Retail News CRM

Tag: Fashion

  • Adidas LDN – our store of the year

    Adidas LDN – our store of the year

    Retailers regularly spruik the line of ‘reimagining retail’ when launching a new concept store – but the new Adidas LDN flagship genuinely delivers on that promise.

    The four-story Adidas LDN (London) store features a myriad of unique shopper activations and experiences which make it stand out from rivals like Nike’s Houses of Innovation in Shanghai and New York, and Puma’s own flagship alongside on Fifth Avenue. The Adidas LDN store may be a latecomer to the party, but it outperforms its rivals by truly embracing customer engagement.

    Adidas has created a space to cultivate London’s creative scene, with the store housing installations and artworks from local artists and featuring products designed exclusively for the store. Keeping the theme localized, the German brand has a team of staff that collectively speaks 31 different languages to cater to the 20 million tourists of London.

    There are many interactive action points across each floor with the MakersLab being one of the focal points of the store. The customization section not only allows consumers to personalize football jerseys but opens up the creativity to people of all ages with its workshop area. Apart from artist-led group classes, customers can choose from the pick-and-mix of patches to add to their newly purchased garments on the spot.

    Shoppers can also immerse themselves in the in-store experience by testing their new kicks on a treadmill run, signing up for a fitting appointment with an expert, or attending regular community events.

    Magical experiences

    The Adidas LDN store did not win this store race without help from a team of retail-tech experts. One of its foremost innovations is its smart fitting rooms with interactive mirrors, powered by RFID through Avery Dennison’s intelligent labels, Detego software, Pyramid Computer and Nordic ID.

    When a customer walks in, the mirrors detect the item via its RFID tagging and display product information subtly but resourcefully on the mirror – providing an instant magical experience. The customer can call for assistance from staff, requesting sizes and colors without leaving the room. Personal services such as fitting appointment with experts and tailors are also available in-house – highly unusual for a sportswear brand.

    Additional fitting rooms with LED screens provide a vibrant and dynamic Instagrammable backdrop for the Gen Zs looking to show off their new Adidas gear.

    The digital innovation continues through Adidas’ omnichannel app. Apart from being able to shop within and book sneaker-cleaning services, the app enables geo-tracking for staff in-house to locate the consumer in-store for additional assistance. The “Bring It To Me” feature allows shoppers to scan products, request size and purchase on the spot without queuing – removing the need for designated cashier spaces.

    Realistic augmented reality features are also available within the app’s product pages for their signature shoe collections such as the Alphaedge, Gazelle, Superstar or Stan Smiths. Provided by Vyking, the AR technology allows the user to try on shoes virtually atop the consumer’s feet and project the shoe realistically in 3D, complete with its detailed textures.

    Sneakerheads can also book reminders for upcoming sneaker drops through the app or by interacting with the digital “Hype Wall” to preview pending collections.

    Adidas has always been a leader in sustainability efforts. Aside from its long-term partnership with Stella McCartney, an advocate and environmental enthusiast alongside its successful recycled ocean plastic Parley line, the brand has just launched the second generation of its first 100-per-cent recycled performance running shoe that once again, can also be recycled. Adidas has also pledged to eliminate virgin polyester in its products and to use only recycled plastic by 2024.

    In-store, more than 100 of its digital touchpoints are fully powered by green energy. Prompted by the London mayor’s water-fountain initiative to cut down on plastic waste in the city, shoppers can refill their water bottles through fountains scattered around the store.

    The new Adidas LDN store did not make my Store of the Year just for building a large-scale flagship. Unlike many flagships more often than not designed for marketing purposes, this store was truly designed with the consumer in mind.

    The entire store concept – from interactive workshops and events to the technologies embedded – fully elevate and improve the customer journey. It is a must-see store

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  • H&M’s Cos China to launch clothing rentals with YCloset

    H&M’s Cos China to launch clothing rentals with YCloset

    H&M Group’s higher-end clothing brand Cos is to trial renting out its clothes in China through rental platform YCloset.

    Swedish retail company H&M Group said it has partnered with YCloset to run a three-month trial to explore the circular business model.

    “The rental subscription has an additional sustainable aspect to it, as customers will be able to buy the product for a reduced price when the rental period is over, giving them another chance to enjoy the garments,” said the company.

    Cos MD Marie Honda said that the brand’s quality will lend itself well to the rental system. The brand is described by the group as one that merges high fashion attributes with ground-level pricing.

    “Cos collections are designed and made to last; longevity has been an integral part of the Cos design ethos since the brand began 12 years ago,” she said.

    H&M Group said YCloset’s 15 million registered users will enable the group to learn more about Chinese customers and their demographics.

    In November, H&M launched a rental service through its Stockholm flagship store, which also offers repair services with an atelier where customers can get their fashion favorites mended or upgraded.

    The clothing rental service market was estimated at US$1 billion last year.

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  • Ted Baker CEO and chairman quit as sales plunge

    Ted Baker CEO and chairman quit as sales plunge

    The CEO and executive chairman of UK fashion retailer Ted Baker have quit in the wake of falling sales and a controversy over the valuation of inventory.

    The company yesterday reduced its profit forecast for the current year to a minimum pre-tax profit of £5 million, 90 percent less than the £50.9 million it achieved in the year to March.

    That prompted a 15-per-cent drop in its already decimated share price. The company blamed a lack of consumer demand for its products, despite heavy discounting.

    The fashion company’s woes began a year ago when its founder Ray Kelvin was forced to resign after denying allegations he harassed staff and forced them to hug him, prompting an 80-per-cent plunge in the company’s share price.

    CEO Lindsay Page, a 21-year veteran at Ted Baker assumed leadership after Kelvin’s departure, lasting just nine months at the helm before yesterday’s resignation. Chairman David Bernstein followed suit.

    Last month, Ted Baker appointed external consultants to assess its inventory value after an apparent overstatement of stock in the company’s books in the range of £20 to £25 million.

    Some commentators in the UK say the company may be forced to take Kelvin back to restore the company’s fortunes. He still owns 35 percent of the business.

    Emily Salter, retail analyst at GlobalData, said the departure of the key executives and the profit warning “demonstrate the severity of its poor trading performance and how the retailer is grappling to remain popular”.

    “After an already turbulent year for its leadership team, the acting CEO and acting chair of the board must ensure that stability is maintained in the crucial Christmas trading period, as well as dealing with the impact of the overstatement of stock,” she said.

    “Trading over November and Black Friday was below expectations with lower-than-anticipated margins as consumers were still not persuaded to purchase despite the brand offering a blanket 30 percent off all items. Ted Baker must address its waning popularity, by attracting back its loyal shoppers and innovating instore and online to make the shopping experience more exciting.”

    Salter said while Ted Baker had previously been able to rely upon its online channel to drive group revenue growth with a robust multichannel proposition, its online sales fell by 0.7 percent.

    “Although its digital channels still outperformed retail revenue, declining sales while the online clothing-and-footwear market continues to grow proves just how strong the effects of weakened consumer confidence and demand for the brand have been, as well as the fallout from negative press coverage surrounding Ray Kelvin.

    “It will be a long road to recovery for Ted Baker, and it must focus on reviving previous demand for the brand and reducing its reliance on discounting to boost sales,” Salter concluded.’

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  • Australian fashion label Tony Bianco to launch in China

    Australian fashion label Tony Bianco to launch in China

    Australian fashion brand Tony Bianco is launching its first international location in Beijing.

    The label is partnering with verteran Chinese retail specialist firm Shanghai Smile Commercial – which has ushered multiple foreign fashion brands into China – in a joint venture to launch the brand in the territory.

    “A few years ago there was a noticeable increase in daigous sourcing the Tony Bianco brand to send back to clients and that has continued to grow, said company director Anthony Bianco in a Ragtrader report. “It was the start of our research phase into what a store in China could hold for a brand like ours.”

    The new store will officially open on December 21 at Chaoyang Joy City, showcasing the brand’s SS19 and AW19 collections.

  • Spanish fashion label Desigual set for India launch

    Spanish fashion label Desigual set for India launch

    Spanish fashion label Desigual is set to launch in India. The firm is being introduced to the territory by local retail group Tablez, which is first taking the brand online via Myntra before nationwide openings of physical stores next year. Six stores are planned for top-category cities before openings in multiple tier-2 cities.

    “It gives us immense pleasure to bring the international fashion brand Desigual to India,” said Tablez MD Adeeb Ahamed in a Fibre2Fashion report “The brand’s clothing exudes a character that is unique, which helps people express themselves and be the most authentic.

    “Desigual’s characteristic vibrant designs with a flamboyant splash of colors has a huge potential in the Indian market,.”

    “India is a market whose values are very similar to Desigual’s,” said US and CEEMEA VP Asia Pacific Jordi Balsells. “It’s also a young market that is growing and displays great potential. We believe very strongly in India’s potential in the coming years.”

    Desigual operates in nearly 90 countries via 10 sales channels. It is among several leading global brands being introduced to the territory by Tablez, which currently operates more than 70 outlets globally, with plans to expand to 300 outlets by next year.

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  • La Mer opens flagship boutique in Singapore

    La Mer opens flagship boutique in Singapore

    Luxury skincare brand La Mer has opened its first flagship boutique in Marina Bay Sands.

    Occupying a 375sqft space, the new store features gold, cream and forest green as theme colors. The marble floor resembles the sea that “forms the bedrock of the brand’s formulations”.

    Beside its skincare products, the Marina Bay Sands La Mer flagship also offers a wide range of makeup products including foundation, concealer, powder and brushes, all displayed via a consultation area.

    La Mer’s customers can experience a beauty session with different personalized services and treatments in a private facial cabin with the full range of La Mer’s makeup and skincare offerings.

    Owned by the Estee Lauder Group, La Mer has been a solution for those in need of an anti-aging arsenal as its products employ fermented ingredients, sourced from the sea, to rejuvenate and enrich the skin.

  • All SaSa Singapore stores to close as cosmetics retailer exits city

    All SaSa Singapore stores to close as cosmetics retailer exits city

    All 22 SaSa Singapore stores are to be closed down as the Hong Kong-headquartered parent calls an end to six years of ongoing losses in the city.

    The move will see 170 jobs axed and has triggered a series of negotiations with property owners over lease-exit penalties.

    In a statement filed with the stock exchange, chairman and CEO Simon Kwok said the company wants to concentrate its resources on the Hong Kong, Macau, Mainland China and Malaysia markets, as well as its e-commerce business.

    “The local management team in Singapore will commence negotiations with the respective landlords of the Singapore stores promptly with a view to closing the stores as early as possible, but the exact timing for the closing of each individual store is subject to negotiations with individual landlords,” Kwok said.

    The decision follows six consecutive years of losses by the SaSa Singapore business. In the six months to September 30, turnover fell by 4.6 per cent year on year to HK$99.4 million and represented just 2.8 per cent of the group’s total revenue.

    In recent years, SaSa Singapore local management has been restructured, store displays enhanced and product mixes revamped in an attempt to improve sales. “Regrettably, the results were far from satisfactory,” said Kwok.

    While the ongoing protests in Sa Sa International’s home market had no direct effect on the Sa Sa Singapore business, they influenced this week’s decision: Singapore is proving an unnecessary distraction when management needs to focus on maintaining sales and profitability in its core home market.

    “The operating environment … in Hong Kong has become extremely difficult due to a drastic decline in mainland tourist arrivals,” said Kwok. “In view of this unprecedented challenge, the group’s primary goal is to focus resources on its core markets and businesses with growth potential, in order to restore profitability promptly.

    “After careful consideration, the group believes that the closure of its business in Singapore will help improve the performance and profitability of its remaining businesses, and is in the best interests of the group and the shareholders as a whole.”

    Kwok said Malaysia offered Sa Sa International greater sales and profitability opportunities and the team that currently manages both the Singapore and Malaysia markets will now concentrate resources on developing Malaysia.

    “In the meantime, the group will expedite the store expansion in the mainland as well as the development of e-commerce business, so as to capture the lost traffic and sales in Hong Kong.

    “In addition, the group strives to integrate its online and offline businesses for providing better customer experiences and laying a solid foundation for the development of new retail model in the future.”

    He said the termination of SaSa Singapore store leases is not expected to have any significant impact on the operations of the group, as they account for a small percentage of the group’s 265-strong network.

  • China’s Xtep arrives in five more Indian cities

    China’s Xtep arrives in five more Indian cities

    Hong Kong activewear firm Xtep will open new locations in five Indian cities by the end of next year.

    The firm launched in Bengaluru last year, going on to open stores in Chennai, Gurugram, and Thrissur (Kerala). It is expected to open its new locations in Hyderabad, Goa, Kochi, Pune, and Mysuru.

    According to an Economic Times report, the brand’s local director Vijay Chowdhary said the firm will expand next year by “introducing products through a mix of exclusive and multi-brand outlets”.

    Xtep India is preparing to “bring high-tech consumer sports technology and after that will invest in sports infrastructure after assessing the market demand”.

    Xtep currently operates outlets in 20 countries

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  • Esprit launches JV to run Mainland China business

    Esprit launches JV to run Mainland China business

    Hong Kong-listed fashion retailer Esprit has announced a joint venture business to take over the marketing and retailing of its products in Mainland China.

    Through a subsidiary called Million Success, the fashion retailer will hold a 40 percent stake in the Esprit China business, with the majority partner being Mulsanne Group, a company listed in Hong Kong last May. The deal covers the mainland only, not Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.

    In a stock-exchange filing on Sunday, Esprit company secretary Patrick Lau Yiu Pong said Mainland China had always been “an important pillar” of Esprit’s strategic plan.

    Subject to regulatory approvals, the joint venture is expected to launch in June next year. Prior to that, Esprit will be closing some underperforming mainland stores, before transferring the assets of the remainder to the JV company.

    “The directors believe that the deal creates a strong base for the Esprit brand to improve the relevance and accelerate growth,” said Pong in the filing.

    Mulsanne Group is an investment holding company engaged in retail and online platforms for menswear, as well as product development. The company’s brands include GXG, GXG Jeans, GXG. Kids, Yatlas and 2XU. The group operates more than 2000 stores across Mainland China.

     

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  • Red tape stunting H&M India growth

    Red tape stunting H&M India growth

    Bureaucracy is hampering the expansion plans of H&M India according to the Swedish fast-fashion company’s local management.

    The firm’s country manager and CEO for the territory Janne Einola said in an interview that the company is facing delays and challenges in the market, blaming the delays on a difficult business environment and citing regulatory obligations.

    “Most probably we will see opening 100-plus stores in India, but what the time span is, I do not know,” said Einola.

    “The outlook – we thought it would grow faster as per the potential – but what is making it slow is local regulations, which are very costly, take a lot of time and are putting our expansion on slow mode.”

    H&M India operates 45 stores, the most recent one opening in Dehradun. The company’s next store is expected to launch in Jalandhar.

    Meanwhile, H&M India’s online sales account for a larger share of turnover than the 15 percent achieved globally.

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  • Hong Kong leather label Rabeanco opens its fifth store in Singapore

    Hong Kong leather label Rabeanco opens its fifth store in Singapore

    Hong Kong leather specialist brand Rabeanco has opened a new flagship store at Changi Jewel, its fifth store in Singapore.

    The new store features a selection of travel convertible bags which can be used as both backpack and shoulder bags. Rabeanco also offers a full range of leather footwear crafted in premium leather including mules, slingbacks, and heels.

    “We design our products for women who are constantly on the go and in need of highly functional yet chic designer leather products,” says Rabeanco’s spokesperson. “We are one of the first brands to introduce premium light-weight leather. This way, women can look stylish without feeling the weight on their shoulders.”

    The price of leather footwear products range from SG$180-330.

    Founded in 1992, Rabeanco operates more than 30 outlets across four markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau and China.

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  • Missoni opens flagship store at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands

    Missoni opens flagship store at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands

    Luxury fashion retailer Missoni has launched a flagship store at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

    The 150sqm store stocks a range of womenswear, menswear, beachwear and accessories. A central product featured at the launch is the brand’s new M Missoni collection, created by designer Margherita Maccapani Missoni.

    The launch was celebrated with a cocktail party, attended by local media and celebrities as well as the firm’s creative director and president Angela Missoni.

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  • LVMH-Tiffany deal signed

    LVMH-Tiffany deal signed

    Subject to regulatory approvals, the LVMH-Tiffany deal is sealed: the French luxury fashion powerhouse will take over the iconic New York City-headquartered jeweler.

    But it may be mid next year before the transaction is completed after shareholder and regulatory processes are complete.

    LVMH will pay US$135 per share in cash for Tiffany, giving the jeweler an equity value of €14.7 billion or $16.2 billion.

    The LVMH-Tiffany deal provides “an exciting path forward,” said Tiffany chairman Roger N Farah, describing LVMH as “a group that appreciates and will invest in Tiffany’s unique assets and strong human capital, while delivering a compelling price with value certainty to our shareholders”.

    Bernard Arnault, chairman, and CEO of LVMH and now within striking distance of becoming the world’s richest man when this deal is settled, described Tiffany as “a company with an unparalleled heritage and unique position in the global jewelry world”.

    “We have immense respect and admiration for Tiffany and intend to develop this jewel with the same dedication and commitment that we have applied to each and every one of our Maisons. We will be proud to have Tiffany sit alongside our iconic brands and look forward to ensuring that Tiffany continues to thrive for centuries to come.”

    It was a quick deal, coming little more than one month after the rumors of negotiations broke and will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the 180-year-old company’s history.  But the two spokesmen said completing regulatory filings and the formalities of shareholder approval might take until “mid-2020”.

    With more than 300 stores worldwide, Tiffany will give LVMH a strong position in the jewelry sector in which it is underrepresented compared to luxury-goods rival Richemont. The French company says the LVMH-Tiffany deal will strengthen its watches and jewelry division and complement its huge portfolio of 75 brands. Most significantly, it gives the luxury retail group a strong presence in the key US market.

    Farah said Tiffany undertook “a thoughtful internal process” and sought expert external advice before agreeing to terms with LVMH.

  • Marie France Van Damme opens stores in Miami

    Marie France Van Damme opens stores in Miami

    Hong Kong-based designer Marie France Van Damme has entered into a long-term lease agreement with Bal Harbour Shops in Florida.

    The luxury resort wear designer initially opened her first Florida store at Bal Harbour Shops in January last year as a temporary pop-up shop, which operated through to last July. The updated boutique will reopen in its new unit in January.

    The new 800sqft store will continue to offer Marie France Van Damme’s exclusive collections of “Dolce Vita” essentials, including day dresses and evening wear, resort wear, bathing suits, and caftans.

    The boutique will feature teak wood, bronze panels, and embossed crocodile leathers with textiles and finishes reflective of the designer’s flagships in London and Hong Kong.

    “Miami is a vibrant fashion capital,” said Van Damme. “Like me, our customer travels around the world, and she needs to find things that will look beautiful during the day as well as at night; from the beach to a cocktail or dinner in the evening. It has always been a dream of mine to open a store at Bal Harbour Shops, and after extending our pop-up shop there as a result of a successful year, we are honored to create a more permanent home for our clients in one of the world’s most exclusive luxury shopping destinations.”

    Marie France Van Damme plans to continue to open new stores across the globe, focusing on cities that both inspire the designer and appeal to her “sophisticated, jet-set clientele”.

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  • United Colors of Benetton expanding into Myanmar

    United Colors of Benetton expanding into Myanmar

    Italian fashion brand United Colors of Benetton, has released a new collection to celebrate its presence in the Burmese market.

    Benetton entered Myanmar in October 2017 and now has two stores in prominent areas, with plans to further expand its base in the territory over the coming decade. Benetton Group has a global network of 5000 stores.

    “We brought our strong heritage to Myanmar in October 2017 with our first store in Junction City Level 2,” read a statement from the brand.

    “We further expanded with the store in Yangon International Airport … We have interesting plans of expansion in Myanmar next year and are looking forward to catering to the audience with our unique product offering. We have received an overwhelming response so far and will strive towards exciting our consumers with knit, colors and sustainability.”

    With the new global creative director Jean-Charles de Castelbajac coming onboard, Benetton has showcased two collections – The Rainbow Machine and The Colour Wave at Milan Fashion Week (AW2019 & SS2020). The collection is expected to hit Myanmar stores in the coming year.

    Benetton’s AW2019 collection has hit stores to offer a chic winter to fashion enthusiasts in the region. The collection was celebrated with a special showcase followed by a creative session at the Junction City store on November 17 attended by the city’s glitterati.

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