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Tag: luxury

  • Bottega Veneta opens massive flagship store in Tokyo

    Bottega Veneta opens massive flagship store in Tokyo

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

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

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

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  • UK-based international chain bar Toy Room enters India

    UK-based international chain bar Toy Room enters India

    Toy Room, one of the most talked-about premium and international brand which has attracted visits from A-listers around the world including Jessie J, Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Scherzinger, has opened its first outlet in India in Aerocity. According to Akshay Anand, Owner Toy Room India, “Present in eight different countries, Toy Room is one of the biggest and hottest UK-based international entertainment brands with outposts already operating in London, Dubai, Istanbul, Rome, Mykonos, Athens, São Paulo and now India.”

    “This was the right time to introduce the brand in the country as food service industry is at its full-bloom all thanks to the well-informed and frequent travelling consumers,” he adds.

    Toy Room is the first international nightlife brand to enter the Indian market.

    Elaborating more about the brand, Anand says, “Toy Room is a playful, provocative, unpretentious and sexy place with a special focus on intimate hospitality and service and that is going to set it apart from other brands in the same category.”

    “With capacity for over 400 guests and a Hip-hop/ Rock ‘n’ Roll only music policy, Toy Room is derived from an urge to create an intimate setting for people to have fun,” he adds.

    Spanning across 4,500 sq.ft. Toy Room has been positioned as a finest party place that delivers an upscale nightclub experience with a focus on delivering premium hospitality, while still retaining its brand of sexy and provocative playfulness, which made it a worldwide sensation.

    The Toy Room brand internationally is known for placing children’s toys and imagery in an entertaining setting for adults, bringing together the notion of innocence alongside deviant party behaviour.

    “We are eyeing Rs 25 crore per annum revenue from Toy Room and going ahead we will be opening more outlets in Mumbai and Goa,” Anand concludes.

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  • Starbucks opens immersive coffee destination in New York

    Starbucks opens immersive coffee destination in New York

    “We designed the Roastery as the pinnacle experience around all-things-coffee, and there is nothing else like it in the world. With premium coffees, teas, mixology and the iconic Milanese Princi Bakery, it serves as a Starbucks brand amplifier and a platform for future innovation,” said Kevin Johnson, CEO, Starbucks. “Beverages such as Draft Nitro, Cold Foam and the recent launch of Juniper Latte all began at the Roastery and have since been introduced to Starbucks locations around the world. It is the ultimate Starbucks Experience and an unforgettable way to connect with our customers.”

    Starbucks has a long history in New York. In 1994, Starbucks chairman emeritus, Howard Schultz, who was born and raised in Canarsie, Brooklyn, opened the first Starbucks store in the city on Broadway and 87th Street on the Upper West Side. Nearly 25 years later, there are 350 Starbucks stores across the five boroughs in the city where Starbucks employs approximately 5,000 partners (employees). The Roastery employs nearly 300 people, including roasters, baristas, commessas and mixologists.

    “Like most people I first experienced Starbucks as a customer, where I would go to my store at 195 Broadway in the Financial District in New York City and order a tall latte which was the perfect way to start my day,” said Raul Adorno, Managing Director Reserve Roastery New York. “I look forward to welcoming my fellow New Yorkers and visitors from all around the world when we open the Roastery on Friday. You will be amazed.”

    At its core, Starbucks Reserve Roastery New York is a working coffee roastery, where every day Starbucks Master Roasters, who have trained for years in the craft of coffee roasting, will be small-batch roasting Starbucks rarest single-origin coffees and blends called Starbucks Reserve. Those coffees then get served fresh at the Roastery or shipped to select Starbucks stores around the world. That functional purpose, as well as the history of industry and manufacturing in the meatpacking district, is reflected in the design of the space.

    “New York is a hub to the world,” said Liz Muller, Chief Design Officer of Starbucks. “It’s an unbelievable place with such history. The meatpacking district has a fantastic history of industry, and the neighborhood has an electric energy; it is alive. We’ve designed a space where the excitement and dynamic activity of the neighborhood is mirrored in the Roastery. We want our customers to come in and feel very inspired.”

    Unique Food and Beverages

    Coffee Bars – There are two coffee bars at the Roastery, which in total offer seven brewing methods, including pour over, Chemex, coffee press, siphon, espresso, Clover and cold brewing.

    Upon entering the Roastery, visitors can visit the coffee bar on the main level, where baristas, called coffee masters, are crafting classic espresso beverages such as cappuccino, latte, cortado and specialty drinks such as whiskey barrel-aged cold brew, sparkling citrus espresso, nitro hopped apricot cold brew and rotating specials like the cardamom latte.

    Arriviamo Bar – For the first time in the U.S., Starbucks will debut the Arriviamo Bar inspired by the Italian tradition of aperitivo. This craft cocktail bar is located inside the Roastery where expert mixologists will serve cocktails and spiritfrees curated by award-winning mixologist Julia Momose featuring coffee and tea. Specialty cocktails include the Nocino Notte, made with cold brew coffee, barrel-aged gin and black truffle salt, and the Triomphe, made with Teavana/MC Darjeeling de Triomphe Tea, gin, dry Riesling, aquavit, passionfruit sparkling water and orange saffron bitters. The Arriviamo Bar will also serve a selection of beer, wine and classic cocktails

    Princi – Inside the Roastery is the Milanese boutique bakery Princi from founder Rocco Princi, with on-site baking of fresh breads, Pizzas, cornetti, focaccias, desserts and more.

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  • Hanwha Galleria Timeworld to sell luxury stuffs

    Hanwha Galleria Timeworld to sell luxury stuffs

    Department store operator Hanwha Galleria Timeworld is opening its second Galleria Luxury Hall next year. In benchmarking its first main store in southeastern Seoul, the owners are seeking to draw luxury French and Italian brands to trade alongside fine dining F&B operators. The store’s facade will undergo renovations with the aim of becoming a landmark building.

    A statement from Hanwha Galleria claimed the Timeworld branch is seen as the top department store in the area since its acquisition in 2000. Within the past decade, the firm has seen 7 per cent annual growth on average in sales.

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  • SHISEIDO X SIRIVANNAVARI Princess Hanayaka Collection

    SHISEIDO X SIRIVANNAVARI Princess Hanayaka Collection

    Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, in her capacity as Creative Director of SIRIVANNAVARI, has graciously designed a special makeup collection “SHISEIDO X SIRIVANNAVARI Princess Hanayaka Collection”. Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana is in charge of every design step, from meticulously selecting the color schemesand different shades for the beauty productsto designing the packaging.

    The princess used the graphics and drawings from her previous fashion collections to create elegant and graceful new designs. The whole process took over 2 years of her dedication.

    Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, in her capacity as Creative Director of SIRIVANNAVARI, graciously shares her thoughts on the “Princess Hanayaka Collection”:

    “SIRIVANNAVARI has always wanted to create the beauty products that can fully answer the needs of women in Asia.This is also what SHISEIDO wants as a premium makeup brand that understands the needs of Asian women well. That is how the collaboration of this collection started. I am very glad that we both share the same intention, which is to create what will enable the beauty of women in Asia to glow from inside and out naturally. For this collection, my intention is to create the beauty products that are compact, easy and convenient to apply. The colors in the palette must be beautiful and highly flexible for various combinations of mix and match for different occasions, from daytime natural look to nighttime glamour. One palette can be applied for eyes, cheeks, and lips makeup while the texture of the cosmetics must make it easy for different color combinations. I chose all the color schemes and different shades for this collection myself based on what color combinations I think will best bring out women’s beauty. I then used those colors to work with the graphics and drawings inspired by previous SIRIVANNAVARI collections to design the packaging. The drawings of rice ears, bees, and lovebirds are used as the main designs. When combined with a Japanese touch, the lines and feels become perfect for the packaging designs of this collection.”

    The collection Princess Hanayaka, meaning “a woman whois vivacious and as ravishingly beautiful as a princess” consists of 4 beauty products, which altogether create the perfect makeup: from blush to lipsticks, and from face illuminator to eye color.

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  • Louis Vuitton personalisation service launches in Asia

    Louis Vuitton personalisation service launches in Asia

    Luxury retailer Louis Vuitton is offering a personalisation service for a selection of men’s ready-to-wear items in a limited number of global stores. The My LV World Tour Louis Vuitton personalisation service offers clients the opportunity to customise their purchases with a variety of patches and embroideries inspired by vintage travel labels and varsity lettering of the kind Gaston-Louis Vuitton used to adorn his own luggage. The service was previously limited to leather goods.

    The patch themes include world-famous cities and heritage LV graphics, some of which will be available seasonally as limited-edition items.

    The Louis Vuitton personalisation service is available in only eight Asian stores: Hong Kong’s Canton Road and Pacific Place; Shanghai’s Plaza 66; Beijing’s Shin Kong; Japan’s Omotesando and Shinsaibashi; Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Seoul’s Shinsegae Main.

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  • CGS-CIMB sees strong vehicle sales in December, raises 2018 TIV growth forecast

    CGS-CIMB sees strong vehicle sales in December, raises 2018 TIV growth forecast

    CGS-CIMB expects vehicle sales to be stronger in December and has raised its 2018 total industry volume (TIV) growth forecast from 2.5% to 4% on the back of stronger-than-expected TIV year-to-date. “We expect stronger sales in December in view of year-end promotions and multiple new models that were recently launched. For example, Proton launched its first SUV, the X70 on Dec 12 and we learned that it has started delivery to showrooms. Proton has so far received encouraging bookings of over 12,000 units since the end of November,” it said in its sector note today.

    On Wednesday, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) announced that TIV grew 2.1% month-on-month to 48,282 units in November due to higher passenger vehicles (PV) sold. Perodua and Mazda recorded 8% and 14% month-on-month growth respectively.

    For the 11 months ended November, TIV rose 5.5% year-on-year to 550,526 units due to stronger PV and commercial vehicles (CV) demand on the back of the tax holiday period. PV and CV recorded healthy 5% and 8% year-on-year sales growth respectively during the period.

    For 2019, it expects resilient sales in PV on the back of new model launches in the passenger car and SUV segments from Perodua, Proton, Honda and Toyota but overall, TIV delivery is expected to be flat next year.

    “We project a 10% sector net profit growth in 2019, driven by positive earnings growth from all companies, led by Sime Darby. However, we see downside risk to earnings from the depreciation in ringgit versus US dollar and Japanese yen, as this will increase the distributors’ costs of imported complete knocked-down kits and complete built units,” it said.

    Bermaz Auto Bhd (BAuto) is CGS-CIMB’s top pick, in view of the company’s undemanding valuation, attractive yield and proxy to export sales growth. It has an “add” rating on the stock with a target price of RM2.65.

    “We expect BAuto to deliver robust sales volume in FY19-20, driven by the popular Mazda CX-5 and upcoming new model launches of Mazda 3 and CX-8,” it added.

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  • Berluti showcases its signature styles in Mumbai

    Berluti showcases its signature styles in Mumbai

    One of the world’s most iconic luxury footwear brands, Berluti, hosted an exclusive evening to showcase new styles to guests and present their signature technique of footwear tattoo artistry by Elena Lodiat Soho House, Juhu. Firmly grounded in bespoke know-how, Berluti took its technical skills and creative flair a notch higher by transforming the rules of style with tattooing.

    The rare tattoo designs based on four themes: a classic bestiary of Insects & Animals, the signs of the Zodiac and the Chinese horoscope, vintage designs with Eagles, and the subtle art of Calligraphy can now be perfected on Berluti’s original and globally renowned Venezia leather. The noblest of all leathers, only Venezia leather sustains the creative audacity of Olga Berluti’s vision of art.

    The design is crafted to meet the modern-day sensibilities of contemporary dandy men. Fire-breathing dragons, fantastic beasts, regal eagles, all the mythical creatures and several other esoteric designs can now be realized on the emblematic Berluti Venezia leather from shoes and handbags to belts and other small leather goods.

    With this exclusive service, Berluti brings an even more bespoke look to an already-unique shoe.

    Talking about the event, the only female shoemaker in the world Olga Berluti said, ‘’I always wanted to grace leather shoes with the markings of the skin; scars, gashes, branding, piercings. We have already mastered the color technique on the leather from bronze and brown to red and copper, and the dark blue of the Tuaregs. Only one thing was missing, the most obvious and most difficult: tattoos. I tried to tattoo shoes using every possible process, but the designs faded, the colors were lost beneath the patinas, and the tattoos had no “life” in them. However, my technique has evolved over the years and today I am using the exact same methods as tattoo artists, along with inks that work well with leather. I hope Berluti loyalists from across the world admire this new art.”

    An exclusive Indian distribution partner of iconic global brands Bequest Group, Managing Director, Gaganmeet Singh said, “Luxury is all about a bespoke experience and personalization and creating tattoos on leather is an artisanal process. We are glad to have showcased this unique technique of tattooing on the Berluti Venezia leather to our patrons in India. The activity was insightful and interactive at the same time that gave a chance to the luxury connoisseurs to get involved in the nuances of tattoo making on leather at this unique Berluti event.”

    Berluti currently has a store in New Delhi at DLF Emporio Mall and is scouting for a property in Mumbai to open its store.

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  • Acne Studios Opens First Store in Beijing

    Acne Studios Opens First Store in Beijing

    Acne Studios China has opened its third store, in Beijing. The Swedish luxury fashion brand launched in China two years ago, offering its eclectic mix of minimalist ready-to-wear fashion and denim. The new store’s interior features straight lines with glass, high-gloss white walls and contrasting stainless steel railing and shelves. A large display created by British designer Max Lamb stands in the centre of the store, painted in the label’s trademark shade of pink. It’s matched with purple rugs created by Lamb which contrast with the stark white interior.

    Acne Studios creative director Jonny Johansson said it had been a long-held dream to open a store in Beijing. “It is also my hope that this store will bring us the opportunity to create many special projects in the future.” Lines exclusive to Acne Studio China will be sold at the new boutique to mark its opening.

    The store is located in Taikoo Li North Village on Sanlitun Road.

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  • American Eagle Outfitters India to open 25 outlets in three years

    American Eagle Outfitters India to open 25 outlets in three years

    US-based mid-to-premium denim wear brand, American Eagle Outfitters entered India in the summer of 2018 through a licensing agreement with Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd. The brand expects India will be its top three international markets in the next five years.

    In an interview with IMAGES Retail, Guillermo La Rosa, Vice-President, International and Business Development, American Eagle Outfitters says, “Our brand has been in India for the past few months and it has been performing well. We are learning a lot about the Indian consumer as we plan to expand within the market and as we will get these learnings under our belt, it will help us grow and offer the right products to consumers.”

    Target Customers

    American Eagle Outfitters is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices.

    The brand is betting big on Generation Z, who are between the age group of 15-25-year-old.

    “India’s rapidly developing and vibrant economy, anchored by the world’s largest youth population, provides an exciting growth opportunity for our brands and expanding our global reach,” says La Rosa.

    Category Mix

    The category mix of American Eagle Outfitters comprises of jeans, shorts, joggers, t-shirts, tops, woven shirts, sweatshirts, jackets and hoodies along with accessories like shoes, socks and belts.

    Elaborating on this, La Rosa says, “The breadth of our assortment is global; however, the category mix varies from location to location. For example, in DLF Promenade, the penetration is around 60 percent men and 40 percent women products whereas in Mall of India, it is 50-50.”

    In the Indian market, Denim is the Number 1 category for both men and women followed by other categories like woven shirts, polo shirts, fleece and sweaters.

    “In India, there have been a lot of learnings for us, like in the women’s category, the customer prefers more of bootcut whereas outside India it is more about skinny and super skinny. Skinny and super skinny is little bit slower than what we had anticipated. Similarly, in the men’s category, slim and skinny are very important globally whereas here in India it is more of slim and straight denim. It seems like here in India the customer wants more clean-cut denims. We will continue with what the consumer wants as we grow,” he adds.

    Decoding the Store

    The average size of the American Eagle Outfitters’ store spans across 2,500-3,500 sq. ft. in India.

    According to La Rosa, the store size of the brand in India is smaller as compared to that in the US. “In the US the store size ranges from 4,500 sq. ft. to 10,000 sq. ft.,” he says.

    Despite the smaller spaces, the brand is hoping to launch more stores in more cities soon. Apart from this, the brand will also launch bigger flagship outlets.

    “We are looking forward to opening more flagship stores in key cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru and these stores will be bigger than the average store. In addition to this, after the launch of Aerie in India, we expect to have bigger stores,” he adds.

    Aerie is a lingerie retailer and intimate apparel sub-brand owned by American Eagle Outfitters. In the US, Aerie targets the 15- to 25-year-old female demographic.

    Expansion Plans

    At present, the brand has three operational stores spread across Delhi-NCR and Chandigarh. Apart from this, it is available through its own website and also on fashion portal Myntra.

    “By this year-end, we are looking to open six to nine more outlets. In the next three years, we are looking at a total of 25 locations. For some of the new stores, we have got locations in Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Delhi and we are also exploring other options,” La Rosa reveals.

    “We are not here to be in every single mall and exploit the brand. We want to be very meticulous and calculative in the partnerships that we have with malls. We will be launching the Mumbai outlet in the upcoming months,” he adds.

    The brand may also look at having a presence through multi-brand stores and in Tier II markets in the future. It will also open Aerie stores across India in partnership with the Aditya Birla Group.

    “We believe that in the next five years India could emerge as the top three markets outside the US,” La Rosa asserts.

    American Eagle Outfitters merchandise also is available at more than 190 international locations operated by licensees in 24 countries.

  • Vive cake boutique launches hot beverages this winter

    Vive cake boutique launches hot beverages this winter

    Embracing the joyous holiday season, celebrity-loved Vive Cake Boutique launches a selection of luscious winter drinks specially curated by Founder, Ms Vivien Lau, to pair with VIVE’s delectable sweet treats. A selection of premium organic teas sourced from Taiwan are also introduced to add to its repertoire of beverages.

    “The holiday season is one that inspires the sharing of love and joy between family and friends,” says Vivien Lau. “Our new hot drinks are ‘warm, comforting and the perfect thing to cozy up with as the weather gets colder. Pair them with our signature cakes; it is soul-warming.”

    The new non-alcoholic So Grape-ful (HK$68), is a sophisticated yet whimsical libation designed to emulate mulled wine. Made with grape juice, tangy orange and lemon zest, a dash of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, this warm drink not only brings to mind a winter wonderland classic, but also inspires a sense of playfulness with its presentation in a classic Christmas bauble sitting in a Martini glass.

    Lovers of sweetness and tradition will enjoy the classic S’mores (HK$50) concoction. A classic hot chocolate topped with roasted marshmallows, featuring butter cake crumbs, the smooth and satisfying drink conjures the classic Christmas moment shared by family and friends in front of a fireplace.

    The chilly winter season need not only be a time exclusively for indulgences. VIVE introduces a repertoire of three organic premium teas personally sourced by Vivien Lau from Taiwan, unrivalled for its high quality teas.

    Each of these teas is recommended to be paired with VIVE’s repertoire of signature desserts. The long-lasting, mellow sweetness of the Golden Honey Black Tea (HK$42) which invokes a scent of honey, floral, fruity, and milky aroma is recommended to be paired with Berry Jolly (HK$58), a layered sponge cake with mascarpone mousse and strawberry fillings. The slight astringency of black tea will make that mascarpone mousse really sing.

    The sweet, floral, and honey-fragrant Oriental Beauty Tea (HK$42) with its unique flower and honey aroma is best paired with the Berry Almond Tart (HK$48), made with seasonal fruits set atop an almond cake base and a crisp, sweet tart shell.  The tea is light enough to not overpower the fruits, but flavorful enough to make this simple sweet treat shine.

    Tea lovers who fancy the classic clean and grassy aroma with a tinge of roast, will love the mellow and brisk taste of Alpine Roast Oolong Tea (HK$42), which leaves tea drinkers with a lingering sugar cane sweetness. This tea is best paired with Treasure Hunt (HK$58), a rich caramel glazed cake, layered with dark chocolate sponge, caramel & chocolate mousse, set on a crunchy base.  The fragrant florals of lightly oxidized oolongs will bring out the fruity and earthy flavors of dark chocolate.

    Tea-ophiles may also take these naturally grown, chemical-free teas home with them. Tea connoisseurs may enjoy Golden Honey Black Tea for a natural caffeine boost, Alpine Roast Oolong Tea, and Oriental Beauty Tea at the comforts of their own homes. The packaged tea box with priced HK$218, including 15 individual tea bags (each flavour of 5), is a perfect personal or corporate gift.

    Vive Cake Boutique has proved a roaring success story since being launched with online orders in 2014 by founder and creative director Vivien Lau, who discovered her passion and talent by chance, making her first cake for a friend’s birthday. Her signature ‘handmade with love’ cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cookies, confectioneries and tailor-made cakes for weddings and special occasions, are all made from scratch from finest ingredients sourced from all over the world.

    VIVE’s widespread acclaim includes Time Out’s listing among the “crème de la crème of Hong Kong’s bespoke dessert makers” – with a massive celebrity and socialite following including Aaron Kwok, Charlene Choi, Gillian Chung, Niki Chow, Sharon Chan, Miki Yeung, Ella Koon, Myolie Wu and more.

  • Vietjet boosts the business by opening new route

    Vietjet boosts the business by opening new route

    Vietjet continues to solidify its presence in Vietnam this holiday season with the announcement of its newest route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Van Don (Quang Ninh Province). Bridging the gap between Vietnam’s largest city and the attractive island district in Quang Ninh Province, the new route will serve to meet the growing travel and trade demands of locals and tourists alike.

    Starting 20 January 2019, passengers will be able to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Van Don (and vice versa) with flights operating every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. With a flight time of 2 hours and 15 minutes per leg, the flight will depart from Ho Chi Minh City at 07:00 am and arrive in Van Don at 09:15 am. The return flight takes off from Van Don at 09:50am and lands in Ho Chi Minh City at 12:05 pm.

    In celebration of the new route, Vietjet is currently running a three golden day promotion starting 20 to 22 December 2018. 2.2million tickets priced only from MYR0 (*) will be available for booking during the promotional time between 1.00pm to 3.00pm (Malaysian time) via the website. The promotion is applicable on all domestic flights within Vietnam and the travel period is from 20 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 (excluding public holidays).

    Located in close proximity to Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Van Don Islands District is an attractive tourist destination comprising of over 600 large and small islands. Van Don has a unique beauty that boasts serenity and wilderness. It is home to many famous destinations such as Bai Tu Long National Park, Dua Islet, Thien Nga Islet, Quan Lan Island, Minh Chau Island, and Ngoc Vung Island.

    Aiming to be a Consumer Airline, Vietjet has continually opened many new routes, added more aircraft, invested in modern technology, while offering more add-on products and services to serve all demands of customers.

    Vietjet has been a pioneering airline, winning the hearts of millions of passengers thanks to its exciting promotions, entertainments, especially during the festive seasons. With high-quality services, diverse ticket classes and reasonable airfares, Vietjet offers its passengers flying experiences on new aircraft with comfy seats and delicious hot meals served by beautiful, dedicated and friendly cabin crews, and many more enticing add-on services.

  • Lancome opened sensorial pop-up store in HaitangBay

    Lancome opened sensorial pop-up store in HaitangBay

    With over 170 beauty awards to its name, Mainland China’s leading beauty brand, Lancôme, celebrated its top selling serum, Advanced Génifique, by launching a multi-sensorial pop-up at China Duty Free Group’s (CDFG) Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex at Haitang Bay. Renowned actress and LANCÔME local ambassador for China, Zhou Dongyu, actors, Zhai TianLin and Yin Zheng, and over 12 beauty influencers joined hands to embark on an exclusive journey of experiencing the 1+1 dual skincare benefits of the Advanced Génifique and Advanced Génifique Sensitive. The pop-up is an opportunity to address the robust growth driven by Chinese travellers within a booming beauty market that continues to accelerate in Asia Pacific.

    Located at one of Asia’s leading downtown duty-free destinations, the pop-up in sophisticated hues of blue and white brought in the spirit and taste of French elegance to Sanya. Beauty influencers and travelers experienced Lancôme’s top-rated serum through various sensory, with features such as a photo booth, interactive games and an impactful outdoor lighting installation. The pop-up ran from November 2 to 29.

    “To celebrate the abiding success of the Lancôme brand and its iconic Advanced Génifique serum, we are happy to partner with CDFG in Sanya, Haitang Bay, to launch this pop-up with the presence of our local ambassador for China, Zhou Dongyu. As we remain optimistic of our growth in Travel Retail APAC, we are excited to reach out to the Chinese travelers in their home country to experience Advanced Génifique in an all-immersive retail experience pop-up,” said Tao Zhang, General Manager of Lancôme Travel Retail Asia Pacific.

    “We are pleased to partner with a leading international beauty giant like Lancôme to showcase their iconic Advanced Génifique serum at this specially designed pop-up. CDFG Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex hosts millions of travelers per year, and our core focus revolves around the idea of creating and delivering meaningful and memorable experiences for them. This partnership with Lancôme has made this possible, bringing an engaging shopping experience, elevated for our travelers.” said Xie Zhi Yong, Deputy General Manager of CDFG Sanya Downtown Duty Free Store Co., Ltd.

    Celebrating the momentous occasion and enduring success of the brand’s iconic serum, the pop-up was themed around the Advanced Génifique, which is heading into its ten year anniversary in 2019. With more than 170 beauty awards to its name, the powerful youth activating serum remains as one of the best-selling serums in the country.

    Primed as Asia’s leading downtown duty-free destination for international, luxury cosmetics as well as the gateway for the brand to tap into the thriving travel retail market, CDFG Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex was specially selected to play host to Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique’s pop-up. The duty-free shopping complex houses one of the top POS for Lancôme worldwide, and will remain a key strategic focus for the brand’s travel retail business across APAC.

    Billed as the top holiday destination for affluent mainland Chinese, Sanya saw KOLs from around China descend upon its shores to embark on a ‘Advanced Génifique’ journey to reveal their skin’s glow and deepen their understanding of Lancôme’s well-loved Advanced Génifique and Advanced Génifique Sensitive serums through a beautiful holiday experience with the brand. Invited KOLs whose Advanced Génifique journey at Sanya enabled them to better understand the benefits of the brand’s powerful youthactivating serum, share their knowledge, and advocate Advanced Génifique across their platforms.

     

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  • Now tourist can claim VAT refund in downtown Bangkok

    Now tourist can claim VAT refund in downtown Bangkok

    According to the announcement by the government’s Reveue Department regarding ‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourist’, the campaign has kickstarted an initiative to set up counters in numerous locations across central Bangkok to help tourists proceed with VAT refund upon shopping at permitted VAT refundable retailers. VAT refund will be returned to tourists in the form of cash in Thai Baht, encouraging them to continue shopping in Thailand with ease and convenience. Apart from helping tourists, the campaign is initiated to promote growth and balanced income distribution to small businesses.

    As one of the founding parties of VAT Refund Center (Thailand) Co.,Ltd, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. is proud to be the official partner and the representative to assist tourists with VAT refund processes in these 5 locations across Central Bangkok; Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Central Chidlom, Robinson Sukhumvit,  and The Emporium. As one of the partnering department stores, Siam Paragon has completed all preparations to help and service incoming tourists at the highest capacity.

    Senior Executive Vice President for Siam Piwat Co., Ltd. retail business development division Charnchai Cherdchoowongtha-nakorn said, “Siam Paragon is delighted to fully support the government’s policies and work with the Revenue Department. ‘Downtown VAT Refund for Tourist’ is set up to be a key area on G Floor where tourists can find conveniently, as it is located by one of our entrances connected to BTS Skytrain and taxi stops. Additionally, adept, knowledgeable and service-minded staff have been assigned to accomodate tourists with paperwork and essential procedures in order to fully and successfully comply with policies from the Revenue Department.”

    “Not only will shopping tourists of Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Siam Discovery find it convenient to proceed with VAT refund at Siam Paragon, all tourists who have purchased goods, in accordance with all policies by the Revenue Department are welcomed to complete all necessary procedures at our department stores. The convenience of VAT refund at Siam Paragon is extremely helpful for those who have purchased in the popular shopping destination Siam as hundreds of SME businesses, small retailers and corporations are located in the area, covering an vast space of 2,000,000 sqm, with over 20 hotels to accommodate international tourists in more than 3,000 rooms available – with extra support from Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain system, connecting Ratchathevi and National Stadium to Siam station.”

    “According to statistics, out of 400,000 – 500,000 shopping tourists per day at One Siam, an average of 938 VAT Refund Form ( P.P. 10) have been filled each day from shops and retail spaces in Siam Paragon, totaling to a signification amount of 342,494 applicants.”

    “Based on Siam’s all-round advantages, we are confident that our VAT refund counter on G Floor of Siam Paragon will be the key point of service for all international tourist groups. Not only will these counters help tourists in making better decisions about visiting Thailand, the amount of amount refuned back to them will potentially be spent on additional purchases in Thailand. Consequently, it would help boost our economy. I can see this initiative having positive influence on the number of Thailand-bound tourists – more by volume and frequency,” Charnchai stated.

    The initiative of establishing VAT refund counters directly impacts the tourism industry on multiple levels: 1. Amount of retained money which tourists have spent after receiving VAT refund helps small retailers and businesses, which, in turn, strengthens Thailand’s economy; 2. The growth in sales volume and sales value is proportional to the rate of economic growth and revenue from tourist spending; 3. A significant decline in VAT refund at Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang Airport reflects positive a sign of service improvement; 4. VAT refund for tourists promotes better opportunities for local retail shops to generate more sales.

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  • Olympic Committee Launches the First Olympic Store for Chinese Fans with Alibaba

    Olympic Committee Launches the First Olympic Store for Chinese Fans with Alibaba

    The International Olympic Committee and Worldwide TOP Partner Alibaba Group (NYSE: BABA) announced the launch of the firstever Olympic store on Tmall, China’s largest B2C marketplace for brands and retailers, during the weekend. The new Olympic store will be initially available to Chinese fans on Alibaba’s Tmall, with additional plans in development to create a global ecommerce platform for fans around the world.

    The Olympic store on Tmall has been launched as part of the new IOC Global Licensing Strategy, which aims to engage and connect with fans seeking official Olympic branded merchandise, in line with Olympic Agenda 2020. The launch was announced at the second annual Tmall Winter Festival in Zhangjiakou, a three-day online and offline retail event to generate excitement for winter sports among Chinese consumers. The Olympic store on Tmall will offer official products developed as part of three Olympic core licensing collections, aimed at engaging Chinese fans all year round.

    The Olympic Games Collection celebrates the upcoming Olympic Games and includes branded products from the Beijing 2022 and Tokyo 2020 Games, such as pins, apparel and other memorabilia. The Olympic Heritage Collection will feature products that include art and design elements from previous Games editions, such as postcards of historical Olympic posters, connecting fans and connoisseurs with the rich heritage of the Olympic Games. Finally, the Olympic Collection will target a young and active audience through unique branded products, mainly sports equipment and toys.

    Timo Lumme, IOC TMS Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to launch our first Olympic store on Alibaba’s Tmall in China, one of the world’s largest ecommerce marketplaces. The launch was made possible thanks to the support of our Worldwide Olympic Partner Alibaba’s technology and expertise, as well as our partnership with the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2022. The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will be a landmark moment for China and the Olympic Movement, and from today we look forward to offering the latest exciting Olympic products to Chinese Olympic fans through our new Olympic store on Alibaba’s platform.”

    Chris Tung, Alibaba Group Chief Marketing Officer, commented: “The launch of the first Olympic store on Alibaba’s Tmall is an important milestone in our long-term partnership with the IOC. We are proud to leverage Alibaba’s technology and ecosystem to provide more opportunities for Chinese fans to celebrate the heritage of the Games and join in the excitement for Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the IOC to connect more fans in China and from around the world to the Olympic Movement in the digital era.” Piao Xuedong, Director of the Beijing 2022 Marketing Department, said: “We are proud to work with both the IOC and Alibaba to present the Olympic store on Tmall to Chinese Olympic fans today. It is the first time in the history of the Olympic Movement that Olympic fans can use an online store to look for licensed products both from the historical Olympic Games and the upcoming Olympic Games. Beijing 2022 is getting full value by innovating the licensing programme today. Our licensing team will keep supporting the Olympic store on Tmall by providing more wonderful products in the future.”

    In December 2017, Alibaba Group, in partnership with the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee, introduced the official online shop for Beijing 2022 on Tmall to help promote the Games among fans in China. Alibaba Group and the IOC entered a historic, long-term strategic partnership in January 2017 to help transform the Olympic Games for the digital era. Alibaba Group serves as the official “Cloud Services” and “E-Commerce Platform Services” Partner of the IOC, and is a Founding Partner of the Olympic Channel through to the 2028 Games.

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