Retail News CRM

Tag: Hong Kong

  • CSL to offer free unlimited data for Pokemon GO

    CSL to offer free unlimited data for Pokemon GO

    Hong Kong’s CSL aims to take advantage of the global buzz around the augmented reality game Pokemon GO by offering free unlimited mobile data for the app as a promotional exercise.

    Once the game launches in Hong Kong, customers of both the CSL and 1O1O mobile brands will be able to use the game without incurring data charges.

    The offer appears to be an attempt to attract or retain customers from the younger segment. In line with this, the offer is applicable to CSL’s student plans, which are tailored for users aged between 11 and 17.

    Mobile customers in Hong Kong will also be able to use the Tap & Go mobile payment service to purchase Pokecoins from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

    “As the leading mobile operator in Hong Kong, we foresee that Pokemon GO popularity would take off once this new sensation is launched in Hong Kong,” CSL chief marketing officer Bruce Lam commented.

    “ And we are making this offer available so our customers can play the game for hours on end without having to worry about mobile data consumption.”

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  • Apple Pay Launched in Hong Kong With American Express, Mastercard Support

    Apple Pay Launched in Hong Kong With American Express, Mastercard Support

    Apple Pay has arrived in Hong Kong, allowing the Apple users to use the company’s mobile payment system.

    Apple’s payment system has been rolled out to American Express, Visa and MasterCard cardholders in Hong Kong. Other participating banks are Standard Chartered, DBS, Hang Seng Bank, HSBC, Bank of East Asia, and BOC Credit Card, a subsidiary of Bank of China (Hong Kong). Apple’s website notes that the system would be compatibile with BEA and HKT touchless payment network Tap & Go in the future, as reported.

    Apple users can add their cards to Apple Pay by just tapping “Add Credit or Debit Card” option in the Wallet app on devices running the iOS 8.1 or higher. Hong Kong’s Apple Pay works fine with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s Plus, and iPhone SE. It is also available on the iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 4, and both iPad Pro models. However, iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s users need an Apple Watch to make Apple Pay work.

    Greg Hingston, the head of retail banking and wealth management at HSBC in Hong Kong, said the number of HSBC’s active mobile banking customers has increased by almost 50 percent over the past three years, according to the South China Morning Post.

    “We expect this to rise as customers continue to migrate to digital banking and as we roll out innovative offerings such as Apple Pay. Digital is an integral part of our strategy as technology and mobility are changing the way our customers access information, products and services,” Hingston said.

    In Hong Kong, Apple Pay can be used where contactless payment is accepted and at a wide range of retail partners, including 7-Eleven, KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Pacific Coffee, Su-Pa-De-Pa, Taste, ThreeSixty, Uny, and more.

    The Cupertino-based company’s payment system has also debuted in France, which is compatible with Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards issued by Carrefour Banque and Ticket Restaurant as well as Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne, an assemblage that includes France’s second largest banking group.

    Apple Pay is now available in nine countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and Singapore. In addition, Apple plans to launch Apple Pay to Spain through a partnership with American Express later this year.

  • Turnover falls for Sa Sa International

    Turnover falls for Sa Sa International

    Sa Sa sales are slowing, despite an improvement in Mainland Chinese visitor numbers.

    Retail and wholesale turnover for cosmetics retailer Sa Sa International Holdings fell by 5.7 per cent for the first quarter to June 30, according to unaudited data.

    Turnover dropped 5.4 per cent to HK$1384.9 million (US$178.585 million) in the Hong Kong and Macau markets, while same-store sales decreased by 4.8 per cent. While there were only slightly fewer transactions, their average value fell 5.7 per cent.

    In other markets, including China, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan as well as Sasa.com, retail and wholesale turnover dropped 7 per cent to HK$1717.1 million for the quarter.

    While still in decline, the group’s retail sales in Hong Kong and Macau recorded a notable improvement compared to the last quarter of the last financial year, the company attributing this to traffic growth of 2.7 per cent among mainland customers.

    “Their consumption continued to be on the weaker side, with spending declining by 6.4 per cent per transaction. Local consumption sentiment remained sluggish,” says the company.

    Improved sales performances were partially because of the group’s efforts to adjust product offerings to meet market demand.

    As at June 30, the company had 112 stores in Hong Kong and Macau, a drop of one from the start of the quarter. At 55, there were two fewer stores on the mainland, Singapore was steady at 23 stores, Malaysia’s 67 stores included had one more outlet, and Taiwan also lost a store for a total of 31. Overall, the company had 288 stores, down from 291.

    Sales performance during the period was affected by a series of factors, says the company, so the data for the period may not be able to reflect the overall performance of the reporting period.

  • HKBN awarded MVNO license

    HKBN awarded MVNO license

    Hong Kong ISP HKBN has secured a license from telecoms regulator OFCA to offer MVNO services in the market.

    OFCA has granted HKBN an expanded services-based operator license to allow the company to offer mobile services using the infrastructure of established mobile network operators.

    The company has signed an agreement with China Mobile Hong Kong, and is in discussions with two other mobile operators, with the goal of launching mobile services for both residential and corporate customers.

    HKBN said it expects to soft-launch mobile services in as early as August this year to complement its existing fixed line services.

    With the addition of MVNO services the company will be able to introduce quad-play offers combining broadband, fixed line telephone, OTT entertainment and mobile services in the same package.

    “This is a strong move to maximize shareholder value by offering a full suite of fixed and mobile services, leveraging our quickly expanding broadband customer base of over 800,000 households,” HKBN CEO and co-owner William Yeung said.

    “Replicating our success in the fixed broadband market,our mobile service will come with strong value propositions, aiming to delight customers with the best customer experience at highly competitive prices.”

    HKBN recently announced that the majority of the company’s supervisory and management-level employees have now invested in the company under its co-ownership program.

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  • HomeSquare’s 7th Annual Smart Buy Weeks Kicked Off last week

    HomeSquare’s 7th Annual Smart Buy Weeks Kicked Off last week

    HomeSquare, Hong Kong’s largest one-stop shopping mall for home furnishing is proud to bring back its Smart Buy Weeks event for the seventh year in a row. Taking place from July 17 to August 17, 2016, more than 58,000 pieces of furniture will go on sale for as little as $1, $100, or with discounts of up to 90%, making for a perfect opportunity for new homeowners to furnish their living space without breaking the bank. In all, Smart Buy Weeks will save consumers a total of up to HK$18 million!

    A press conference/opening ceremony for HomeSquare 7th annual Smart Buy Weeks was held today, officiated by Mr. Henry Lam, Sun Hung Kai Real Estate Agency General Manager (Leasing) and Ms. Yoki Hui, Sun Hung Kai Real Estate Agency Senior Leasing Manager.  They were joined by representatives from GoGoVan and YATA Department Store, Hong Kong Design Institute as well as international designer JLee Ho Lam to kick off the annual mega sales event.

    Mr. Henry Lam estimates that the 32-day Smart Buy Weeks this year would attract more than HK$1.23 million shoppers, a 10% increase from last year.  He also expects to see stronger footfall this year, with around 184,800 visitors on opening day alone and approximately 37,768 visitors on an average weekday, representing a 10% and 9% increase from last year respecively.  Mr Lam believes HomeSquare’s annual Smart Buy Weeks will attract around 101,959 daily visitors during public holidays and weekend, which would record 10% growth from last year.  The expected retail consumption per capita would be between HK$500 to HK$5,500, with those interested in interior design likely to spend up to HK$230,000 on average.   It is expected to generate  HK$224 million business turnover to tenants, representing a year-on-year increase of 12%.

    Mr Lam adds, “HomeSquare’s annual Smart Buy Weeks always endeavors to excel beyond customers’ expectations.  We strive to surprise shoppers with innovative themes and offers every year.   With Smart Buy Weeks going into its seventh year, we believe that just offering low prices is no longer enough for today’s sophisticated shoppers who pursue quality lifestyle in home design.  Therefore, HomeSquare, being a visionary leader in home furnishing industry, has invested HK$4 million on this annual campaign this year to bring a 360-degree all-encompassing lifestyle design experience to shoppers.  With support from different business parties, HomeSquare’s 7th Annual Smart Buy Weeks will present a recorded number of sales rebates to shoppers ever.  We have set an entirely new standard on all aspects of home life, from diversified shopping offers, home design ideas, shopping process, to post-sales service.

    In recent years, consumers have developed higher standards for home decor product design and quality.  They are no longer looking for “the best deal”, but the “best valued product”, meaning product price and quality are of equal importance to shoppers.  Sophisticated shoppers will do online research, compare brands and products, learn about the product’s design philosophies and product durability, among others.  Two areas that consumers have become increasingly interested in are brand heritage and the quality of material used. These concepts are more important to consumers, even ahead of price. Consumers are more willing to buy items from an established, respected brand because they know the item could last them well from 5 years to over a decade, in addition to vintage furniture gaining value in price as time goes on, hence the continual increasing interest in high-end furniture. HomeSquare’s Smart Buys Week focuses on the aforementioned trends, and have collaborated with renowned international brands that are known for their quality and craftsmanship, these include: Denmark’s BoConcept, French mattress brand Treca, Italy’s Cattelan Italia, and Decor Collection, which exclusively handles a myriad of European brands.

     Special offers by international brands at HomeSquare’s 7th Annual Smart Buy Weeks include: 

    Brand    Item    Discount Price Quantity
    BoConcept Groove Tray 90% HK$85 9 Pieces
    TRECA Treca French Bed 90% HK$2,540 1 Pieces
    Cattlelan Italia Baum Clothing Rack HK$1 HK$1 1 Pieces
    Décor Collection Thalya Chair HK$1 HK$1 1 Pieces

    HomeSquare 7th Annual Smart Buy Weeks has interpreted “360-degree all-encompassing lifestyle design experience ” via five aspects of special offers: 

     1: Nearly 60,000 products available to fit various tastes, different home decor needs and diversified shopping behaviors: 

    This year’s Smart Buy Weeks have garnered full support from Hong Kong’s home furnishing businesses, seeing 100% home tenants’ participation, including new join to Smart Buy Weeks and most sought-after brands, offering a total of more than 58,000 items available for both online and offline purchase.  Every item is sold at a major discount, from popular brand name goods to award-winning designer pieces, to meet the needs of shoppers with different tastes and needs.  To cater to the surging demand for online shopping, HomeSquare has launched a smartphone app exclusively for Smart Buy Weeks offering a quality, easy-to-use and secure online shopping experience.  Shoppers can select and pay for furniture all on their smartphones, making online shopping at HomeSquare as easy as a snap of the fingers.

    2: Hong Kong’s first 360-degree cinematheque offering valuable insights for building one’s home: 

    For this year’s Smart Buy Weeks, HomeSquare has invited LAAB Architect, the makers behind the amazing 309-sq-ft “transformer” apartment that was covered by CNN, as well as international creative artist Ms. JLee Ho Lam to share their respective insights on building a “Smart Home” and an “Art Home”. The immersive experience includes a virtual exploration of interiors and products that are part of Smart Buy Weeks.

    3: HomeSquare partners with GoGoVan for all-inclusive door-to-door delivery service: 

    During Smart Buy Weeks, GoGoVan’s team of professional drivers will be on hand to provide door-to-door delivery service. To ensure customers don’t have to wait long for service, HomeSquare has launched a “GoGoHome 30 Second Challenge” initiative — if a GoGoVan driver takes longer than 30 seconds to pick up the shopper, coffee is on us!

    4: HomeSquare teams up with partners to present the biggest surprises and most sales rebates for shoppers ever: 

    This year, HomeSquare has partnered with GoGoVan, HSBC Credit Card and YATA Department Store to launch the most number of promotions and surprising rebates for shoppers, including some new exclusive offers to shoppers.

     5: Hong Kong Design Institute stars show off the blueprint to build a happy home: 

    This year, HomeSquare will join hands with Hong Kong Design Institute to present “Think and Do” scholarship program.   The three students awarded the scholarship will share their insights on creating unity within the home via symmetrical layout and proportional settings in the Home 360 exhibition. In addition, JLee will share the secrets to crafting an “art home” with the use of special offered products of Smart Buy Weeks.

     Be The First To Experience Immersive 360-Degree Tour Of Two Distinctive Units 

    Following the opening ceremony, Mr. Henry Lam and Ms. Yoki Hui led a press tour of the 360-degree cinematheque, which screened films on the amazing 309-sq-ft “transformer” apartment designed by LAAB Architect, which was covered by CNN; as well as the “Home. Art. Home” presented by Ms. JLee Ho Lam.  Media were offered an exclusive preview of the 360-degree virtual exploration of interiors and products that are part of Smart Buy Weeks, letting media venture into, and explore the virtual space via VR goggles.  LAAB Architect introduced to the audience the “Small Home Smart Home” while JLee explained the eight tips on how to merge art and home decor in “Home. Art. Home”. With this VR experience, Smart Buy Weeks hopes to help visitors unlock the potential to building their homes.

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  • AccorHotels picks Ruckus Wireless as Wi-Fi vendor

    AccorHotels picks Ruckus Wireless as Wi-Fi vendor

    AccorHotels Group  has selected Ruckus Wireless as the preferred Wi-Fi partner for its chain of more than 3,700 hotels in 90 countries.

    The company has started implementing 802.11ac access point technology from the vendor at hotels including Novotel Hong Kong Nathan Bay Kowloon to improve performance for both customers and staff.

    As part of the agreement, Ruckus ill also update the hotel group’ technical infrastructure to help support new standards and customer requirements.

    “Our digital strategy is hyper-focused on our customers and owners—and their expectations for high-performance, multi-access, personalized Wi-Fi services,” said David Esseryk, vice president of guest technology and innovation at AccorHotels.

    “Ruckus’ understanding of the hospitality industry and close relationship with global HSIA services providers made the choice clear-cut. We look forward to working together, streamlining processes and ultimately further enhancing our powerful brand DNA.”

    Hotels require strong Wi-Fi infrastructure to support what is often a large number of concurrent users. Guests have also come to consider Wi-Fi as a must-have requirement.

    Ruckus Wireless Wi-Fi technology includes unique selling points including directional, high-gain RF signal routing to improve coverage, performance and cost-effectiveness, making the company a popular choice for the hospitality sector.

  • Citilink to Open New Hong Kong-Manado Route

    Citilink to Open New Hong Kong-Manado Route

    Citilink, the low-cost arm of national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, is set to open a new route from Hong Kong to Manado in North Sulawesi in a bid to lure Chinese tourists to the archipelago.

    Citilink Indonesia commercial president director Hans Nugroho said Manado was one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations among Chinese tourists besides Bali and Raja Ampat in West Papua.

    “Manado has become famous as a diving destination. Hopefully the new route will afford foreign tourists easier access to Indonesia,” said Hans.

    Using an Airbus A320 for its maiden flight on the new route, Citilink is slated to carry 180 tourists from Hong Kong to Manado on Tuesday. Hans estimated that the carrier would be able to accommodate up to 3,000 passengers until the end of August.

    According to Tourism Ministry data, the number of foreign visitors to Indonesia reached 915,200 in May, 12.6 percent of whom came from China.

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  • Parc Central retail ‘stadium’ opens doors

    Parc Central retail ‘stadium’ opens doors

    Urban park retail development Parc Central, Guangzhou is now fully open in the heart of the CBD.

    Commissioned as masterplanner, architect and interior designer, Benoy has delivered the Pearl River Delta city project in collaboration with Ronald Lu & Partners. Described as a “stadium for retail”, it blends low-rise and below-ground retail spaces within a multi-level parkland along a major thoroughfare.

    On the site of a former square, Parc Central was developed to contribute socially and spatially to the city, as well as economically. It is a focal point along the city’s “green axis’”, a 110,000 sqm retail development designed around an open parkland environment. Its gardens, planted walkways and living walls create an undulating green space.

    Parc Central is only 24m high, lower than surrounding buildings, with two levels above ground and three levels below ground. Drawing on the symbol for peace, harmony and fortune in the Chinese culture, the architecture references the “double fish” in the form of a steel monocoque roof structure. The two buildings curve around the central gardens and are joined by a pedestrian bridge. The roof canopies are supported by tree-like columns beneath which gardens extend the landscape element up the building.

    Sustainable design

    Sustainably designed, Parc Central has a rainwater collection system, low-E (low thermal emissivity) glass facades and a corrosive-resistant plastic EFTE roof.

    Inside, the Benoy team has introduced flowing ceiling cove forms and uninterrupted joinery with atriums to punctuate the retail journey and draw light into the arcades. A neutral colour palette of white and reconstituted stone creates a natural background for the mall, showcasing tenants and their merchandise.

    Part of the scheme is a new public transport interchange for Guangzhou, connecting the metro system with a bus network. Overhead footbridges connect to neighbouring developments.

    Parc Central, Guangzhou - Benoy full

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  • Kapok at NDC launches own label

    Kapok at NDC launches own label

    Lifestyle shop Kapok at NDC has launched its own label, Future Classics.

    The label features wardrobe staples with a focus on fabric, silhouette and details, and is said to “redefine genderless casualwear”.

    “Working with Japanese and technical fabrics, Future Classics garments are cut to fit and flatter Asian body shapes,” says Kapok, describing the clothing as a “subtle show of selvedge on denim, with a quirky hanger embroidery logo to add a touch of fun”.

    Kapok also features bags by Danish brand Rains, French labels like APC and Maison Kitsune, and Astier de Villatte city-themed candles.

    Kapok was founded by former French banker Arnault Castel in Hong Kong in 2006. The brand now has eight stores in the city, and opened two years ago in Singapore at the National Design Center.

    Future Classics’ will be available in Kapok at NDC from Friday following the collection’s reveal in Hong Kong.

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  • Bacardi targets Hong Kong-China commuters with John Dewar emporium

    Bacardi targets Hong Kong-China commuters with John Dewar emporium

    Bacardi Global Travel Retail has unveiled the largest permanent merchandising installation of The John Dewar & Sons Fine Whisky Emporium in Hong Kong.

    The company has partnered with Chinese duty free retailer Sky Connection and sister company Anway for the opening at the Free Duty store inside Hong Kong MTR Lo Wu station.

    The station is home to train services between Hong Kong and mainland China, with over 100 million cross-boundary travellers using the location every year.

    Brand ambassadors are on hand at the three metre wide emporium to guide shoppers through the Dewar’s portfolio. It also showcases Aberfeldy Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Aultmore of the Foggie Moss Speyside Single Malt, Craigellachie Speyside Single Malt and Glen Deveron, Royal Burgh Collection.

    “We have looked in detail at Chinese drinking habits and believe there is a strong opportunity to drive incremental basket spend in Scotch,” said Bacardi Global Travel Retail Regional Director Asia-Pacific Vinay Golikeri. “This opportunity will come from shoppers who were born during and since the economic reform.  They are already actively engaging with the ‘discovery’ opportunity and the brand intrinsics of the five single malts in our aged whisky portfolio.”

    Bacardi sees a US$40 million incremental opportunity in global travel retail whisky. “We are convinced the key to this prize is by leveraging the appeal of discovery brands such as ours with shoppers at the second stage of luxury,” said Golikeri.

    Anway/Sky Connection Merchandising & Buying Director Simon Au commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to bring something special to the high proportion of our shoppers who are whisky lovers and collectors. We’re delighted with the customer feedback – people are genuinely amazed to be able to purchase some of the world most awarded whiskies on their commute home.”

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  • Introducing Antony, the virtual concierge built by Red Ant

    Introducing Antony, the virtual concierge built by Red Ant

    Visitors to the recent Retail Asia Expo in Hong Kong found themselves taking part in a unique experience – chatting to Antony, an AI bot fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin and eager to help them find their way around the expo.

    Built by connected retail technology specialist Red Ant, Antony was developed as a proof of concept AI and speech recognition platform. Attendees interacted with him as a virtual concierge, getting details about food and beverage options, key locations within the expo and background information on Red Ant.

    Antony was created by using a speech to text API for the input – voice commands are sent to an AI platform where they are processed – and output generated using a text-to-speech API. Users simply walked up to his terminal and were prompted to greet him. Then, through a series of guided questions, Antony was able to give information about the venue and catering arrangements.

    He proved very popular among the visitors, generating enquiries from a number of representatives from malls, office blocks, transport hubs and hotels.

    Jonathan Cummings, Managing Director of global creative agency StartJG, said: ‘It was brilliant to have Antony and his Red Ant colleagues be part of our Interact Zone at the Expo. We curated the space to demonstrate the best and most innovative things happening in retail right now and Antony was a huge hit with visitors. We hope to see much more of Antony and bots just like him in the future.’

    Elisa Harca, Red Ant’s Regional Director for Asia, said: ‘The Retail Asia Expo attracts more than 10,000 visitors from 60 countries – it was the ideal arena for showcasing Antony and what he can do. The right technology in the right place is key to ensuring customers have a first-class experience, and Antony demonstrates just how innovative and engaging the latest tech can be.’

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  • Subdued tourism and weak retail sales likely to hurt Hong Kong economy

    Subdued tourism and weak retail sales likely to hurt Hong Kong economy

    In the first quarter of 2016, Hong Kong’s economy had contracted 0.4 percent on sequential basis and grew 0.8 percent on year-on-year basis. This was the first contraction since 2014 amidst weak retail sales and trade sectors, sluggish consumer demand and cautious business spending.

    Fewer visitors and subdued tourist expenditure further weighed on retail sales in April. Moreover weaker trade growth led to high jobless rate in the trade and wholesale sector. Downtrend in retail and tourism sector continue to be present because of fewer tourists and tepid spending and cautious consumer confidence.

    Hong Kong’s retail sales’ value dropped for the 14th consecutive month in April. It declined 7.5 percent year-on-year to HKD 35.2 billion. The retail sector continues to be in doldrums amidst fewer tourists and weaker tourists spending. The luxury segment has weighed majorly on the nation’s retail sales, with the sales value of watches and jewellery, declining for the 19th consecutive month by 16.6 percent in April.

    Given the dull outlook for the country’s retail sector, Hong’s Kong’s retail property market might drop further even as retail shop rentals and prices declined 1.3 percent year-on-year and 7.8 percent year-on-year respectively in March. Additional rental concession and higher vacancy rates in core business district might be likely, noted OCBC Bank in a research report.

    In April, jobless rate in the retail sector grew to 5.3 percent amidst subdued tourist activities and luxury consumption. This was disappointing as compared to an average of 4.4 percent in 2014. This is due to weak business performance in retail sales in the midst of contracting tourist spending. The Hong Kong’s retail sector is expected to be limited by subdued inbound tourism activities amidst downturn in Chinese economy and external uncertainties. This might be a drag on employment in the retail sector.

    “Overall, HK’s labor market may worsen further with unemployment rate expected to rise to 3.5 percent over 2016,” added OCBC Bank.

     

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  • McDonald’s Hong Kong opens toy museum

    McDonald’s Hong Kong opens toy museum

    In partnership with creative agency DDB and Tribal Hong Kong, McDonald’s Hong Kong has opened a concept store in Taikoo Shing.

    Featuring more than 1000 of the family restaurant’s toys dating back to 1980, the interactive McDonald’s Toy Museum at City Plaza was opened after a four-day campaign in which DDB and Tribal Hong Kong recreated McDonald’s advertisements from the past.

    Covering TV, newspaper, magazine, outdoor, radio and online placements, the campaign kicked off with McDonald’s iconic “fish symphony” TV spot, coincidentally created by DDB Group Hong Kong’s chief creative officer/MD Carol Lam in 1997.

    toy-museum-1

    toy-museum-3 toy-museum-2

    “Imagine paging through a glossy magazine and coming across an old McDonald’s ad, or hearing a crackly old radio spot on your favourite station,” says Lam. “The magic of our campaign lies in this stark contrast between old and new, creating a stolen moment for customers to reflect on a simpler time.”

    DDB Group Hong Kong’s digital arm Tribal drove the reach of the campaign through a mix of modern media channels including social media with the help of key opinion leaders, encouraging people to share their McDonald’s memories.

    The museum itself was brought to life by event agency Amaz, while Tribal’s QR code activation offered customers the chance to win prizes.

    “The retro campaign and Toy Museum give us the chance to honour our history while looking toward our bright future,” says McDonald’s Hong Kong director of marketing Esther Chung.

     

     

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  • HGC launches cloud backup service

    HGC launches cloud backup service

    Hutchison Global Communications (HGC) has launched a one-stop enterprise-grade cloud backup service to augment its cloud portfolio.

    The Backup-as-a-Service offering is designed to allow enterprises to back up files, operating systems and applications at he Wong Chuk Hang data center run by HGC GlobalCentre (HGCGC).

    HGC Cloud Backup supports a wide range of brands, operating systems, applications and cloud platforms. It is designed to allow companies to restore and retrieve specific stores of data without the need to recover the entire content of a backup.

    The service is being offered under a pay-as-you-go model and is supported by an online self-service portal.

    HGCGC data centers are designed to meet ISO information security standards, and customers can opt for a private leased line to further improve security.

    In order to enhance the service, HGC has also revealed plans to introduce data backup replication by the end of the year. Backup data will be stored at Kwai Chung as well as the Wong Chuk Hang data centers.

    “Launch of HGC Cloud Backup greatly enriches our portfolio of cloud services,”HTHKH COO Jennifer Tan commented.

    “This new Backup-as-a-Service capability – plus the planned dual data center backup and replication solution – will minimize the worrying risks associated with data storage. Customers will therefore be in a much better position to protect their digital assets and recover critical information during disaster incidents, thereby ensuring robust business continuity.”

  • LF Beauty to exploit Asian beauty boom

    LF Beauty to exploit Asian beauty boom

    Li & Fung Group subsidiary LF Beauty is seeking to cash in on soaring demand for beauty products in Mainland China and wider Asia.

    China’s skincare and cosmetics market is projected by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to grow by an average annual rate of  of 12.8 per cent from this year through 2019 – considerably faster than the expected global rate of 6 per cent.

    “Asian beauty is now setting the pace for the world. China, South Korea, Japan as well as the entire Southeast Asian market, are very important for us. [That] represents about 4.5 billion in population,” said Gerard Raymond, president of LF Beauty, in an article published by China Daily.

    A large population base dominated by younger demographic distinguishes the Asian market from more mature western markets, he said.

    “The younger generation consumer knowledge and wealth is growing very fast. And they are very willing to try new and innovative things.”

    LF Beauty is partners with suppliers and retailers of product solutions including fragrances, skincare, color cosmetics, and in a one-stop-shop offer provides retailers with logistics support, merchandising systems and point-of-sale solutions.

    Raymond said in the China Daily report that “there never have been more opportunities for brands to stand out and keep pace with their consumers” than in the Asia region

    “It’s never been more challenging. In this competitive environment, we work to help many of the world’s best-loved brands to innovate, thrive and become market leaders,” he said.

    “We have seen that Chinese women now are very interested in beauty products from South Korea,” he said. “In this respect, we have already established a joint venture in South Korea, which allows us to transfer their knowledge to Chinese market directly and serve the demands of local consumers.”

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