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Tag: Marking

  • End of an Era: Lotteria Transforms into Zetteria, Marking a New Chapter in Japan’s Fast-Food Industry

    End of an Era: Lotteria Transforms into Zetteria, Marking a New Chapter in Japan’s Fast-Food Industry

    After 54 years in operation, the popular Japanese burger chain Lotteria is set to be rebranded as Zetteria, beginning in March. The Lotteria brand first entered the market in 1972, establishing its inaugural outlet in Tokyo. The decision to retire the brand was recently taken by its operating company, Zensho Holdings.

    Zensho Holdings, a leading food service operator in Japan, took ownership of Lotteria Japan in 2023. The first Zetteria branch opened its doors in Tokyo in September of the same year. Since then, Zensho Holdings has been systematically converting Lotteria stores into Zetteria outlets. By December 2025, Japan had 106 Lotteria outlets and 172 Zetteria stores, totaling 278 locations. This places Zensho Holdings as the fourth-largest burger chain operator in the country, following McDonald’s (3,025 outlets), Mos Burger (1,309), and Burger King (337).

    The number of Lotteria outlets has seen a significant decrease in recent years, plummeting from 358 in January 2023 to 222 by June 2025, a near 40% drop in just over two years. This drop reflects not only store closures, but also Zensho Holdings’ strategic approach to transform existing outlets and alter business models.

    The Zetteria brand aims to bridge the gap between fast food and cafe dining. Expansion has been expedited by repurposing existing Lotteria locations and modifying store signage and concepts. Through the integration of the two brands, Zensho Holdings hopes to reduce costs by refining raw material procurement and logistics, while also improving operational efficiency.

    Despite the shared naming of menu items like the Zeppin Cheeseburger between Lotteria and Zetteria, the two brands previously operated separate procurement, production, and distribution systems, leading to differences in buns, patties, and sauces.

    Zetteria locations have been described as spaces that offer a dining experience beyond the typical fast food ambiance. The outlets feature spacious layouts, ample seating, understated lighting, and interiors that are reminiscent of cafes. Certain locations provide charging points for laptops and many have transitioned to table tablet ordering instead of traditional counter service.

    The menu has also seen adjustments. While basic burgers start at JPY250 (US$1.58), the signature Zeppin Beef Burger is priced at JPY540, making it more expensive than the previous offerings of Lotteria. The brand has also introduced premium, limited-time items such as roast beef burgers.

    Industry experts view the rise of Zetteria as indicative of broader changes within Japan’s fast food sector, as more operators seek to offer more than just quick, inexpensive meals. Zetteria is seen as an experimental brand aiming to occupy a new position as both a fast food restaurant and a cafe.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the reason for Lotteria’s rebranding as Zetteria?
    The change was part of Zensho Holdings’ strategy to transform existing outlets, improve operational efficiency, and cut costs by streamlining raw material procurement and logistics.

    What makes Zetteria different from Lotteria?
    Zetteria aims to bridge the gap between fast food and cafe dining. Outlets offer spacious layouts, ample seating, understated lighting, and interiors that are reminiscent of cafes. The menu also includes premium items, with the signature Zeppin Beef Burger priced higher than Lotteria’s previous offerings.

    How has the fast food sector in Japan been evolving?
    The rise of brands like Zetteria represents a shift in Japan’s fast food sector, with more operators seeking to offer experiences beyond just quick, inexpensive meals. Zetteria is seen as an experimental brand aiming to occupy a new position as both a fast food restaurant and a cafe.

  • Victoria’s Secret Q3 Sales Soar, Marking Successful Turnaround Strategy

    Victoria’s Secret Q3 Sales Soar, Marking Successful Turnaround Strategy

    Victoria’s Secret witnessed an escalating sales growth in its third fiscal quarter, suggesting that the company’s revamp strategies are gaining traction.

    The retail giant reported net sales of US$1.472 billion for the quarter ending November 1, marking a 9 per cent surge compared to a 3 per cent uplift in the second quarter. This follows a 6.5 per cent hike in the same period last year.

    During the quarter, comparable sales also rose by 8 per cent. This growth can be attributed not only to the restoration of the company’s website, which suffered an outage last quarter, but also to the successful implementation of the strategies devised by the management.

    Customer-Focused Business Model

    Victoria’s Secret has managed to transform itself into a customer-centric business in a short span of time, thereby proving to be a game-changer. The company witnessed significant growth internationally, registering a 33 per cent uplift. Furthermore, the North American market also experienced a 5.4 per cent increase in store revenue and a 4.3 per cent rise in digital sales.

    One of the key amendments implemented by the management was the renewed emphasis on innovation. As a specialist, Victoria’s Secret has demonstrated its commitment to manufacturing and delivering superior products. Especially in areas like bras, where the technicalities of fit, form, and function offer immense opportunities, the retailer seems to be making a difference to the customers.

    In the recent past, the company had somewhat lost its edge in this area but under the current leadership, it is being reintegrated into the core of the business through initiatives like FlexFactor.

    Investment in Stores & the Pink Brand

    Another factor driving growth was the investment in store improvements to ensure superior customer service and advice. The new store designs are lighter and more inviting, thereby making Victoria’s Secret a more approachable brand with broader appeal.

    Additionally, the Pink brand under Victoria’s Secret umbrella also made significant strides. It is evolving from a mere addition to Victoria’s Secret into a distinct segment of the business with its unique tone and essence.

    Improved Financial Performance

    In financial terms, the company managed to narrow its operating loss from $47 million last year to $19 million. The net loss also reduced from $56 million to $37 million.

    With an improved performance, the retailer has lifted its outlook for the full fiscal year. It now expects net sales to fall in the range of $6.45 billion to $6.48 billion, compared to the previous guidance of $6.33 billion to $6.41 billion.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the net sales for Victoria’s Secret in the third fiscal quarter?
    The reported net sales for the quarter ending November 1 was US$1.472 billion.

    What changes has the current leadership at Victoria’s Secret implemented?
    The current leadership has renewed the focus on innovation and customer service. It has also made store improvements and evolved the Pink brand to be distinct from the Victoria’s Secret.

    What is the revised sales outlook for the full fiscal year?
    Victoria’s Secret expects the net sales to be in the range of $6.45 billion to $6.48 billion.

  • Dhl Express Recognized As Second Best Workplace In Asia Amidst Industry Challenges

    Dhl Express Recognized As Second Best Workplace In Asia Amidst Industry Challenges

    DHL Express has once again secured a commendable position as one of Asia’s top employers, landing the second spot on the coveted 2025 Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces in Asia™ list. This triumph marks the express logistics provider’s continued success in maintaining a people-centric culture amidst an ever-changing and challenging external landscape.

    Standing Strong Amid Challenges

    Despite the presence of external obstacles, DHL Express has remained unwavering in its commitment to uphold a resilient and cohesive culture. Such an achievement reiterates the organization’s steadfast focus on being an employer of choice, prioritizing the health and welfare of its personnel.

    At the heart of DHL Express is its people-centric ethos. “The team’s dedication, passion and innovation ensure every employee has access to the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed. We remain focused and adaptable, ensuring the safety and overall wellbeing of our people,” stated Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific at DHL Express.

    Empowerment Through Strategy 2030

    The award comes at a time where the logistics industry faces increasing challenges brought on by shifting workforce dynamics. DHL Express remains committed to future-proofing its organization, focusing on improving skills, promoting diversity and inclusion, and embracing digitalization.

    As part of this, the firm has been investing in and deploying advanced technology platforms to enhance the productivity and quality of their sales and customer service operations.

    Celebrating Excellence: Employee of the Year Awards

    DHL Express understands the importance of celebrating and recognizing the exceptional contributions of its employees. The annual Employee of the Year awards provides a platform to honor employees across the Asia Pacific region who embody DHL’s values. More than 200 employees were recognized this year for their exceptional performance and commitment.

    Commitment to the Future

    As DHL Express progresses, its dedication to its people, purpose, and planet remains unwavering. The company will continue to utilize its internal Smart Connect platform to encourage collaboration, enable personalized learning, and foster a strong sense of community among its employees.

    Questions & Answers

    What has DHL Express recently achieved?
    DHL Express has been recognized as one of Asia’s top employers, securing the second position on the 2025 Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces in Asia™ list.

    What strategies does DHL Express employ to strengthen its workforce?
    DHL Express is committed to improving skills, promoting diversity and inclusion, and embracing digitalization. It invests in advanced technology platforms to enhance the productivity and quality of its operations.

    What does DHL Express do to honor its employees?
    DHL Express hosts the annual Employee of the Year awards to celebrate and recognize employees who embody the company’s values and go beyond their job responsibilities.