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Tag: Hong Kong

  • Ippudo Hong Kong teams with Zucca for celebration

    Ippudo Hong Kong teams with Zucca for celebration

    Proving that fashion is a matter of taste, Japanese fashion brand Zucca has launched a collaboration with Ippudo Hong Kong to celebrate the Japanese ramen restaurant’s sixth anniversary.

    Ippudo this month introduces new limited-time-only specials at its five Hong Kong outlets including “Cool” Uni Ramen, Zucca Roll and Nagoya Torikai Chicken Wings Karaage.

    During the three-month celebration, Ippudo Hong Kong staff members will wear customised Zucca-branded uniforms (tees and aprons). Furthermore, Zucca has designed a special branded tote bag plus a ramen bowl for the Zucca x Ippudo celebration menu.

    In a six-phase celebration, Ippudo fans will be offered collectibles and discounts.

    Phases one and two (this month): An Ippudo Hong Kong Facebook video launches the celebrations, and Ippudo staff members are modelling their Japanese-style uniform, with special Facebook activities.

    Phase three (this month and next): Illustrator Tony Electric introduces three inventions and customers vote for their favourite. The winning invention will be built and displayed at Ippudo.

    Phase four (this month and next): Ippudo and Zucca launch an online mini-game which customers can play after scanning a QR code on the menu. All participants are offered free Zucca membership, plus two winners will each receive a HK$100 (US$12) electronic shopping coupon. Each day, 10 lucky entrants will each win a soft-boiled egg or Zucca roll at Ippudo.

    Phase five (September/October): Zucca members will be offered a 10 per cent discount on purchases, and also take their receipt to Ippudo to a similar discount there.

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  • Just 15% of Hong Kong firms back up data on public cloud

    Just 15% of Hong Kong firms back up data on public cloud

    More than 50% of Hong Kong companies are concerned about their data being at risk in case of a ransomware attack, but only a few are currently using public cloud data backup services that could help mitigate the impact of such malware infections, research indicates.

    “Only 15% of enterprise respondents said they are using data backup on public cloud although there is a high level of awareness for this type of service,” said Professor John Bacon-Shone, associate dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Director of the Social Sciences Research Centre at the University of Hong Kong (HKUSSRC).

    He was citing a key finding in the Ransomware and Cloud Readiness survey presented yesterday by HKUSSRC and BSA The Software Alliance.

    The survey was conducted in two phases – a baseline survey from March 28 and April 24 before the WannaCry ransomware outbreak and a follow-up survey from June 29 and July 12 in the aftermath of WannaCry.

    Corporate respondents came from major vertical industries, such as manufacturing, construction, real estate; import/export trade; retail; accommodation and food services; information and communication; and finance and insurance to name a few.

    Security issues dampen adoption

    Bacon-Shone said over 50% of respondents have cited security issues as the primary reason for not using data backup services powered by public cloud.

    “The top three security issues cited were confidentiality considerations, safety concerns and no confidence in security,” he added.

    According to the survey, over a third of Hong Kong companies are backing up data more than three times a week. However, more than 75% of them have adopted a non-cloud option for their primary data backup, despite widespread awareness of the availability data backup services on public cloud. What’s more, nearly 80% have said they are unlikely to consider data backup on the public cloud in the future.

    “Recognition of the importance of having data backup is critical, but taking concrete steps to perform offsite secure backup which may include public cloud backup is a different story,” said Bacon-Shone.

    He noted that local regulation has long required data users to safeguard personal data from unauthorized or accidental access, processing, erasure, loss or use.

    “The new EU law on data protection – the General Data Protection Regulation – is due to become enforceable in May 2018. This will include much stronger sanctions (of up to 4% of global annual turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater) and requires a risk-based accountability.

    “This is why there is an essential need for companies to implement offsite secure backup, which may include public cloud backup, but will require careful choice of trustworthy providers of backup services,” he added.

    Conduct due diligence

    Tarun Sawney, senior director of APAC at BSA, said that companies should conduct due diligence before choosing a cloud service provider to deliver data backup services.

    “When considering the choice of trustworthy providers of cloud services, companies should carefully consider the quality of service offered, particularly in relation to the four key pillars – privacy, security, compliance and transparency,” he said, adding that they should check whether these providers are compliant with international and national standards such as ISO 27018, ISO 27017 and ISO 27001.

    Meanwhile, he noted that the survey findings showed companies in Hong Kong currently lack an understanding of what the cloud has to offer in enhancing their overall cybersecurity defense strategy.

    “There is a staggering gap between the level of awareness and the actual efforts local enterprises undertake in protecting themselves against future cyberattacks. Experts have said that having more than one way of backing up is probably the way to go. And public cloud data backup offers a very cost-efficient option for business,” Sawney said.

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  • Mi Hong Kong opens doors

    Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has opened its first retail store outside the Mainland.

    The Mi Hong Kong store – dubbed Mi Home – is a 270 sqm space inside Hollywood Plaza at 610 Nathan Rd in Mongkok.

    We say ‘space’ because the store was created as somewhere “just like home” – somewhere Mi owners, or prospective owners, would feel at home.

    As the images released by Xiaomi show it is a lot like an Apple store, but without the vast product range. Instead there are brightly coloured sofas and cushions and giant flat screen TVs.

    Hugo Barra, the former Google executive who is now VP of Xiaomi Global, promised last month Xiaomi would create “a service and store experience that feels just like home, we want a place that feels so comfortable you’re just happy to come and hang out”.

    As well as allowing customers to try out the handsets and compare models, the store has a service guarantee: customers can bring a phone in to be fixed and wait no longer than 19 minutes before being able to take it away.

    Xiaomi was launched in China in 2011 yet has already become the world’s third largest smartphone brand – and the largest in the mainland. Last year it sold 60 million handsets, almost all of them in Mainland China. Founder and CEO Lei Jun, China’s 23rd richest man, is now expanding the brand into other consumer electronics lines.

    And the company has begun what promises to be a relentless march abroad. As well as opening its flagship in Mongkok – almost certainly a test before the concept is rolled out elsewhere – it has started selling accessories like headphones online in the US and Europe.

    So far it is not selling handsets in either market, but Mi phones are finding their way into other markets via distributors and grey imports.

    Xiaomi launched its new Mi 4i handset in Hong Kong on May 12 at HK$1599 – a handset with a 5.5 inch screen and 15 megapixel forward camera, running Android. At the equivalent of US$206, it is a potential category killer once consumers grow to trust the Mi brand. An Apple iPhone 6 starts at $5588 (US$720). It is Xiaomi’s first phone developed for the global market.

    Xiaomi has a small network of 19 retail stores in Mainland China, dubbed Mi Homes and 541 service centres operated by partners in eight markets.

    To date most of its handsets are sold online and through a small group of retail partners in Hong Kong and India.

  • Le Pan at Kowloon Bay introduces French fine dining

    Le Pan at Kowloon Bay introduces French fine dining

    A new fine-dining experience has arrived in Hong Kong with the opening of French restaurant Le Pan at Kowloon Bay.

    It is hidden away behind 1920s-style doors in the Goldin Financial Global Centre, a commercial building. Covering 10,000 sqft (930 sqm), the restaurant has a white theme – as well as the tablecloths, there is white marble plus white leather seating. Four private dining areas can booked for private events, and guests can book a seat at the chef’s table where they can watch head chef Edward Voon at work.

    Once you are seated, the attentive staff makes sure you want for nothing. Home-baked bread in a range of styles is offered still warm from the oven, before canapes arrive.

    Le Pan’s offering changes on a seasonal basis and it serves a selection of tasting menus running up to five courses. Dishes include Kaluga Queen Hybrid caviar with sea urchin, botan shrimps and crustacean jelly; bouillabaisse with stewed fish tortellini; and crispy-skin Kuhlbarra barramundi with herbs, braised fennel and beurre blanc.

    Each dish is introduced by the servers, even with eating suggestions.

  • Joe & The Juice owner buys back franchise rights

    Joe & The Juice owner buys back franchise rights

    Danish urban juice bar and coffee concept Joe & The Juice has bought back the brand’s franchise rights for Singapore and Hong Kong from Singapore’s Norbreeze Group.

    Norbreeze was running the brand’s network in both cities. Branches had opened in shopping centres such as Hong Kong’s Times Square and at Hong Kong International Airport.

    Founded in Copenhagen by CEO Kaspar Basse in 2002, Joe & The Juice uses natural and organic ingredients for its freshly prepared juices, shakes, coffees and sandwiches. The company has 198 stores internationally, with a growing presence in Asia.

    “Norbreeze has had great success in opening Joe & The Juice bars in Singapore and Hong Kong, and we have been able to use our experience and expertise from our core business to establish a strong network of juice bars,” says Norbreeze group CEO Anders Peter Juel Sauerberg.

    “At the same time we have experienced very strong growth in projects and orders from our core business, within watches and jewellery. So as not to dilute our engagement, we have chosen to focus on our core business and have Joe & The Juice continue the expansion in the region.”

    Basse says Asia holds a significant opportunity for Joe & The Juice. “Norbreeze Group has helped establish a strong platform for growth in Singapore and Hong Kong from where we can continue the brand’s expansion.”

    Norbreeze Group represents Pandora, Cath Kidson, Timberland, Cocomi, Bering, Daniel Wellington and Monica Vinader in Asian markets.

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  • Kerastase launches own counter at Facesss Harbour City

    Kerastase launches own counter at Facesss Harbour City

    Previously available only in dedicated salons and professional hair-product stores, French luxury haircare brand Kerastase has launched its first dedicated counter, at Facesss Harbour City.

    It offers consultations and offers hair and scalp analysis at the counter.

    One of the main product lines available at the counter is the Chronologiste collection, which is based on a regenerative “mimetic pearl essence” and active marine ingredients. The star product of the collection is a scented hair perfume from a collaboration between Kerastase and perfumer Alberto Morillas.

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  • Hong Kong International Airport retail spaces available

    Hong Kong International Airport retail spaces available

    Three Hong Kong International Airport retail spaces are available for tender for a smart-living and audio/visual/electronic products concession.

    All spaces are in Terminal 1 restricted areas – 102 sqm on Level 7 of Departures East Hall, South; 164 sqm on Level 7 of Departures East Hall, North; and 40 sqm on Level 6 of Departures South Concourse.

    With air, sea and land links, Hong Kong International Airport is open round the clock, serving more than 100 airlines and 70.5 million passengers annually.

    Tender requests must be accompanied with a non-refundable cashier’s order of HK$500 (US$64). Tender submissions must be in by August 31.

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  • Moncler Hong Kong opens Harbour City flagship

    Moncler Hong Kong opens Harbour City flagship

    Moncler Hong Kong has opened the French clothing label’s largest single-level flagship, covering 500 sqm in Harbour City.

    Designed in collaboration with architecture studio Gilles & Boissier, the store has an exterior decorated in white Calacatta marble and burnished brass, drawing on the interior design, and features two large shop windows, one facing on to Canton Road. The ceilings and furniture are accented in woods and beige leather, contrasting with the white Calacatta and Nero Marquina marbles used for the floors.

    The Hong Kong flagship showcases all Moncler’s men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collections and accessories lines, including eyewear.

    Moncler was founded in 1952 in Monestier-de-Clermont, France, and is now based in Italy, being bought in 2003 by Italian businessman Remo Ruffini, the current president/CEO. The group has more than 3200 employees and sells in more than 70 countries through 190 monobrand stores.

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  • Swatch Group CEO reports ‘spectacular’ sales growth

    Swatch Group CEO reports ‘spectacular’ sales growth

    “Spectacular” sales acceleration helped return watch company Swatch Group return to profits growth in its first half, says CEO Nick Hayek.

    And China is at the core of the rapid turnaround, suggesting the end has arrived of the luxury watch sector’s dry spell.

    Swatch’s factories this month are running at maximum capacity, Hayek says, with the most aggressive growth in the group’s high-end luxury brands such as Blancpain and Omega.

    Swatch’s net sales rose by 1.2 per cent to CHF3.7 billion (US$3.9 billion) in constant currencies in the first six months compared with a year earlier. But Hayek says sales of Swatch’s own-brand products expanded by 3 per cent.

    “The acceleration between the first and second quarters was spectacular,” he says. Sales in China, for example, had grown from 8 per cent 10 per cent.

    Group net sales were up 1.2 per cent at constant exchange rates to CHF3.7 billion, or down 0.3 per cent at current exchange rates.

    Sales growth was up 2.9 per cent in the watches and jewellery segment. The operating margin in the segment increased by nearly 25 per cent, from 10.7 to 13.2 per cent, despite negative currency impact.

    Swatch’s operating result grew by 5.1 per cent to CHF371 million while the operating margin increased to 10 per cent from 9.5 per cent the previous year.

    Net income increased by 6.8 per cent to CHF281 million, with a net margin of 7.6 per cent (7.1 per cent the previous year).

    Meanwhile, the company says Omega and the International Olympic Committee have extended their timekeeping contract for the Olympic Games by an extra 10 years up to and including the 2032 Games – taking Omega’s term as official timekeeper to a total 100 years.

    In the second half of this year new products will be launched by Blancpain, Breguet, Harry Winston, Longines, Omega and Tissot.

    Swatch has just launched Swatch Pay in Shanghai with its full credit-card payment ability, in partnership with UnionPay and 11 Chinese banks.

  • Bossini profit warning issued

    Bossini profit warning issued

    A “significant” drop in Bossini profit attributable to its owners is expected for the year to the end of June.

    Its board says the group expects only a small profit close to breakeven, compared to the profit attributable to the owners of HK$292 million (US$37 million) for the previous year.

    It says reasons for the decrease include a non-recurring gain of about $265 million on the disposal of property in the previous year, and a drop of about 13 per cent in revenue from the $2 billion of the previous year, attributable to continuously weak consumer sentiment and “severe competition” in core markets.

    This information is based on a preliminary assessment only, says Bossini, with its audited annual results to be announced in late September.

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  • Honestbee Food launches meal deliveries

    Honestbee Food launches meal deliveries

    Honestbee Food restaurant delivery service has been extended to Hong Kong.

    This follows the grocery and concierge service Honestbee partnering last month with eight major supermarkets, including UK retailer Tesco.

    To mark the launch of the meal-delivery service, Honestbee Food is offering special deals to Hong Kong customers, plus a free delivery promotion, until September 20.

  • 3 Hong Kong launches new global roaming packages

    3 Hong Kong launches new global roaming packages

    3 Hong Kong, the mobile arm of Hutchison Telecommunications Hong Kong Holdings (HTHKH), has launched today a new data roaming service, called Roam-in-Command, providing discounted data roaming plans for mobile subscribers traveling 21 countries in three continents.

    3 HK’s new Roam-in-Command service comes with four packages. Each pack provides customers with up to 14 days discounted data roaming service in six European countries and 10 countries throughout Asia Pacific. One package combines the US and Canada, while another pack targets travelers to three Greater China destinations – mainland China, Taiwan and Macau.

    The service offers four 200MB (at HK$78) or 1GB (HK$198) options  to serve customers roaming in Europe, Asia Pacific, the US, Canada and Greater China.

    Customers can also get an extra 1GB roaming data capacity if they subscribe to the 1GB service during the promotional period, from tomorrow to 30 September.

    Kenny Koo, 3 Hong Kong’s director of roaming and service development, said the company is drawing on its advantage of close ties with the 3 Group, NTT Docomo, the Conexus Mobile Alliance and Vodafone to tailor “value-for-money” roaming packages that offer extensive overseas coverage.

    “The upshot is our customers can wave goodbye to the hassle of changing SIM cards or carrying Wi-Fi devices just to stay connected with friends and family while abroad,” the executive said at a media briefing Thursday.

    The new service launch comes at a time when Hong Kong mobile carriers are seeing decline in roaming revenues, thanks to increasing competition from OTT messaging applications like Whatsapp, Line and Wechat.

    Hutchison Telecom reported HK$3.9 billion of mobile service revenue in 2016, down 3.9% from a year earlier, largely due to the decline in roaming revenue – which slumped 13% from HK$831 million in 2015 to HK$722 million last year. The company will report its 2017 interim financial results next week.

    Koo said the data roaming market is changing rapidly, and that he expects that the new service, together with other data roaming plans currently offered by the company, will help drive roaming traffic.

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  • Mong Kok retailers raided in illegal pharmaceuticals hunt

    Mong Kok retailers raided in illegal pharmaceuticals hunt

    Three Mong Kok retailers were raided this week in a joint operation involving police and Department of Health officials.

    The stores were reported to health officials by a member of the public who suspected the illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products.

    “Preliminary investigation indicated that the external preparations seized during the operation contained controlled ingredients including hydrocortisone, prednisolone, triamcinolone acetonide and clindamycin,” a DoH spokesman said.

    “Hydrocortisone, prednisolone and triamcinolone acetonide are Part 1 poisons, which are steroidal drugs for treating inflammation. Inappropriate or excessive application of the drugs could cause skin problems.

    Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infection and may cause side-effects such as hypersensitive reactions. Part 1 poisons and antibiotics should be used under the advice of medical practitioners,” the spokesman said.

    Investigations are ongoing.

    According to the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold legally in the market. Illegal sale and possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part I poisons are criminal offences. The maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. In addition, the Antibiotics Ordinance also prohibits illegal sale and possession of antibiotics. Offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of a $30,000 fine and one year’s imprisonment for each offence.

    The DH strongly urged members of the public not to buy or use unregistered pharmaceutical products as their safety, efficacy and quality are not guaranteed. All registered pharmaceutical products should carry a Hong Kong registration number on the package in the format of “HK-XXXXX”.

    People who have purchased the above products should stop using them and consult healthcare professionals if they are in doubt or feeling unwell after use.They may submit the products to the DH’s Drug Office at Room 1856, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, during office hours for disposal.

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  • Sun Hung Kai Real Estate plans $20m marketing splurge

    Sun Hung Kai Real Estate plans $20m marketing splurge

    Sun Hung Kai Real Estate is spending HK$20 million in what it says is its largest ever marketing promotion aimed at driving foot traffic into 12 malls over the summer holiday season.

    The campaign launched yesterday (July 18) and will run until August 31. The budget is 10 per cent higher than last year’s and the company hopes to boost footfall by a similar proportion – to 62 million – driving combined mall sales to HK$2 billion.

    A quarter of the budget will be dedicated to the Tai Po Mega Mall. The company has also created an app, which cost HK$15 million to develop, and provides “a more user-friendly service to customers, such as car searching, e-membership and reservations”.

    “Online shopping is becoming popular but the percentage in Hong Kong is still relatively low, with 3 to 4 per cent,” Maureen SY Fung, director of SHKP told China Daily in an interview.

    “And we are in a ‘problem solving industry’, we will face the trend positively and improve ourselves with technological aids, like the newly launched mobile phone app.”

    At the core of the campaign is the promotional activity “Summer Cool Carnival” focusing on ice cream and swimming pool themes. Educational and entertainment workshops, like Dessert In Vogue Workshop, Little Master Chef Dessert Workshop and VR Torrent Adventure, for kids and parents will help draw people into centres, along with a fashionable selfie spot designed by Korea’s Kimkimlab. More than 100 pop-up stores will open during the period.

    “The retailing industry is picking up, the atmosphere is good, so we believe a better performance of the 12 shopping malls on the coming half-year in terms of both passenger flow and turnover,” Fung said.

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  • Sa Sa has mixed quarter

    Sa Sa has mixed quarter

    Sa Sa sales in Hong Kong and Macau grew by 2.4 per cent for the first quarter, but same-store sales dropped by 2.5 per cent.

    Sa Sa says the unaudited figures were weaker than the previous quarter, affected by a particularly quiet June which was marked by typhoons and extended torrential rain. With a cool-down in Korean products and less store traffic, sales volume fell with fewer transactions by local and mainland tourists, down 4.1 and 6.4 per cent respectively.

    “However, some customers switching out of Korean products and into broader alternatives resulted in demand for higher-priced products,” says the retailer. “As a result, the average purchase per transaction of local and mainland customers has started to rise gradually, up 3.1 and 2.9 per cent respectively.

    “Our strenuous efforts to improve house-brand offerings is beginning to bear fruit, with the first quarter seeing improvement in the house-brand mix as well as gross profit margin in the Hong Kong and Macau markets. However, the increase in gross profits is not yet sufficient to offset the weakness in June’s sales performance and the one-off costs of Hong Kong warehouse relocation.”

    The group says it is cautiously optimistic about the Hong Kong and Macau markets and continues to invest in residential shops and extra staffing as well as launching a new own-label brand.

    It says these strategies will increase the group’s competitiveness but also exert short-term cost pressure.

    Sa Sa’s unaudited figures for the quarter to the end of June show retail and wholesale turnover increased by 2.1 per cent. In Hong Kong and Macau, the number of transactions eased by 0.4 per cent, while the average sales per transaction grew by 2.8 per cent.

    The group’s retail and wholesale turnover in other markets (including China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and e-commerce) rose by 0.5 per cent for the quarter.

    “Stepping into the second quarter, sales performance in the Hong Kong and Macau markets has
    shown conspicuous improvement,” says chairman/CEO Kwok Siu Ming Simon. “While the group is strengthening choices in selected product categories, it is anticipated sales in Hong Kong and Macau will continue to improve in the second quarter.”

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