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Tag: online shopping

  • Visa Thailand to strengthen security in payment

    Visa Thailand to strengthen security in payment

    Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, has today launched its Future of Security Roadmap for Thailand, outlining a robust approach for strengthening payments security in the country over the next 3 years. Visa’s Roadmap focuses on a number of key initiatives which will enable security to evolve at the same pace as the technologies changing the way we pay. These security initiatives include:

    • Devalue data by removing the sensitive data from the ecosystem and making stolen account details useless.
    • Protect data by implementing safeguards to protect personal data as well as account details.
    • Harness data by identifying potential fraud before it occurs and increase confidence in approving good transactions.
    • Empower everyone, including accountholders, 3rd party providers and merchants, to play an active role in securing payments.

    Suripong Tantiyanon, Country Manager, Visa Thailand said: “We are proud to be launching our Thailand Future of Security Roadmap. Securing the commerce ecosystem is our highest priority and one we view as a shared responsibility between payment networks, consumers, banks, and the government. Technology has enabled new innovative ways to pay and be paid, but it has also brought unique risks. To stay ahead of fraud, we need to work together and give security the same attention and investment as we do the innovations driving new commerce experiences.”

    The release of Visa’s Roadmap comes at a time of rapid change for payments in Thailand with innovations such as mobile payments set to enhance the payment experience for consumers. According to Visa’s Consumer Payment Attitudes Study, security remains a key consideration for consumers across Southeast Asia with two-thirds (67 percent) concerned about the safety of their personal information when using their mobile phone to make payments.

    When asked specifically about what their top three concerns were when using their mobile phones to make payments, consumers in Thailand said losing my phone or having my phone stolen, my phone getting hacked or someone intercepting my data, and malware or viruses being installed on my phone.

    Visa works with industry stakeholders including financial institutions, merchants, policy makers, law enforcement and accountholders to secure payments. The Visa Future of Security Roadmap is the product of comprehensive consultations and collaboration, making it an authoritative document on Thailand payments security.

    Visa is delivering roadmaps around the world to ensure the security of the global commerce ecosystem, as well as working with Thai industry bodies to align security initiatives.

     

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  • ShopBack Partners Petron to Launch Petrol Redemption Programme

    ShopBack Partners Petron to Launch Petrol Redemption Programme

    Malaysians can now utilise cashback from ShopBack every time they refuel at petrol stations. The No.1 Cashback portal in the country recently inked a partnership with Petron Malaysia, becoming the first in the country to allow users to convert cashback to Petron Miles (PMiles) Points and vice versa.

    “Previously, after our users get cashback from their online purchases, they can choose to transfer the cash to their bank accounts or use it to offset Maxis phone bills. The collaboration with Petron is a first for both parties – the first long-term online to offline redemption for ShopBack, and the first offline to online redemption (PMiles Points to cashback) for Petron as well,” says Alvin Gill, Country General Manager of ShopBack Malaysia.

    He mentions that the number of users who accumulated five figures cashback savings through ShopBack is on the rise. Malaysians are getting more familiar with cashback benefits and the company has been exploring opportunities to continue shaping a smarter consumer spending habit offline, of which it feels the priority should be on ways that meet the practical needs of Malaysians’ daily life.

    “It is reported that about 23.9 per cent of Malaysians’ disposable income was spent on petrol, housing and utilities in 2016. Hence we decided to pursue petrol redemption as the second non-cash withdrawal option. ShopBack is excited to launch this with Petron and we definitely look forward to similar collaborations in the future.”

    The PMiles Points redemption option is now available on all ShopBack platforms (web, mobile web, and app).

    To convert cashback to PMiles points, users just need to log onto their accounts, select withdraw – points redemption and thereafter fill in the required information. For every RM10 cashback, users can convert it to 600 PMiles points.

    According to Choong Kum Choy, Head of Retail Business for Petron Malaysia, the collaboration with ShopBack underscores Petron’s commitment to provide the best customer experience for PMiles members. “We are committed to giving our customers the best products, the best service, and the best rewards. Our collaboration with ShopBack gives our PMiles holders more value with the cashback option, while significantly enhancing their shopping experience.”

    Currently, Petron Malaysia has more than 620 service stations in the country. PMiles members can also convert their points at Petron Service Stations Nationwide or download the form from PMiles Website. Every 1000 PMiles points can be converted to RM10 Cashback, which will be credited into the user’s ShopBack account.

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  • Lazada to tackle counterfeit Korean products more seriously

    Lazada to tackle counterfeit Korean products more seriously

    Lazada has pledged to remove any counterfeit South Korean goods from its platform in a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Korea Intellectual Property Protection Agency (KOIPA). It is reportedly the first time a Southeast Asian e-commerce company has reached an agreement with the Korean IP regulator and reflects the growing popularity of Korean beauty and fashion products online across Asia.

    Korean brands online and considered at risk from counterfeit products include Etude House, Innisfree, Laneige, Mamonde and 3CE.

    “The combined followers for [those brands’] Lazada flagship stores are more than 200,000,” Gladys Chun, general counsel and head of government affairs at Lazada Group said.

    “Laneige, Mamonde, Innisfree and 3CE were top search terms in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam during the recent Lazada 11.11 Shopping Festival.”

    Lazada has undertaken to remove any counterfeit goods from sale on its platform when alerted by brand owners, once it has confirmed authenticity. Sellers caught trying to sell copy goods on its site face blacklisting.

    “Such measures to curb illicit trading of goods on Lazada are aimed at boosting the confidence and preserving the trust of shoppers on our platform,” Chun said.

    “At Lazada, we respect and collaborate with rights holders in safeguarding their IP through a combination of proactive and reactive measures. It is incumbent on us to create that trusted space for shoppers and brands, giving them the peace-of-mind that we will always be acting in their best interests.”

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  • Zara lipstick launched online

    Zara lipstick launched online

    Zara lipstick goes on sale this week – but only online. The fast-fashion brand’s first lipstick collection – called Zara Ultimatte – marks a continuing expansion of its beauty and cosmetics offer. Sister brands Bershka and Pull&Bear already have makeup lines, targeting younger consumers.

    Parent company Inditex says the collection was “inspired by the kind of makeup needed to create ad campaigns”. It is based on a colour palette created by British make-up artist Pat McGrath, (famous for working with Christian Dior and Armani Beauty, among others).

    The French-made Zara lipstick collection was designed in Los Angeles, featuring 12 high-pigment lipsticks, eight liquid-matte lipsticks, a box kit with three red colours and a limited-edition, behind-the-scenes kit. Prices range from €7.95 to €19.95. While available only on the Zara website, the company will ship worldwide.

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  • India’s Shop101 in talks for funding boost

    India’s Shop101 in talks for funding boost

    Indian online marketplace Shop101 is seeking to raise $11-12 million in a Series B funding round. Talks concerning the investment are being led by Kalaari Capital and Unilever Ventures, with participation expected by current backer Stellaris Venture Partners, which invested $5 million several months ago. Investment capital is likely to assist the firm in technological development and expansion into new business categories.

    Shop101 uses Whatsapp, Facebook and Instagram functionality to support online entrepreneurs. WhatsApp and Facebook each have more than 200 million users in India. The Shop101 app has been downloaded about 1 million times and has experienced growth of 50 per cent month on month since its launch.

    A joint report by Google and KPMG last year indicated online SMEs could boost Indian economic growth by 10 per cent by 2020.

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  • Malaysia’s e-commerce on growth estimation

    Malaysia’s e-commerce on growth estimation

    The government is targeting for e-commerce to achieve an annual growth rate of 20%, from a 14.3% growth posted in 2017, via its various initiatives. Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ong Kian Ming said e-commerce registered a continuous increase for the period of seven years to RM85.8 billion in 2017.

    He said the government, through the National E-commerce Council, will continue to chart the growth and development of e-commerce in the country through the implementation of the National E-commerce Strategic Roadmap.

    Malaysia also signed the Asean Agreement on Electronic Commerce on Nov 12, 2018, a concerted effort between 10 countries to smoothen cross border e-commerce transactions by reducing barriers and lowering entry costs.

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  • Blackpink is now Shopee brand ambassador

    Blackpink is now Shopee brand ambassador

    Popular all-girl K-pop group Blackpink has been appointed Shopee’s first regional brand ambassador. The appointment is timed to coincide with Shopee’s 12.12 birthday sale, which has embarked on a two week promotional campaign. The planned deals include discounts of up to 80 per cent for the one-day-only promotion.

    To draw attention to the sale day, Blackpink have released a dedicated shopee commercial currently available for viewing on YouTube.

    The promotion coincides with the launch of Korean entertainment firm YG Group’s official shop on the platform across five Shopee markets, including Singapore.

    K-pop group Blackpink was founded in 2016 and within just two years has built a strong reputation for its unique vocals and the group members’ personalities. Hailed by Billboard as the best-charting female Korean act in history, Blackpink has established prominence with record-breaking releases, including the single Ddu-Du Ddu-Du and albums Square One, Square Two and their most recent mini-album, Square Up.

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  • Retail sector Korea in future

    Retail sector Korea in future

    Technology and e-commerce trends are reshaping the global retail industry in profound ways, as the rise of online channels threatens to displace more traditional shopping experiences. However, Korea’s retail sector seems to be thriving in the face of this upheaval, with a 6% year-over-year increase in retail sales by Q3 2018. What are the factors fuelling this encouraging retail growth?

    Firstly, improved relations with China and North Korea have energised the retail sector, with duty-free sales registering an impressive 34% year-over-year growth by Q3 2018. While this retail boost can primarily be attributed to the recent surge of Chinese tourists in Korea, it also reflects the growing international popularity of Korean beauty and lifestyle brands.

    E-commerce is also emerging as a key driver of Korea’s retail sector. Online channels have experienced rapid growth since 2010, and will only keep expanding their foothold as Korean consumers start shifting away from brick-and-mortar stores. With Korea’s e-commerce market predicted to grow by 21% this year, traditional retailers will need to find new ways of adapting to this rapidly evolving landscape.

    Some retailers are already turning to artificial intelligence and other Industry 4.0 technologies in an effort to provide consumers with more innovative shopping experiences. For instance, Hyundai Department Store is using Naver’s virtual assistant Clova to answer customer inquiries – whether they relate to store locations or specific purchases.

    Another interesting example is retail giant Lotte Home Shopping, which has developed its own augmented reality system so that customers can visualize how products would look in their home. As these new technologies get ushered into the mainstream, we can expect to see more and more retailers jumping on the AI bandwagon in the next few years.

    However, this doesn’t mean that we should write off the traditional brick-and-mortar experience just yet. Major brands are still banking on attracting consumers with the enduring prestige of high street locations – such as Maison Kitsuné, which recently opened its flagship store in Seoul’s trendy Garosugil district.

    Many global retailers continue to view Seoul, one of the world’s most famous shopping destinations, as a test bed in Asia. With cosmetics brands like Givenchy Beauty and Armani Beauty making their debut in Seoul this year, and renowned F&B brand Blue Bottle Coffee preparing to enter the Korean market in 2019, it’s clear that leasing demand from foreign retailers is still going strong.

    If we look to other segments of the retail industry that are experiencing growth, it’s worth highlighting the surge of fresh food delivery services across the country. With double-income families emerging as a major consumer force, demand for overnight fresh food delivery has also been rising – and major retailers as well as food startups are turning their attention towards this potentially profitable market.

    The rapid expansion of the food delivery market – and of the e-commerce sector in general – is proving to be a windfall for Korea’s logistics industry. Logistics developers are recognizing the need for large-scale modern logistics centers capable of storing and delivering goods nationwide, with faster delivery remaining the market’s key competitive measure. The growing demand for cold chain facilities is expected to fuel a mass redevelopment of older warehouses, especially in the Greater Seoul area.

    So far, Korea’s retail industry has shown remarkable resilience against a backdrop of technological disruption. More brick-and-mortar retailers are offering F&B, AI and entertainment options to differentiate themselves from their e-commerce counterparts; and this trend will only grow as consumers seek out unique shopping experiences. The question is, will Korea’s retail market keep thriving in the long term?  As long as technology continues to enhance – and not supplant – existing retail experiences, we can venture to hope that a bright future is in store for this challenging and dynamic sector.

    -CBRE-

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  • Amazon in advance stage to buy stake in Future Retail

    Amazon in advance stage to buy stake in Future Retail

    Online retailer Amazon is in advanced stage of talks to buy around 9.5 percent stake in Kishore Biyani-led Future Retail, according to sources. According to a report: A final shape to an agreement between the two parties is expected to take place within the next 10 days, the sources said although in case of last minute hurdles the deal could be announced as late as January 2019.

    When contacted, Amazon declined to comment while messages sent to Future Group Founder and Group CEO Kishore Biyani remained unanswered by the time of filing story.

    According to a media report, the Amazon-Future Group deal is initially estimated to be around Rs 2,000 crore executed under foreign portfolio investor (FPI).

    The agreement could also include Amazon buying out Biyani and promoter group’s entire holding in future subject to applicable regulations in India.

    As of September 2018, promoter and promoter group had 46.51 percent share of Future Retail Ltd, which operates hypermarket and supermarket under brands which include- Big Bazaar, Easyday, Foodhall, HyperCity, FBB, Heritage fresh, ezone and WH Smith.

    It has presence in 250 cities across the country.

    Leading e-commerce major Amazon, which is looking to expand its presence in India, already has stake in Shoppers Stop and More.

    If the deal is through, this would be the third investment by the US-based company in the Indian brick-and-mortar retail ecosystem.

    Last year, retail major Shoppers Stop had announced raising Rs 179.26 crore from Amazon through an issue of equity shares on preferential basis. The deal with Amazon.com Investment Holdings LLC translated into just over 5 per cent shareholding for Amazon in Shoppers Stop.

    In September this year, Amazon said it has co-invested in Witzig Advisory Services, the entity that is acquiring Aditya Birla Retail’s ‘more’ chain of stores in India.

    According to market watchers, this deal is expected to help Amazon strengthen its play in the Indian retail market that is still dominated by offline retailers.

    The move would also intensify competition further between Amazon and Walmart-backed Flipkart that are locked in an intense battle for leadership in the Indian e-commerce market.

    The US’ largest retailer Walmart had picked up 77 percent stake in Flipkart for US$ 16 billion, the largest deal in the Indian e-commerce space so far.

    Both Amazon and Flipkart are pumping in millions of dollars towards building infrastructure, and expanding operations in the country.

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  • Snapdeal unveils ‘Brand Shield’ to help firms fight counterfeits

    Snapdeal unveils ‘Brand Shield’ to help firms fight counterfeits

    India’s e-commerce major Snapdeal Monday said it has launched ‘Brand Shield’, an anti-counterfeiting programme to help brands report counterfeit products being sold on its platform. The programme has been designed based on the inputs received from various brand owners, Snapdeal said in a statement.

    The programme is aimed at enabling a structured interaction between the platform and brands with regard to any intellectual property (IP) issues flagged by the brand, it added.

    Under Brand Shield, there will be an online, triple-check point process for brands to report any violation of their IP rights in terms of trademark, copyright, patent or concerns related to design.

    Brands can also list specific issues relating to unlawful copying of logos, brand images, design features and packaging by sellers listed on Snapdeal’s platform. Brands will be required to establish their ownership of the IP, identify the listing of concern through proof and state their claim of infringement.

    The statement said designated teams at Snapdeal will review every report of IP infringement submitted through Brand Shield. Upon verification of the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided by the brand, Snapdeal will take down the listing within one business day, it added.

    In continuation of current practice, Snapdeal will also continue to de-list products/ listings in compliance with any directions or orders passed by the courts and other relevant authorities, the statement said.

    “The issue of unscrupulous sellers misusing online marketplaces to sell fake goods is a global problem. Brand Shield is part of our ongoing initiatives to collaborate with brands owners to combat counterfeits and infringement offences,” a Snapdeal spokesperson said.

    Snapdeal, an online marketplace, acts as an intermediary connecting buyers and independent third party sellers. It also prohibits the sale of counterfeit products on its marketplace and any sellers found in violation are penalised as per the terms of agreements with the sellers, the statement said.

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  • Chinese e-commerce policy to benefit foreign sellers

    Chinese e-commerce policy to benefit foreign sellers

    The Chinese government last week announced that it will improve its e-commerce retail import policy to boost consumption. “We need to take a holistic approach, exercise prudent yet accommodating regulation to fully unleash the growth potential of cross-border e-commerce,” Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, said at a cabinet meeting on November 21, when the policy was laid out.

    The policy has been cheered by Australian exporters to the market, such as AuMake, the ASX-listed retail company that connects local suppliers with Chinese personal shoppers, daigous, who buy and ship products on behalf of friends, family and customers in China.

    The retailer released a statement on Friday saying the new policy is expected to stimulate daigou activity through 2019.

    The new policy ensures that China’s existing approach to cross-border e-commerce continues, and no new requirements around licensing, registration or record-filing for first-time imports will apply to sales through cross-border e-commerce platforms, as was expected to apply from January 1, 2019. Instead, these goods will continue to receive the more relaxed regulation for personal use imports.Adtech Ad

    The Chinese government is also expanding its preferential import duties to another 63 tax categories of high-demand goods and increasing the quota of goods eligible from 2000 yuan to 5000 yuan per transaction, and from 20,000 yuan to 26,000 yuan per head per year. This quota will be further adjusted in light of an individual’s personal income.

    “AuMake welcomes the latest development to further stimulate the CBEC [cross-border e-commerce] with the continuation of current licensing requirements, extension of tariff/VAT/consumer tax concessions and value per transaction/head limit also being increased,” the retailer said in a statement.

    “These measures are anticipated to increase the total size of the CBEC and it is anticipated that legitimate cross border e-commerce participants, including AuMake and professional daigou, will increase their market share as illegitimate operators are phased out with increased regulation.”

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  • US Cyber Monday online sales to reach record US$7 billion

    US Cyber Monday online sales to reach record US$7 billion

    American consumers were on track to spend US$ 7.8 billion in online shopping on Cyber Monday, up 18.3 percent from last year, according to Adobe Analytics, which tracks 80 percent of online transactions at 100 of the largest retailers in the US. Cyber Monday, which falls on the first Monday after Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday, is considered the biggest online shopping day of the year.

    Last year, it hit a record US$ 6.6 billion in online sales.

    With growing online sales, Black Friday might be stealing Cyber Monday’s thunder. Online sales for Black Friday reached US$ 6.22 billion, up 23 percent compared with last year.

    Smartphone-enabled purchases amounted to US$ 2.1 billion, accounting for one third of the overall sales.

    Figures from Internet Retailer, a publisher of e-commerce news and analysis, predicted that the total amount to be spent over the period between Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday will reach US$ 21.6 billion.

    For the whole holiday season, which will last until end of December, online sales could hit a record US$ 124 billion, up by 15 percent from last year, Adobe Analytics said.

    Figures from market research firm eMarketer put overall US holiday online sales at around US$ 123 billion, which accounts for 12 percent of the estimated 1 trillion retail sales for this holiday shopping season.

    According to an annual survey, US consumers will spend an average of US$ 1,007 dollars during this holiday shopping season, up 4.1 percent from last year, the National Retail Federation said earlier.

  • Thai flagship store opened in Coupang

    Thai flagship store opened in Coupang

    South Korean e-commerce firm Coupang is planning to launch a flagship store in Thailand to boost the online sales of Thai-sourced products. Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce has been promoting Thai products on the platform since August, which has brought in more than THB118 million (US$3.57 million) for mostly food and beverage items. The ministry has just met with Coupang executives to seal an agreement to expand cooperation, resulting in the establishment of a Thai Mall on the platform.

    It is expected that the new partnership could result in an increase in sales to more than THB 200 million (US$6.06 million) over the coming year, a rise in export volumes to Korea by 7 per cent. Thailand’s total exports to South Korea were valued at $4.66 billion last year, an increase of 14.4 per cent from the year previous.

    Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said “South Koreans know Thai brands from travelling here”, with 1.5 million of them visiting Thailand annually.

    Coupang is South Korea’s largest and fastest-growing e-commerce firm. It recently received an investment of US$2 billion from the SoftBank Vision Fund. It offers more than 120 million items for sale and 4 million available for guaranteed one-day delivery.

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  • Uniqlo online Hong Kong launches soon

    Uniqlo online Hong Kong launches soon

    Uniqlo Hong Kong will launch its online store on December 4. A spokesperson for the company said the online platform for Hong Kong and Macau is a fitting solution considering rising rentals and limited space for retailers in Hong Kong, along with the strengthening popularity of e-commerce in the region.

    The brand has operated an online flagship on Alibaba’s Tmall for nine years and has had its own online shop since October.

    According to Uniqlo’s CEO for Greater China Ning Pan, the two existing e-commerce platforms take 15 per cent of sales in China, the majority of that figure from Tmall.

    He explained that while TMall remains an important strategic partner, the new platform will allow the firm to leverage analytics and AI to evaluate buyer preferences.

    The Hong Kong site is now under testing, and will be fully operational come launch day in December.

  • Online Black Friday runs lackluster campaign in Vietnam

    Online Black Friday runs lackluster campaign in Vietnam

    Online Black Friday retailers failed to enthuse customers with usual discounts, while brick and mortar stores saw heavy traffic. E-commerce giant Lazada combined its Black Friday and Cyber Monday into a four-day promotional event, offering discounts of up to 70 percent, mostly on cosmetics and fashion items.

    New items were discounted by 15 percent, and the strongest price reductions were offered on low-value items of unpopular brands.

    Other e-commerce services claimed to offer bigger discounts, of up to 91 percent on Tiki and 99 percent on Shopee, but these were restricted to a particular time frame after which the discounts passed on to other items.

    However, such “flash sales” are familiar to online shoppers as daily offerings made by most e-commerce services.

    Thus, retailers failed to enthuse customers with the discounts.

    Minh Tien, an office worker in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, said that he regularly checks flash sale items on these websites. “It’s the same method this time, and I’m in no rush as the event will last three to seven days.”

    Market observers said another reason that Black Friday online sales in Vietnam failed to catch fire was the Chinese Singles’ Day promotional event held earlier this month and the upcoming Online Friday hosted by the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (iDEA), under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, on December 7.

    But in contrast to the online market, the shopping atmosphere was vibrant at brick-and-mortar stores. People started to queue up at large shopping centers in Hanoi and HCMC early Friday.

    A large fashion store on Ba Trieu street in Hanoi offered a discount on all items for five hours, attracting a large number of customers.

    In other stores, customers had to wait for up to two hours to buy household items. Office workers joined the shopping frenzy at lunch time, only to find out they were late because shops stopped letting new customers after 11 a.m.

    As of 10 p.m. Friday night, customers were still queuing up at major shopping malls in Hanoi.

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