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  • Louis Vuitton Launches Standalone Beauty Boutique In China Amid Revenue Slump

    Louis Vuitton Launches Standalone Beauty Boutique In China Amid Revenue Slump

    The French luxury behemoth, Louis Vuitton, has recently inaugurated its inaugural standalone beauty retail outlet in China. This strategic development marks a significant effort by the brand to fortify its presence in the high-end market segment and re-establish its bond with Chinese consumers.

    The Beauty Boutique

    The beauty boutique, nestled in the esteemed Deji Plaza of Nanjing, serves as the platform to exhibit the company’s novel beauty product line, La Beaute. This line is the creative offspring of the distinguished makeup artist, Dame Pat McGrath. The La Beaute collection comprises a meticulously curated assortment of products such as lipsticks, lip balms, eyeshadow palettes, and an array of beauty accessories.

    Product Highlights

    Notable products from the collection include the LV Rouge lipsticks, which are available in a staggering 55 shades, with both satin and matte finishes. These lipsticks are marketed at roughly $160 each. Furthermore, the product line is also home to 10 LV Baume lip balms and 8 LV Ombres eyeshadow palettes.

    Brand Strategy

    The unveiling of this boutique aligns with Louis Vuitton’s large-scale plan to rejuvenate its relations with China’s luxury consumer base. This comes in the wake of a reported 4 per cent slump in its global revenue during the first half of FY25. The brand’s initiative is a response to the weakening demand noticed in China, a situation partly attributed to the prevailing trade friction between Beijing and Washington.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the strategic significance of Louis Vuitton’s first standalone beauty boutique in China?
    The launch of this boutique is a key move by Louis Vuitton to strengthen its foothold in the premium market and foster stronger relations with Chinese consumers.

    What are some notable products from the new La Beaute collection?
    Prominent products from the collection include the LV Rouge lipsticks, available in 55 shades, LV Baume lip balms, and LV Ombres eyeshadow palettes.

    Why is Louis Vuitton focusing on re-engagement with China’s luxury consumers?
    The brand’s focus on re-engagement with China’s luxury consumers comes in response to a 4 per cent decrease in its global revenue during the first half of FY25 and weakening consumer demand within China.

  • Ami Paris Launches First Indonesian Outpost In Jakarta, Bolsters Global Expansion Strategy

    Ami Paris Launches First Indonesian Outpost In Jakarta, Bolsters Global Expansion Strategy

    Ami Paris, a renowned French fashion label, has initiated its first venture in Indonesia, extending its reach in Southeast Asia. The flagship store is situated in Plaza Senayan, a prominent luxuriant mall in Jakarta, operating in collaboration with the domestic retail conglomerate Time International.

    The Store Layout and Collection

    Occupying a 90-square-meter area, the store exhibits the full spectrum of Ami Paris’ merchandise that includes menswear, womenswear, and accessories. The store launched with the brand’s Fall-Winter 2025 collection, providing customers with the latest fashion trends.

    In addition to showcasing the brand’s extensive collection, the store also premieres the label’s revamped interior design concept. The store’s design mirrors its Parisian counterpart, employing materials like Euville stone, natural oak, and champagne gold finishes.

    The Jakarta site integrates design elements like striped parquet flooring and an asymmetrical layout, coupled with mirrored surfaces. These features align with the aesthetic principles consistent in other Ami Paris boutiques.

    Global Expansion

    With the inauguration of the Jakarta store, Ami Paris’ global store count escalates to 78. This expansion signifies the brand’s ongoing global growth strategy, focusing on pivotal international markets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the location of Ami Paris’ first store in Indonesia?
    The first Indonesian store of Ami Paris is located in Plaza Senayan, a high-end mall in Jakarta.

    What are the unique design elements in the Jakarta store?
    The store features a unique design with elements such as striped parquet flooring and an asymmetrical layout with mirrored surfaces, reflecting the aesthetic found in other Ami Paris boutiques.

    What does the opening of the Jakarta store signify for Ami Paris?
    The opening of the Jakarta store represents Ami Paris’ ongoing strategy of global expansion, focusing on key international markets.

  • Louis Vuitton Enters Cosmetics Industry With Sustainable, Luxury Makeup Line, La Beaute

    Louis Vuitton Enters Cosmetics Industry With Sustainable, Luxury Makeup Line, La Beaute

    Luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton is venturing into the cosmetic industry with the introduction of La Beaute, a premium makeup line. The initial launch is set to take place in China this month, with a worldwide expansion planned shortly after.

    The Creative Force Behind La Beaute

    The creative process for developing this collection was steered by renowned British makeup artist, Dame Pat McGrath. The French luxury establishment communicated that the products come in artistically designed containers that are intended to be lifelong keepsakes.

    The makeup assortment features 55 lipsticks, 10 lip balms, and a variety of eyeshadow palettes.

    Sustainable and Luxurious

    All items in the collection are designed with sustainability in mind, as they are refillable. Customers can purchase replacement lipstick bullets and individual eyeshadow shades as needed.

    Adding an extra touch of luxury, the lip products, a collaboration with Louis Vuitton’s master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, are also fragranced. The Rouge lipsticks boast a blend of mimosa, jasmine, and rose scents, while the Baumes lip balms carry hints of mint and raspberry.

    “Makeup is culture; it is power; it is presence; and it’s personal,” McGrath, the creative director of cosmetics for La Beaute, said of the new line.

    Pricing and Availability

    The lipsticks and balms from the range are priced at $160 each, while the eyeshadow palette is available for $250.

    The brand is planning a digital pre-launch scheduled for August 25.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the price range for the La Beaute makeup line?
    The lipsticks and lip balms are valued at $160 each, whereas the eyeshadow palette is priced at $250.

    Are the products in the La Beaute makeup line refillable?
    Yes, all the products in the line, including lipsticks, lip balms, and eyeshadows, are refillable.

    Who is the creative director behind the La Beaute line?
    The La Beaute makeup line was developed under the creative direction of renowned British makeup artist, Dame Pat McGrath.

  • Bacha Coffee launches first store in Macau

    Bacha Coffee launches first store in Macau

    Bacha Coffee, a premium coffee brand from Morocco, has recently opened a new store in Macau. This follows closely on the heels of their notable full-concept flagship store’s launch in Harbour City, Hong Kong.

    Store Location and Management

    The Macau boutique, positioned on the first level of the Shoppes at Venetian, is under the management of the Hong Kong-based Blue Chip Group. The store, with an impressive area of around 250 square feet, stocks a rich selection of 100% Arabica coffees. These coffees are sourced from over 30 countries globally, emphasizing the brand’s worldwide reach.

    Product Offering

    The boutique carries a diverse range of product offerings to cater to both local customers and international tourists. Apart from Single Origin coffees, the store also includes a selection of Fine Flavoured, Fine Blended, and Naturally CO2 Decaffeinated coffees.

    Noteworthy offerings include single-serve coffee bags and signature blends from famed coffee-growing regions such as Yemen and Jamaica. The store also offers branded merchandise, which includes items like mugs, sugar bowls, and specially curated gift hampers.

    About Bacha Coffee

    Established in 1910 in Marrakech, Morocco, Bacha Coffee presents a range of unique concepts, from Coffee Rooms and Boutiques to Travel Retail and Takeaway formats. The brand, currently serving customers in over 60 countries, has extended its reach across continents, making a mark in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the concept behind Bacha Coffee’s new store in Macau?
    The new Bacha Coffee store in Macau offers a wide range of 100% Arabica coffees sourced from over 30 countries, along with brewing accessories and packaged goods.

    What unique offerings does the Bacha Coffee store in Macau have?
    The Macau store includes unique offerings such as Fine Flavoured, Fine Blended, and Naturally CO2 Decaffeinated coffees. It also offers single-serve coffee bags and signature blends from renowned coffee-growing regions like Yemen and Jamaica.

    Where else is Bacha Coffee present?
    Bacha Coffee has a global presence, serving customers in more than 60 countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The brand has recently opened a full-concept flagship store in Harbour City, Hong Kong.

  • Coopers Brewery Taps Into ‘nolo’ Trend With Full-flavoured Non-alcoholic Beer Launch

    Coopers Brewery Taps Into ‘nolo’ Trend With Full-flavoured Non-alcoholic Beer Launch

    Coopers Brewery, a family-owned Australian enterprise, has expanded its product offerings to include a non-alcohol beer. The move is in response to increasing consumer demand for beverages commonly referred to as ‘Nolo’, shorthand for ‘no or low alcohol’ beers.

    With an alcohol by volume (ABV) content of less than 0.5 percent, Coopers Zero delivers the robust flavor of a full-strength beer. This new product aligns with the results of the company’s research on evolving lifestyle trends. It was found that young Australians are twice as likely to opt for Nolo beverages.

    A Full-Flavoured Non-Alcoholic Brew

    According to Michael Shearer, Managing Director of Coopers, the new product was specifically developed for those aiming to reduce their alcohol consumption or diversify their drinking habits. “We aimed to create an exceptional, full-flavoured beer to accommodate Australians looking to moderate their alcohol intake or vary their drinking preferences,” he stated.

    Coopers’ healthier alternative is brewed from pale and crystal malts, as well as malted wheat. Each 375ml can contains 49 calories. The beer, characterized by its subtle aroma and moderate bitterness, will be available across Australia starting this month.

    Only last month, the brewery launched a fresh edition of its Vintage Ale.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the alcohol content of Coopers Zero?
    Coopers Zero has an alcohol by volume (ABV) content of less than 0.5 percent.

    What is the calorie content of Coopers Zero?
    Each 375ml can of Coopers Zero contains 49 calories.

    What are the primary ingredients used in the brewing process of Coopers Zero?
    Coopers Zero is brewed from pale and crystal malts, as well as malted wheat.

  • Hong Kong’s Tam Jai International Makes Culinary Leap Into Malaysia With First Tamjai Mixian Restaurant

    Hong Kong’s Tam Jai International Makes Culinary Leap Into Malaysia With First Tamjai Mixian Restaurant

    Hong Kong’s Tam Jai International (TJI) has expanded its culinary reach into Malaysia with the launch of its pioneer TamJai Mixian restaurant. This move signifies an integral part of the company’s growth in the food and beverage market within Southeast Asia.

    The new establishment is situated in the Sunway Pyramid Mall in Selangor, Malaysia. The restaurant, covering 136 square meters, is an integral component of the master franchise agreement that TJI has with Hextar Retail Berhad. This company is a subsidiary of the Malaysian conglomerate Hextar Group.

    TamJai Mixian, originated in Hong Kong, encompasses the quintessential elements of TJI’s flagship brands like TamJai Yunnan Mixian and TamJai SamGor Mixian. These brands are renowned for their carted noodles with soup bases, with a variety of spicy levels and an extensive selection of toppings.

    Daren Lau, the Chairman, Executive Director, and CEO of TJI, expressed his enthusiasm about the venture. “Our commencement in Malaysia signifies a substantial advancement in TJI’s strategic expansion within the rapidly proliferating Southeast Asian market,” he said.

    Lau also expressed his confidence in the brand’s appeal to the local Malaysian market. “We are confident that our established brand concept will strike a chord with local consumers, allowing us to leverage the robust growth potential of Malaysia’s vibrant and diverse food scene,” Lau added.

    The Tam Jai International group not only operates in Hong Kong but also runs over 240 locations in various countries such as Singapore, Japan, Mainland China, and Australia. The company also has plans in place for future expansion into the Philippines.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the new TamJai Mixian restaurant in Malaysia?
    The launch of the TamJai Mixian restaurant in Malaysia represents a significant step in TJI’s strategic expansion in the rapidly growing Southeast Asian market.

    What does TamJai Mixian offer?
    TamJai Mixian is known for its carted noodles with soup bases, which come in varying levels of spiciness and a wide selection of toppings.

    What is the future expansion plan of the Tam Jai International group?
    Apart from their recent expansion into Malaysia, Tam Jai International also has plans for future expansion into the Philippines.

  • Punkverse To Launch Revolutionary Flagship Store In Vietnam, Eyes Global Expansion

    Punkverse To Launch Revolutionary Flagship Store In Vietnam, Eyes Global Expansion

    Punkverse, a retail arm of the China-based collectible toy company PunkCode, is primed to launch its first international flagship store in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The specifics of the location, however, remain unknown as of now.

    Revolutionizing Retail

    The forthcoming Vietnam outlet is set to revolutionize the retail market with a unique combination of original intellectual property (IP), extended reality (XR) experiences, and a groundbreaking participatory retail model. This new approach to retail will empower consumers to become part-owners in the store, sharing in its profits.

    PunkCode has earned a reputation for its intriguing characters, namely Space Ape and Punk Ape. The company has also forged partnerships with highly esteemed artists from China like Zhang Daqian and Guan Shanyue.

    The Strategic Role of Punkverse

    Punkverse plays a vital role in PunkCode’s international strategy, intertwining toy manufacturing, artist collaborations, immersive technologies, and worldwide distribution. The company sees itself as a pioneering entity in the realms of the “Art Toy Culture Stock” and “XR Technology Stock.”

    According to PunkCode, Vietnam was selected as the location for their flagship store because of its young, technologically-adept population, a burgeoning middle class, substantial acceptance of mobile payments, and an expanding market for collectibles. The company has bold plans to inaugurate flagship stores in Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and Dubai by the coming year, as part of their ambitious “1000 Store Plan”.

    Public Listing

    In addition to its retail expansion, PunkCode has also solidified its Nasdaq listing structure under the ticker symbol “PKCD”, with intentions to become a publicly-traded company by the following year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the unique approach to retail proposed by PunkCode’s Punkverse?
    Punkverse is set to introduce a retail model combining original IP, extended reality experiences, and a participatory retail model that allows customers to share in store ownership and profits.

    Why was Vietnam chosen as the location for PunkCode’s first international flagship store?
    Vietnam was selected due to its young, tech-savvy population, a burgeoning middle class, high adoption of mobile payments, and a growing collectibles market.

    What are PunkCode’s future plans?
    PunkCode aims to open flagship stores in Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and Dubai as part of its ambitious “1000 Store Plan”. The company also plans to go public next year under the ticker symbol “PKCD”.

  • Danish Brand Flying Tiger Copenhagen Debuts In Singapore, Amplifying Asia-pacific Presence

    Danish Brand Flying Tiger Copenhagen Debuts In Singapore, Amplifying Asia-pacific Presence

    Flying Tiger Copenhagen, a Danish lifestyle brand, has recently expanded its global footprint with the launch of its first store in Singapore. Situated in Bugis+, the store’s opening signifies the brand’s sustained drive to establish a stronger presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

    The newly unveiled 157sqm store showcases a wide range of products, adhering to the brand’s focus on design-centric and economically priced offerings. The selection includes homeware, stationery, interior decor, and toys, thereby meeting a variety of consumer needs and preferences.

    Singapore represents the latest accomplishment in Flying Tiger Copenhagen’s ambitious regional growth strategy. The brand initiated its Asia-Pacific expansion in 2023 with the inauguration of its stores in Indonesia and the Philippines. This was closely followed by store launches in Australia and Vietnam in the subsequent year.

    The operations in Singapore are steered by PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP), an Indonesian lifestyle retail company. MAP also supervises the brand’s operations in Indonesia and Malaysia, thereby ensuring a cohesive strategy across these markets.

    Established in 1995, Flying Tiger Copenhagen has experienced significant growth and now operates over 1000 stores in 39 global markets. This expansion underscores the brand’s commitment to bringing its unique offerings to a wider international audience.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Danish lifestyle brand that recently opened its first store in Singapore?
    The brand is Flying Tiger Copenhagen.

    What variety of products does the new Flying Tiger Copenhagen store in Singapore offer?
    The store offers a selection of homeware, stationery, interior decor, and toys.

    Who is managing the operations of Flying Tiger Copenhagen in Singapore?
    The operations are managed by an Indonesian lifestyle retail firm known as PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP).

  • Charlie’s Fine Food Expands Reach: Choc Chip Cookie Dough Hits Aldi Australia Shelves

    Charlie’s Fine Food Expands Reach: Choc Chip Cookie Dough Hits Aldi Australia Shelves

    The renowned Melbourne-based bakery, Charlie’s Fine Food, has recently made a significant splash with its products appearing on Aldi Australia’s shelves for the first time in over 20 years of operation.

    Expanding Product Reach

    The ready-to-bake Choc Chip Cookie Dough, which is the first product to be launched by the bakery in partnership with the supermarket chain, is now available in Aldi’s chilled dessert section across the nation. Priced at $6.49, the cookie dough is the result of 12 dedicated months of development. This launch is a significant achievement for the family-owned bakery.

    Jacky Magid, the director of sales and marketing, expressed her excitement about this fresh partnership with Aldi. “This is the first time we have collaborated with Aldi and the experience has been exceptional. We anticipate that this will be the first of many Charlie’s products we develop for Aldi’s shoppers to enjoy,” said Magid.

    Foundational History

    Charlie’s Fine Food was established in 2004 by Magid and her husband, Ken Mahlab. Over the years, the bakery has expanded its reach, with its products now being sold in major retailers such as Woolworths, Coles, Walmart, and Bunnings.

    In 2022, the bakery’s reputation grew even further with the popular launch of its Mini Melting Moments range in Woolworths Metro stores across the country.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the first product Charlie’s Fine Food has launched in Aldi?
    The first product from Charlie’s Fine Food to be launched in Aldi is their ready-to-bake Choc Chip Cookie Dough.

    Who are the founders of Charlie’s Fine Food?
    Charlie’s Fine Food was founded by Jacky Magid and her husband, Ken Mahlab.

    What is the significant product launch by Charlie’s Fine Food in 2022?
    Charlie’s Fine Food launched its Mini Melting Moments range in Woolworths Metro stores across the country in 2022.

  • Oh!some Expands Regional Presence With New Bangkok Store, Unveils Disney Collaboration

    Oh!some Expands Regional Presence With New Bangkok Store, Unveils Disney Collaboration

    The lifestyle brand Oh!Some is making its debut in Thailand, signaling further growth in its regional presence, which includes a recent inauguration in Ho Chi Minh City.

    Store Location and Interior Concept

    Oh!Some’s newest retail branch will be positioned in Samyan Mitrtown, right in the heart of Bangkok. The store’s interior is conceived with an “ice and snow world” theme, a design specifically crafted to entice the Gen Z demographic through its captivating and photogenic displays.

    Product Line and Collaborations

    The product portfolio at the store will span across several categories. Customers can expect to find items ranging from beauty and skincare products, fragrances, and stationery to toys, collectibles, snacks, and home decor.

    In addition to its regular offerings, the store will also feature exclusive merchandise produced in collaboration with Disney. These exclusive collections will showcase beloved characters such as Stitch, Winnie the Pooh and a future line inspired by Mickey Mouse with a denim theme.

    Existing Presence and Future Plans

    At present, Oh!Some operates over 130 stores spread out across Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The brand has further expansion plans within the city of Bangkok, with more branches set to open in various districts later in the year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the interior design concept of the new Oh!Some store in Bangkok?
    The store features an “ice and snow world” theme designed to attract Gen Z consumers with visually striking, photo-friendly displays.

    What kind of products will be available in the new Oh!Some store?
    The store will offer a range of products across categories, including beauty and skincare, fragrances, stationery, toys, collectibles, snacks, and home decor.

    Does Oh!Some have any collaborations planned for their new store in Bangkok?
    Yes, the store will have exclusive items produced in collaboration with Disney, including themed collections featuring Stitch, Winnie the Pooh, and a forthcoming denim-inspired Mickey Mouse line.

  • Rimowa Opens First Street-front Store In Japan’s Chubu Region: A Blend Of Luxury And Tradition

    Rimowa Opens First Street-front Store In Japan’s Chubu Region: A Blend Of Luxury And Tradition

    Rimowa, a luxury travel accessories brand, has recently opened its inaugural street-front store in Sakae, Nagoya, situated in the heart of Japan’s Chubu region. The brand, which is part of the LVMH portfolio, is renowned for its premium range of suitcases, bags, and accessories.

    Store Design and Location

    The newly unveiled store, nestled amidst other high-end brands on Otsu-dori Street, merges traditional Japanese architecture with Rimowa’s own unique design aesthetic. Covering an impressive 190 square meters over two floors, the store’s design emphasizes the concept of lightness, achieved by the natural light streaming through its glass walls.

    The ground floor of the store showcases a striking blend of two types of synthetic marbles, creating a stark contrast with the store’s luminous interior ambiance.

    Customer Service and In-store Features

    On the second floor, customers will find two dedicated repair counters offering hot stamping and click repair services. The store also features a secluded customer service area, designed to promote a calm and relaxed shopping environment. True to Rimowa’s commitment to design and quality, this area boasts furniture crafted by Marcel Breuer, a renowned figure in furniture design who received his education at Germany’s prestigious Bauhaus.

    Questions & Answers

    Where is the new Rimowa store located?
    The new Rimowa store is located in Sakae, Nagoya, in Japan’s Chubu region.

    What is the design theme of the new Rimowa store?
    The design theme of the new Rimowa store emphasizes lightness, with natural light filtering in from its glass walls.

    What services does the new Rimowa store offer?
    The new Rimowa store offers dedicated repair counters for hot stamping and click repairs. It also features a partitioned customer service area for a relaxed shopping experience.

  • Pepsi Unveils Prebiotic Cola: A Revolutionary Step In Classic Beverage

    Pepsi Unveils Prebiotic Cola: A Revolutionary Step In Classic Beverage

    PepsiCo has announced the launch of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a significant development in the traditional cola category that it hasn’t seen in two decades.

    The Modern Twist to Classic Pepsi

    The new product brings a fresh perspective to the conventional Pepsi flavor, enhanced with functional prebiotic fiber aimed at promoting gut health. Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is available in two distinctive flavors: Original Cola and Cherry Vanilla. Each 350ml can of this innovative concoction includes five grams of cane sugar, 30 calories, and three grams of prebiotic fiber, and is void of any artificial sweeteners.

    A Leap Forward in Cola Experience

    PepsiCo’s US CEO, Ram Krishnan, expressed his excitement about the new product, stating that Pepsi Prebiotic Cola takes a significant leap forward in offering consumers more choice and functional ingredients in their cola drinking experience, without sacrificing the iconic Pepsi taste that the brand is renowned for.

    Reflecting Mindful Consumption Trends

    The introduction of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola is a marker of shifting trends towards more conscious consumption. This product complements PepsiCo’s existing portfolio, which includes Pepsi Zero Sugar and Poppi, a rapidly growing prebiotic soda brand recently acquired by PepsiCo.

    Availability and Packaging

    The new Pepsi Prebiotic Cola range is scheduled to launch online in the fall, and it is expected to be available in retail stores nationwide in the early part of next year. The product will be sold as single cans and in eight-packs, allocated in the conventional soft drink aisle, alongside Pepsi’s comprehensive range.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new product that PepsiCo has launched?
    PepsiCo has launched Pepsi Prebiotic Cola, a product that brings a modern twist to the traditional Pepsi flavor with the addition of functional prebiotic fiber.

    What are the key features of Pepsi Prebiotic Cola?
    Pepsi Prebiotic Cola contains five grams of cane sugar, 30 calories, and three grams of prebiotic fiber. It does not contain any artificial sweeteners and is designed to support gut health.

    When and where will Pepsi Prebiotic Cola be available?
    The new Pepsi Prebiotic Cola range will be available online in the fall and in nationwide retail stores in the early part of next year.

  • South Korean Eyewear Innovator, Gentle Monster, To Launch Flagship Store In Canada

    South Korean Eyewear Innovator, Gentle Monster, To Launch Flagship Store In Canada

    South Korean eyewear brand, Gentle Monster, is poised to make its debut in Canada with a flagship store set to open later this year at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The store, which will span over 5,300 square feet, is located in the luxury wing of the mall, keeping company with other high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne, and Acne Studios. The brand, known for its bold, trendsetting eyewear and unconventional store designs, is expected to bring a unique shopping experience to the Canadian retail landscape.

    A Unique Retail Experience

    Founded in Seoul in 2011 by Hankook Kim, Gentle Monster treats each of its stores as a standalone creative installation. Every location showcases a distinctive theme, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to providing not just a shopping venue, but a complete immersive experience for its customers. The upcoming Canadian flagship is anticipated to follow this creative trend, offering an art gallery-style environment that marries fashion, design, and immersive experiences.

    Product Offering

    Gentle Monster’s eyewear is typically priced between US$200 to $500. The brand launches over 20 new styles annually, maintaining a catalogue of more than 50 silhouettes. This steady stream of new products, along with the brand’s distinctive designs, helps to ensure Gentle Monster stays at the forefront of the fashion industry.

    Global Presence

    Gentle Monster currently runs 78 flagship stores across 13 countries, and its products can be found in over 200 partner retail locations worldwide. The brand’s expansion into Canada demonstrates its continuing ambition to increase its global reach.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Gentle Monster known for?

    Gentle Monster is recognized for its innovative, fashion-forward eyewear and unique store designs. Each store is treated as a unique creative installation, offering an immersive shopping experience for its customers.

    Where is Gentle Monster’s Canadian flagship store located?

    Gentle Monster’s Canadian flagship store will be located at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.

    What is the price range for Gentle Monster’s eyewear?

    Gentle Monster’s eyewear is typically priced between US$200 and $500. The brand launches over 20 new styles annually, maintaining a catalogue of more than 50 silhouettes.

  • CJ Group opens its first Tous les Jours store in Malaysia

    CJ Group opens its first Tous les Jours store in Malaysia

    CJ Foodville Corp, the restaurant division of the CJ Group, has launched its inaugural Tous les Jours bakery location in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    Expansion Plans

    This expansion is an integral part of the corporation’s global strategy, with another location set to be unveiled in Kuala Lumpur later this month.

    Master Franchise Agreement

    CJ Foodville has entered a master franchise deal with Stream Empire Holding, a local Malaysian retailer. This agreement provides the franchisee with the right to establish, manage, and grant sub-franchise rights to other parties.

    Global Presence

    Tous les Jours has approximately 560 outlets in nine countries, including the United States, Canada, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The company is also set to broaden its reach across the Southeast Asian market within the year.

    Moreover, the company operates a bakery factory in Indonesia and plans to develop another one in Georgia, United States, scheduled to open by the end of the year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the master franchise agreement between CJ Foodville and Stream Empire Holding?

    This agreement allows the local Malaysian retailer, Stream Empire Holding, to open, manage, and grant sub-franchise rights to other parties, aiding in the expansion of Tous les Jours across Malaysia.

    How many countries does Tous les Jours currently operate in?

    Tous les Jours currently operates in nine countries, running approximately 560 outlets.

    What are CJ Foodville’s expansion plans for Tous les Jours in the Southeast Asian Market?

    CJ Foodville plans to broaden the reach of Tous les Jours across the Southeast Asian market within the current year.

  • Customer-first strategy turns out profitable for Myer

    Customer-first strategy turns out profitable for Myer

    Myer CEO John King’s turnaround plan passed its first real test on Wednesday when the retailer reported a 3.1 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit after tax in the first half of FY19 to $41.3 million.

    While total sales fell 2.8 per cent to $1.67 billion and like-for-like sales fell 2.3 per cent in the half, King told investors he was not concerned, since the company has stopped chasing sales growth for the sake of it and is focused on increasing store profitability and growing online moving forward.

    Online sales were up 18.6 per cent in the half to $151.2 million, buoyed by a strong Q2, in which Myer did over $10 million in online sales over Cyber Weekend and had its biggest online sales day ever on Boxing Day.

    Operating gross profit margin improved 99bps to 38.5 per cent in the half, thanks to a renewed focus on exclusive brands. The company revealed that it is in the process of introducing more than 20 exclusive-to-Myer brands, most of which are international brands.

    The department store noted a 1.3 per cent improvement in its cost of doing business in the half, which it attributed in part to the rollout of a new workforce management system, which has improved its ability to roster employees to meet customer demand.

    EBITDA improved 4.9 per cent to $113.6 million.

    “This result demonstrates the positive customer response to a number of initiatives from our Customer First Plan, particularly during the all-important Christmas and Myer sale periods,” King said in a statement on Wednesday.

    The turnaround plan, which King announced last September, is based on three key priorities: transforming the customer experience in-store, expanding the company’s ‘Only at Myer’ brands and categories and offering value for money and improving Myer’s online offering.

    The retailer implemented a number of customer-centric initiatives in the half, including improving store layouts and localising merchandise in 23 stores in the network, and relaunching Myer’s ‘MyStore’ campaign, which King said has been well received by customers.

    Myer also launched a new website in October, which King said performed well during the major online shopping events in the half. The retailer is now looking to increase the number of products it offers online, which will enable it to reduce its selling area in certain centres, and to move the fulfilment of online orders from stores to a centralised distribution centre.

    In a call to investors on Wednesday, King said there is still a lot of room to cut costs and improve profitability by reducing the size of certain bricks-and-mortar stores in the network and improving the range and service in stores.

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