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Tag: flagship

  • Bottega Veneta opens massive flagship store in Tokyo

    Bottega Veneta opens massive flagship store in Tokyo

    High-end Italian label Bottega Veneta has opened a new flagship in Tokyo this month. The six-storey store at Ginza Chuo-Ku is the brand’s largest in the Asia region, and features men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, leather goods, handbags, eyewear, footwear, fragrances, jewellery and home decor.

    The store’s facade is composed of more than 900 metal panels similar to a motif featured on the brand’s handbag range, while the understated interior design matches Bottega Veneta’s furniture aesthetic.

    The label’s GM Claus-Dietrich Lahrs said in a statement that the Japanese clientele is important and extremely loyal – adding that Japan is one of the world’s leading markets for Bottega Veneta.

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  • Catwalk to be presented in Dear So Cute China store

    Catwalk to be presented in Dear So Cute China store

    Design firm Lukstudio has created a theatrical-style shop and cafe as a promotional and retail space for fashion platform Dear So Cute in Chinese Haining. Inspired by South Korean cafe/fashion trends, the design is intended to communicate the brand’s values and showcase products to younger consumers. The store layout features a backstage rigging system to adjust display features as with a theatre stage, and incorporates elements of the Hainingese shadow puppet tradition in its design.

    According to a report, the retail space emphasises the brand’s “forever young energy” with a minimal, contemporary look and pink highlights, serving as a neutral backdrop for the activities going on in the space. One standout feature is a stage in the fitting room area for customers to “catwalk” before friends while deciding on purchases.

    “In today’s retail environment, most people shop online for the convenience and the reassurance of the review system,” Lukstudio’s founder Christina Luk said. “However, I believe when it comes to delivering a brand’s identity and values, the physical store is much more effective.”

    View the store design in the gallery below (7 images) :

  • Longines opens a new flagship store

    Longines opens a new flagship store

    Luxury watchmaker Longines is the latest international retailer to secure a flagship store on Melbourne’s Collins Street after striking a deal with the landlord to modify the property’s façade to meet its global standards.

    The property at 256 Collins Street is set at 148sqm of ground space and additional 138sqm of basement space.

    The retailer initially turned down the space due to the store frontage not meeting the brand’s global requirements but later took a second look after CBRE leasing agents Zelman Ainsworth and Tan Thach worked closely with architecture firm Meiter 3 and the building landlord to draft designs that unlocked the store’s frontage potential and showed Longines what was possible.

    According to CBRE, the heritage building had significant limitations, making it challenging to modify the building. Eventually, they and Meiter 3 curated a council and heritage approved strategy, which also spoke to Longines’ sensitive design identity.

    The draft scheme included removing awnings, amplifying the building’s original architecture – circa 1950 – and mirroring the appearance of other Longines flagship locations across the globe; a classic, bright and timeless store front.

    Longines subsequently secured a 10-year lease over the property at a market rent.

    Ainsworth said there are more opportunities than ever for landlords to work with retailers to reposition their properties and stay relevant.

    “There are endless opportunities for landlords to reposition their real estate to ensure their properties suit a changing retail market,” he said. “Today, retail stores must provide brands with the platform and exposure they need to remain competitive on a global scale and engaged with their customer base.”

    “Ultimately if the shop on offer is one dimensional with no flexibility to adapt to the changing market – it will be difficult for retailers to see any value,” he added.

    Other international retailers who have leased spaced on Collins St over the past 26 months include Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Versace, Fendi, Berluti, TAG Heuer, Coach, Mercedes Me, Omega, Cartier, Burberry and Hour Glass.

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  • Uniqlo Philippines plans more flagship stores

    Uniqlo Philippines plans more flagship stores

    Uniqlo Philippines will open a global flagship store this year, saying it will be the biggest in Southeast Asia.

    The Japanese fashion giant says the new flagship will be in Glorietta 5 in Makati. It will be the brand’s 15th global flagship store in 11 markets, including New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore.

    “Having been a member of the local retail scene since 2012, we remain committed to contributing to the community and to being an integral part of Manila’s growth and future,” says Uniqlo Southeast Asia/Oceania chief executive Satoshi Hatase.

    Its sales floor area will cover 4100sqm, and as with other global flagship stores will showcase the full lineup of “LifeWear” for men, women, kids and babies.

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  • Esprit to quit Causeway Bay flagship Store

    Esprit to quit Causeway Bay flagship Store

    Hong Kong-listed fashion brand Esprit Holdings will not renew the lease for its flagship store in Causeway Bay, local media reports.

    Expiring in June, the lease for the 7000sqft (650sqm) store in Leighton Centre has cost Esprit about HK$2 million (US$254,862) a month since 2014.

    Esprit chairman Raymond Or says cost saving is not the sole reason for the move. The company also considers location and size as factors. “A large store might not bring about good results,” he told Apple Daily.

    JLL national director of research Cathie Chung says Esprit may be shifting its location strategy to be more mall-focused with a smaller shop size, reports Mingtiandi. “Compared to street shops, shopping malls tend to have a more balanced trade mix and guaranteed foot traffic, so it is more likely for Esprit to enjoy spillover benefit from complementary tenants. Promotion activities by malls can also attract shoppers.”

    Hysan, which owns the commercial complex where Esprit has been leasing two units, has been marketing the property to potential tenants at the same rate, reports say.

    Shop rents in Causeway Bay in the past quarter have dropped 53 per cent from their peak in the fourth quarter of 2014, says Chung who describes the owners’ stance as “rather soft”, allowing for rent negotiations.

    Fashion brand Twist last month leased a two-storey shop in East Point Road in Causeway Bay for 56 per cent less than the $1.1 million monthly rent the previous tenant had been paying, while Russell Street, once the most expensive retail destination in the world, has also seen rent cuts. Swatch Group last week, for example, was able to renew its lease for a street-front shop at a rate about a third lower than the $1 million a month specified when it first signed three years ago.

    Meanwhile, Esprit had a net loss of $954 million in the second half of last year. CEO Jose Manuel Martinez said the results were below expectation because of weaker sales at its stores because of a drop in customer traffic.

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  • LuxLexicon launches offline flagship store to attract customers

    LuxLexicon launches offline flagship store to attract customers

    In a switch from business online, handbag reseller LuxLexicon has unveiled its first flagship store at The Centrepoint.

    Founder Florence Low describes her company as the largest purveyor of Hermes Birkins and Kellys outside Hermes stores in Singapore, and a leader in authenticated luxury consignments for Hermes.

    Previously Low ran a boutique custom-publishing business and a luxury flash-sale e-commerce website before starting to sell Hermes handbags via her Instagram account @luxlexicon in 2016. She sold 1500 Hermes handbags through LuxLexicon last year, with the biggest sale being a new Himalayan Birkin 30 handbag fetching nearly $130,000.

    “Just as cars and timepieces are status symbols for men, handbags are seen to be the status symbols for women,” says Low. “Of all the handbag brands, the Hermes appeal is very strong because women everywhere recognise that these handbags make for good investments. They appreciate in value over time and are highly liquid when one decides to sell.”

    Her flagship store has more than 300 pieces in stock, while her clientele ranges from female professionals and socialites in their 30s to 50s, to men who buy them as gifts.

    While LuxLexicon continues selling online, but has done away with private viewings, Low believes a physical showroom will enable customers to interact with her so they can feel comfortable making a purchase.

    “When it comes to selling luxury goods, nothing beats seeing my customers in person before they make a purchase. It is hard for someone to part with a five-digit figure based on pictures alone. For that reason, the store is meant to offer buyers the chance to assess an item in person before buying it.”

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  • Superdry Vietnam launching first Hanoi flagship store

    Superdry Vietnam launching first Hanoi flagship store

    Superdry Vietnam will open first flagship store on Saturday, at Hanoi’s Trang Tien Plaza.

    It will showcase the British fashion brand’s latest menswear, women’s and children’s casualwear, sportswear,  footwear, undergarments and accessories.

    For its Vietnam debut, Superdry will also introduce its latest perfume collection, Superdry SS18.

    On opening day, the first 100 customers will each be given a Superdry shirt.

    Superdry comes to Vietnam via Jaspal Group, which owns the Vietnam rights to such brands as CC Double, CPS Chaps, Lyn, Misty Mynx and Santas.

    Superdry has 515 locations in 46 countries.

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  • Second flagship store for Lego Group China

    Second flagship store for Lego Group China

    Lego Group China has started building a flagship store at People’s Square, Shanghai.

    “Opening our second flagship store in China reconfirms our long-term commitment to the country,” says Lego China GM Jacob Kragh.

    Covering 585sqm over two floors inside Shanghai ShiMao Festival City, the store will feature the first Lego personalisation experience of its type in China, allowing guests of all ages to be creative and innovative with Lego bricks.

    Lego brand retail senior VP Claus Flyger Pejstrup says the aim is to give families an opportunity for quality time together above and beyond shopping.

    The new store, which follows the introduction of flagships at Shanghai Disneyland and Leicester Square in London is expected to create about 45 jobs. Recruitment start this month.

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  • Furla Beijing flagship opens

    Furla Beijing flagship opens

    Luxury brand Furla China has opened its first store in Beijing, at lifestyle retail destination WF Central.

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL_Inside 3

    As well as women’s leather goods and sunglasses, the Italian brand’s 208sqm flagship store features a special range inspired by the city’s symbol, the Panda Collection.

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL_Inside 2

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL _Inside 1

    Furla CEO Alberto Camerlengo says the opening of the flagship highlights the brand’s determination with its expansion strategy in China.

    BEIJING WF CENTRAL_Outside 2

     

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  • Nestle Korea introducing Kit Kat flagship store

    Nestle Korea introducing Kit Kat flagship store

    Chocolate wafer snack Kit Kat is to have a flagship store in Seoul, being launched by Nestle Japan in co-operation with Nestle Korea.

    The Swedish snack company’s Japanese branch is known for its exclusive “chocolatory”, which offers special flavours and desserts. Flavours previously exclusive to the Tokyo store will be available at the store set to open in Shinsegae Department Store’s Gangnam location.

    Nestle Japan’s Premium Kit Kat is one of the most popular souvenirs Koreans buy when visiting Japan. The exclusive flavours, launched in co-operation with pastry chef Yasumasa Takagi, borrow from local specialties such as Kyoto’s matcha green tea and Hokkaido’s melon.

    In Korea, only the original milk and dark chocolate flavours are available. The Seoul flagship store, which opens next Thursday, will not only expand on this but also offer signature desserts.

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  • Nike’s opens new three-level flagship in the Sydney CBD

    Nike’s opens new three-level flagship in the Sydney CBD

    Retail Prodigy Group will open the doors to a three-level Nike flagship store at George Street in the Sydney CBD on Thursday morning.

    The new flagship is the first high street store for the brand in Sydney, situated in a heritage building that has been modernised for the new store. The ground floor is dedicated to men’s training and running, sportswear, the Jordan Brand and basketball in the basement. The first floor has been designated for womenswear, in the running, training and sportswear categories, plus a specialised bra fitting service and pant hemming.

    With a focus on running products, the store will feature Nike+ Trial Zones; an immersive space that features a Nike+ Run treadmill dedicated to trialling running footwear.

    In a Nike Australia first, the store also features sneaker cleaning and protection services.

    Brant Hirst, Nike marketing director told us that the vast amount of construction works currently underway in the Sydney CBD had not been a concern in the development of the new George Street location.

    “The heritage facade and multiple levels of the building provided the perfect canvas for a premium shopping experience for our customers,” he said.

    “Having a high street store in an emerging shopping precinct was also a major drawcard of the space.”

    Despite several commentators continuing to forecast the demise of bricks and mortar retailing, Hirst said the new flagship would be “powered by immersive product experiences” and in-store experts.

    “This store centres around elevating every athlete’s potential and offering customers personalised experiences, whether they’re training for a marathon, or want the latest in sports style.”

    When asked if we could expect to see more larger flagships in other locations across Australia and New Zealand, Hirst said that Nike was “always looking at ways to innovate and offer premium shopping experiences for our customers.”

    Nike also recently confirmed it is launching a pilot program to sell sneakers on Amazon, in a move to combat counterfeiters and unsolicited third-party sales conducted online.

    In a call with analysts, Nike CEO Mark Parker said that Amazon would carry “a limited Nike product assortment” of footwear, apparel, and accessories, and that the sports brand was seeking to improve its presence on the e-commerce site while also protect its brand reputation.

    Meanwhile, the race is on within sports retailing in Australia.

    British retailer, JD Sports currently has three stores trading in Australia at Melbourne Central, Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast and Parramatta in Sydney’s western suburbs. Two further stores will open soon at Miranda in Sydney and Highpoint in Melbourne.

    The Lancashire-based company has more than 1,200 stores under a portfolio of sports fashion and outdoor brands throughout the United Kingdom and Europe.

    Decathlon, the French retailer, has established an Australian online sales platform and expects to open its first store in the Sydney suburb of Tempe in October.

    The retailer has more than 1,000 stores in almost 30 countries and has notionally set a target of 100 stores for the Australian market.

    More recently, Super Retail Group decided to discontinue Amart Sports and convert its 65 stores into Rebel Sport as part of a consolidation strategy designed to defend against the entry of Amazon, Decathlon and JD Sports.

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  • Ksubi returns to retail with global flagship

    Ksubi returns to retail with global flagship

    Ksubi is on a fashion comeback with the opening of its global flagship store in Sydney. Located on the prime shopping strip of Oxford Street in Paddington, Ksubi has set up its return to retail within the coveted ‘The Intersection’ shopping hub in Sydney’s inner east

    The new boutique adds to the current distribution of Ksubi, which sees its jeans, apparel and accessories stocked inside the store walls of youth fashion retailer General Pants Group, who acquired distribution rights to the brand in 2014.

    The new Ksubi store comes after years of financial woes for the Sydney fashion label, after it was rescued twice from administration.

    Ksubi was founded as a streetwear label in 1999 by Gareth Moody, Dan Single, George Gorrow, Paul Wilson and Oscar Wright. Known for its impeccable denim cuts and high-octane aesthetic, the label soared to cult status among trend-lead fashionistas for several years and was stocked globally in niche boutiques.

    However, in 2010, claims of mismanagement and quarrels internally saw it fumble into administration, and it was sold to clothing manufacturer Bleach Group for around A$5 million.

    In late 2013, the Australian fashion label was then placed in receivership again after 14 years in the business, with Bleach Group chief executive Mark Byers blaming challenges in the Asian supply chain. Some 60 staff were fired from the brand’s head office, while its seven stores were also closed.

    US-based firm Breakwater Management Group took on Ksubi soon after and at the time said it would focus on the brand’s online sales. Breakwater then inked a distribution agreement with Australian multi-brand retailer General Pants Co in 2014, to sell Ksubi items from its 40-plus Australian stores, thus reviving Ksubi’s brand reach in store.

    With the news of the latest Ksubi store in Sydney, no information has been disclosed concerning future store openings for the brand in Australia or overseas. Today, Ksubi is sold in the US, Japan, the UK, and New Zealand and in Bloomingdales in Kuwait.

  • Apple opens flagship Singapore store, its first retail outlet in Southeast Asia

    Apple opens flagship Singapore store, its first retail outlet in Southeast Asia

    Saturday saw the official opening of Apple‘s new retail store in Singapore, also marking the first Apple Store to open in Southeast Asia. Officially known as Apple Orchard Road, the store is the latest of Apple’s next-generation retail stores, feature design elements like a large, all-glass front, open spaces to be used for community-focused events such as Today at Apple, tree planters inside, and custom wood furniture.

    The store’s design and interior were first revealed earlier this week when Apple finally had the barricades removed after months of work. At 10:00 AM on Saturday the store was opened to the public, with a significant crowd waiting outside. Apple’s senior vice president of retail, Angela Ahrendts, was present at the opening to welcome visitors and take part in the celebration with staff.

    After spending almost two years in the planning stages, Apple Orchard Road has come to life as two-story outlet featuring a curved staircase that features design elements borrowed from the new Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino. Upstairs guests will find the Genius Grove and gathering area for Today at Apple sessions, while the bottom floor has plenty of tables showcasing the company’s many products and accessories.

    Part of Apple’s goal with redesigning their stores is to change the public’s perception of the locations as simply places to buy Apple products. Ahrendts has said that they want Apple stores to be viewed more as meeting spots, much like Starbucks, or as places where interesting events take place, with friends wanting to check it out together.

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  • 2XU launches first flagship store in Hong Kong

    2XU launches first flagship store in Hong Kong

    Australian sportswear brand 2XU has opened a Hong Kong flagship store this month, located in the prestigious Causeway Bay shopping district.

    Situated in the heart of Causeway Bay, at 77 Leighton Road, the new 930 square foot store is the official Hong Kong flagship and is the first standalone store for the high-performance sports apparel brand in the city. 2XU successfully debuted a Hong Kong e-commerce platform at the end of 2015.

    Melbourne-born, 2XU specialises in technical fabrics, particularly compression wear. Its products are used by top athletes in Australia and internationally (it is distributed in fifty markets) and has been worn by basketball players in the NBA and NFL football leagues in the United States.

    It boasted an annual 40 per cent increase in sales over the past five years, and has grown EBITDA at around 25 per cent per annum for same period.

    In December 2013, L Capital Asia acquired a 40 per cent share of 2XU. In 2015, there was talk of L Capital Asia mulling a public float in either in Australia or New York that could value the business at more than $600 million.

    2XU was founded in 2005 by Clyde Davenport, James Hunt and Aidan Clarke. The founders still hold a 42 per cent share, while Lazard Australian Private Equity holding an 18 per cent stake.

  • Valentino Opens New Flagship Store In Hong Kong

    Valentino Opens New Flagship Store In Hong Kong

    Italian fashion brand Valentino opened a new flagship store in the first phase of Lee Gardens, Hong Kong. Located in the prosperous core area of Causeway Bay, the new Valentino flagship store has two floors and a total area of 382 square meters.

    Designed by the British architect David Chipperfield, this new store combines old and new aesthetic elements in creating a luxurious palace atmosphere, instead of a pure window display store style. Chipperfield used luxurious decorative materials, including Venice terrazzo, Athena marble, Carrara marble, and pine furniture.

    Valentino’s Lee Gardens store will sell a full range of women’s products, covering apparel, accessories, and perfume.

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