Retail News CRM

Tag: Fashion

  • Estee Lauder Singapore unveils new Ion Orchard store

    Estee Lauder Singapore unveils new Ion Orchard store

    Estee Lauder Singapore has reopened its store in the Ion Orchard shopping center with a completely new design. Located in the mall’s Basement Level 1, the Estee Lauder Ion Orchard store features a contemporary look, with blue navy wall and platinum elements.

    A digital screen is installed in front of the store, featuring images of the brand’s bestsellers, such as Advanced Night Repair or Pure Color Envy and Double Wear.

    “This new home offers a unique and elevated high-touch approach that has been paired with the latest innovations to meet our customers’ changing needs, to deliver the ultimate Estee Lauder experience,” said Christine Goh, brand GM of Estee Lauder Singapore.

    Storehouse’s interactive makeup ‘play tables’ for customers to engage while shopping.

    Customers can learn about Estee Lauder’s products by scanning QR codes or having exclusive one-on-one consultations. Personalized and gifting services are also available at the store.

    Lees ook:

  • Karl Lagerfeld opens first standalone store in Malaysia

    Karl Lagerfeld opens first standalone store in Malaysia

    Karl Lagerfeld has opened its first store in Malaysia, located at the Pavilion shopping center in Kuala Lumpur.

    The new store offers a wide range of the brand’s items including apparel for men and women and fashion accessories such as handbags, bucket hats, and runners.

    Karl Lagerfeld Malaysia’s first store features a modern design with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and wooden floors. Steel racks and colorful carpet are used inside the store.

    Karl Lagerfeld is sold through more than 100 mono-brand points of sale around the world, including flagships in Paris, New York, Moscow, London, Dubai, and Shanghai.

    The global online store on Karl.com reaches 96 countries.

  • Burberry bullish on Asian prospects as China and Korea slowly recover

    Burberry bullish on Asian prospects as China and Korea slowly recover

    Fashion label Burberry is optimistic about a post-Covid-19 recovery as sales began to return to normal in Asia during the June quarter.

    While same-store sales were down by 45 percent across the three months, June’s decline was 20 percent and the brand reported growth in both Mainland China and South Korea which was ahead of pre-Covid-19 levels, “albeit with some benefit from the repatriation of sales given travel restrictions,” the company said in a statement.

    Across Asia Pacific, sales were down 10 percent overall for the quarter but returned to growth in the month of June.

    “We expect it will take time to return to pre-crisis levels with the resumption of overseas travel,” said CEO Marco Gobbetti. “We are encouraged by the improving trends in all regions and the promising exit rate for June. We saw an excellent response to new product launches in recovering economies as well as online.”

    He said demand for leather goods was particularly strong in Mainland China and South Korea, bringing new, younger luxury customers to the brand, pushing full-price sales up at double-digit rates.

    In April, Burberry launched a campaign in China to promote its leather goods range, using a series of sustainable pop-up stores and using an augmented reality experience and releasing a limited-edition Pocket bag through fashion blogger Mr Bags’ WeChat account,

    “The reaction was exceptional with the limited edition bag selling out within a minute of becoming available and Pocket Bag styles overall selling out within three weeks of the campaign going live,” the company reported.

    Broader online sales at full price grew by a double-digit rate and the company is now planning a ‘social-retail store’ with Tencent which will open in Shenzhen this summer. The concept store will allow luxury customers to connect their social and online lives to their physical environments using Tencent technology.

    Gobbetti said the company believes it is “crucially important” to invest in the brand during the pandemic.

    “We will continue to embed flexibility into our plans to allow for investment into consumer-facing activities to drive growth where opportunities present.”

    At the end of June, the label had a network of 215 retail stores, 148 concessions, 54 outlets, and 45 franchise stores, excluding pop up stores.

    ‘Wise’ move to focus on Asia

    Emily Salter, retail analyst at GlobalData, said Burberry was wise to focus on rebounding economies like China, South Korea, and Japan, with the 10-per-cent drop in Asia-Pacific sales significantly less than the 75 percent in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. The latter region, she said, would likely be the most affected in the long term as tourist spending will take a long time to recover, and consumers will be less willing to buy luxury items.

    In the Americas, sales fell by 70 percent and while they improved in June, that trend is unlikely to hold as Covid-19 cases rise rapidly and state pause their reopening plans.

    Salter also praised Burberry’s digital proposition which outshone its rival luxury brands.

    “The retailer excels at using social media to engage with consumers, boosting loyalty among its young shoppers.

    “Though the future of experiential retail remains in doubt due to the impacts of Covid-19, the experience is likely to remain important among luxury shoppers, and will help cement brand identity and loyalty.”

    Lees ook:

  • Iconix Brand Group seeks white knight investor

    Iconix Brand Group seeks white knight investor

    Iconix Brand Group is considering selling itself or combining it with another company as the firm broadens its search for a financial lifeline.

    The brand-licensing company says its board has authorized management and its advisers to study options including a sale, merger, debt and equity financings, or other alternatives to keep the firm afloat.

    New York-based Iconix owns, licenses and markets consumer brands across fashion and sports, including Candie’s and Ed Hardy. It’s been shedding certain assets to raise cash, including Starter China, which it agreed to sell for US$16 million in June.

    The company retained Ducera Partners as a financial adviser, together with law firm Dechert, its existing legal counsel, to assist in the review efforts. The plans are in addition to the company’s previously announced agreements to sell the rights to the Umbro and Starter brands in China, it said.

    Iconix shares soared 58 percent in after-market trading. The company said the Covid-19 pandemic had a “meaningful impact” on its performance and it was cutting costs to preserve liquidity, according to its first-quarter financial report. In March, the firm said there was “substantial doubt” that it could continue to operate and it could be forced to file for bankruptcy or liquidate without a waiver from lenders.

    The retail industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak, which forced store closures nationwide and prompted sharp declines in spending on discretionary goods. J.C. Penney, Neiman Marcus Group and J Crew Group all filed for bankruptcy in May. RTW Retailwinds, the parent company of New York & Co, filed for bankruptcy Monday.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Calvin Klein to bring footwear collections in house

    Calvin Klein to bring footwear collections in house

    US fashion house Calvin Klein is discontinuing its partnership with licensee Jimlar Corp to bring its footwear collections in-house for Asia and Europe.

    The brand, which is owned and operated by PVH Corp, has collaborated with Jimlar for a decade but will take over managing Calvin Klein footwear when Jimlar’s license expires at the end of this year.

    “Jimlar has been a best-in-class licensee for over 10 years and we’d like to thank them for contributing to the successful development of our footwear business,” said Calvin Klein’s president of global licensing John Van Glahn. “We … will continue the momentum by bringing the category in-house in Europe and Asia, leveraging PVH’s operations and expertise to take the business to the next level.”

    The new arrangement affects footwear lines under Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein and CK Calvin Klein. The footwear business will proceed from next year onwards under internal management, giving the firm greater control over development and design.

    CK’s existing networks will be employed to manage the distribution of footwear.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Tommy Hilfiger backs up BLM statement with US$15m plan to disrupt the fashion industry

    Tommy Hilfiger backs up BLM statement with US$15m plan to disrupt the fashion industry

    Global fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger has unveiled a comprehensive plan to address racial inequality within its own organization and the fashion industry more broadly. On Monday, the PVH-owned brand announced the launch of the People’s Place Program, a new initiative that aims to increase the representation of minority communities in fashion in three ways: partnerships, career support, and industry leadership.

    Going forward, Tommy Hilfiger has said it will focus on “purpose-led collaborations” and partnerships with organizations and creative peers working to advance the representation of Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) in the fashion industry.

    It has also committed to providing to information, physical materials, specialist advice, industry introductions, and other actions to increase access to fashion and creative career opportunities for minority communities.

    And it will support independent, industry-wide analyses of diversity, equity, and inclusion and develop and share a concrete action plan to create long-term change.

    The People’s Place Program will be funded with US$5 million annually for the next three years as an initial minimum commitment.

    The name is based on designer Tommy Hilfiger’s first store, the People’s Place, which opened in 1969 and was meant to be a space for people from all walks of life to come together to enjoy art, music, fashion and pop culture.

    The initiative follows a statement made by the brand’s namesake founder in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody in the US in May.

    “What is happening to Black communities in the US and around the world has no place in our society,” Hilfiger said. “The fact that it has continued to exist in our industry – overtly and systemically – is unacceptable.”

    “We are far behind where we should be in achieving diverse representation. It shouldn’t have taken us this long to acknowledge that, but we are determined and committed to changing it going forward,” he added.

    Many brands and businesses issued similar statements condemning racism as Black Lives Matter protests gained traction around the world throughout June. Many of those statements, however, were quickly criticized as virtue signaling, or cynical attempts to benefit from consumers’ desire to support the movement.

    But according to Tommy Hilfiger, the People’s Place Program is not just about good PR, as demonstrated by the governance structure the brand is building to oversee the program and ensure its success.

    This includes appointing senior leadership to direct the program
    and accelerate its growth internally and externally, and conducting regular reporting on its progress and impact to maintain transparency.

    It also helps that the brand has a long history of supporting diversity.

    Tommy Hilfiger claims to be the first fashion brand to collaborate with hip-hop artists in the 1990s, and in recent years, the brand launched an adaptive range, catering to people with special needs.

    Martijn Hagman, chief executive of Tommy Hilfiger’s global business and PVH Europe, said the company acknowledges that it hasn’t done enough, but it is determined to do better.

    “We are taking immediate action to ensure that BIPOC communities in the fashion industry feel represented, heard and equally welcome to their seat
    at the table,” he said in a statement.

    “The People’s Place journey starts now with a dedicated internal governance structure that will drive and report regularly on the long-term objectives of the platform. This is a firm commitment and first step in a long journey for what the People’s Place Program can achieve.”

    Through its foundation, PVH has donated US$100,000 to The NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund, which supports racial justice through
    advocacy, impact litigation, and education, and The National Urban League, a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality and social justice.

    During the month of June, it also matched 100 percent of charitable donations made by the company’s associates globally to organizations supporting racial justice.

    PVH’s brand portfolio includes Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Izod, Van Heusen, Arrow, Warner’s, Olga and Geoffrey Beene. It employs more than 40,000 associates in over 40 countries and has US$9.9 billion in annual revenues.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Uniqlo to open its 24th store in Australia early September

    Uniqlo to open its 24th store in Australia early September

    Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo will open a new store in the country at Bondi Junction this September, taking its store count in Australia to 24.

    The new store at Westfield Bondi Junction, which will span 1323sqm, will be the retailer’s ninth store in New South Wales.

    Uniqlo said this store will feature the biggest LED screen installation ever seen in the retailer’s Australian stores and will offer a full line-up of the brand’s LifeWear apparel for men, women, kids and babies.

    Kensuke Suwa, company chief operating officer, said since they’ve opened their first store in Australia in 2014, they have been able to consistently grow their retail footprint by leveraging their keen understanding of the local consumer and ensuring their products align with their needs.

    “We hope to keep the momentum going and look forward to making the brand even more accessible to Australians,” Suwa said.

    “We are excited by this milestone of bringing LifeWear from Tokyo to a truly iconic location in Australia and are looking forward to becoming a positive part of the Bondi community”

    This Uniqlo store is its eighth store with the Westfield Group, following Hurstville, Hornsby, Chatswood, Parramatta, Miranda, Chermside and Carousel.

  • Lush calls out Hong Kong landlords after flagship closing

    Lush calls out Hong Kong landlords after flagship closing

    Lush has taken a positive approach to its future in Hong Kong following the closure of its Central flagship store at the end of last month.

    But it has criticized the city’s landlords generally for failing to share the burden of a decimated retail market in the wake of the pandemic. The beauty products company said the decision to close the five-story flagship store, and its first spa in Asia at the end of its lease took “much consideration”.

    Lush said that all of its other stores in Hong Kong and Macau will continue to trade as usual.

    The Soho Square store’s closure reflected the challenges of dealing with reduced footfall during the Covid-19 crisis, the impact of “previous conditions” and a lack of early response from landlords and the government to help struggling businesses.

    “The pandemic has challenged many businesses around the world. Unfortunately, the measures to help in Hong Kong have been very late. Up until the end of January we had received little support from landlords or the government. However, the measure on salaries is very much needed and we are grateful for this.

    “Even though we are saying goodbye to Lush Soho Square Shop & Spa, we want to highlight the achievement of the team in the past five years and thank them for all their hard work. We have loved bringing the spa experience to customers in Hong Kong and we hope they have enjoyed every moment.”

    Elsewhere in Hong Kong, Lush has been engaging with landlords across the two territories because rent accounts for the majority of costs to businesses of all types.

    “We know it is also difficult for our landlords and as property owners, they also have a vested interest in the future of the retail industry,” Lush said in its email. “We would like to thank our partners who have to date been open to constructive discussion and particularly for those that have given discounts of 50 percent and above.

    “But this isn’t the time for one party to take all and one party left with all the burden. We believe there is collective social responsibility, and landlords and retailers should work collaboratively together to ensure retail survives in Hong Kong, which will benefit the local people and economy that in turn supports property owners that need rental tenants.

    “Some landlords gave us a slight discount on rent in February and March, following negotiations with us. However, this is not reflective of the reality we are facing. We have been in continual negotiations of the rent relief and payment plan with the landlords, and we are confident of keeping things under control with our strategic property plans, and where governments have offered pay schemes and guarantees we are making use of these to ensure staff payroll is protected as much as possible whilst there is little money flowing into the business.”

    Meanwhile, over the past few months, the company has worked to have a positive impact on the local communities during the pandemic.

    Underpinning the message of washing hands to keep the virus at bay, Lush donated more than 8 tonnes of soap to healthcare workers, non-profit organizations and minority groups.

    “We strongly believe that this is the time we have to help each other locally to overcome the unpredictable challenges so that we can support a positive future together.

    “We look to the future with optimism and sincere gratitude to our incredible staff and community. We are doing our best to make decisions and operate the only way we know how: honestly and transparently.”

    Lush founder Mark Constantine said the pandemic may bring many long-lasting changes to the way people live their lives.

    “Lush needs to adapt to these changes, stay agile and relevant, whilst holding true to our principles of being a business that is kind and caring. We will need the help of everyone as we enter this next phase.”

  • Uniqlo says sales recovery varies across Asian markets

    Uniqlo says sales recovery varies across Asian markets

    Japanese fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo is seeing a significant rise in sales in Japan despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    But performances varied in different Asian markets.

    While the company is suffering abroad, a recent uptick in sales in its home territory – partly boosted by a popular face mask – is likely to see 25-per-cent sales growth for the August quarter. Even so, the firm’s net profit forecast for the entire financial year has been re-estimated downward by a steep 47.7 percent, factoring in expected upcoming impairment costs.

    The firm saw a sales decline for the first three quarters of its financial year of 15.2 percent below figures for the same period a year earlier, as well as a net profit decline of 42.9 percent. Multiple outlets were temporarily closed during part of this period due to the outbreak.

    While Uniqlo’s performance is expected to continue to improve in both Japan and China, the business is expected to undergo a significant decline of up to 40 percent in its markets in South Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Oceania during the fourth quarter.

    A bright spot is Vietnam where trading was strong after the country returned to normal, virus-free, in May.

  • Calvin Klein Announces Decision to Bring In-House Footwear Collections in Europe and Asia

    Calvin Klein Announces Decision to Bring In-House Footwear Collections in Europe and Asia

    Calvin Klein, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PVH, announced today that it will be bringing in-house its footwear collections offered in Europe and Asia.

    This development comes after a successful and fruitful partnership with Jimlar Corporation, a division of Global Brands Group. Jimlar Corporation currently holds the footwear license agreements for the CALVIN KLEIN JEANS, Calvin Klein and CK Calvin Klein lines, which will expire at the end of 2020. Beginning in 2021, Calvin Klein Europe and Calvin Klein Asia will operate the footwear category internally, allowing for more control over product design and development. This strategic initiative will create an opportunity to build on the existing footwear business by leveraging the Calvin Klein businesses’ established infrastructure and distribution networks in each region.

    “Jimlar has been a best-in-class licensee for over ten years and we’d like to thank them for contributing to the successful development of our footwear business,” said John Van Glahn, President of Global Licensing at Calvin Klein, Inc.  “We are excited to continue the momentum by bringing the category in-house in Europe and Asia, leveraging PVH’s operations and expertise to take the business to the next level.”

    Calvin Klein Europe and Calvin Klein Asia will establish dedicated teams that will be responsible for design, production, and distribution of Calvin Klein footwear in the regions.

    Lees ook:

  • Uniqlo to open 24th store in Australia in September

    Uniqlo to open 24th store in Australia in September

    Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo will open a new store in the country at Bondi Junction this September, taking its store count in Australia to 24.

    The new store at Westfield Bondi Junction, which will span 1323sqm, will be the retailer’s ninth store in New South Wales.

    Uniqlo said this store will feature the biggest LED screen installation ever seen in the retailer’s Australian stores and will offer a full line-up of the brand’s LifeWear apparel for men, women, kids, and babies.

    Kensuke Suwa, company chief operating officer, said since they’ve opened their first store in Australia in 2014, they have been able to consistently grow their retail footprint by leveraging their keen understanding of the local consumer and ensuring their products align with their needs.

    “We hope to keep the momentum going and look forward to making the brand even more accessible to Australians,” Suwa said.

    “We are excited by this milestone of bringing LifeWear from Tokyo to a truly iconic location in Australia and are looking forward to becoming a positive part of the Bondi community”.

    This Uniqlo store is its eighth store with the Westfield Group, following Hurstville, Hornsby, Chatswood, Parramatta, Miranda, Chermside, and Carousel.

    Lees ook:

  • Nike introduces Nike Rise concept store in China

    Nike introduces Nike Rise concept store in China

    Sneaker giant Nike has introduced its new retail concept Nike Rise in Guangzhou, China. The latest international store concept joins the brand’s innovative portfolio which already includes Nike Live in Tokyo and House of Innovation in NYC.

    The Nike Rise concept store features personalized shopping services with a focus on digital experiences.

    Nike Guangzhou has piloted a new app feature Nike Experiences, which connects members to “weekly sport-minded activations” to inspire and enable them to move.

    “Whether members are connecting through the Nike App or joining in-store, they’re invited to experience a digitally enabled journey at this store that links them to the energy and activity of the city, and unites communities across Guangzhou through the power of sport,” said Cathy Sparks, VP, and GM of Global Nike direct store & service.

    At Nike Rise, customers can experience Nike Fit which helps customers find the best fit for any footwear using scanning technology. Nike by You is a counter where members can find personalized items with designs inspired by the city’s sports culture.

    The brand’s members in Guangzhou will also have access to Nike’s events and workshops hosted by the city’s network of Nike athletes and experts.

    According to the company, more Nike Rise stores will be launched in other markets next year.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vitasoy family behind bid to oust Esprit management

    Vitasoy family behind bid to oust Esprit management

    Hong Kong-listed apparel retailer Esprit is facing a boardroom stoush seeking the immediate removal of CEO Anders Christian Kristiansen who is leading a restructuring of the long-ailing business.

    Trading in Esprit shares was suspended yesterday and this morning the company revealed that North Point Talent Ltd, now its largest shareholder with a nearly 13-per-cent stake, has sought an urgent extraordinary shareholder meeting to vote on the exit of Kristiansen and another director, Dr Johannes Georg Schmidt-Schultes.

    North Point is an investment vehicle of Karen Lo, a descendent of the family which founded the Vitasoy business.

    The move comes as North Point has boosted its holding in Esprit from 4.93 percent at a cost of US$17 million. After exceeding the 10-per-cent threshold, the investor has the right to call an extraordinary general meeting.

    The move reflects North Point’s lack of confidence in the current management team and a move to replace it with new leadership – and could signal a takeover bid is in the wind, despite Esprit’s European business effectively-being in bankruptcy protection.

    Last week Esprit revealed plans to axe 1200 jobs and close 50 stores in Germany under the court-protected administration process. The company had closed all of its stores in Asia by the end of last month in an earlier round of cuts as it attempts to reverse years of losses driven by a long-standing inability to design clothes that appeal to its core customer base.

    North Point is also seeking the appointment of Marc Andreas Tschirner, Christian Chiu, and Wai Wong as executive directors of the company with immediate effect.

    The precise reasoning behind the removals and appointments are detailed in a statement filed along with the meeting request, but these have not been made public as yet.

    “The board is looking into the allegations made by the requisitionist and will seek legal advice if necessary,” Esprit company secretary Ophelia Lo said in a stock-exchange filing.

    The trading halt was lifted this morning.

    Lees ook:

  • Burberry realigns business units, names new ready-to-wear head

    Burberry realigns business units, names new ready-to-wear head

    Burberry is reorganizing its creative team as the luxury label welcomes back Adrian Ward-Rees to lead its ready-to-wear business.

    The British-based luxury retailer will set up three new business units – ready-to-wear, accessories, and shoes and says it plans to “pool expertise within them” to improve its focus on products and improve quality.

    “The changes we intend to make will ensure we have the right structures in place as we enter the next phase of our strategy,” said CEO Marco Gobbetti.

    Ward-Rees held the role of senior VP and MD of Dior Homme with Christian Dior for the last four years and previously worked at Hong Kong-headquartered Lane Crawford, along with a merchandising role with Burberry.

    He takes up the new role as senior VP ready-to-wear on July 20, based in London and reporting to Gobbetti.

    “I am delighted to welcome back Adrian to Burberry to lead our newly created Ready-to-Wear business unit,” said Gobbetti.

    “Embedding product specialization will enable us to elevate quality and increase our agility, further supporting the momentum we have built across our brand and product and setting us up for future success as markets begin to recover.”

  • JW Anderson opens new outlet in Korea

    JW Anderson opens new outlet in Korea

    British fashion label JW Anderson has opened its second store in Seoul, South Korea. Located in Galleria Luxury Hall East, the store resembles the brand’s flagship in London’s Soho shopping district. Its facade features a floor-to-ceiling glass wall with the brand’s logo in neon.

    Customers can find a full selection of apparel for women, including the brand’s latest collection, at this store. The JW Anderson Korea store also offers handbags, footwear, and accessories

    The brand opened its first flagship store in Soho, London in March.

    Founded in 2008 by Northern Irish designer Janathan Anderson, JW Anderson’s design offers a “modern interpretation of masculinity and femininity by creating thought-provoking silhouettes through a conscious cross-pollination between menswear and womenswear elements”.