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Tag: Macau

  • CTM to Launch 5G Services Upon Awarding of Macau Government License

    CTM to Launch 5G Services Upon Awarding of Macau Government License

    Macau’s telecoms regulator has accepted the bids for the city’s first 5G licenses, including that of major telecoms firms CTM and China Telecom (Macao) Limited.

    According to the Macau Post and Telecommunications Bureau, the operators to be awarded the licenses are expected to launch 5G services by the first quarter of 2023.

    In a press release, Vice President, Commercial of CTM, Ebel Cham, announced that the company has already realized indoor and outdoor 5G signal full coverage which supports both NSA and SA modes.

    She added that CTM looks forward to launching 5G services within short order after being awarded the 5G license by the Macau SAR Government.

    Cham said that CTM is open to discussing different forms of cooperation with other operators under full      compliance with the local laws and regulations.

    Cham added that CTM has reached dual agreements with 58 countries and regions for 5G roaming services, including mainland China and Hong Kong, the launch of which will provide residents and tourists a seamless 5G experience.

    If the 5G license is to be awarded this year, CTM said it will strive for rolling out 5G service with competitive pricing by year’s end.

  • Hong Kong and Macau Announce Wealth Connect Bank List

    Hong Kong and Macau Announce Wealth Connect Bank List

    China’s two special administrative regions announced their list of eligible banks to participate in the cross-border wealth management scheme.

    In Hong Kong, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Citi and more were amongst those on the list of 19 approved banks, according to an announcement yesterday from the city’s central bank.

    Three banks – Bank of East Asia, DBS and Dah Sing Bank – were only allowed to sell products via the southbound route.

    Considering that it will be the first time for retail investors to conduct cross-boundary investments, we will closely monitor the operation of the cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect and step up investor education and investor protection work together with the industry, said Hong Kong Monetary Authority chief executive Eddie Yue Wai-man in a statement.

    Concurrently, Macau’s central bank also announced its list of seven lenders approved for the cross-border scheme earlier this week.

    Bank of China, Bank of Communications, China Construction Bank, China Guangfa Bank, CMB Wing Lung Bank, ICBC and Luso International Banking were approved to launch services in the Wealth Connect program as of yesterday, according to the Monetary Authority of Macau. z

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  • Macau retail sales surge after Covid-19 lockdown

    Macau retail sales surge after Covid-19 lockdown

    The value of Macao’s retail sales for the second quarter of 2021 totaled 20.70 billion patacas (about 2.58 billion U.S. dollars), up 200 percent year on year, the special administrative region’s statistic department said on Tuesday.

    The latest report from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) showed that among the major retail trade activities, sales values of watches, clocks and jewelry, leather goods, and communication equipment witnessed a notable year-on-year growth of 957.9 percent, 504.0 percent, and 460.4 percent respectively, whereas sales value of supermarkets dropped by 11.3 percent.

    As regards the sales volume index, the indices of watches, clocks and jewelry, leather goods, and communication equipment registered a significant rise, while the index of supermarkets decreased.

    For the first half-year of 2021, the value of retail sales reached 39.46 billion patacas, an uplift of 118.4 percent year on year. Besides, the sales volume index jumped by 130.4 percent.

    The value of retail sales in the second quarter of 2021 rose by 10.3 percent as compared with the revised figure of 18.76 billion patacas in the first quarter. Sales values of department stores and watches, clocks, and jewelry increased markedly, whereas sales values of communication equipment declined.

    Moreover, the sales volume index grew by 9.9 percent quarter on quarter.

    In respect of retailers’ comments, 40.9 percent of the retailers expected the sales volume to stay stable year on year in the third quarter of 2021, 42.9 percent anticipated a decrease, and 16.2 percent forecast an increase. Meanwhile, 78.0 percent of the retailers predicted that the retail prices would remain steady year on year in the third quarter, 15.3 percent foresaw a decrease and 6.7 percent expected an increase.

    As compared with the second quarter of 2021, about 44.7 percent of the retailers envisaged sluggish business in the third quarter, whereas retailers expecting stable performance and those anticipating a favorable outlook together accounted for 55.3 percent of the total.

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  • Nine Singaporeans struggling to leave Macau secure seats on AirAsia flight

    Nine Singaporeans struggling to leave Macau secure seats on AirAsia flight

    At least nine Singaporeans have been struggling to leave Macau after they were unable to secure a direct flight home due to the pandemic. One is desperate to return after losing his job in the Chinese city, whose economy has been hit hard by Covid-19. Another needs surgery for a spinal condition and wants to return home.

    The group of Singaporeans and Malaysians will finally board a special AirAsia flight to Kuala Lumpur on April 8, arranged and confirmed by the consulate-general of Malaysia in Hong Kong on Thursday (March 11).

    Many had spent more than three weeks waiting for the decision, with some unemployed, unwell or pregnant.

    While some people in Macau have flown home on commercial flights via Hong Kong, it is understood that those who have medical conditions or are pregnant did not want to do so for fear of becoming infected with the coronavirus while quarantined in the territory.

    One among the group being repatriated, a Singaporean who works in the events industry, suffered a heart attack at the end of last year and has been trying to return home for treatment ever since.

    The man, who did not want to be named, said that his doctor advised him to have another stent fitted after the emergency operation but he did not have full insurance coverage in Macau.

    He added: “It’s good that we can join our neighbors in returning home since there are very few Singaporeans compared with Malaysians here in Macau.”

    The flight was coordinated by fellow Singaporean Agnes Goh, who has lived in Hong Kong and Macau for around 30 years.

    “Before the confirmation on Thursday, we faced tremendous pressure to secure a flight because quite a number of healthy passengers were thinking of backing out and flying from Hong Kong instead,” she said. “This made the mission increasingly impossible.”

    In response to queries from The Straits Times on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said that it had been “working with all relevant parties involved to bring them home safely via a special flight”.

    Ms Celia Lao, chief executive of AirAsia Hong Kong and Macau, said the flight was initiated by the Malaysian consulate last month. She added: “Other transit passengers are also welcome to take advantage of this flight once it is confirmed. We are looking to achieve a minimum of 60 passengers.”

    As at 9.30pm on Friday, there were 41 Malaysians and nine Singaporeans confirmed for the flight. “Singaporeans in Macau may also return to Singapore via Hong Kong by commercial flights, after serving their 14-day compulsory quarantine in Hong Kong,” the MFA added.

  • Swatch launches art-themed Macau pop up

    Swatch launches art-themed Macau pop up

    Swiss watch giant Swatch Group said Thursday it suffered a net loss of 53 million Swiss frances (49 million euros) last year as the coronavirus ravaged the global economy.

    Sales were down more than 32 percent at 5.5 billion Swiss francs, short of analyst forecasts compiled by the AWP agency for 5.8 billion Swiss francs.

    In 2019, the company, famous for its trendy multi-color plastic watches, had posted a profit of 748 million Swiss francs.

    Swatch said the pandemic slashed sales by more than 43 percent in the first quarter last year as the authorities imposed a sharp lockdown to try and curb the spread of the virus.

    As restrictions were subsequently eased, sales picked up again but remained well below normal levels, with business in tourist hotspots and airports hit badly.

    Swatch said it closed 384 outlets over the course of the year, with Hong Kong especially hard hit, falling from 92 in 2019 to 38 last year.

    For this year, the company said it hopes sales will recover to close to 2019 levels as the economy stabilises, citing China’s example.

  • Versace Macau boutique reopens at Four Seasons

    Versace Macau boutique reopens at Four Seasons

    Versace announced the re-opening of its boutique in Macau. Situated in the upscale Shoppes at Four Seasons, the store is located at the city’s premier luxury destination. Inspired by Medusa’s hypnotic gaze, the boutique has been renovated following a new concept created by renowned architect Gwenael Nicolas.

    An impressive ceiling embellished with concentric golden louvers surrounding a three- dimensional Medusa dominates the space. Visible from every corner of the store, the mythical woman acts as an anchor, a central figure that incorporates the iconic Versace aesthetic into the interior design.

    The imposing ceiling is contrasted with neutral flooring and walls, crafted from luxurious white marble. Envisioned as exclusive, private salons, showcase areas are enriched with plush carpets and cozy blue velvet armchairs. The muted colors of the space highlight the graphic prints and exceptional fabrication of the latest Versace creations. In a further nod to brand heritage, the golden metal display constructions are enriched with Barocco-infused acanthus leaves

    The 369 square meter boutique features a curated selection of women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories.

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  • Bauhaus leaves all markets except Hong Kong, Macau

    Bauhaus leaves all markets except Hong Kong, Macau

    Local apparel retailer Bauhaus International (0483) has revealed an intention to close all its retail stores outside Hong Kong and Macau by the end of March.

    The group’s loss outside Hong Kong and Macau expanded more than 13 times to HK$78.4 million in 2019 over 2018 before it narrowed to HK$68.6 million this year.

    Most of the Bauhau offline retailing operations beyond Hong Kong and Macau are in the mainland and Taiwan.

    It suffered an annual loss of HK$142.8 million this year compared with a profit of HK$2.76 million in 2019.

    The company will negotiate with landlords of the 14 stores its intends to shut down, and the precise timing of each closure will depend on how the talks go.

    About 50 employees will be laid off as a result of the closing program.

    The retailer is still looking at the possibilities of accessing the non-Hong Kong and Macau markets through centrally-managed online operations run from its Hong Kong headquarters.

    Bauhaus says more realistic economies of scope will result from the closures, which are also seen to be in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.

  • 7-Eleven opens Snoopy concept stores in Hong Kong and Macau

    7-Eleven opens Snoopy concept stores in Hong Kong and Macau

    7-Eleven has always been known for running attractive redemption programs that offer appealing collectibles. However, the team decided to do things differently this time around, they wanted to shift the program from simply being a way to reward loyalty into a platform to increase brand equity and authentically engage the customer in a fun and exciting way.

    So, 7-Eleven launched a total of four Snoopy concept stores in Hong Kong and Macau to not only showcase and generate awareness of the program itself but also create an exciting destination for Snoopy fans to visit and enjoy.

    To coincide with Snoopy’s 70th birthday, 7-Eleven chose to collaborate with PEANUTS, the iconic cartoon strip featuring Snoopy and his friends. “HAPPINESS IS….” was selected as the overarching platform for the campaign; a famous catchphrase from the PEANUTS cartoons that encourages us to appreciate the little things in life.

    In their latest redemption program, 7-Eleven partnered up with PEANUTS and Japanese lifestyle fashion brand Niko and… in their first-ever crossover collection in Hong Kong to launch a series of eight colorful, stylish eco-bags featuring Snoopy and the gang. To accompany the launch and promote the program in an exciting and engaging way, 7-Eleven developed the innovative idea of the Snoopy concept store.

    The rationale behind the Snoopy concept stores was to bring the redemption program to life and create an opportunity for customers to truly experience the wonderful world of Snoopy and his friends within selected 7-Eleven stores.

    Four locations were chosen to undergo the transformation; a hub of three stores in the high traffic district of Mongkok to create a “Snoopy Town” for added impact and one store in Macau. Each store is decorated individually in a special theme to represent a particular concept under the umbrella of the HAPPINESS IS… platform — Friendship and Togetherness, Sharing, More Hellos, and A Day Out. The different fit-outs not only flesh out the HAPPINESS IS…concept but also give customers a compelling reason to visit each and every concept store to create and share even more happy moments.

    To create a true 360-degree customer experience, stores were decorated from top to bottom. Special Snoopy touches have been added throughout including the shopfront, category signage, chiller and freezer doors, walls, and, in some stores, even the ceiling! The finished stores look as though they have just leaped off the pages of a PEANUTS comic; shelving has been transformed to look like Snoopy’s iconic red doghouse and a custom-made gondola end display installed featuring a jumbo Snoopy figure driving a bright yellow school bus.

    Team members at the Snoopy concept stores can also join in on the fun. An exclusive Snoopy x 7-Eleven T-shirt featuring the iconic Charlie Brown chevron stripe has been designed for them to wear within the stores.

    The eye-catching displays and appealing artwork put smiles on customers’ faces and also give them many opportunities to take “Instaworthy” images to share on social media with their friends and family. The authentic user-generated content is invaluable in creating buzz for the stores and far-reaching exposure of the campaign.

    One of the team’s primary objectives was to strengthen the brand association between 7-Eleven and the PEANUTS franchise in a fun and engaging way. Visitors to the concept stores can see Snoopy and his friends enjoy a range of 7-Eleven SIGNATURE products including Slurpees, Sundae, and 7Café coffee and Hot Shot. And if you look carefully, Snoopy can even be spotted wearing a 7-Eleven uniform himself!

    After experiencing the store, take Snoopy and the gang home with you in the form of exclusive PEANUTS merchandise! Snoopy’s influence is not just noticeable in the store decoration but also in the product range of these specialty stores. One store contains a dedicated Snoopy corner where customers can purchase exclusive PEANUTS-themed merchandise including pet products, lunch boxes, cutlery sets, and other accessories. Yet another chance to bring a little bit of Snoopy happiness home with them.

    The Snoopy concept stores are a successful example of building on an already popular market promotion to give customers a fun and exciting store experience. The introduction of the concept stores elevates the redemption program to another level, turning it into a platform to authentically connect with customers and reshape how they think and feel about 7-Eleven as a brand.

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  • Uniqlo piping up to open Macau’s largest store ever

    Uniqlo piping up to open Macau’s largest store ever

    Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo is to open its biggest Macau outlet this month.

    Located at ‘Yellow House’ commercial building near the Ruins of St Paul’s, it is the first store in Macau to feature the UTme! design-your-own T-shirt service. The brand will collaborate with local artists to launch UTme! designs that feature local elements.

    According to the company, the new Macau store will occupy a 1772sqm area and span five stories. The store also houses an exhibition area where community events will take place.

    The Uniqlo Yellow House store is the second store in the city after the Uniqlo The Venetian store in Cotai. The new shop is scheduled to launch on September 30 after the opening was previously postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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  • Dunhill opens new outlet in Macau

    Dunhill opens new outlet in Macau

    British luxury menswear label Dunhill has opened a new store at Wynn Palace in Macau.

    The Dunhill Wynn Palace opening is part of the brand’s expansion strategy in Asia, according to the company.

    The store features a contemporary yet elegant design with modern elements such as its signature marble, leather, and metal details.

    Inspired by the Dunhill’s 1950s South Rodeo Drive store, the Wynn Palace store’s facade features the brand’s logo under a grey marble background and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

    The store also houses a walnut burl cabinet and table inspired by the original furniture from London’s Duke Street and Paris’ Rue de la Paix stores.

    The Dunhill store in Macau offers a selection of luxury menswear by creative director Mark Weston, including ready-to-wear, leather goods, and accessories.

  • China sets dates for reinstatement of tourist visas to Macau

    China sets dates for reinstatement of tourist visas to Macau

    @Macau, the world’s biggest casino hub, is set to welcome an influx of gamblers after China announced that tourist visas would be reinstated for all provinces.

    Residents from Zhuhai city across the border from Macau are permitted from tomorrow, August 12.

    Residents from the neighboring coastal province of Guangdong on the mainland will be able to apply from August 26, the National Immigration Administration said.

    Residents of other provinces will be allowed to apply for visas from September 23.

    Casino executives and investors have been eagerly awaiting the announcement as a catalyst to reviving gaming revenue, which has slumped since February due to coronavirus travel restrictions.

    China’s National Immigration Administration said, provided the domestic coronavirus situation continued to improve, residents would be able to apply for individual and group travel visas to enter the special administrative region located on the country’s southern coast.

    Visitors from greater China make up over 90 percent of tourists to the former Portuguese colony of Macau.

    Shares of Hong Kong listed casino stocks soared on Tuesday following the announcement. The announcement comes nearly a month after China loosened coronavirus-related border restrictions between Macau and Guangdong.

  • Foot Locker establish presence in Macau

    Foot Locker establish presence in Macau

    Foot Locker has made its Macau debut with two stores opening this month.

    Located in Shoppes at the Parisian Macau, the Foot Locker’s first Macau store features a wide selection of footwear and apparel collections from different global brands, including Nike, Jordan, Adidas and Puma.

    “Opening our first store in Macau marks another milestone in our journey, where we aim to engage and inspire youth culture within the local community,” said Tomas Petersson, GM and VP at Foot Locker Asia.

    According to the company, Foot Locker’s second store in Macau is scheduled to launch later this month in The Shoppes at the Venetian Macau.

    Foot Locker operates 3129 retail stores across 27 markets across North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

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  • Locals help rebooting Macau retail and restaurant activity

    Locals help rebooting Macau retail and restaurant activity

    Supportive measures for the Macau retail and restaurant trade resulted in a mild improvement in business during May, according to official data.

    According to a Statistics and Census Service report, 17 percent of restaurants surveyed in the special administrative region recorded a year-on-year increase in revenue during the period, 12-per-cent higher than those reporting increases during the previous month.

    The remaining restaurants continued to see declines in revenue during a period that continued to suffer from the heavy impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Similarly, 16 percent of retailers questioned saw sales increases during May this year compared to the same period last year, 7 percent higher than reported year-on-year rises during April.

    A quarter of restaurant businesses are now anticipating comparative upticks in revenue or steady revenues to be reflected in their June results – while 21 percent of retailers expect the same.

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  • Christian Louboutin opens doors in Macau

    Christian Louboutin opens doors in Macau

    Christian Louboutin has opened its first boutique in Macau, at the Shoppes at Four Seasons.

    Located on the second floor of the shopping center, the Christian Louboutin Macau boutique’s design was inspired by the founder’s neoclassical apartment in Paris.

    The boutique “looks like a living room where women do not feel like they are in a store but in the home of a friend who loves them and knows them well,” says Louboutin.

    The store’s facade features red ceramic tiles and a Christian Louboutin neon sign, reflecting Parisian architecture style, and carpet in the brand’s signature red.

    When entering the store, customers are welcomed by flower-painted walls designed by French artist Alexandre Poulaillon. A marble table stands in the center of the room, displaying the sneaker range.

    The second room houses two sofas specially designed by French artisan Jean-Roger, using eye-catching fabric and ceramic scones. Gold-textured brass around the arched mirrors contributes to the feel of a cozy boutique.

    The store’s “study” displays the men’s collection with a “made-to-measure ethical canvas” by French Manufacture Le Manach

    The Christian LouboutinMacau store offers a wide range of men’s and women’s footwear and accessories collections, including its latest Fall Winter 2020 Collection.

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  • Maxim set to open 15 Shake Shacks in Southern China

    Maxim set to open 15 Shake Shacks in Southern China

    American fast-casual restaurant chain Shake Shack is planning to open at least 15 new venues in South China by 2030.

    The chain, working through local licensee Maxim’s Caterers, a company controlled by Hong Kong’s Dairy Farm Group, will open restaurants in cities including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Fuzhou, and Xiamen, with a goal of 55 Shake Shacks nationwide by 2030.

    Maxim’s currently operates Shake Shacks in Shanghai and Hong Kong, with Beijing and Macau under development and due to open later this year.

    “We remain humbled by our fans in China and continue to be encouraged by the performance of our Chinese business through this recovery,” said Shake Shack chief global licensing officer Michael Kark.

    “It’s a great time to deepen our roots in this market.”

    “Maxim’s partnership with Shake Shack has taken the brand on an exciting journey to Hong Kong in 2018 and Shanghai in 2019, with Beijing and Macau on the horizon,” said Maxim’s Caterers chairman and MD Michael Wu.

    “We look forward to bringing our boundless hospitality to more guests across South China in 2021 with our new expansion plans.”

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