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Tag: Japan

  • Uniqlo Malaysia expands footprint

    Uniqlo Malaysia expands footprint

    After making its first foray into East Malaysia by opening two  stores in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and one in Kuching, Sarawak, Uniqlo Malaysia is opening its first Perak store in the newly opened Aeon Mall Ipoh Klebang.

    This will be Uniqlo’s 31st store in Malaysia as the company increases its reach to make its high quality and affordable apparels more accessible to Malaysians.

    Uniqlo Perak Malaysia 1

    “As we further increase our reach to Malaysians, we want to be a brand that is present in various aspects of our customers’ daily lives. Be it just lounging at home or engaging in sports activities, we want to be the brand that provides clothes which enable them to engage in these daily activities with ease” said Jocelyn Ng, COO.

    Uniqlo Perak Malaysia 2

    Uniqlo Malaysia has lined up two more store openings in Johor and Sarawak, respectively. These will be the second Uniqlo stores for both states, after City Square in Johor Bahru and The Spring in Kuching.

    Uniqlo Perak Malaysia 4

    Uniqlo recently announced its collaboration with Disney to produce items with Disney,  Pixar, Star Wars and Marvel characters, which will be rolled out in its Malaysian network.

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  • “Fashion Hong Kong” x Japan

    “Fashion Hong Kong” x Japan

    Five innovative Hong Kong fashion designers; Chailie Ho, Kathy Lam, KOYO William, Lulu Cheung and Polly Ho, will showcase their 2016 Spring/Summer collections at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO this month. The group show, “Fashion Hong Kong”, which is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held at Hall B in Shibuya Hikarie at 8:30pm on 14 October.

    Versatility from five fashion designers

    Tokyo is known for its fashion-forward culture and the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO is one of the top-tier international fashion weeks. In the “Fashion Hong Kong” show, Chailie Ho will present her collection “Mermaid Circus”, which is built around fluid shapes and presented in hand-drawn watercolour prints. The latest collection by Kathy Lam will feature a playful dichotomy between white and blue that was inspired by “Lorelei”, a song by the famous band, Cocteau Twins. KOYO William will apply functional fabrics that are highly resistant to harsh environments to his collection “Welcome on board”. Lulu Cheung will introduce her “Light It Up” collection, which focuses on spreading positivity and love through natural forms that express buoyant femininity. Last but not least, Polly Ho will unveil her collection “The Happy Prince”, which is inspired by the popular children’s story and created with delicate Canton silk.

    Hong Kong’s strong fashion heritage

    “In Hong Kong, we have an ideal and supportive environment for the fashion industry. We have a strong heritage in the fashion business, from fashion design and manufacturing to marketing and sales supporting services, everything is fueled up and ready to go,” said Raymond Yip, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC. “We have a pool of talented and creative fashion designers and you can easily recognise their creativity in the collections. Through introducing the Hong Kong designers and brands to the international fashion arena, we hope to promote and showcase their talents.” Mr Yip added that the Hong Kong designers are thrilled to have the opportunity to display their latest collections at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO and present their finest designs to local buyers, media, bloggers and fashionistas.

    Local Japanese buyers and PR experts have specifically made a trip to Hong Kong to assist the designers with their collection preparations. Prior to the “Fashion Hong Kong” show, designers will be able to meet with representatives from PARCO, a prominent local department store, to discuss the latest information in the fashion and retail industries. The “Fashion Hong Kong” show will be followed by the Fashion Gallery at CUBE1,2,3 on 15 October and the Joint Exhibition at Hillside Terrace from 20 to 22 October. At the Fashion Gallery, visitors will be able to see and feel designers’ runway pieces and other collections. A selection of items that inspired the designers will also be presented. Designers will be available on site to discuss their ideas and creations with visitors.

    Experience Hong Kong in Tokyo

    The HKTDC is collaborating with the brand Chef Nic Cookies, founded by renowned Hong Kong singer and actor-turned-entrepreneur Nicholas Tse, to provide an authentic taste of Hong Kong at the Fashion Gallery. As his first foray into the food business, Chef Nic Cookies is based on four flavors: sweet, sour, bitter and spicy, represented by butter, lemon, dark chocolate and chili cookies. To respect the Japanese culture and its strong emphasis on tradition, we have partnered with Polytrade Paper, a premium and awarding-wining paper supplier from Hong Kong, to provide top quality eco-friendly materials and inspirations for the event.

    By collectively presenting fashion, paper art and food at “Fashion Hong Kong”, the event highlights Hong Kong’s position as a lifestyle trendsetter in Asia.

    “Fashion Hong Kong” is a series of overseas promotional events organised by the HKTDC to promote Hong Kong fashion designers and brands at leading international fashion weeks. In addition to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO, the 2015/16 series also includes Hong Kong designer participation in Copenhagen Fashion Week and the upcoming New York Fashion Week.

    “Fashion Hong Kong” (Fashion Show)
    Date: 14 October 2015 (Wednesday)
    Time: 8:30 pm
    Address: Shibuya Hikarie Hall B, 9/F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan zip 150-8510
    Website: https://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com/en/brands/detail/fashion-hong-kong/

    “Fashion Gallery” (Showroom)
    Date: 15 October 2015 (Thursday)
    Time: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
    Address: CUBE 1,2,3, 8/F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan zip 150-8510
    Website: https://www.hikarie.jp/floormap/8F.html, https://www.hikarie8.com/cube/about.shtml

    Joint Exhibition (Business Matching)
    Date: 20-22 October 2015 (Tuesday – Thursday)
    Time: 20-21 October 2015 10:00 am – 8:00 pm; 22 October 2015 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
    Address: Hillside Banquet (Hillside Terrace C), 29-8 Sarugakucho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan zip 150-0033
    Website: https://www.hillsideterrace.com/index2.html

    Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO 2016 Spring/Summer
    Date: 12-18 October 2015 (Monday – Sunday)
    Website: https://tokyo-mbfashionweek.com/en/aboutmbfwt/

    Photo download: https://bit.ly/1VAO9rr

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  • Japan interested in auto component factory in Indonesia

    Japan interested in auto component factory in Indonesia

    A company in Japans Okayama Prefecture is interested in the automotive component business in Indonesia, Okaya Prefecture Governor Ryuta Ibaragi said.

    During his visit to the Indonesian Capital Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) here on Friday, Governor Ibaragi said the automotive component company, which has supplied components for Mitsubishi cars, was interested in developing an auto component factory in Indonesia.

    “There are 422 companies from Okoyama Prefecture that have made investments outside Japan. In Indonesia, we have a number of large companies which made investments,” he said, in a written statement made available in Jakarta on Saturday.

    Meanwhile, Okayama Prefecture’s governor said there is considerable interest among Japanese businessmen to conduct business in Indonesia. However, there are a number of concerns about the investment climate in Indonesia from investors from the Prefecture Okoyama, he said, including the problem of the country’s unpredictable wage system.

    Ibaragi said that during his visit in Indonesia he found Indonesians to be quite open to Japanese companies.

    “Regarding the MRT project, we thank the Indonesian government for its trust in a Japanese company. Of course, we will not ignore it and will maintain that trust,” he said.

    BKPM Chief Franky Sibarani said Japanese companies were given priorities regarding assistance from investment facilities.

    Japanese investment is the main component of the economic growth driver in Indonesia, he said.

    “We are ready to assist investment from Japan. The Marketing Office for the Japan area and the BKPM representative office in Tokyo could be used by investors and companies in Okoyama to plan business activities in Indonesia,” he said.

    He noted that his office was planning to conduct an investment promotion in Yokoyama early next year to win over interest by Japanese investors.

    “One of the major investors is Sumitomo. We will invite a number of companies which have made investments in Indonesia to share their successful experiences with their colleagues in Japan,” Sibarani said.

    In the first half of this year, Japan was ranked third in foreign investments, amounting to US$1.6 billion after Malaysia (US$2.6 billion) and Singapore (US$2.3 billion).

    Coming next were South Korea (US$0.8 billion) and the United States (US$0.6 billion).

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  • The Melting Pot eyes Asia

    The Melting Pot eyes Asia

    The world’s largest fondue restaurant chain is looking to expand throughout Asia after early success in Indonesia.

    Franchisees are now actively being sought for The Melting Pot in Hong Kong, Macau, China, Japan, South Korea and India.

    The Tampa, Florida-based restaurateur plans to enter China by opening at least five restaurants in Hong Kong and Kowloon as well as in Macao and numerous cities in Mainland China, including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen.

    Markets outside Asia, including Brazil, Canada and Mexico, are also in planning.

    The Melting Pot operates more than 125 restaurants across 35 US states, Canada, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and the United Arab Emirates, and has more than 15 locations in development internationally.

    The concept is known for its assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and unique entrees served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of a la carte selections, highlighting customisable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrees and chocolate fondues.

    “The Melting Pot is a proven 40-year American franchise concept that is unlike any other,” said Dan Stone, chief business and people development officer for Front Burner Brands, the chain’s parent.

    “Featuring four distinct courses, guests dip menu items into heated fondue pots at the centre of each table. The concept provides a very social and interactive dining experience that has proven to translate well to multiple countries,” said Stone.

    “We provide our franchisees the necessary training and support to ensure success, as well as expert resources to assist with identifying the best sites for our restaurants. We are ready to do business in Hong Kong and are seeking qualified candidates to build a strong brand presence throughout Hong Kong and the People’s Republic of China over the next few years.”

    The concept will be exhibiting at the Franchising & Licensing Asia 2015 from October 29 to 31 at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

    Earlier this year, The Melting Pot opened its first restaurant in Jakarta, Indonesia and most recently its first Middle Eastern location in Dubai.

    Franchisee candidates or groups should have access to a minimum of US$3 million in capital and at least one partner must be fluent in English. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees of The Melting Pot in the US can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $959,000 to $1.436 million. The initial franchise fee ranges from $45,000 to $60,000 per unit depending on the number of units committed and there is a one-time training fee of $50,000.

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  • Japan duty free sales boom

    Japan duty free sales boom

    Japan duty free sales soared in the first quarter of the current financial year as Chinese tourist ranks swelled.

    Major duty free retailers have reported sales on the mainland soared 20 per cent or more year on year, with brands preferred by Chinese shoppers performing the best.

    Japanese government figures show inbound tourists into the nation soared 47 per cent in the first six months of the 2015 calendar year – to 11 million. In the whole of 2014, inbound visitors totalled just 13.4 million.

    Sales of jewellery – especially gold jewellery – and watches lead the growth in a virtual mirror image of the experience of Hong Kong retailers, demonstrating clearly how the cashed up Chinese have changed their preferred duty free shopping destination.

    Leather goods are reportedly selling well and airport boutiques are experiencing healthy turnover increases.

    Japan’s government scrapped visas for Chinese mainlanders early this year, which has definitely helped fuel the boom.

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  • FamilyMart-Uny seal merger

    FamilyMart-Uny seal merger

    A merger of Japan’s third and fourth-ranked convenience store operators is set to create a “third force” in Japanese retailing behind Seven & I and Aeon.

    The FamilyMart-Uny merger terms have now been agreed and the two companies are now working towards an implementation date of September 2016.

    FamilyMart will soak up smaller Uny, which operates the Circle K Sunkus convenience store network in Japan. A new holding company will be created, 30 per cent owned by Japanese trading house Itochu, which currently owns three per cent of Uny and is FamilyMart’s single largest shareholder.

    Once merged, the new business will turn over around US$42.2 billion from some 18,000 stores, a network larger than current second placed Lawson and on a par with Seven Eleven Japan.

    The merger has already taken some eight years to negotiate making it nine years by the time the merged entity begins trading. It was back in 2007 when FamilyMart first approached Uny, an offer initially rebuffed.

    Some details have yet to be finalised – or announced – such as the future of Uny’s 230 or so general merchandise stores in what will essentially become a convenience store operator.

    Uny president Norio Sako says there will be some store closures, decided “on their individual merits”.

    There is also no final agreement yet on whether a single operating brand will be adopted.

  • Uniqlo Philippines opens in Cebu

    Uniqlo Philippines opens in Cebu

    Uniqlo Philippines will open its first store in Cebu on Friday (October 23).

    The new 1000 sqm store is located in SM City Cebu shopping mall, on the first level of the north wing.

    It will be Uniqlo Philippines’ 25th shop and its first in the Visayas region.

    “We have opened 24 stores in Metro Manila and Luzon, entering the Visayas market is a milestone in our growth strategy,” said Katsumi Kubota, COO of Uniqlo Philippines.

    A second Cebu store will open in November in SM Seaside City Cebu.

    Uniqlo’s Lifewear concept, Simple Made Better, advocates apparel that comes from the Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity made with elegance.

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  • Matsumotokiyoshi set to open first drugstore abroad in Bangkok

    Matsumotokiyoshi set to open first drugstore abroad in Bangkok

    Japan’s largest drugstore operator, Matsumotokiyoshi, will open a store in Bangkok this week, its first abroad, and a second one by the end of the year, the head of the company’s new joint venture here said Tuesday.

    “We are confident to be successful here,” Junichi Tateno, chief executive officer of Central & Matsumoto Kiyoshi Corp., a joint venture between Matsumotokiyoshi Holdings Co. and Thailand’s Central Food Retail Corp., told a press conference.

    He cited Thailand’s status as Southeast Asia’s leading health-and-beauty market, worth 85 billion baht ($2.4 billion), and one that has been growing steadily despite periods of political instability.

    Noting the Thai people’s fondness for Japanese culture and products, Tateno said the store will initially introduce around 2,000 Japanese health-and-beauty products to Thai customers.

    The new store will be the first to be opened abroad by Matsumotokiyoshi, which has more than 1,500 branches in Japan, since the company was founded 85 years ago.

    Since 2014, the company has done market testing in Central’s 23 supermarkets in Bangkok and other major cities and some 200 daily-use products and cosmetics being sold were received well by customers, according to Tateno.

    He said the marketing data helped the company to cater suitable products for Thai customers.

    Central Food Retail Co., the largest supermarket chain in Thailand with around 150 branches, has a 51 percent stake in the joint venture, with Matsumotokiyoshi holding the remainder of shares.

    The first branch will be opened at Central Plaza Ladprao, offering commodities and beauty products from Japan and other countries. Another will be opened at Central Plaza Pinklao by year-end, with plans to expand to other department stores in the future.

  • Hong Kong wine vendors look to beat the retail slump at festival

    Hong Kong wine vendors look to beat the retail slump at festival

    Vendors of wines and liquors appeared to be undaunted by a retail and tourism slump in Hong Kong as they welcomed the annual Wine and Dine Festival in the Central harbourfront.

    One of the biggest in recent years, the festival this year features 340 stalls and offers a free flow of samples in return for the HK$30 cost of an admission ticket for the event.

    Henry Lum Kai-cheung, 41, general manager of Cheers, a boutique wine and cocktail store that operates both in Hong Kong and on the mainland, said the lacklustre retail performance and slowdown of tourism in the city had not deterred him from setting up a stall this year.

    “Actually 90 per cent of my business in the festival in the past years has been from local residents,” Lum said.

    “Tourists don’t usually buy many bottles here because they would have to carry them back home.”

    Jamie Lo Ching-man, marketing manager of Kiwa, a company that imports spirits from Japan, had similar views.

    “Most of our customers are Hong Kong locals. In fact, this year, we doubled the number of booths in the festival from five to 10 because I think there is huge demand for our wine in the community,” said Lo.

    He was expecting an 80 per cent increase in sales from last year.

    According to Lo, the impact of the economic slowdown is not easily evident from the festival itself because many wine companies in Hong Kong thrive by supplying their products to restaurants in the city.

    “We now have fewer orders from restaurants and business has dropped 20 per cent in that area starting from the middle of this year,” Lo said.

    The festival, which runs for four days till 10pm on Sunday, attracted over 140,000 visitors last year when it was relocated to Kai Tak due to the Occupy protests in nearby Admiralty.

    Despite the withdrawal of 40 exhibitors last year, Lum still had fond memories of his stall’s performance, which greatly surprised him.

    “There was an initial worry, but it ended up becoming a huge success because the organiser waived the admission fee and this attracted many people,” Lum said.

    “If I can reach the same sales volume this year, I’ll be happy.”

    This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as Wine vendors look to beat the retail slump at festival

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  • China wounds Burberry bottom line

    British luxury brand Burberry says Chinese luxury spending patterns have impacted on its sales in the six months to September 30.

    While the brand’s global retail sales rose two per cent to £1.105 billion in the half year, CEO Christopher Bailey described the market as “increasingly challenging” for luxury customers, especially in China.

    “The external environment became more challenging during the half, affecting luxury consumer demand in some of our key markets. In response, we have intensified our focus on driving sales and productivity, while taking swift action on discretionary costs.

    “While mindful of this external volatility, our plans for the festive season position us well to return to a more positive sales trend in the all-important second half. Looking further ahead, we maintain our focus on – and confidence in – the long-term growth opportunities for our business across channels, regions and product categories.”
    Retail revenue was £774 million, up one per cent on a same stores basis.

    But it was a different story in Asia.

    “Asia Pacific delivered a mid single-digit percentage comparable sales decline in the half, impacted by a further year-on-year deceleration in Hong Kong in the second quarter compared to the first, as footfall continued to drop,” the company said in a statement. “Mainland China comparable sales decreased slightly in the half, in the context of weakening consumer sentiment in the market in the second quarter. Excluding Hong Kong and Macau, comparable sales were broadly unchanged year-on-year in the first half.”

    Japan, however, was a standout.

    “Japan saw comparable sales growth well in excess of 50 per cent, albeit off a small base (with total sales now accounting for around two per cent of global retail/wholesale revenue).

    “Good progress was made during the half in expanding our retail presence, with the addition of our sixth free-standing store, in Shinjuku, Tokyo and the opening of a further six department store concessions, bringing the total to 19. We also assumed operation of 10 childrenswear concessions.”

    The company also expanded its beauty distribution, through Sephora globally and with Shiseido in Japan.

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  • Croesus to buy retail mall in Japan for S$95.2m, proposes rights issue

    Croesus to buy retail mall in Japan for S$95.2m, proposes rights issue

    Mainboard-listed Croesus Retail Trust has agreed to acquire Torius Property, a completed retail mall in Japan, for eight billion yen (S$95.2 million).

    The purchase price is at a 3.7 per cent discount to the property’s valuation of 8.3 billion yen (S$98.8 million).

    The property is a large-scale suburban retail mall in the satellite town of Hisayama-machi of Kasuya-gun, which is about 13 km from central Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture, on Japan’s Kyushu Island.

    Comprising 36 single or double storey buildings, Torius Property occupies a land area of 257,173 square metres and has a net lettable area of 77,032 sqm.

    It will be the eighth property in Croesus Retail Trust’s portfolio and marks its first foray into Kyushu Island.

    The purchase will be funded by a combination of debt and equity financing. Four billion yen will come from new Japanese five-year bonds, while a rights issue is expected to raise another $69.7 million.

    The rights issue comprise 114,222,677 new units based on 22 rights units for every 100 existing units at an issue price of 61 cents per rights unit.

    Croesus said the pro forma net property income (NPI) yield for Torius Property is 7.8 per cent, compared to the actual NPI yield of 5.3 per cent for its existing portfolio, for its financial year ended June 30, 2015.

    The pro forma distribution yield of the enlarged portfolio would increase to about 9.41 per cent compared to 9.4 per cent currently.

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  • Japan’s value fashion brand basks in Disney tie-up

    Japan’s value fashion brand basks in Disney tie-up

    Fast Retailing Company Chairman Tadashi Yanai said Walt Disney’s new park in Shanghai will help his Uniqlo casual wear brand expand in China, shrugging off concerns over an economic slowdown in the Japanese retailer’s largest overseas market.

    “The opening of the Shanghai Disneyland gives both of us, Uniqlo and Disney, a business opportunity,” Chairman Tadashi Yanai said in Shanghai, where Uniqlo will open a new Disney-inspired concept store. “Our business is getting absolutely no impact” from China’s slowdown, he said.

    Uniqlo will devote an entire floor at its six-storey China flagship store in central Shanghai to products co-designed with Disney. A human-sized Mickey Mouse statue greets visitors to the store, where T-shirts and toys depicting characters such as Tinker Bell, Woody of Disney Pixar’s ‘Toy Story’ animated films, and Darth Vader from the ‘Star Wars’ movies are on display.

    Japan’s richest person, Yanai plans to open 100 stores a year in China as Uniqlo competes with Hennes & Mauritz AB’s H & M and Inditex Sa’s Zara to win over consumers in the world’s most-populous country. The Japanese retailer’s design tie-up comes as Disney prepares to open its $5.5 billion Shanghai theme park next year, its biggest foreign investment and a bet on the country’s booming middle-class.

    The Disney collaboration should help Uniqlo boost sales in China “as buzz builds around the opening of Shanghai Disneyland,” said Bloomberg Intelligence retail analyst Thomas Jastrzab. “Expanding store-specific limited edition merchandise offerings should help Uniqlo increase regular foot traffic and improve customer loyalty.”

    Fast Retailing shares are up by 6.3 per cent so far this year, compared with the 3.3 per cent gain in the benchmark Topix index.

    Uniqlo has about 360 stores in mainland China, the most by country outside Japan, where it has almost 850 shops. The company plans to expand its Greater China network, including mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, to 1,000 outlets.

    China is a key market for Fast Retailing as Yanai targets to build Asia’s biggest clothing retailer into the world leader, with a target of 5 trillion yen in sales by 2020 from its forecast of 1.65 trillion yen for the fiscal year ended August 31.

    Yanai said demand for Uniqlo products will increase amid an economic slowdown in China. Everyday clothes with basic designs and advanced materials that Uniqlo sells at affordable prices fit well as China shifts its focus to consumer purchasing from manufacturing, he said.

    “An economic slowdown in China could boost Uniqlo’s sales, particularly as shoppers increasingly look for value-for-money when purchasing clothing essentials such as T-shirts and pants,” Bloomberg’s Jastrzab said.

    China’s apparel and footwear market is highly fragmented, with market leader Bestseller AS, owner of brands such as Jack & Jones and Vera Moda, holding a 1.7 per cent market share by value in 2014, according to Euromonitor International. Uniqlo ranks eighth with 0.6 per cent, while Inditex is ninth with 0.5 per cent and H & M is out of the top 10 with 0.4 per cent.

    “Our concept of manufacturing is fundamentally different and unique,” said Yanai. “We don’t chase trends, but we would rather want to incorporate fashion into our basic clothes.”

  • Aeon Thailand opens first mall in 18 years

    Aeon Thailand opens first mall in 18 years

    Aeon Thailand has resumed its property development program – suspended in 1997 – opening a new shopping centre in Sriracha, Chonburi.

    The Japanese property developer and retailer has extensive interests across Thailand and has continued to expand its MaxValu hybrid supermarket-convenience store concept. But this is its first mall property in 18 years.

    The 7000 sqm, three-storey Aeon Sriracha shopping centre opened its doors on Wednesday, with a formal grand opening ceremony planned for October 21. It is anchored by a 24-hour MaxValu and features about 20 restaurants and specialty stores as well.

    The Sriracha complex has a catchment area of about 78,000 people, including a growing number of Japanese expats managing manufacturing facilities in the region, located on the coast about 90 minutes’ drive from Bangkok.

    “Major frequent customers will be Japanese housewives who have free time to shop and dine at our shopping centre,” an Aeon spokesman told the Bangkok Post. “They like shopping in a Japanese ambience.”

    Aeon is opening new shopping malls in Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia as part of a concerted focus on Asean as it looks to ways to maintain growth no longer possible in the mature Japan home market.

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  • Japanese beauty e-tailer takes slice of Vanitee

    Japanese beauty e-tailer takes slice of Vanitee

    The Japanese online beauty retailer @Cosme has bought a stake in Singapore website Vanitee, described as a “digital marketplace for beauty artists”.

    Neither the value of the investment, or the size of the stake acquired was disclosed by either party.

    Vanitee was founded just 12 months ago by Douglas Gan, Kuik Xiaoshi and Choy Peng Kong. It has already secured investment funding from Luxasia Group, amongst others, amounting to several million Singapore dollars.

    With a database of about 3000 customers already, Vanitee is now looking to expand further into Asia, especially in the north.

    @Cosme, a subsidiary of Japan’s istyle inc, has physical retail stores in Tokyo and Osaka and runs eCommerce websites and and an online spa guide. Besides its focus on the Japanese market, istyle is increasingly targeting customers in Greater China.

    CFO Kei Sugawara says the Vanitee investment marks the company’s first expansion into Southeast Asia

    “We are thrilled to work with Vanitee to stretch the @Cosme footprint beyond Japan. We will focus our efforts to revolutionise how consumers in Singapore and Southeast Asia purchase and experience cosmetics and beauty products and services.”

    Gan, who is Vanitee’s CEO, said the company has been successful in securing investment because of its ability to communicate its vision, and business goals.

    “[Investors] love entrepreneurs with big ideas who have the humility to get their hands dirty and get things done.”

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  • Aeon takes more of Japan to Hong Kong

    Aeon takes more of Japan to Hong Kong

    The newly refurbished Aeon Tsuen Wan store has made the most of its Japanese parent’s design and range influence as it aims to capture more of the suburb’s rising affluence.

    Aeon Stores invested $30 million renovating the store which formally reopened last week.

    MD Christine Chan says the store has adopted more Japanese elements to satisfy the rising demand of local residents in the district.

    “In recent years, the increasing consumption power of residents in Tsuen Wan has raised their demand on the standard of the type and quality of commodities being offered. In order to cater to the taste of consumers in the district, the brand new Aeon Tsuen Wan Store has introduced more Japanese elements as its highlight, while providing a more diverse range of merchandise and dining choices,” she said.

    The new store occupies an area of around 170,000 sqft (1594 sqm) and Aeon says it will provide “more quality commodities and a cozy shopping environment” post renovation.

    It has introduced a number of new elements, including Aeon Body (revealed on Inside Retail Hong Kong on Friday), a beauty and healthcare store, and ROU, a new popular lifestyle variety shop in Japan, both concepts introduced to Hong Kong for the first time.

    The Tsuen Wan Store has also introduced some Japanese fashion brands to satisfy customers’ pursuit of a quality lifestyle. These brands include urban fashion brand Persodea, Japanese countryside style brand Self+Service, Japanese trendy fashion brand Ozoc and the leisure brand for men Caribbean Joe.

    The Aeon Tsuen Wan Store has also expanded its supermarket by adding a cooking demonstration area, the Cooking Station and a fine wine collection zone Liquor Corner, which offers wines selected from around the world.

    Aeon has also revamped the Kids & Babies floor which targets children. New features include product demonstration, toy experience zones and customer service station.

    Situated at the Skyline Plaza, the Tsuen Wan Store enjoys a geographical advantage as it is surrounded by plenty of residential blocks, hotels and commercial buildings in the district, in addition to large residential projects planned for the future.

    “With the renovation, we are confident that the store can capture the immense opportunities lying in the district,” said Chan.

    To coincide with the opening, Aeon launched the Hearty Flower Donation campaign which raised $43,600 for the Green Builder – Environmental Walk 2016 event organised by the Conservancy Association as a joint effort to promote environmental protection and sustainable development.

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