Retail News CRM

Tag: Korea

  • Dairy Queen Korea to debut in theatre district

    Dairy Queen Korea to debut in theatre district

    Dairy Queen Korea is about to make its debut.

    The fast food chain will open a DQ Grill and Chill store in Seoul’s theatre district, Daehangno.

    The American restaurant chain, famous for its Blizzards – McFlurry-esque ice cream treats that don’t drip even when held upside down – plans to open 50 stores in Hongdae, Gangnam, Itaewon and other areas of South Korea within the next five years.

    DQ Grill and Chill is a full-service concept restaurant which offers an expanded menu.

    There are over 6800 Dairy Queen stores globally, with the company’s shareholders including billionaire investor Warren Buffett.

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  • Mercedes-Benz retains No. 1 foreign car brand in Korea for 4 straight month

    Mercedes-Benz retains No. 1 foreign car brand in Korea for 4 straight month

    Mercedes-Benz has successfully defended its dominance as the largest foreign car seller in the Korean imported car market for four straight months in September 2017.

    But, the BMW 520d has held the lead as the best-selling model for two consecutive months after it snatched the crown from Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class sedan in August 2017.

    According to the Korea Automobile Importers and Distributors Association (KAIDA) on Oct 13, a total of 20,234 imported vehicles were sold in September, up 20.6 percent from a year ago and 15.3 percent from a month ago.

    By brand, Mercedes-Benz ranked first after selling 5,606 units. It was followed by BMW (5,299 units), Land Rover (1,323 units), Lexus (1,128 units), Honda (1,022 units), MINI (933 units), Ford (832 units), Chrysler (767 units), Toyota (755 units), Nissan (541 units), Volvo (466 units) Jaguar (414 units) and Peugeot (306 units), according to KAIDA data.

    Land Rover was the most noticeable among them as it has moved up four notches to the third largest seller only in a month thanks to the Discovery Sport TD4 that sold 600 units.

    The best-selling model in September 2017 was BMW 520d, delivering 1,382 units, followed by BMW 520d xDrive with 886 units and Mercedes-Benz’s E200 with 854 units.

    Six out of 10 imported vehicles sold in Korea last month were from Germany, the statement said, and seven out of 10 imported vehicles sold during the first nine months of the year were from Europe.

    The share of imported vehicles in the Korean passenger car market rose to 15.1 percent in the first nine months of the year from 14.6 percent during the same period last year, an association spokeswoman said.

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  • SKT unveils Wi-Fi tech with 5G speeds

    SKT unveils Wi-Fi tech with 5G speeds

    SK Telecom has unveiled a self-developed Wi-Fi technology capable of delivering speeds of up to 4.8Gbps.

    The Wi-Fi technology and access point  is based on the new IEEE 802.11ax standard. It can deliver speeds nearly four times faster than the 1.3Gbps achievable with 802.11ac gigabit Wi-Fi

    The technology uses four antennas to transmit data over 160 MHz of bandwidth – twice that of 802.11ac, operating in both the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz frequency bands.

    In addition, the Wi-Fi technology supports orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFMDA), multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) and dynamic sensitivity control (DSC) technology to improve the efficiency of the network.

    SK Telecom plans to start deploying access points for the next generation Wi-Fi next year, concentrating on high traffic density areas. Handsets with chipsets compatible with 802.11ax will be able to benefit from the technology.

    The operator has constructed a Wi-Fi testbed within its R&D center in Bundang to test performance of the technology in various deployment scenarios, and is working on upgrading access points to be commercially deployable by the end of 2017.

    SK Telecom SVP and head of network R&D Park Jin-hyo said the next-generation Wi-Fi technology is expected to be an important complement to 5G networks.

    “By introducing the technology for the next generation Wi-Fi that can deliver as fast as 5G technology, we at SK Telecom have successfully laid foundation to offer better mobile services,” he said.

    “We are thrilled to work on the preparation on commercializing the technology and continue to innovate our capabilities to provide differentiated services to our customers.”

  • Complaints prompt raid of McDonald’s Korea

    Complaints prompt raid of McDonald’s Korea

    ollowing complains of children falling ill, investigators have raided the Seoul office of McDonald’s Korea.

    It is alleged the youngsters had eaten undercooked hamburger patties, reports Yonhap News Agency.

    Seoul central district prosecutors’ office has seized documents and evidence from McDonald’s as well as the offices of an ingredient supplier.

    “We take this matter very seriously,” says McDonald’s spokeswoman Karen Kim. “McDonald’s Korea continues to fully co-operate with all relevant authorities.”

    A consumer filed a complaint against the US fast-food giant in July saying her four-year-old daughter had been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (kidney damage), often referred to as “hamburger disease”, after she had eaten a McDonald’s hamburger last year.

    Complaints were also filed by the parents of four more children who became sick after eating McDonald’s burgers.

    In August, customers of a McDonald’s outlet in the southwestern city of Jeonju reported stomach aches and high fever after eating bulgogi burgers. The chain temporarily halted sales of the product.

    Talks to sell McDonald’s South Korean business to domestic firm KG Chemical Corporation collapsed last year over what KG called “a large difference of opinion”.

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  • SKT expanding use of TANGO AI platform

    SKT expanding use of TANGO AI platform

    SK Telecom is expanding the use of its AI-assisted network operation system TANGO to all its telecommunications networks.

    The operator has already been using TANGO (the T advanced next generation operational supporting system) to help manage its fixed line network, and is now extending the application of the system to the mobile network.

    TANGO uses machine learning to automate the optimization of network operation based on network traffic information broken down by area and period.

    The system is also designed to enhance the accuracy of network management by measuring the quality of network operations delivered to customers, and incorporates virtualization capabilities to help mobile operators adopt new network capabilities including IoT and 5G.

    Last month, SK Telecom entered an agreement to provide the TANGO platform to India’s largest operator Bharti Airtel.

    “The AI-assisted network operation technology based on big data analytics will be essential in the 5G era,” SK Telecom SVP and head of network technology R&D Park Jin-hyo commented.

    “SK Telecom will continue to improve the functionality of TANGO aiming at providing the best-performing network for customers to enjoy.”

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  • Nestle Korea introducing Kit Kat flagship store

    Nestle Korea introducing Kit Kat flagship store

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

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

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

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

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  • ZTE profit grew 36.6% in 9M17

    ZTE profit grew 36.6% in 9M17

    ZTE has revealed it expects to report a solid 36.6% growth in net profit for the first nine months of 2017, with its results bolstered by growth in its carrier networks and consumer businesses.

    The Chinese vendor has published preliminary results [PDF] estimating a net profit for the nine month period of 3.9 billion yuan ($589.1 million).

    Operating revenue grew an estimated 7% over the same period to 76.58 billion yuan, while operating profit surged 455.1% to 5.28 billion yuan. Gross profit margins are expected to have been stable at 31.64%.

    The bottom line was also aided by pre-tax investment income of around 426 million yuan related to the sale of 10.1% of mobile phone subsidiary Nubia Technology, as well as 1.75 billion yuan in investment income from its remaining 49.9% stake in the venture.

    For the full year, ZTE is anticipating a net profit of between 4.3 billion and 4.8 billion. This would be a significant turnaround from the 23.57 billion yuan loss recorded in 2016, which was the result of a $892.3 million settlement agreement  with the US government.

    ZTE paid the penalty to settle an investigation over allegations that the company shipped telecoms equipment containing US components to Iran, in contravention of US trade sanctions on the nation.

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  • Star Telecom expands retail to underserved markets

    Star Telecom expands retail to underserved markets

    Filipino tech company Star Telecom Alliance Resources, the group behind Starmobile, is expanding its retail distribution to include sari-sari stores and loading stations.

    For its initial phase, just launched, Starmobile feature phones have been made available in more than 20 sari-sari stores and loading stations in Metro Manila, Cagayan De Oro and Zamboanga. This business strategy extends the company’s sales touchpoints beyond branded stores and kiosks, multi-brand vendors, its own online shop, partner e-commerce websites, and even convenience stores.

    With more than a million sari-sari stores in neighborhoods all over the Philippines, the move will enable the company to penetrate underserved markets, especially in the provinces. It also aligns with Starmobile’s objective of democratizing technology, says sales and marketing head Gerardo Balderrama.

    Prizes are being offered for customers as part of the company’s STAR-Tagal campaign.

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  • FedEx to double size of air cargo facilities at Incheon airport

    FedEx to double size of air cargo facilities at Incheon airport

    FedEx Express has revealed it will double the size of its air cargo handling facility at Incheon International Airport as it looks to cater for rising volumes in South Korea.

    Establishing a new cargo facility at Incheon International Airport is a strategic move for FedEx — the airport has seen the volume of international shipments increase by 10.4% in 2016 from 2012 to 2.7m tons.

    When it is completed in 2021, the express giant’s FedEx Cargo Terminal will cover an area of 23,425sq m, more than twice the size of its existing facility.

    The terminal will feature warehouse, office and a canopy space and will offer an automated cargo sorting system to meet the fast-growing demand of express cargo.

    Once completed the new facility will have the capacity to sort up to 18,000 packages per hour.

    ”As one of the largest economies in Asia, Korea continues to build its trade connections internationally. FedEx is investing to support the robust demand in Korean imports and exports to better serve our customers in this important market.” said Eun-Mi Chae, managing director, FedEx Express Korea.

    “With the expansion of our FedEx facility at Korea’s main gateway, we will improve our operational capabilities and create greater access to the global market supported through our integrated network.”

    The express firm signed an agreement with Incheon International Airport Corporation to confirm the construction of the terminal last week.

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  • Acne Studios launching 48-hour online pop-up

    Acne Studios launching 48-hour online pop-up

    Swedish fashion brand Acne Studios is about to launch a 48-hour online pop-up store offering a handpicked selection of its classic style, show pieces and exclusive items.

    Discounts of up to 75 per cent are being offered during the retrospective, which launches on October 24 “exclusive” to Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.

    Based in Stockholm, Acne Studios is a multidisciplinary luxury fashion house, founded in 1996 as part of the creative collective Acne, an acronym for Associated Computer Nerd Enterprises but later changed to Ambition to Create Novel Expressions. The fashion house specialises in men’s and women’s ready-to-wear fashion, footwear, accessories and denim.

  • AirAsia X eyes expansion in China, Japan and South Korea

    AirAsia X eyes expansion in China, Japan and South Korea

    AirAsia X considers North Asia, namely, China, Japan, and South Korea, as its new market for growth, said AirAsia. Due to the scarcity of resources, the long haul budget airline will also be rationalising its routes by reallocating some of the current Australian capacity to its other destinations next year.

    “We have to be very selective of our routes, seeing that our aircraft is limited and we will only get more aircraft next year.

    “Demand is starting to pick up from Thailand and Indonesia, and we believe that the next market of growth will be in North Asia. Kamarudin was speaking after the launch of AirAsia X’s launch of four times weekly direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeju, South Korea.

    AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail targets to achieve a passenger load factor of 80% in 12 months’ time, for the Kuala Lumpur-Jeju route.

    AirAsia is the only airline to operate direct flights to Jeju, from Kuala Lumpur, connecting the island with Malaysia, the rest of Asia, and beyond.

    “South Korea is an important market and we have seen tremendous growth from our existing routes to Seoul and Busan, which will now be complemented by our new service to Jeju, saving our guests the hassle of domestic transit to the island province.

    “This new route will provide additional annual capacity of over 150,000 and will be a significant boost to strengthen business and tourism ties between Malaysia and South Korea,” said Benyamin.

    He added that Malaysia was the second largest tourist market in South Korea, after China.

    An estimated two million passengers travel between South Korea and Malaysia each year.

    The group has plans to increase flight frequencies to Seoul from 14 times weekly to 18 times weekly, beginning December.

    Meanwhile, AirAsia X flight frequencies to Busan shall also be increased from four times a day to five times a day, beginning November.

    The Kuala Lumpur-Jeju route shall commence on December 12, 2017, with promotional all-in fares from RM199 one-way.

    The special promo of all-in fares from RM199 one way on standard seat and RM899 one-way on award winning Premium Flatbed will run from October 10 to October 15, for travel between December 12, 2017 and March 25, 2018, available for booking on airasia.com.

    Jeju Island, also known as the “island of the gods”, is a beautiful volcanic island located 64 kilometres south of the Korean peninsular.

    It is the country’s most popular holiday island, with more than 70% of visitors being domestic travellers seeking out what has become known as the “Hawaii of South Korea”.

  • South Korean shoppers set new mobile spending record

    South Korean shoppers set new mobile spending record

    South Korean shoppers set a new record for the volume of purchases made through mobile devices during September.

    Government data says mobile transactions through smartphones and tablets reached a new high of 4.04 trillion won (US$3.5 billion) in August, up 29.5 per cent from a year earlier.  Statistics Korea says the trend is being fuelled by the growing amount of time consumers are spending on their handsets.

    Mobile transactions accounted for 61.9 per cent of all online purchases made during the month.

    Shopping by mobile phone in South Korea has been on a steep rise for years as smart devices are widening their presence in the world’s most-wired country. They are rapidly replacing computers as a means of conducting online transactions.

    Mobile bookings for travel and movie tickets surged 35.5 per cent in August from a year earlier to a record 755.8 billion won in the summer vacation season, while South Korean shoppers spent 344.8 billion won on cosmetics during the month, up 20.7 per cent.

    Food delivery services increased 38.2 per cent year-on-year to 610.3 billion won last month, while 381 billion won worth of electronic goods was sold through smartphones, up 18.3 per cent from a year earlier.

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  • SaladStop! heading for Korea

    SaladStop! heading for Korea

    Established eight years ago, Singapore food brand SaladStop! is about to launch into Korea.

    It opens in Seoul next month, about the same time as its first non-Asia location, in Barcelona. The brand has 19 outlets across Singapore, 12 in the Philippines, three in Jakarta and four in Tokyo.

    Co-founded by Adrien Desbaillets and his father Daniel, SaladStop! Is still a family affair. At 36, Adrienne is president while Daniel, 67, is director and chairman. Daniel’s sister Katherine handles marketing while her Paris-born husband Frantz Braha is business development manager, spearheading overseas franchising.

    The Desbaillets are Swiss citizens who put down roots in Singapore 22 years ago. Daniel was previously a hotel executive. When Adrien returned to Singapore after working in China for a hotel investment company, he planned a chain of nutrition-conscious quick-service restaurants.

    However, the says affordable, wholesome and nutritious were three options rarely found together in one meal, and he guessed that expats like himself were “craving a good salad”.

    Father and son opened their first store in Marina Square, working with corporate chef Tony Tan.

    All overseas locations have more or less the same core combos, but franchise holders modify them to suit local preferences.

    In Singapore, the next stage of growth is a mobile app.

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  • Amazon Global Selling to take Korean products everywhere

    Amazon Global Selling to take Korean products everywhere

    Amazon has revealed plans to help South Korean sellers make international sales via its Amazon Global Selling program.

    Amazon laid out its plans during its first press conference in South Korea dubbed the ‘Global Selling Conference’, which was held at COEX this week. The international shopping giant discussed its global selling service, ‘Amazon Global Selling,’ which allows sellers to sell items to other countries without the help of a customer service center or local distribution centre.

    According to the company, using its global selling platform can enable South Korean sellers to reach up to 300 million people in 185 countries across the world. Amazon Global Selling not only provides sellers with access to the international market but also provides help in dealing with common problems such as refunds, returns, and issues surrounding international delivery.

    Using Fulfillment by Amazon, a one-stop order processing service, sellers can use the distribution center owned by the shopping giant from which the rest of the selling process will be handled by Amazon.

    “Though domestic online sales are common, international online sales are still at an early stage in South Korea. We plan to actively help South Korean companies maximise their sales during the most eventful days of the year such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the Christmas season,” a company spokesperson said.

    Amazon Global Selling was first launched in 2015, and now the international company is set to begin the Korean language service of its portal ‘Seller Central’, as well as providing education programs for South Korean sellers.

    During the press conference, which was held in the presence of more than 1000 officials ranging from business partners and government officials to people interested in working with Amazon, Cindy Tai, the head of Amazon Global Selling-Asia, explained the conference was held two years after the global selling service was launched in the country, as an active community has been built only recently.

    Amazon’s move to help South Korean online sellers is set to see competition intensify in the online sales market, as similar services are already being operated by the likes of GMarket and 11street.

    With the growing number of people who wish to sell their products online in the international market in South Korea, some industry sources believe Amazon’s decision to introduce localised support programs for online sales is part of their effort to boost their competitiveness by training online businesses with potential and encouraging them to use their platform.

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  • Ookonn landing with special luggage at DFS

    Ookonn landing with special luggage at DFS

    Luxury travel retailer DFS Group is collaborating with Hong Kong luggage brand Ookonn to launch a dedicated pop-up store at T Galleria by DFS, Canton Road.

    The pop-up, to open next week, will showcase Ookonn’s signature patented round rolling luggage. It will also offer personalisation services, such as patterns that can be applied across an item’s body and handles as well as luggage covers. There are also monograms.

    It is the first on-ground store for the e-commerce company.

    “T Galleria by DFS provides a perfect setting to showcase our vision and values,” says co-founder/CEO/creative director Anson Shum.

    To mark the occasion, Ookonn has designed an exclusive luggage edition for DFS with a whimsical red and blue pattern.

    DFS will host a customer event on October 6 to introduce the pop-up and the DFS-exclusive print. There will also be demonstrations by Ookonn’s artist from Paris. An interactive artist will take over the store windows to entice people to explore the pop-up on the fashion floor. Stylist/former Voguefashion editor Grace Lam will join guests as they consult a tarot-card reader about their next travel destination.