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Tag: nordic

  • OCE Debuts in Bangkok: Nordic Brand Spreads Wings in Thai Retail Market

    OCE Debuts in Bangkok: Nordic Brand Spreads Wings in Thai Retail Market

    OCE, a lifestyle brand inspired by Nordic culture, has launched its first retail location in Thailand, marking another stride in its ongoing global expansion efforts. The brand, originally based in Guangzhou, set up shop in Bangkok’s Central Chaengwattana shopping centre, introducing the Thai market to its “Nordic laid-back aesthetics”. Customers are offered a diverse selection of over 2000 unique products to choose from within the store.

    A Positive Outlook on Thai Retail Market

    Kenneth Tng, the International Leasing Head at Central Pattana, the parent company of the shopping centre, expressed optimism about OCE’s new venture. He stated that the store’s launch underscored the growing vitality and appeal of Thailand’s retail sector.

    “It’s a privilege for Central Pattana to be chosen as a collaborator for such a pivotal moment in OCE’s worldwide growth,” Tng added. He further stated that the new concept was unveiled at Central Changwattana on June 19.

    Tng reassured that Central Pattana will persist in its commitment to deliver innovative, fresh, and globally pertinent retail experiences to its clientele. The company also plans to continue supporting international brands, like OCE, making their entry and expansion in the Thai market.

    OCE has a strong presence in Mainland China, operating over 50 stores, primarily in the major cities. Last year, the brand extended its reach to Europe with a flagship store opening in Copenhagen, Denmark, and also made its debut in Malaysia with a store launch in Kuala Lumpur.

    Questions & Answers

    What is OCE’s brand inspiration?
    OCE takes inspiration from Nordic culture to create its unique, laid-back aesthetic.

    Where is OCE’s first store in Thailand located?
    OCE’s first Thai store is positioned in Central Chaengwattana shopping centre in Bangkok.

    Does OCE have a presence outside of Asia?
    Yes, OCE expanded its reach beyond Asia in 2020 with the opening of its European flagship store in Copenhagen, Denmark.

  • Arket opens doors in Korea

    Arket opens doors in Korea

    H&M’s ‘Nordic lifestyle brand’ Arket has opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Seoul, South Korea.

    Located at Yeouido’s department store The Hyundai Seoul, the Arket South Korea store spans 8000sqft and features the brand’s collections of New Nordic design for men, women and children. The flagship store also houses an Arket cafe, offering vegetarian dishes, drinks, pastries and snacks.

    “Opening the new store in Seoul is an incredibly exciting step for us, as it is our first physical location outside of Europe,” said Pernilla Wohlfahrt, MD at Arket.

    The launch in South Korea is part of its strategy to expand its presence in Asia. Last month, the retailer announced that it will open its first brick-and-mortar store in China, at Beijing.

    Launched in 2017, the brand now operates more than 20 stores across major European cities, including Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London and Berlin.

  • Alipay takes aim at Nordic markets

    Alipay takes aim at Nordic markets

    Alipay, the world’s largest online and mobile payment platform, operated by Ant Financial Services Group (“Ant Financial”, “Ant”), today announced that it has signed separate MoUs with Finpro (Finland), Svensk Handel (Sweden) and the Scandinavian Tourist Board, which will enable merchants across Nordic region to accept payment via Alipay and reach Chinese customers before, during and after their visit via Alipay’s in-app marketing platform.

    This will bring Chinese tourists the same convenient payment and travel experience that they enjoy in China.

    Douglas Feagin, President of International Business, Ant Financial Services Group, said, “Alipay has been leading the trend of smart living in China. People not only use Alipay for payment, but also for settlement of all types of needs in their daily life. As part of our globalization strategy, we are focused on working with local partners to bring this smart lifestyle to Chinese tourists, no matter where they go.”

    Over 500 merchants in Finland already accept Alipay and are searchable on Alipay’s Discover Platform, including well-known brands in Helsinki such as Marimekko, Iittala and Marja Kurki. Finland’s latest addition to the Alipay ecosystem is retail giant Stockmann. ePassi, a leading e-payment company in Europe, and the largest e-wallet in Finland, has been working with Finpro, a government owned organization promoting trade, investment and tourism in Finland, to promote Alipay among merchants in the country.

    Alexander Yin, CFO of ePassi, said, “Together with Alipay, we are building a smart tourism ecosystem for Chinese tourists. Now Chinese users have an easy and flexible way to enjoy a full Finnish shopping experience without a language or currency barrier. The convenient payment experience starts when a Chinese tourist books his or her flight ticket and hotel room online, continues with shopping on Finnair flights between China and Helsinki, and, once there, encompasses everything from hop-on-hop-off buses and sightseeing in Helsinki to shopping, dining, enjoying a classic Finnish sauna, and even meeting the Moomin in Naantali or Santa Claus up in Lapland.”

    In Sweden, several merchants including luxury watch shops have already launched Alipay through local partner Cimple in a network that is gradually expanding. Alipay’s latest MoU with Svensk Handel (“Swedish Trade Federation”), the employers’ association serving the entire trade and commerce sector, will see the two sides promote Alipay with Business Sweden, an organisation jointly owned by the Government of Sweden and representatives from the Swedish business community. Swedish State Secretary to the Minister for EU Affairs and Trade Oscar Stenström witnessed the signing of the MoU.

    Mr. Mats Hedenström, Head of Policy at Svensk Handel, said, “In Sweden, 90% of transactions are now cashless. We find it’s a safe and efficient solution for both customers and merchants. Tourists may find some shops here don’t accept cash at all. Svensk Handel’s intention in signing up with Alipay is to make it more convenient for the growing group of Chinese visitors to enjoy shopping in Sweden.”

    In Norway, 2paynow, a leading mobile payment and tax refund marketing provider in Europe, and its sales partner APay are working with the Scandinavian Tourist Board to introduce Alipay services to the Norwegian market in September. Per Holte, Chairman of Scandinavian Tourist Board, said, “Numbers of Chinese tourists, especially free independent tourists (FITs), have been increasing rapidly in the recent years and China has become an important market for the Scandinavian tourism industry. We will further deploy Alipay services in this region with 2paynow to help local merchants understand and service Chinese tourists better, which will strengthen the advantages of Scandinavian countries as Chinese-friendly destinations.”

    Meanwhile, Nets, the largest Nordic vendor of digital receipt solutions, is also bringing Alipay to merchants in Denmark and beyond.

    Alipay is now accepted by more than 10 million merchants across China and by bricks-and-mortar shops in 32 countries and territories.

    According to the World Tourism Organisation, 2016 was another strong year for outbound tourism from China, the world’s leading outbound market. International tourism expenditure grew by US$11 billion to US$261 billion, an increase of 12%. The number of outbound travellers rose 6% to 135 million in 2016.