and land… our pop-up is the right place to visit,” said the company’s CEO Eric Delplanque. “We’ve limited our color palette to ensure the mix and match of our products and essentially, to provide a long-term degree of comfort.”

    The Debayn Hong Kong pop up will remain open until November 25.

    At the same time as it builds a consumer profile through a single-brand retail space in Hong Kong, the company is also working with independent retailers, 5-star hotels, and clubs in both Hong Kong and Macau.

    “Our main target this year is retail as it brings more exposure than hotels and clubs,” Delplanque told Inside Retail Asia. “Moreover, having our own store or popup is part of our strategy.”

    Debayn’s founder also created Albatros CX, a global customer-experience agency for premium and luxury brands, specializing in capturing and analyzing experience feedback. That pedigree has helped attract investors into the brand which will provide a significant budget to fund brand awareness.

    Delplanque says the company plans to open its first European brick-and-mortar store in St Tropez village in France next year. It is also expanding its product range to include items such as shirts, t-shirts, kids swimwear and rash guards.

    Founded in France in 2017, Debayn focuses on ‘Slow Fashion’, a sustainable approach entailing better-quality materials that will last longer.

  • Shiseido selects transgender Hunter Schafer as global ambassador

    Shiseido selects transgender Hunter Schafer as global ambassador

    Japanese beauty label Shiseido has appointed Hunter Schafer as its global brand ambassador, a move aimed at broadening its appeal to new, younger generations of customers.

    The 21-year-old transgender actress made her acting debut last year in HBO American drama Euphoria. Besides acting career, Hunter has also modeled for fashion houses, including Dior, Miu Miu, Calvin Klein, and Versus Versace.

    In a statement, Shiseido described Schafer as “a multifaceted Generation Z” who “inspires, ignites change and transcends boundaries by celebrating individuality on and off the screen”.

    “Hunter Schafer really represents the current zeitgeist of beauty in that there are no rules, no boundaries, and no restrictions,” said James Boehmer, global artistic director for Shiseido Makeup.

    “Similar to Shiseido, she is both modern and timeless, continues to write her own narrative, which is what we encourage people to do with makeup.”

    With Schafer as a global brand ambassador, the brand aims to empower customers by helping them push their own unique beauty further, according to Yoshiaki Okabe, chief brand officer at Shiseido.

    “Nobody embodies this concept better than American actress and artist Hunter Schafer,” the company said in a statement.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: