Retail News CRM

Tag: new open

  • Ricoh India opens first flagship

    Ricoh India opens first flagship

    Printing and document solutions specialist Ricoh India has opened its first Indian flagship store at Lucknow.

    The Japanese brand says the new retail facility is an effort to “strengthen consumer experience and engagement”.

    Ricoh Brand Stores are conceptualised as “the ultimate retailing experience that synchronises with innovation, quality and excellence”.

    The company says the flagship will give the company, better insight into customer needs and help it to come up with customised products and solutions. The Lucknow Store will display the copiers, projectors, cameras, binoculars, and visual communication products, laser printers as well as toner and genuine refills.

    At the Ricoh India store, customers can experience the recently launched, Ricoh Theta m15, a spherical camera that captures the space around you with just one touch. The camera range also includes the Pentax K-500, an entry-level DSLR, all weather and all-purpose underwater camera WG4 among many other products.

    Ricoh India says it has ventured into this brand store to have greater visibility and offer customers an easy access to products and technologies.

    “Through its retail stores, Ricoh wants to enhance customer experience of the technology products and also to cater to the B2C Segment. The brand shop will complement the Ricoh eStore, so that the consumers can make the most of the Ricoh one-stop printing and imaging solutions.

    Manoj Kumar, CEO and MD of Ricoh India said more brand stores are planned for key markets along with a strategy to expand its channel partner base.

    “We are also working with various large format retail stores to expand our presence across the country. Our expansion strategy has fetched us tremendous growth and added to company’s bottom line.”

    The brand’s turnover has doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

  • Guangfuhao Hong Kong store opens

    Guangfuhao Hong Kong store opens

    Taiwanese handmade canvas bag store, Guangfuhao, has opened its first Hong Kong store.

    Guangfuhao was established in 2009, not only to nurture Taiwanese traditional industry and promote the craftsmanship of Taiwanese masters, but also cultivate a new generation to join the industry.

    Founder Po Lee said the Guangfuhao Hong Kong store will range a series of canvas bags designed to cater to the lifestyle needs and work purposes of Hong Kong people.

    “Hong Kong is an open and international city and people here are multilingual with global vision. International brands have already built their presence in the city. That’s why we decided to open our first store in Hong Kong which is a very important step for us to go global.

    “The Taiwan market is small and competitive. If we want to expand our business, we need to enter into the global markets. Hong Kong as the world city offers a perfect foothold for us to market our products and promote our brand.”

    Associate director-general of investment promotion Dr Jimmy Chiang said “Hong Kong has a “very dynamic retail industry” with a variety of international brands as well as boutique stores using the city to expand their business.

    “The large number of international and Mainland Chinese visitors every year provides huge business opportunities and a global branding leverage, making the city  the best window for overseas retailers to expand their global business.”

    Guangfuhao uses pure cotton canvas to produce its bags. All components, from zipper to buckle, from strap to thread, are made in Taiwan.

    Lees ook:

  • Ikea Malaysia sets Cheras opening date

    Ikea Malaysia sets Cheras opening date

    Ikea Malaysia says its second store located at Jalan Cochrane, Cheras. is on track to open at the end of November.

    The timing was revealed at the store’s roof capping ceremony, a Swedish tradition to celebrate the end of construction and thank neighbours who helped out in the building phase.

    “Come November, Ikea Cheras will provide more Malaysians with Swedish home furnishings that are well-designed, functional, affordable and good quality,” said Mike King, retail director, Ikea Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

    “The new Ikea store is part our overall ambition to expand in Southeast Asia. Our entry into Cheras neighbourhood reflects our vision to create a better everyday life for the many people.”

    Ikea Cheras will provide Malaysians with greater convenience and a wide selection of home furnishing inspiration and solutions at incredibly low prices. The store has 41,000 sqm of shopping space, 20 per cent more than the Damansara store. Ikea Cheras is also located a five minute drive from the city centre, accessible from MAJU Expressway and Smart highways, and connects to the Cochrane MRT station (to be completed in 2017).

    As the opening fast approaches, the team is now in the midst of interior fittings, operational setup and co-workers’ training. To support its overall operation, a nationwide recruitment exercise was carried out recently.

    “We had an overwhelming response of which we hired a great mix of over 300 co-workers of various talent and expertise. With the passionate and committed co-workers we have on-board, this new store ensures more Malaysians will get a chance to enjoy the unique Ikea store experience many have come to know and love,” added King.

    Ikea Cheras will be one of the first few retail developments to be ready in the booming township. The new iconic landmark spots the potential in transforming Cheras into a vibrant retail destination, drawing upon the liveliness Ikea brings to Mutiara Damansara with its standalone store since 2003.

    Lees ook:

  • Future Group opens London design studio

    Future Group opens London design studio

    Future Group subsidiary Lifestyle Fashions has opened a design studio in London, which it describes as “the fashion capital of the world”.

    The studio will “infuse the company’s brands with global designs, trends and sourcing capabilities and also curate a globally-inspired fast fashion brand for the Indian market,” the company said in a statement.

    Located in Victoria, London, the Design Studio houses an international team of designers and merchandising experts. London’s Victoria district has emerged as the new fashion hub of the city. Tom Ford and Burberry have their headquarters in the suburb and Future Lifestyle Fashions’s neighbours will include Victoria’s Secret, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Moet Hennessy, Richemont and Jimmy Choo.

    “As part of this vibrant fashion ecosystem, Design Studio will tap into global talent and  networks for identifying trends, fashion design and sourcing of materials and merchandise that will fuel its fast fashion brand,” the company said.

    “Its first collection will be launched in Spring‐Summer 2016.”

    Future Lifestyle Fashions MD Kishore Biyani said Indian fashion is evolving at a rapid pace and incorporating global trends and sensibilities.

    “Women in India today shop for fresh fashion eight to 10 times in a year. Our Design Studio in London will develop a fast fashion brand that responds to these needs and infuse our brands with global sensibilities and innovation in design and sourcing.”

    The Design Studio is led by Manjula Tiwari who joined Future Group from Jabong earlier this year. Tiwari has more than two decades of experience in the fashion industry and was previously involved in introducing global brands such as Esprit and United Colors of Benetton in India. The design team in London will be led by Ainsley Dart, who has been instrumental in directing and leading large design teams of multi product, fast fashion women’s wear for global retail brands and major suppliers such as Courtalds and Dewhirst.

    Future Lifestyle Fashion markets leading international and domestic brands such as Lee Cooper, Converse, Indigo Nation, Scullers, Daniel Hechter, Giovanni, Urbana, John Miller, Jealous 21, aLL, UMM, RIG, Champion and Umbro, which are retailed through the company‐owned department store network, Central, other retail chains such as Planet Sports and Brand Factory. Most of these brands are also available at exclusive brand outlets, other department stores and fashion chains across India.

    The company also has investments in fast growing fashion brands such as Tresmode, Mineral, Desibelle, Mother Earth, Pepperone, Famozi and Turtle, and operates joint ventures with Hidesign and Clarks. With more than two dozen brands and 5 million sqft of retail space, Future Lifestyle Fashions aims to develop a globally benchmarked fashion business here in India.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • ANZ expands retail footprint in China

    ANZ expands retail footprint in China

    The Qingdao branch will cover the entire Shandong Province and will offer products and services for ANZ’s corporate customers.

    Mike Smith, chief executive of ANZ, said that with a significant and growing presence in China and a network across 34 markets in the Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and America, the bank is uniquely placed to support its clients looking to grow in Qingdao and the Shandong Province.

    Mr Smith said Qingdao and Shandong Province have established long-term relationships with Australia, and highlighted “major potential” for further growth in bilateral trade and investment.

    “This includes opportunities in industries such as natural resources and agriculture, and the opportunities created through the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement,” he said.

    “With our new branch, we look forward to enhancing cooperation in the Qingdao and Shandong government, and to continuing to support the development of the local financial industry.”

    Huang Xiaoguang, chief executive of ANZ China and head of greater China, said opening the new branch in Qingdao is another step in continuing to grow the bank’s Chinese footprint.

    “As the only locally incorporated Australian bank in China, we will further enhance our capability to provide comprehensive solutions and services to support local enterprises to go abroad,” he said.

    ANZ announced in July the opening of a new branch in Gurgaon, India, to better service its business customers in the country’s north.

  • Boucheron Singapore store opens

    Boucheron Singapore store opens

    Paris jeweller Boucheron has opened its first store in Singapore.

    Boucheron Singapore is among several new boutiques recently opened inside The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

    Designed to reflect the famous jewellery brand’s Parisian flagship boutique at 26 Place Vendome, the Singapore store has a sumptuous, luxurious feel to highlight the timeless, elegant nature of its jewellery creations.

    The boutique was opened with a cocktail function early this month where more than 100 guests got the chance to view an exclusive Boucheron jewellery collection flown in from France.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Grana opens first permanent store

    Grana opens first permanent store

    Online fashion startup Grana has opened its first permanent physical store as it tries a new way of ensuring clothes fit the customers who order them.

    The new 1300 sqft store in Sheung Wan is branded The Fitting Room. It’s a unique hybrid retail concept, allowing customers to try a garment on, then buy clothes online instore for delivery to home or collection later in-store.

    While customers can try clothes on and see the styles first hand, they cannot purchase clothes from the store and take them home immediately.

    It aims to address the problem of online shoppers returning goods because they don’t fit, or because they don’t consider their purchase matches the colour or style of what they saw online.

    Grana is the creation of Australian Luke Grana, who was inspired by the high quality of t-shirts he came across during a trip to Peru. The site was developed with a unique business model in mind – in Grana’s own words “high-quality fashion at disruptive prices”.

    “Our business model is a little bit different; we deal directly with fabric mills instead of going through distributors or agents. Also, by operating online, we don’t have to pay rent. So when fashion retailers put in mark-ups along the way, our pricing is really simple: each of our shirts cost US$6, we retail that for US$12; jeans are US$20, we sell that for US$40. It’s a really honest and transparent pricing model and I think that’s what our, Generation Y customers prefer.”

    Of the new Sheung Wan store, Grana observes: “We bring together the best of two shopping worlds for a unique hybrid experience. Our customers can receive the tailored customer service and interaction that only a bricks-and-mortar location can provide, but with the ease of online purchasing.”

    Grana says similar hybrid stores are now being considered for Australia and the US.

    The new store is located at 108 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

    Grana Hong Kong store inside

  • Fortress Hong Kong flagship opens

    Fortress Hong Kong flagship opens

    Electronics chain Fortress has opened a 10,000 sqft flagship at Times Square.

    The AS Watson Group subsidiary, sells mobile phones and consumer electronics across Hong Kong and Macau. Its new Times Square store is spread over two floors – eight and nine – and split into themed areas.

    Fortress Times Square Hong Kong2

    A dedicated home theatre and TV zone is dominant and there is an area dedicated to demonstrating 3D printing technologies.

    There is also a dedicated Apple space.

    Fortress Times Square Hong Kong1

    Another unique feature of this Fortress Hong Kong store is a cafe serving fresh coffee and offering free WiFi.

    The store was opened by Hong Kong actor and singer Andy Hui.

    It’s been likened to “a digital theme park”.

    Lees ook:

  • America’s bebe stores to enter Greater China

    America’s bebe stores to enter Greater China

    US-based global specialty retailer of contemporary women’s apparel and accessories – bebe stores, inc. has announced that it has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Longgoal LLC, a leading Shanghai-based agency of international high-end brands.

    In a press statement, it said the agreement includes a five-year exclusive license to open between 60 and 150 retail and wholesale bebe points of distribution in Greater China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The first boutique is expected to open in the summer of 2016.

    “As we continue to expand our international footprint, our entrance into Greater China is a significant opportunity to accelerate that growth and reinforce bebe as a global lifestyle brand for women. We look forward to working closely with the Longgoal team, who have a proven track record of success and operational experience in introducing high profile retail brands to this key market,” said Jim Wiggett, CEO of bebe stores, inc.

    As a part of the agreement, Longgoal will open a minimum of 60 points of sale in Mainland China, including free standing boutiques and bebe shop-in-shops and identify third party retailers in certain provinces of China to sublicense the brand for retail operations. Longgoal is currently identifying potential locations in Shanghai and Beijing, including flagship boutiques. After the five-year exclusive term, Longgoal retains an option for an additional 10 year partnership with bebe based on performance.

    “bebe is truly an iconic affordable luxury brand and one that we are honored to have the opportunity to introduce to women across Greater China in a variety of ways. As style and design are among the top priorities for sophisticated woman in China, we are confident that bebe’s bold design and contemporary fashion will appeal to the ever-changing lifestyle of the confident and sexy modern Chinese woman,” said Madam Celine Chen, Chairwoman of Longgoal LLC.

    bebe plans to locally design and develop up to 30 per cent of the product for China to create trendy fashion styles to reflect the local fashion and suit the bebe woman’s lifestyle in China. In addition, the company anticipates expanding further into licensing agreements for handbags, shoes and intimates in the initial partnership phase.

    bebe complements Longgoal’s current portfolio of retail brands, including GANT, the original American Sportswear brand launched in China nearly a decade ago, and Thomas Pink, the luxury British shirt brand under the LVMH Group.

    Lees ook:

  • Starbucks to open first store in Cambodia

    Starbucks to open first store in Cambodia

    Starbucks Coffee Company is set to open its first location in Cambodia by the end of 2015, making the country its 16th market in the fast-growing China/Asia-Pacific (CAP) region.

    The store opening is made possible through its licensing agreement with Coffee Concepts (Cambodia) Limited, which is part of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.

    The first location will open at the newly expanded Phnom Penh International Airport and will be followed by the second store opening in early 2016 in downtown Phnom Penh.

    “Cambodia is a vibrant country with a rich cultural heritage, and we are proud to bring the  Starbucks Experience to this market,” said John Culver, group president, China/Asia Pacific, Channel Development and Emerging Brands, Starbucks Coffee Company.

    Starbucks currently operates more than 5,200 stores and employs more than 80,000 employees in the CAP region. It operates more than 150 stores in Hong Kong and Macau and 15 stores in Vietnam through Viet Idea Food and Beverages Limited, a sub-licensee of Coffee Concepts (Vietnam) Limited, also a subsidiary of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group.

    “We look forward to becoming a part of Cambodia’s local coffee culture, embracing its traditions and sharing our deep passion and knowledge of the best coffees from around the world,” Culver added.

  • Jamie Oliver heads to India

    Jamie Oliver heads to India

    UK celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is to open his first restaurant in India.

    Jamie’s Pizzeria, a 60 seat restaurant serving pizzas, salads, sides and desserts, will open in Delhi this autumn.

    “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be bringing Jamie’s Italian and Jamie’s Pizzeria to India. Delhi is a vibrant, colourful, buzzing city with an already incredible food scene, so to be opening two restaurants there is a huge honour,” Oliver said in a statement.

    The pizzeria will be the first of several planned for major Indian cities. Oliver already runs 30 restaurants globally, including in the UK, Dubai, Hong Kong, Russia, Australia, Singapore and Toronto.

    The Indian business is a joint venture between Delhi-based Carnation Hospitality, which operates Wendy’s and Barista franchises in India, and UK-based International Market Management.

    “We chose Delhi because we found a great launch site and feel that we can offer something new to the market, this is to say highly accessible, affordable restaurants serving great quality Italian food sourced with the greatest care,” said Jasper Reid, IMM’s founder, in an interview.

    “It’s a fun and easy-going place offering customers the highest quality but at amazing value. The plan is for customers to get a yummy pizza and a drink for around Rs 400 to Rs 450. We feel there may be a gap in the market for this quality and this price,” Reid said.

    He added that the partnership will launch the other Jamie Oliver brand, Jamie’s Italian, in India as well.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Bulgari Macau’s new generation boutique

    Bulgari Macau’s new generation boutique

    Bulgari Macau’s new luxury boutique at the Galaxy features the new architectural design concept developed by Peter Marion.

    Following the renovation of the Via Condotti flagship in Rome, the new architectural design concept is being rolled out by the LVMH brand in the most prominent locations worldwide, mirroring the brand’s signature architectural elements and expressing its Mediterranean origins and Roman traditions with a classic Italian approach to modernity.

    The Galaxy Macau store, which began trading in July, is thus one of the first in the world to carry the new image.

    Bulgari says the dominant idea is expressed by “a classic geometry open to modern interpretation, in a continuous interplay between innovation and tradition”.

    The 290 sqm space encompasses the brand’s design key elements, such as the three institutional giant windows alternate with three Condotti showcases and the Condotti eight point star, still present in the original historical flagship in Rome Condotti 10.

    The boutique also houses some furniture selected by Peter Marino himself and conceived by the Italian designers who have had link with the Bulgari heritage, such as the product counters by Carlo Scarpa, the sales tables by Franco Albini, or the central Eros marble table by Angelo Mangiarotti.

    The brand touch is also provided throughout the areas transformed into a Bulgari art-gallery: walls are decorated with Vintage most famous endorsements of celebrities who have been truly fan or ambassadors of the brand’s Italian exciting lifestyle.

    The boutique features an exclusive Bridal, Men, Accessories and VIP area, where the most precious creations can be viewed in total privacy.

    Bulgari Galaxy Macau is located at Shop G094 on the ground floor.

    Lees ook:

  • Luk Fook opens Causeway Bay flagship

    Luk Fook opens Causeway Bay flagship

    Luk Fook Holdings has opened a three-storey Lukfook Jewellery flagship store in Causeway Bay.

    The group held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new store this week, inviting Japanese cartoon character Rilakkuma to join in the celebrations.

    Wong Wai Sheung, chairman and CEO of Luk Fook said the three storey shop is located in the central area of Causeway Bay, “a shopping hotspot with high pedestrian flow”.

    “We believe that the opening of new shop at a prominent location not only expands our sales network, but also brings convenience to the tourists and local customers for their leisure shopping in Hong Kong. As a globally renowned jewellery brand, the group will continue to optimise the retail network in Hong Kong and provide high-quality jewellery products and excellent services for customers.”
    Featuring prominent three storey tall mega billboard advertising, the store is decorated with luminous materials, such as mirrors and metal steel, with leather interspersed throughout the shop to create a more distinct three-dimensional and multi-layered effect and “a soft yet noble and elegant shopping environment”.

    The first floor of the shop features a ‘Western Wedding Zone’ in the warm, romantic pink tone to display a wide variety of wedding jewellery products. New couples and their families can select wedding jewellery in a comfortable and spacious environment. In addition, our professional sales team offers professional advice, and provides caring value-added services including providing shawl of Chinese-style dress to match with the selected gold jewellery, and free on-site engraving services, etc, for customers to enjoy a superior shopping experience.

    The store is located on the Ground, 1st and 2nd floors of 499 Hennessy Rd.

  • Tony Roma’s Indonesia enters Surabaya

    Tony Roma’s Indonesia enters Surabaya

    Romacorp, US parent of Tony Roma’s, has opened its first restaurant in Surabaya, Indonesia.

    The restaurant opened on Kupang Indah St –  locally known as the “restaurant street” – a popular destination for locals and tourists in Indonesia’s second biggest city.

    With three Tony Roma’s Indonesia restaurants in Jakarta and one each in Tangerang and Bali,  Surabaya makes it six. The restaurants in Surabaya, Jakarta, and Tangerang are owned by Mas Millennium, and the restaurant in Bali is owned by PT WDI Indonesia.

    “Our franchise partner Mas Millennium has been working with us since 1991, operating Tony Roma’s restaurants in four Asian countries, and we’re excited to continue our relationship with them,” said John Brisco, president of international for Roma Systems.

    The 6458 sqft restaurant has seating for 212 including a semi-private and private dining room, a full-service bar, and a courtyard for outdoor dining underneath a glass ceiling.

    “We are very excited about the opening of our first Tony Roma’s restaurant in Surabaya. Second only to Jakarta in size and importance, and with a population of around 3 million residents, we are confident that this restaurant will perform well,” said Lucy Prananto, president & CEO of Mas Millennium.

    “With very few international restaurant chains in Surabaya, Tony Roma’s casual dining concept, offering great tasting, true American cuisine will be a hit among locals and foreign patrons.”

    Romacorp now has more than 150 restaurants in more than 30 countries and also operates the newTR Fire Grill concept, a chef-inspired American bistro in Orlando, Florida.

    Lees ook:

  • Seiko Japan opens ‘Premium Boutique’

    Seiko Japan opens ‘Premium Boutique’

    Seiko Japan has opened a world first “Seiko Premium Boutique” in Tokyo.

    The new store is the first shop to carry Seiko’s three luxury brands exclusively: Grand Seiko, Credor and Galante. It is located in the high-end Ginza shopping district.

    Wang Leehom, a famous Chinese-American singer and actor who has been Seiko’s brand ambassador in Asia since 2011, joined Shinji Hattori, president & CEO of Seiko Watch Corporation to open the store.

    “Showcasing our prestigious collections, this boutique will offer a true window to the Seiko world and visitors will experience the uniqueness of Seiko’s craftsmanship and Japanese hospitality,” Hattori said at a press conference to mark the opening.

    After a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Hattori at the boutique, Wang Leehom became the store’s first customer, perusing the topline products on display, including Credor Spring Drive Minute Repeater which sells at 33,000,000 yen (US$265,000).

    “It is my great honor to have a chance to attend this festive occasion in the center of Tokyo. I was deeply impressed with Seiko’s masterpieces such as Credor Minute Repeater. They are true culmination of legendary Japanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies,” he said.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook: