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Tag: new store

  • Moncler Tokyo flagship opens

    Moncler Tokyo flagship opens

    Moncler has opened a new flagship store in Japan’s highest profile shopping strip.

    The Moncler Tokyo boutique in the Ginza comprises 560 sqm spread over two floors. It was designed by Parisian architects Gilles & Boissier.

    Moncler Ginza 1

     

    For years this studio’s ties with the fantastical world of Moncler have resulted in a lively partnership and the new Japan store is no exception.

    Coinciding with the opening was the launch of a new partnership with young Los Angeles artist duo,FriendsWithYou.

    Moncler Ginza 5

     

    “Once again the Italian-French brand is working directly with today’s young and creative generations, interpreting and assimilating its language, sources of inspiration and moods. The universe of comic signs of the FriendsWithYou duo, their references to pop icons such as Malfi, Snowy, Happy Virus, Look Who, or the fluorescent rainbow of Mr TTT, the visual repertoire of smiling graphic clouds, of penetrating, astonished eyes, of mouths and fun monsters, are the hallmarks of a collection of puffer jackets developed in different colors that range from black to light-blue, from red to yellow, which are completed by sweatshirts, t-shirts bags and sneakers,” explains Moncler.

    Moncler Ginza 3

    The Moncler FriendsWithYou collection will be sold in all Moncler single brand stores from the Fall-Winter 2016/17 season onwards.

     

    Moncler Ginza 2

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  • Hip & Bone China plans 50 stores

    Hip & Bone China plans 50 stores

    Fast-rising Canadian street sportswear fashion label Hip & Bone has formed a joint venture with MRH SpaRotica Groupe to roll out 50 stores in China over the next five years.

    Hip & Bone China will leverage the existing MRH vertical and franchise networks providing a unique platform for collaboration and a dedicated Hip & Bone design studio in Shanghai. More than 50 Hip & Bone retail stores will be developed within five years, the first five due to open during Spring/Summer 2016.

    “Hip & Bone epitomises our dedication to evocative premium fashion brands that forge emotional connections with consumers, with design that’s ever relevant to millennial generations globally” said Richard Kisembo, MRH CEO.

    “We are dedicated to developing design language in product and marketing that crosses the cultural bar through a more engaging product array that’s ‘market right’. The Hip & Bone design center in Shanghai was opened in August as a base dedicated to deciphering local design trends and customising style for the ardent Hip & Bone Chinese consumer.”

    Carlos Fogelman, CEO of Hip & Bone, says participation in fashion weeks in Shanghai, Berlin, Mila, Toronto and New York has helped the brand “transcend borders and cultures with outstanding reviews across major publications”.

    “We are excited about this partnership.  MRH SpaRotica Groupe is comprised of an outstanding group of people who are tremendously experienced in the Chinese market. Their passion and  keen business sense are fundamental to the growth of Hip & Bone in this exhilarating market,” said Fogelman.

    Established just three years ago, Hip and Bone has quickly built a strong profile in the street sportswear clothing and accessories market, with a wide range of products and lines ranging from clothing, leather accessories, footwear and jewellery.

    “Hip & Bone revives the modern man’s wardrobe with an array of redefined basics. Designed to endure changing tastes and fashions, Hip & Bone fuses luxurious materials with relaxed silhouettes to be enjoyed in an everyday setting,” the company says in a self-description.

    MRH owns and operates retail stores, distributes merchandise through franchisees, and operates eCommerce websites in the fashion & leather goods; lingerie & intimate goods; perfume, body & cosmetics; and selective retailing sectors.

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  • Story-i launches into Vietnam

    Story-i launches into Vietnam

    Apple reseller Story-i has launched in Vietnam hoping to replicate its Indonesian market success.

    The Singapore-headquartered electronic authorised reseller has opened its first Apple Premium Reseller (APR) store in the new SC VivoCity Mall in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

    The opening of the first store in Vietnam marks Story-i’s 17th outlet. The company owns and operates 16 stores throughout Indonesia, selling Apple, Samsung and Lenovo products.

    Story-i chose Vietnam as its next new market because of its “similar demographic and lifestyle consumer trajectory to Indonesia”.

    Management has identified Vietnam with 92 million population as the next high growth market and aims to open eight more outlets during the next three years.

    Said executive director Michael Chan: “This new store in Vietnam marks the beginning of our growth strategy to penetrate the expanding middle class of Southeast Asia’s population of 600 million. As we have done in Indonesia, we will anchor growth from prominent store locations and drive market penetration with our eCommerce offering.”

    He said the team was focused on rolling out a unique mix of electronic lifestyle products such as Apple and Lenovo as well as its enterprise solution and education services into Vietnam.

    “Our first Vietnam store continues to exceed our expectations for visitation and sales. This bodes well for extending the network through the smaller cities up to the northern capital, Hanoi.”

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  • Apple Inc. To Open The Largest Store In China Tomorrow

    Apple Inc. To Open The Largest Store In China Tomorrow

    Apple Inc. confirmed the upcoming launch of its 21st Apple Store in China, scheduled to open in Dalian on October 24, 2015. The latest retail outlet is situated in Parkland Shopping Mall on 19 Jiefang Road. Earlier in 2012, the iPhone maker claimed that the store in Dalian may potentially be the Apple’s “largest” retail outlet ever.

    The company’s new outlet is located in Dalian’s Zhongshan District, a populated area usually flooded with tourists from Japan, Korea and China. And it also serves as a popular port and financial center. Apple confirmed that the store was set to open its doors on Saturday at 9:30 AM.

    As Apple pursues its aim to open the “largest flagship store” in Parkland Mall, the company may also decide to transfer that title to its other upcoming retail outlet for Dubai, scheduled to open on October 29. The tech giant’s store in the Mall of Emirates also marks it as its first expansion plan in the Middle East.

    Apple is aware of its strong influence in Chine, and has been working on the Dalian project for past three years. Through this, it is clear that the tech giant takes China as one of its main consumer markets for Apple products. Even though Apple might not make its Dalian outlet the “largest” one, its former plans do so indicate that it may have other exclusive plans for its store in China.

    The company has also invited US locals to apply for potential jobs at the upcoming store, with recruitment beginning earlier this year. By introducing a new store in China, Apple may help create increasing job opportunities for local citizens as well. By providing customers with basic Apple Store services such as a Genius Bar, workshops, tutorials and more at the upcoming Apple Store, it is evident Apple is attempting to integrate its standard store elements into the upcoming branch to ensure it can authentically deliver according to its original standards and help boost its reputation even further in Chinese markets.

    By launching an Apple outlet in one of the most visited locations in Dalian, Apple’s plan may help it increase its user base even further. The company’s efforts to attract a larger target market is expected to be successful due to its easy access to numerous strangers and tourists who visit Parkland for shopping. The tech giant will be able to benefit from its store location and may attract foreigners to its variants, further promoting its services to a larger audience through its China retail outlet.

    Moreover, it is highly possible that Apple’s new store will help boost business for surrounding retailers as well, enabling the company to secure a relationship with Dalian businesses for future ventures. As far as its store in Dubai is concerned, the iPhone maker is deliberately choosing shopping plazas and malls to introduce its outlets, so that it can target wider audiences.

    It isn’t confirmed that the tech giant still plans to make its Dalian branch the “largest” outlet. However, the store’s launch this Saturday is expected to attract many customers from China, Korea and Japan.

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  • Atelier Cologne Hong Kong opens

    Atelier Cologne Hong Kong opens

    Parisian perfumery Atelier Cologne has opened a new store at IFC Mall.

    The Atelier Cologne Hong Kong store is the first for the brand in the city. The brand was founded in 2009 by Sylvie Ganter and Christopher Cervasel, who decided to pursue their passion for cologne and opened a boutique.

    Atelier Cologne HK

    Later, they created Colognes Absolues, a perfume line with 25 types of fragrances where each fragrance is blended with citrus base to create a longer lasting effect. The store also sells soaps, shower gels, body lotions and candles.

    The bold blue storefront really stands out among IFC Mall tenants, while inside the store features a more minimalist design using simple wooden furniture and furnishings and a sort of ‘modern laboratory’ feel.

    Perfumes are displayed in bottles with distinctive leather caps. After making a purchase, customers can have the bottles personally engraved.

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  • H&M Hong Kong flagship to be Asia’s largest

    H&M Hong Kong flagship to be Asia’s largest

    The new H&M Hong Kong flagship store set to open on October 30 will be the Swedish fashion brand’s largest yet in Asia.

    Hennes & Mauritz will open at the end of the month in Hong Kong, marking the fast fashion brand’s return to what is one of the city’s premiere downtown shopping district.

    The 47,000 sqm store will open at Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay.

    It will include an H&M Home section, marking the homewares spin-off’s first presence in Hong Kong. A highlight will be a global exclusive collection by Ximon Lee, winner of H&M’s Design Award 2015.

    H&M is steadily expanding its store network in Asia. On October 1 it opened a new store in Singapore’s Tampines shopping centre, a two storey shop with a floorspace of about 19,500 sqft.

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  • On Pedder’s largest store yet

    On Pedder’s largest store yet

    Pedder Group has opened a 20,000 sqft flagship on Scotts Rd – its largest store in Asia.

    The new store dwarves the Hong Kong-headquartered brand’s stores in China and Hong Kong, which are 3000 to 3500 sqft. And it’s four times the size of the On Pedder store it replaces, which closed in June for refurbishment after four years. On Pedder also has a 2000 sqft store at nearby Ngee Ann City.

    On Pedder Scotts Rd Singapore

    The Lane Crawford Joyce Group subsidiary has curated a mixture of brands into a high end fashion department store. About 40 brands are exclusive to Pedders, the rest selected from the growing stable of brands Lane Crawford Joyce Group works with in Greater China. The exclusive ranks include American label Sam Edelman, British shoemakers George Cleverley and Foster & Sons, and milliners Lock & Co Hatters from England.

    A key highlight of the new shop is the first dedicated menswear store for the brand outside Hong Kong, featuring 35 designer labels, six exclusive, including Giuseppe Zanotti, Lorenzo Villoresi and Japanese cult brand Tomorrowland.

    A kidswear section features 20 designer labels along with streetwear brands including Vans, Onitsuka Tiger, Stuart Weitzman and Charlotte Olympia.

    And a sportswear department features limited-edition collections from Adidas, Nike, Vans and Converse.

    On Pedder plans a regularly roster of pop up stores from a variety of brands to showcase one-off designer collaborations, new brands or special promotions.

    On Pedder Singapore Scotts rd

     

    And anchoring the whole store from the end of this month will be the first Singapore outlet of successful Hong Kong cafe chain The Coffee Academics, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Coffee Academy has built a strong reputation in Hong Kong for quality espresso-style coffees and holds courses on coffee roasting and blending.

    Pedder Group president Peter Harris told the Straits Times in an interview its customers are now shopping vertically across price points and products that suit their lifestyle needs.

    “When you talk about luxury now, it applies to a broad section of fashion. The designer footwear that they’re looking for could be the perfect sandals to take on holiday or a pair of sports shoes.

    “We want to offer a broader range of footwear and accessories, which cannot be done well with the retail space and format we had at Scotts Square previously.”

    Pedder on Scotts officially opens on October 16.

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  • Lama Hourani opens Shanghai boutique

    Lama Hourani opens Shanghai boutique

    Jordanian jeweller Lama Hourani has opened an exclusive boutique in Shanghai.

    But it’s been positioned as so exclusive, customers cannot enter without a prior appointment.

    Lama Hourani’s exquisite silver and gold jewellery creations are creating a stir in Asia, underpinning her rising fame as a celebrity designer in Asia. Her creations are worn by royalty, the glitterazzi and even the Pope.

    The new store is on the ground floor of a historic house in Shanghai’s French Concession. Its decor is like something from a book celebrating Arabian design: gold and marble plinths, deep blue carpet, black and white images on the walls depicting minorities, gold framed mirrors.

    “I opened [the boutique] because people in China were just so curious…The handmade aspect is special, and it’s a major plus for me to have a proper presence here.”

    Hourani these days lives in Shanghai so it is no surprise she chose the vibrant, modern city for her first retail presence. But she is also a regular visitor to Hong Kong, presenting exclusive curations of her designs to customers – again by appointment only.

    “My clients are from all over the world and are usually independent, self-established, culturally curious women… China has so much of that,” she said in a recent interview.

    “If you are talking about demographics, those who are well-travelled, the crème de la crème, they all want to wear a statement piece that says something, rather than something that makes them belong somewhere. A lot of customers in China are beyond that first stage.”

    In Hong Kong, Lama Hourani’s luxury jewellery is sold through Joyce and the website Plukka.com – as well as her own website.

    Having established a solid reputation in jewellery, Hourani says her next focus is to expand the brand into other categories: homewares is an obvious first extension.

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  • 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”.

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  • McDonald’s India to double network

    McDonald’s India to double network

    McDonald’s India says it plans to open a new restaurant every week for the next five years.

    That’s 250 restaurants by the end of 2015, more than double its current network of 231.

    McDonald’s India master franchisee is Westlife Enterprise, whose vice chairman Amit Jatia says the growth focus will be on the western and southern parts of the country.

    McDonald’s launched in India 20 years ago, essentially the first of the crop of global fast food chains to establish a presence there. Now it faces growing competition from the likes of Burger King, Domino’s and Pizza Hut for a share of the growing fast food market.

    Jatia says McDonald’s will be expanding its coffee offer, opening the McCafe concept within its fast food restaurants as part of a move away from softdrinks.

    “We offer a range of smoothies, besides coffees and this encourages customers to opt for non-carbonated drinks,” he said in an interview with the India Times.

    The McCafe network will be expanded from the current 45 to about 140 within two years.

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  • Seiko Moscow boutique opens

    Seiko Moscow boutique opens

    Japanese watchmaker Seiko has opened its first boutique in Russia – 50 years after it first started exporting watches to Russian.

    The Seiko Moscow boutique opened at the St. Nickolas complex on Nikolskaya St, a high-end shopping district in the capital city.

    At the heart of the 80sqm boutique are Seiko’s luxury brands: Grand Seiko, Credor and Galante. The Grand Seiko selection at the boutique is one of the widest outside of Japan. A large selection of Credor and Galante, brands which until now have been sold mainly in Japan is also offered for the first time in Russia.

    The boutique also carries many exclusive and limited-edition models such as the Credor masterpiece “Eichi II”, a hand-crafted watch which has attracted wide praise among connoisseurs of luxury watchmaking, and sells for RUB3,990,000 (including VAT). In addition, Seiko’s latest technologies are found in a variety of Astron and Prospex watches.

    Takashi Aizawa, director and executive VP of Seiko Watch Corporation, said at a reception: “Seiko was registered as a trademark in Russia in 1965. We are delighted to open this boutique in this important anniversary year. This new boutique is one of several that are opening in the world’s leading cities. Last year we opened one in New York, and this year we added Frankfurt and Tokyo.

    “Our aim is to allow visitors a unique, exciting and intriguing opportunity to explore the world of Seiko through our history and our finest watches.”

    Darya Klishina, one of Russia’s leading athletes and Seiko’s ambassador since 2012, was present for the opening ceremony.

    A dedicated website will open soon where information about new models and special events at the boutique will be announced.

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  • Jean Louis David opens in Hong Kong

    Jean Louis David opens in Hong Kong

    French hair stylist chain Jean Louis David has more than 1200 salons worldwide – and now it has landed in Hong Kong.

    Jean Louis David Hong Kong  has opened a salon at 12F New World Tower 2 in Queens Rd, Central – and a retail store on the ground floor of Manning House, a few doors down the street.

    The stunning salon fit out was designed to “perfectly embody” the brand’s philosophy of “hyper service” the company says on its website.

    “This means we want to engage all your five senses as you walk through our elegant space and take your seat in any of our three styling areas.”

    The salon has three separate areas: Urban for those wanting a quick touch-up; International for longer, lingering pampering;  and Private Suites.

    The salon was designed by Jean Louis David creative director Lorena Severi and Italian designer Nevio Capuzzo of the design firm Bottega Veneta.

    “All our fittings were crafted in Italy’s famous furniture manufacturing region located near the ancient city of Venice.

    “Our emphasis on design, comfort and spotless hygiene might make you feel like you’ve entered a day spa when you first walk in. The eye will be delighted by the simple elegance and clean lines of our designer furnishing,” the company explains.

    “The spotless white of our design is offset by the blaze of beautiful flower arrangements, while the scent of fragrance greets the nose. Music bathes the ear in a variety of styles, while your taste buds will be stimulated by drinks and snacks of your choice throughout your stay with us.”

  • Sizzlin’ Steak heads to Vietnam

    Sizzlin’ Steak heads to Vietnam

    Filipino corporate restaurateur Max’s Group is to launch its Sizzlin’ Steak concept in Vietnam.

    Max’s Group is the largest casual dining restaurant company in the Philippines. It owns Yellow Cab Pizza, which it recently launched in the UAE.

    Sizzlin’ Steak is an eight year old Japanese steak barbecue concept, serving steak and other meats cooked on hot plates at low price points. Barbecue style dining concepts are popular amongst Vietnamese.

    Max’s is entering Vietnam in partnership with L Concepts, a subsidiary of the Longfort Group, which focuses on developing unique dining concepts and brands in Southeast Asia.

    According to documents filed with the stock exchange in Manila, L Concepts will open a minimum of 10 Sizzlin’ Steak restaurants in Vietnam within five years. Max’s currently has 10 in metro Manila and is considering a pilot store in the US.

    Max’s Group president and CEO Robert Trota says the company plans to add at least 200 stores to its overseas network by 2020.

    “We envision to rollout our key brands outside the Philippines with strategic franchise operators. As new markets are established and momentum builds in the next few years, we expect the international portion of our business to be a significant contributor to system-wide sales and to our bottom line,” he said.

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  • Altelier D’Auchel Hong Kong store opens

    Altelier D’Auchel Hong Kong store opens

    French leather goods brand Altelier D’Auchel has opened its first retail store in the territory.

    Altelier D’Auchel Hong Kong is located on the 14th floor of Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace in Central.

    The label makes leather goods to order, with price tags ranging from HK$40,000 to $300,000, depending on the materials, style and colours chosen. Once ordered, a bag takes anywher from a fortnight to a month to be created.

    A truly artisan brand, Altelier D’Auchel employs craftsmen who have trained in the traditional techniques at the Compagnons du Devoirs, which is a French apprentice training organisation dating back to the Middle Ages where master craftsmen and artisans train apprentices in a craft. After qualifying, the designers have to spend another 10 years at a name atelier to make the grade.

    Altelier D’Auchel sent master craftsmen from France to Hong Kong to celebrate the exclusive store’s opening and to provide a live demonstration of the art of making fine handbags.

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  • First Garrett Popcorn Taiwan store planned

    First Garrett Popcorn Taiwan store planned

    Garrett Popcorn, the Chicago-based gourmet popcorn brand, is continuing its Asian expansion with the opening of a store in the landmark Taipei 101 complex.

    The first Garrett Popcorn Taiwan store expands the brands presence in Asia, where it already has stores in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.
    Garrett says it chose Taipei 101 to set up its first Taiwan store because of its proximity to public transportation and a commercial community and the potential for tourism business.

    “The Taiwan marketplace is exciting and vibrant, with an especially rich food culture. We are happy to commit Taipei 101 as the location of choice for our flagship shop in the heart of Taipei,” said Lance Chody, chairman and CEO of Garrett Popcorn Shops.

    “We are also excited to bring delicious handmade Garrett Popcorn – made fresh with real ingredients every day – to join the landmark Taipei 101 experience,” he said.

    “The launch of Taiwan flagship store in Taipei 101 is essential in our expansion plan in the Asia market,” added Olivia Huynh, VP of Asia-Pacific operations at Garrett Popcorn Shops.

    Taiwan is the 10th overseas market for Garrett Popcorn. Outside Asia it has stores in the UAE and

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