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Tag: P&G

  • P&G Debuts Exclusive ‘unstoppable Collection’ At Us Walmart: A Revolutionary Leap In Laundry Fragrances

    P&G Debuts Exclusive ‘unstoppable Collection’ At Us Walmart: A Revolutionary Leap In Laundry Fragrances

    Procter & Gamble (P&G) has unveiled an exclusive new product line, the Unstoppable Collection. This range, currently exclusive to US Walmart stores, is a first-of-its-kind category expansion consisting of in-wash laundry scent boosters.

    Unique, Long-Lasting Fragrances

    The Unstoppable Collection comprises three distinct fragrances crafted to last and integrate seamlessly into laundry routines. The first fragrance, Unlimited N09, unites the scents of eucalyptus, pine, and cedarwood to produce a robust, woody aroma. The second fragrance, Unlimited N26, offers a floral-woody concoction, blending rose, sweet honey, and earthy oakmoss. Lastly, Unlimited N37 combines bergamot, orris, and vetiver to create a luxurious and sweet scent, as described by the company.

    Promotional Partnership

    To promote the launch of the Unstoppable Collection, P&G has collaborated with acclaimed supermodel, entrepreneur, and mother Jasmine Tookes. Tookes stars in three promotional advertisements designed to showcase and amplify the range’s introduction.

    Redefining Laundry Fragrance

    Redge Abueva, vice president of North America fabric enhancers at P&G, spoke excitedly about the new collection. He expressed that with the Unstoppables Unlimited Collection, P&G is redefining the possibilities within the laundry category. The goal is to provide consumers with sophisticated, fine-fragrance experiences at an unprecedented scale.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Unstoppable Collection?
    The Unstoppable Collection is a unique product line by Procter & Gamble comprising long-lasting, in-wash laundry scent boosters.

    What are the fragrances available in the Unstoppable Collection?
    The collection includes three fragrances: Unlimited N09, a blend of eucalyptus, pine, and cedarwood; Unlimited N26, a mixture of rose, sweet honey, and earthy oakmoss; and Unlimited N37, a combination of bergamot, orris, and vetiver.

    Who is the brand ambassador for the Unstoppable Collection?
    Procter & Gamble has partnered with supermodel and entrepreneur Jasmine Tookes to promote the Unstoppable Collection.

  • Alibaba promises US$200 billion global sourcing plan

    Alibaba promises US$200 billion global sourcing plan

    Alibaba has committed to help import US$200 billion worth of goods from more than 120 countries over the next five years. The company says the move underscores its long-term commitment to globalisation and boosting its efforts to meet the rising demand of Chinese consumers for high-quality international products.

    However, it could also be construed as a move to shore up alternative supply chains in the wake of growing trade tensions between the US Trump administration and China.

    “Globalisation is one of Alibaba’s most critical long-term growth strategies,” said Alibaba CEO Daniel Zhang in a statement. “We are building the future infrastructure of commerce to realize a globalised digital economy where trade is possible for every country around the world.”

    He said using Alibaba’s innovative technology and robust ecosystem, the company is positioned to make global trade more inclusive and fulfil its mission “to make it easy to do business anywhere in the digital era.”

    Zhang outlined Alibaba’s plan at its Global Import Leadership Summit held at the first-ever China International Import Expo in Shanghai. Between 2019 and 2023, Alibaba forecasts it will help import international goods from businesses of all sizes in top countries such as Germany, Japan, Australia, the US, South Korea and Singapore. Several top global brands including P&G, Nestle, JBS, and Refa, have confirmed their holistic partnership with the Alibaba ecosystem.

    By collaborating with various Alibaba businesses units, these brands have been able to effectively engage with China’s massive middle class, a primary engine powering China’s consumption growth.

    Alvin Liu, GM of Tmall import and export, said China’s middle class is booming. “As incomes are rising in China, consumers want faster access to and a wider variety of high-quality products from around the world. Tmall is uniquely positioned to help international brands tap into the growing China market as consumers seek to upgrade their lifestyle.”

    According to a joint report by Deloitte China, the China Chamber of International Commerce, and AliResearch, China’s robust economic growth in recent years has increased the number of middle-to-high income Chinese consumers, who are fuelling the demand for imported, quality goods.

    The report notes that China’s cross-border e-commerce market has grown remarkably, with the proportion of imports to total e-commerce sales growing from 1.6 per cent in 2014 to 10.2 per cent last year. The report also highlights that, between 2014 and 2017, the number of shoppers on Alibaba’s dedicated platform for cross-border shopping, Tmall Global, has grown 10-fold.

  • Shopee, P&G to launch Super Brand Day campaign in Singapore

    Shopee, P&G to launch Super Brand Day campaign in Singapore

    Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, partners fast-moving consumer goods giant, Procter & Gamble (P&G), for its upcoming Super Brand Day. From 19 to 23 October, P&G Super Brand Day will bring users exclusive deals and discounts of up to 50% off across all P&G brands on Shopee, including Pampers, Dynamo, and Pantene; and the exclusive debut of popular American male grooming brand, Old Spice, in Singapore.

    Shopee Super Brand Day features exclusive deals and promotions in partnership with leading brands on Shopee Mall. Every instalment of Super Brand Day will also see a branded in-app takeover – a revamp of the app interface to highlight the brand exclusively for 24 hours.

    Junjie Zhou, Chief Commercial Officer, Shopee said, “At Shopee, we are always looking for ways to strengthen our partnerships with brands in order to provide users with access to exclusive deals and promotions from their favourite brands. Super Brand Day was launched to not only recognise our key brand partners, but to also provide them with increased exposure beyond our usual campaigns to reach out to users across the country.”

    On P&G Super Brand Day, users can look forward to up to 50% off all P&G brands, daily flash deals happening four times a day, and free Starbucks and Grab vouchers with selected bundle purchases from the P&G Official Store on Shopee. With every purchase of P&G products, users will also get a chance to play the in-app game, ‘Shop to Spin’, for the chance to win additional prizes, vouchers, and Shopee coins.

    In line with the campaign, Shopee will also be the first to carry popular American brand, Old Spice, in Singapore. The brand, well-known for its male grooming products comprising deodorants and antiperspirants, shampoos, body washes, and soaps, will be making its official debut on the day of P&G’s in-app takeover on 23 October. To mark the launch, Shopee users can enjoy an exclusive 16% off all Old Spice Body Wash products.

    “We are excited to partner P&G for this upcoming Super Brand Day, and we look forward to bringing users even more exciting collaborations in the months ahead,” closed Zhou.

  • SK-II Boutique Spa Malaysia Opens

    SK-II Boutique Spa Malaysia Opens

    The SK-II Boutique Spa has opened at The Gardens mall in Kuala Lumpur – its second location after Singapore.

    A Singapore-based Malaysian, Calvin Ng worked for more than 20 years with Procter & Gamble (P&G), the brand owner of SK-II. He then founded Senze Salus, which introduced the SK-II Boutique Spa in 2004. The spa offers facial treatments using only SK-II products.

    Its Kuala Lumpur offshoot covers 213sqm and offers 12 soundproof treatment suites as well as a waiting lounge with refreshments, an SK-II beauty bar and a retail section.

    Signature treatments include the SK-II Senzational Facial that tackles multiple skin concerns and incorporates a 55-step facial massage technique. The Senze Oxygenated Facial features a stream of pressurised oxygen infused with SK-II Facial Treatment Essence being applied to the face.

    The SK-II Boutique Spa takes its name from the Japanese skincare brand.

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  • JD.com surprises with first profitable quarter

    JD.com surprises with first profitable quarter

    JD.com profit soared 50 per cent after a 39 per cent increase in sales during the Chinese online retailer’s latest quarter.

    Its unaudited results for the three months to the end of September show revenue of RMB83.7 billion (US$12.6 billion), with a record 50.3 per cent surge in gross profit to RMB13 billion. Non-GAAP gross profit was RMB12.8 billion, up 51.9 per cent.

    Active customer accounts increased by 34 per cent to 266.3 million in the 12 months to September 30.

    Chairman/CEO Richard Lio says the company is building robust product content and enhancing user engagement with innovative tools that enable brands to launch highly targeted online marketing programs.

    “The scale economies of our model are becoming clearer with every quarter,” says CFO Sidney Huang. “Looking ahead, we will continue to prioritise investments in technology and leading R&D talent as we execute on our vision to revolutionise China’s retail industry.”

    While releasing its third-quarter figures, JD.com also listed its latest business developments…

    In October, JD and Tencent expanded their partnership with the launch of a marketing initiative that integrates insights on consumer behaviour from Tencent’s social-media platforms with online and offline shopping data from JD and its brand partners. As well as enabling more precise target marketing, the move benefits consumers by offering them wider access to sales promotions and preferred discounts.

    Strategic partnerships

    During the past three months, JD.com also formed strategic partnerships with Baidu, iQIYI, NetEase, Sogou and Qihoo 360 with their big-data resources, massive user bases and AI algorithm technologies.

    JD also continued to strengthen its position among top-tier international brands, expanding its partnership with high-fashion brand Armani with the opening of official online stores for Armani Exchange and Emporio Armani.

    JD Worldwide also launched flagship stores for such companies as Reckitt Benckiser, Spectrum Brands and Tiger, while its new Toplife platform attracted marquee brands like Dyson, La Perla, Rimowa (LVMH) and Trussardi.

    During the quarter, JD Logistics test-launched an unmanned sorting centre, the first of its kind in the logistics industry. JD also signed agreements to lay the groundwork for the rollout of China’s largest drone network.

    In September, JD Logistics expanded its environmentally friendly logistics and packaging campaign, working with brands including  Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly-Clark, Lego, L’Oreal, P&G, Nestle, Unilever, Watsons and Wrigley. The aim is to minimise environmental impact by cutting back on packaging materials.

    Customer demand

    JD also enhanced its fresh product offerings during the quarter to meet customer demand. In July, it launched the Canadian Fresh Food Pavilion, the first country pavilion for fresh products on the JD.com platform. Live lobsters from Canada can now be delivered to customers’ doorsteps in China in as little as 48 hours. During JD’s Super Canadian Day, 140,000 lobsters were sold within 24 hours.

    In September, JD.com, JD Finance, Central Group and Provident Capital announced agreements to establish two JVs in Thailand covering e-commerce and fintech services, with an aggregate investment of $500 million. JD.com is providing its expertise in technology, e-commerce and logistics while Central Group is drawing on its retail store network, brand and merchant relationships, and retail behaviour insights from its loyalty program.

    In October, JD and Sam’s Club launched a promotion offering customers discounted bundled memberships for Sam’s Club and the JD Plus paid-for membership service.

    By the end of October, JD.com JV New Dada had partnered with 146 Walmart stores and 301 Yonghui stores, as well as many other supermarkets and grocery stores, to provide online fresh grocery shopping with one-hour home delivery.

    At the end of September, JD.com had 405 warehouses and provided scheduled delivery services in 250 Chinese cities. It had about 160,000 merchants on its online marketplace, and 137,975 full-time employees.

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  • P&G to invest US$100mn in a new Singapore E-center

    P&G to invest US$100mn in a new Singapore E-center

    Procter & Gamble, in partnership with the Singapore Economic Development Board, established its first digital innovation center in Singapore alongside guest-of-honor, S Iswaran, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry), announcing an investment of over US$100 million over the next five years to support this E-Center. The launch reaffirmed P&G’s commitment to Singapore and aim to strengthen Singapore’s standing as a leading digital and e-Commerce hub in the world.

    The E-Center – P&G’s first outside the United States of America – will be pivotal to its undertaking of end-to-end digital innovation across three core areas: Supply Chain Management, e-Analytics and e-Business. In the area of Supply Chain Management, termed “i-Supply”, the E-Center will focus on transforming P&G’s supply chain end-to-end, enabling greater accuracy, visibility and more efficient processes.

    The e-Business unit aims to translate digital strategies into scalable plans for the region, and to leverage new digital channels to innovate and improve business models. Through its focus on e-Analytics, the E-Center will also leverage predictive analytics and big data to optimize product distribution and marketing strategy.

    With the launch, P&G will be training 40 employees in the first year to take on digital-related roles in these three capability areas. Through the E-Center, P&G will also expand its partnerships with local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to strengthen digital capabilities and co-develop new digital solutions. To bolster the inauguration of the E-Center, P&G also hosted the second edition of its leadership development program – P&G Leadership College – for SMEs in collaboration with SPRING Singapore.

  • P&G pilots program for ‘sari-sari’ stores

    P&G pilots program for ‘sari-sari’ stores

    Consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) has inked an agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to pilot a micro-entrepreneur development program that will equip “sari-sari” store owners with fundamental entrepreneurial knowledge and business seed capital.

    Called “Angat Kita,” the program aims to help interested sari-sari store entrepreneurs to realize their full potential to generate income, sustain livelihood, and eventually uplift their current status.

    P&G said participants need to attend a series of training workshops developed by the company’s retail experts before gaining access to seed capital to put to practice what they learned.

    Through its wide distribution network, P&G said it hopes to introduce the Angat Kita program to thousands of micro-entrepreneurs and have them enroll at the DTI Negosyo Centers nationwide.

    The pilot program is targeted to be rolled out in Mandaluyong City and  four other locations within the next few months.

    “P&G has a unique capability to contribute specifically in the area of leadership development. As a humble enterprise that started small and grew to one of the leading and lasting FMCGs (fast moving consumer goods) globally, we take seriously our social responsibility to cultivate the next generation of successful entrepreneurs,” P&G Asia-Pacific president Magesvaran Suranja said.

    According to company, the program will focus primarily on small-sized sari-sari store owners and help them level-up to medium-sized sari-sari store owners.

    The partnership also hopes to help uplift women in society and enable them to be productive entrepreneurs while carrying out their roles as housewives.

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  • US$1 billion in first five minutes of 11.11

    US$1 billion in first five minutes of 11.11

    Alibaba Group says more than US$7 billion (RMB 47.5 billion) of gross merchandise volume (GMV) was settled through Alipay on Alibaba’s China and international retail marketplaces within the first two hours of the 2016 11.11 Global Shopping Festival.

    And more than $1 billion was transacted in the first five minutes – from 12 midnight.

    “Chinese consumers purchased more in the first hour of 11.11 this year than the entire 24 hours in 2013, reflecting the incredible evolution of our global shopping festival,” said Daniel Zhang, Alibaba Group CEO. “This unprecedented level of engagement demonstrates both the consumption power of Chinese consumers and their embrace of online shopping as a lifestyle.”

    In the hours leading up to the official midnight start of November 11, millions of viewers watched the Alibaba Group 11.11 Global Shopping Festival Countdown Gala live online and on mobile devices via Youku Tudou, and the Tmall and Taobao apps. The gala was televised live across China through Zhejiang Satellite TV, as well as in Hong Kong and Macau for the first time.

    “This year, we innovated new ways for consumers watching the live broadcast of our countdown gala. Viewers were able to influence the production of the show in real-time through their mobile phones,” said Chris Tung, chief marketing officer, Alibaba Group. “Consumers in front of their televisions were shaking, tapping, scanning, chatting, browsing and buying with their mobile devices, creating a seamless and truly immersive entertainment experience.”

    VR drives surge

    International think tank Fung Global Retail & Technology predicts sales of $20 billion during the full 24 hours, up an extraordinary 40 per cent over last year’s total of $14.3 billion, thanks in part to the introduction of Buy+, the world’s first-ever end-to-end virtual reality (VR) shopping experience.

    “Buy+ will enable global retailers (even those without a physical presence in China) to offer an engaging, virtual in-store experience to Chinese consumers,” writes Fung Global Retail & Technology MD Deborah Weinswig in Singles’ Day Online Shopping Festival Could Also Benefit Retailers’ Physical Stores, a new report.

    The platform features eight virtual stores: Macy’s, Target, Costco, P&G, Chemist Warehouse, Freedom Foods, Tokyo Otaku Mode and Matsumoto Kiyoshi. Using cardboard VR headsets distributed in October, consumers can virtually walk around Macy’s Herald Square flagship in New York City to find products and, with just a nod of the head, confirm payment to purchase an item they see.

    “One of Alibaba’s strategies for Singles’ Day is to merge gamification with online shopping. The company will leverage its media and entertainment assets to drive increased online consumption,” says Weinswig.

    These include a televised countdown gala event and fashion show that was held last evening. In addition, the company is promoting products on TV screens, allowing viewers to scan QR codes for a real-time purchase.

    The concept has expanded beyond Alibaba, with chief rival JD.com, Gome and Suning also creating promotions. International retailers will target Chinese shoppers, and Chinese retailers target international shoppers. In 2015, Newegg, OTTE New York and Nasty Gal, all launched Singles’ Day promotions.

    “A year ago, Alibaba promised that Singles’ Day will be a true omni-channel event, and this year the company seems dedicated to continue delivering on the promise, armed with more technological innovations that bridge the gap between the virtual and physical worlds,” Weinswig writes.

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  • New post at Luxasia Group for SingPost’s ex-boss

    New post at Luxasia Group for SingPost’s ex-boss

    Beauty retailer The Luxasia Group has appointed former SingPost CEO Dr Wolfgang Baier as group CEO, while founder/owner Patrick Chong has become chairman.

    “Luxasia is now at an important crossroads,” says Chong. “We intend to grow with our international partners and strengthen our core competencies to become the leading Asia consumer-centric omnichannel go-to-market partner of the beauty industry.”

    Patrick-Chong-Wolfgang-Baier

    He says Baier has proven leadership capabilities, vast knowledge and skills in areas such as CRM and omnichannel retail. “His track record in the logistics sector will also help strengthen Luxasia’s partnerships.”

    “Transformation is relevant in every sector and particularly for retail, where the digital and physical space is converging,” says Baier. “This makes developing an omni-channel ecosystem critical. We want to revolutionise how we serve consumers and brand partners in the beauty industry across Asia.”

    Chong says the search for a CEO took more than a year, as it was important Luxasia found the right leader.

    “Not only does Wolfgang understand our operations and share the same aspirations, in some ways he is even more ambitious for Luxasia with regard to developing new areas.”

    Established in 1986, The Luxasia Group has developed retail and distribution networks across Asia for some of the world’s biggest beauty companies. Based in Singapore, the privately held company has 11 offices and more than 2000 full-time employees in Singapore, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

    It manages a portfolio of more than 120 international fragrance, cosmetics, skincare and
    professional salon brands including Beiersdorf, Burberry, Clarins, Estee Lauder, Ferragamo, Hermes, P&G and Shiseido.

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