Retail News CRM

Tag: Prime

  • Singapore’s Rubber King Dynasty Sells Prime District Plot for $453M, Paving Way for Residential Development

    Singapore’s Rubber King Dynasty Sells Prime District Plot for $453M, Paving Way for Residential Development

    A piece of land in Singapore, associated with the family of the city’s late “rubber king,” Lee Kong Chian, has been sold for S$578 million (US$453 million). The 18,860-square-meter property, located at 8 Thomson Lane, was sold bearing a 105-year leasehold tenure. Currently, the site is earmarked for hotel use under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Master Plan 2025. However, the selling party, Chequers Properties, has allegedly secured preliminary approval to transform the site into a residential development.

    Details of the Purchase

    The buyer of the property is a joint venture spearheaded by Sustained Land, a residential developer based in Singapore and created by magnate Douglas Ong. The venture also includes the construction firm Kay Lim Realty. The plot is situated in Singapore’s prime District 11, in close proximity to the Singapore Polo Club, United Square’s retail outlets, the Novena medical cluster, and various educational institutions such as St Joseph’s Institution International and CHIJ Secondary (Toa Payoh). Additionally, it is near the Toa Payoh MRT station and the future Mount Pleasant MRT station.

    Previously, the site was the location of a historic country bungalow that later evolved into a hotel and resort before becoming the campus of EtonHouse International School, which shut its doors in 2023.

    Late ‘Rubber King’ and his Legacy

    The late Lee Kong Chian, famously known as the “rubber king,” founded Lee Rubber Company, a small rubber smokehouse that he developed into a multi-million dollar empire. His pursuits later expanded into the banking sector, where he led the merger of three banks, forming OCBC Bank in 1932, which now stands as Southeast Asia’s second-largest bank in terms of assets.

    Earlier this year, one of Lee’s grandsons reportedly purchased a bungalow on Barker Road for S$43.2 million. Another grandson bought two vertically stacked units at the Seven Palms Sentosa Cove condominium, totaling S$23.9 million, not long before that. The Lee family was listed as the 11th richest family in Singapore, with an estimated net worth of US$7.75 billion, by Forbes in September of last year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of the site sold?
    The site sold by the Lee family, located at 8 Thomson Lane, is of great historical significance as it housed a historic country bungalow that was later transformed into a hotel and resort before becoming an international school campus.

    Who are the buyers of the property?
    The land was purchased by a joint venture led by Singapore-based residential developer Sustained Land, owned by business tycoon Douglas Ong, and also includes construction firm Kay Lim Realty.

    What was Lee Kong Chian known for?
    Lee Kong Chian was known as the “rubber king” for founding the Lee Rubber Company, which turned into a multi-million dollar business. He later expanded his business into the banking sector and led the merger forming OCBC Bank.

  • Transforming Ishikari into Japan’s Prime Data Center Hub: NTT and Allies Lead the Charge

    Transforming Ishikari into Japan’s Prime Data Center Hub: NTT and Allies Lead the Charge

    NTT East Corporation has entered into a partnership with a collection of data center, telecommunications, energy, and infrastructure businesses, with the aim of transforming Ishikari City in Hokkaido into a major data center hub.

    Building a Data Center Cluster

    The newly formed Ishikari Data Center Consortium will concentrate its efforts on enhancing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate data center development. This includes the improvement of power and telecommunications networks. In addition, working in collaboration with local government, the consortium will put in place incentives and other schemes to encourage further growth.

    The consortium comprises several industry-leading companies, such as Sakura Internet, Kyocera, Tokyu Land Corporation, Ishikari Renewable Energy Data Center No. 1 LLC, Flower Communications, Broadband Tower Inc., NTT ME Corporation, Ishikari Regional Energy LLC, Liene Inc., and Hokkaido Integrated Communications Network Co., Ltd.

    Ishikari, situated in Hokkaido’s Ishikari Subprefecture, is rapidly becoming a favored location for data centers. Thanks to the Ishikari Bay New Port area, the city has access to renewable energy sources and is relatively safe from natural disasters. The consortium’s goal is to boost Ishikari’s profile as a key domestic data center site and one of Japan’s premier data center clusters.

    NTT East has announced that the consortium will strive to ensure that local residents and businesses reap the societal benefits of data center development, while simultaneously boosting Ishikari’s national reputation as a data center cluster.

    Previous Data Center Developments

    Since 2011, Sakura Internet has been operating its data center in Ishikari. The company has since expanded the facility and has been deploying GPUs there. Meanwhile, Tokyu Land, Flower Communications, and Broadband Tower joined forces on a 15-MW data center project in Ishikari in 2024, which is set to launch in 2026.

    These ventures have added to Hokkaido’s data center landscape. Data Center Map currently lists nine data centers on the island, primarily positioned around Sapporo. Several major operators have data centers in Hokkaido, including SoftBank, Kyocera, HotNet, Sakura Internet, KDDI, and Rakuten.

    NTT East provides services from roughly 30 data center locations in Japan. These include facilities in Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the aim of the Ishikari Data Center Consortium?
    The consortium’s goal is to enhance the necessary infrastructure for data center development in Ishikari City, working with local government to put in place incentives that encourage growth in order to establish the city as a major data center hub in Japan.

    Who are the members of the Ishikari Data Center Consortium?
    The consortium is composed of several companies, including NTT East Corporation, Sakura Internet, Kyocera, Tokyu Land Corporation, Ishikari Renewable Energy Data Center No. 1 LLC, Flower Communications, Broadband Tower Inc., NTT ME Corporation, Ishikari Regional Energy LLC, Liene Inc., and Hokkaido Integrated Communications Network Co., Ltd.

    What makes Ishikari City an attractive location for data centers?
    Ishikari City has access to renewable energy sources and is relatively safe from natural disasters. Furthermore, with the support from the consortium, the city is developing the necessary infrastructure to facilitate data center operations.

  • Prime Minister Albanese Extends Petrol Price Relief for Australian Motorists Amid Middle East Crisis

    Prime Minister Albanese Extends Petrol Price Relief for Australian Motorists Amid Middle East Crisis

    The Australian government has announced plans to further alleviate the financial strain on motorists impacted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, is expected to confirm that the nation’s petrol price relief measures will be extended.

    Australia, heavily reliant on imported fuel, has taken decisive action to mitigate the impact of soaring global oil prices on its citizens. In response to significant disruption to oil shipments via the Strait of Hormuz, the country reduced its petrol tax for motorists by half and slashed a levy for truck drivers in March. These interim measures, set to expire at the end of June, will now be prolonged for another month, offering some financial respite for drivers throughout July.

    Government’s Commitment to Economic Relief

    Prime Minister Albanese’s decision underlines the government’s commitment to providing economic relief to those affected by the international crisis. “We are cognizant of the continued pressures our citizens face,” Albanese noted in a pre-emptive statement, due to be publicly released soon. The extension of these measures offers a tangible reflection of the government’s efforts to support its citizens during these challenging times.

    Questions & Answers

    What measures has the Australian government taken to alleviate financial pressures on motorists?
    The government has halved the petrol tax for motorists and reduced a levy for truck drivers.

    Why were these measures introduced?
    These measures were introduced in response to rising global oil prices, caused by significant disruption to oil shipments via the Strait of Hormuz.

    Until when will these relief measures be available?
    Originally set to expire at the end of June, these measures will now be extended through the end of July.

  • Hanoi’s Prime Western Land on Sale: Priced from $40M with Residential Development Opportunities

    Hanoi’s Prime Western Land on Sale: Priced from $40M with Residential Development Opportunities

    Next month, Hanoi authorities are set to auction a two-hectare plot of land located in the city’s western region. The initial entry price has been established at VND1.06 trillion, or approximately US$40 million, which equates to VND52.9 million per square meter.

    Land Auction in An Khanh Commune

    The plot of land is situated in the An Khanh Commune, positioned 22 kilometers away from the city center. The auction will be conducted by the Lac Viet Auction Partnership Company. The land is zoned for commercial residential development, opening up possibilities for significant business ventures.

    The auctioning process will be conducted through multiple rounds of sealed bids, with at least five rounds expected to occur. Each incremental bid will be increased by VND10 billion. Bidders are required to place a deposit equivalent to 20% of the starting price to participate in the auction.

    An Khanh Commune is home to a population of 102,000. Its close proximity to Thang Long Avenue has catalyzed the establishment of several significant residential projects such as Sudico Nam An Khanh, HaDo Charm Villas, and Vinhomes Thang Long.

    Hanoi’s Revenue from Land Transactions

    In the previous year, Hanoi set a new record in its revenue from land-related transactions, generating VND107.9 trillion. This figure surpassed its intended target by 125% and was over twice the amount earned in the previous year. This revenue constituted 15% of the city’s total income.

    Looking forward, Hanoi has set a target to earn a total revenue of VND3.7 quadrillion from 2021 to 2030. Of this amount, about 21.6% is expected to be derived from land transactions.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the starting price for the land auction in An Khanh Commune?
    The starting price is VND1.06 trillion, or approximately US$40 million.

    What type of development is permitted on the auctioned land?
    The land is zoned for commercial residential development.

    What percentage of Hanoi’s total revenue from 2021 to 2030 is expected to come from land transactions?
    About 21.6% of the total revenue is projected to come from land transactions.

  • E-Commerce Boom Sparks Exodus from Hanoi’s Prime Retail Spaces Despite Slashed Rents

    E-Commerce Boom Sparks Exodus from Hanoi’s Prime Retail Spaces Despite Slashed Rents

    Despite steep rent discounts offered by landlords, numerous stores in prime retail locations in Hanoi are shutting down, unable to withstand the pressure from the burgeoning e-commerce industry. Last month, Thai Hoang, a 39-year-old retailer, abandoned his spacious 40-square-meter clothing store on Thai Ha Street, a renowned fashion destination in the city. Even when faced with a 6% reduction on the monthly rent of VND35 million (approximately USD1,330), declining sales led Hoang to relocate his business online.

    A Shift in Retail Trends

    Several businesses situated on prominent retail streets such as Thai Ha, Kim Ma, and Hue have followed a similar trajectory in recent months, vacating their premises despite landlords’ desperate attempts at retention through double-digit discounts. On Kim Ma and Nguyen Thai Hoc Streets, well-known for their blend of fashion stores and food and beverage outlets, a significant number of “for lease” and “for sale” signs can be observed.

    Mai Loan, an experienced property broker in Hanoi, identifies the townhouse segment as being in a prolonged slump, with small, narrow properties with limited parking struggling to maintain viability even in prime locations.

    Not Just a Temporary Setback

    Statistics from the online listing platform Batdongsan indicate a 22% drop in private housing interest in Hanoi since the end of last year, with average asking rents for townhouses in certain areas dropping by 13-37% from their 2025 peaks.

    Mai Vo, director of retail services at property consultancy CBRE Vietnam, suggests that this lack of tenants in prime locations is not a temporary downturn but signifies a major market shift. In the past, businesses were willing to pay premium prices for central street locations for branding purposes. However, the rise of e-commerce and integrated shopping malls has drastically altered consumer behavior, diminishing the allure of standalone retail outlets.

    The Market Rebalances

    In response to this shift, landlords are compelled to reduce rents to retain tenants. “Adjusting rents is a sign that the market is rebalancing,” Vo added. Rapidly rising rents in previous years have also reduced the competitiveness of townhouses, with many properties deteriorating and unable to meet branding requirements, thus becoming less appealing.

    Hoang Nguyet Minh, general director of property consultancy Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam, added that the pressure from stringent urban management and sidewalk regulations had also made it difficult for many food businesses to continue operating in small, narrow spaces. However, she believes that this presents an opportune moment to secure prime business locations as the market currently has ample affordable supply.

    Questions & Answers

    Why are retail businesses in Hanoi vacating their premises?
    Many businesses are struggling to survive amid the e-commerce boom, with declining sales forcing them to relocate their businesses online.

    What factors are leading to this trend?
    The rise of e-commerce and integrated shopping malls have significantly affected consumer behavior, reducing the attractiveness of standalone retail outlets, even in prime locations.

    How is the market responding to this shift?
    The market is responding by rebalancing, with landlords reducing rents to retain tenants. Meanwhile, businesses are adapting by shifting their focus to online sales.

  • Amazon Settles For $2.5 Billion With FTC: Prime Subscribers To Benefit While Market Dominance Remains Unaffected

    Amazon Settles For $2.5 Billion With FTC: Prime Subscribers To Benefit While Market Dominance Remains Unaffected

    Amazon has agreed to a settlement of $2.5 billion with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), following allegations of misleading customers to increase subscriptions. The settlement, however, is unlikely to significantly impact Amazon, given that the company generates approximately the same amount every 33 hours. Amazon’s share value remained relatively stable following the news of the settlement.

    Prime Subscribers To Receive Reimbursements

    Approximately 35 million Prime subscribers are eligible for a share of a $1.5 billion fund established by Amazon as part of the settlement, with the remaining $1 billion to be paid as a fine to the FTC. A key point to note is that Amazon has not accepted any wrongdoing in relation to the settlement.

    Prime subscribers who signed up between 23rd June 2019 and 23rd June 2025 via certain offers, and utilised few of the associated benefits, will automatically receive $51 according to the terms of the settlement. In addition, those who attempted and failed to cancel their Prime subscription during this period will be able to submit claims for payment.

    Amazon’s Statement on Settlement

    Amazon released a statement indicating that the settlement will allow the company to continue to prioritize its customers. The company emphasized its commitment to ensuring that subscribing and unsubscribing to Prime is straightforward and that the service provides significant value to its millions of loyal members worldwide.

    As a requirement of the settlement, Amazon will be making changes to its Prime subscription process. This will include the introduction of a clear and conspicuous button to decline a Prime subscription and to facilitate easier cancellation. The company will also be more transparent with the terms and conditions of subscriptions during enrollment and will engage an independent supervisor to oversee compliance.

    Amazon maintains that most of the required actions are already in progress, with little need for additional changes. However, in the FTC’s case, it alleged that Amazon executives disregarded recommendations to clarify the subscription and cancellation procedures between 2017 and 2022.

    FTC’s Tough-on-tech Victory

    The settlement is seen as a significant success for the FTC’s stringent tech regulation policy, marking the second-largest restitution in the history of the agency. FTC Chair, Andrew Ferguson, hailed the settlement as a monumental win for the millions of Americans frustrated with deceptive subscriptions that are challenging to cancel.

    The settlement arose during an FTC trial in Seattle federal court, where it was argued that Amazon sought to enroll members indiscriminately. The agency suggested that Amazon’s subscription and cancellation practices were deceptive, citing internal discussions referring to the methods as “‘a bit of a shady world” and “an unspoken cancer.”

    Impact on Prime’s Market Dominance

    Despite the settlement, the market dominance of Prime, a key growth driver for Amazon, is not expected to be significantly affected. Prime, introduced in 2005 at $79 per year, rose to $139 in 2022 and generated $23.9 billion in subscription revenue in the first half of 2025.

    Although Amazon has committed to amending certain practices as part of the agreement, analysts do not anticipate these changes to affect Prime’s popularity. Zak Stambor, an Emarketer analyst, points out that despite the changes facilitating easier cancellation, the program remains deeply embedded in most American households.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the total sum of the Amazon-FTC settlement?
    The settlement totals $2.5 billion, with $1.5 billion set aside as reimbursements for Prime subscribers and the remaining $1 billion being paid as fines to the FTC.

    What changes is Amazon expected to implement as part of the settlement?
    The company will introduce a clear and conspicuous button for declining Prime subscriptions and simplify the cancellation process. It will also work on improving the transparency of subscription terms and conditions during enrollment.

    Will the settlement affect the market dominance of Amazon Prime?
    While Amazon will make changes to some of its practices as part of the settlement, analysts don’t forecast these changes to significantly affect Prime’s market appeal.

  • Amazon Extends Prime Day To Four Days: New Features Introduced For Personalized Shopping Experience

    Amazon Extends Prime Day To Four Days: New Features Introduced For Personalized Shopping Experience

    Amazon is expanding its yearly Prime Day event from two to four days, providing exclusive offers to Prime members from July 8 to July 14 in 22 markets worldwide. Notable markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, Singapore, and Japan.

    Length of Prime Day in Different Markets

    While the duration of Prime Day has been extended in most markets, it has been shortened by two days in Singapore, where the event lasted for six days in the previous year.

    Jamil Ghani, Vice President for Amazon Prime, emphasized that the extended sales period allows Prime members more opportunities to access deals across a variety of categories. These include fashion, pantry essentials, home improvement, personal care, toys, school supplies, and premium goods.

    “Prime Day is dedicated to celebrating our members by offering them remarkable savings and expedient delivery,” Ghani remarked. He further announced that this year’s event would also feature exclusive deals like fuel discounts.

    New Features and Personalized Experience

    Amazon is introducing a new feature named ‘Today’s Big Deals.’ These daily themed offers will start at midnight, and special deals will be released every five minutes during selected periods throughout the event.

    Moreover, Amazon aims to leverage its AI capabilities to provide a more personalized shopping experience. Prime members can utilize Amazon’s AI shopping assistant, Rufus, to investigate product categories and identify relevant deals. Other tools, including ‘Interests’ and ‘Buy Again’ lists, enable users to monitor discounts on items they have previously purchased or frequently viewed.

    Prime Day’s Global Reach

    Prime Day will commence on July 8 in numerous countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Prime members in Brazil, Egypt, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will have the chance to shop Prime Day deals later this summer.

    Questions & Answers

    When will Amazon Prime Day take place in 2022?
    Amazon Prime Day will take place from July 8 to July 14.

    What are the new features introduced by Amazon for Prime Day 2022?
    Amazon has introduced ‘Today’s Big Deals,’ a feature that provides themed offers daily, and Rufus, an AI shopping assistant to help members find relevant deals.

    Which countries will have the opportunity to shop Prime Day deals later this summer?
    Prime members in Brazil, Egypt, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will have the opportunity to shop Prime Day deals later this summer.

  • Singapore retail vacancies rise despite steady demand for prime space

    Singapore retail vacancies rise despite steady demand for prime space

    In the first quarter of this year, Singapore experienced a rise in retail vacancy rates, a phenomenon attributed to the healthy demand for prime locations and steady rental growth, as reported by real estate specialists Savills.

    Increased Retail Vacancy Rate

    The retail vacancy rate across the island escalated to 6.8% during the first quarter due to the introduction of 323,000 square feet of new retail space, exhibiting an increase from the previous quarter’s 6.2%.

    Following five quarters of an upward trend in net take-up, the first quarter saw a net demand of -129,000 square feet, a result of a decrease in occupied space across most regions.

    The recent inauguration of Punggol Coast Mall and the refurbishment of The Cathay have further contributed to the rising vacancy rates, owing to the time that these establishments require to be fully occupied.

    Prime Mall Demand and Rental Rates

    On the other hand, landlords of prime malls situated along Orchard have reported a robust demand for lease renewals. This trend is particularly noticeable among luxury retailers, a scenario that has empowered landlords to negotiate higher rents due to a limited supply.

    The exiting of current tenants is balanced by the immediate occupation by new retailers entering the Singaporean market. An example of this is the Japanese thrift shop brand 2nd Street, which recently replaced Pomelo at a location in Somerset.

    Rental Pressure and Future Predictions

    The report identified early indications of rental rates coming under pressure in the Central Region, highlighted by a 0.2% quarter-on-quarter decline in the Central Area and a 1.1% decrease in the Fringe Area. The average monthly rent in the Orchard Area and Suburban Area remained static at SG$23.2 (US$18) per sqft and $14.7 per sqft respectively.

    In terms of future supply, the report anticipates a fairly consistent pipeline of about 597,000 square feet of retail space this year, compared to 679,000 square feet last year.

    For the entirety of the year, Savills predicts that rents in Orchard will touch the upper limit of the 1-2% forecast range, while suburban rents will lean toward the lower end of this range.

    According to Savills, the escalating global trade tensions could potentially cast a negative shadow on Singapore’s export-dependent economy, particularly in the latter half of the year. This could adversely affect business recruitment and wage growth, subsequently leading to a slump in retail sales. The report concludes that the retail sector is set to witness more churn this year as underperforming tenants either endure their leases before relocating or terminate their agreements prematurely if they find their business unsustainable.

    Questions & Answers

    What led to the rise in retail vacancy rates in Singapore?
    A surge in new retail space, coupled with the time required for new establishments to be fully occupied, resulted in an increase in retail vacancy rates.

    What trend was observed among landlords of prime malls in Orchard?
    Landlords of prime malls in Orchard observed a strong demand for lease renewals, especially from luxury retailers, enabling them to negotiate higher rental rates owing to limited supply.

    What is the effect of escalating global trade tensions on Singapore’s retail market?
    Escalating global trade tensions can negatively impact Singapore’s export-dependent economy, potentially affecting business hiring and wage growth, and leading to weakened retail sales.

  • SM Prime’s $9B Expansion Plan Unveils Ambitious Retail Growth Strategy

    SM Prime’s $9B Expansion Plan Unveils Ambitious Retail Growth Strategy

    SM Prime Launches Ambitious Expansion Plan Amid Rising Consumer Trends

    In a bold move reflecting the growing consumer wealth in the Philippines, SM Prime Holdings is set to embark on its most extensive expansion and diversification initiative since opening its first mall in 1985. With plans to enhance its portfolio and respond to surging consumer demand, the leading mall operator aims to redefine the retail landscape in the country’s booming economy.

    A Comprehensive Expansion Blueprint

    SM Prime’s chairman, Henry Sy Jr., emphasized the urgent need for growth during the recent stockholders meeting. “We need to continue expanding and investing because the opportunities just keep growing,” he stated. With a clear roadmap, the company plans to open 10-15 new shopping malls and up to five integrated property developments. Additionally, the agenda includes establishing eight hotels, two convention centers, a dozen office and residential towers, and four luxury residential projects.

    Sustainable Funding Strategy

    Company president Jeffrey Lim revealed that the majority of the funding for this ambitious expansion will be sourced from internal cash flow, showcasing SM Prime’s commitment to sustainable growth. This strategic approach positions the company well against increasing competition from major players like Ayala Land and Robinsons Land, as the retail sector continues to evolve.

    Market Leadership and Strong Performance

    Currently, SM Prime boasts an impressive footprint as the Philippines’ largest mall operator, managing 87 shopping malls that encompass a total gross floor area of 9.4 million square meters. Additionally, its diverse portfolio includes 10 hotels, over 2,600 rooms, eight convention centers, and more than 22 office buildings.

    In the first quarter of 2023, SM Prime reported a net income of 11.9 billion pesos, an 11% year-on-year increase. Revenue also surged by 7% to 32.8 billion pesos, powered by heightened rental collections and robust real estate sales. Notably, malls remained the cornerstone of profitability, contributing 69% to the company’s earnings.

    Addressing External Challenges

    Despite the challenges posed by new U.S. tariffs, SM Prime remains optimistic about its market positioning. Lim noted that the Philippines’ predominantly domestic economy, coupled with limited exposure to adverse external factors, offers a buffer against potential risks. Continued consumer spending and favorable macroeconomic conditions are expected to further bolster growth.

    “We have a solid foundation, and we are confident in our capacity to generate long-term, sustainable value for our shareholders,” Lim remarked.

    The Future of Retail in the Philippines

    This significant expansion by SM Prime signals a transformative period for the retail sector in the Philippines, poised to adapt to shifting consumer trends and preferences. As the brand expands its presence and invests in diversified developments, the ripple effects on local economies and consumer experiences will be noteworthy.

    Questions & Answers

    1. What is SM Prime’s expansion plan? SM Prime plans to open 10-15 new malls, five large-scale property developments, eight hotels, two convention centers, and other residential projects.
    2. How is the expansion being funded? The majority of the funding will come from internal cash flow, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable growth.
    3. What are the potential impacts of this expansion? The expansion is expected to enhance the retail landscape, boost local economies, and improve consumer experiences across the Philippines.
    Lees ook:

  • Amazon Australia Expands Workforce: 600 Seasonal Jobs for Mid-Year Sales

    Amazon Australia Expands Workforce: 600 Seasonal Jobs for Mid-Year Sales

    As the mid-year sales season approaches, Amazon Australia plans to hire 600 seasonal workers across its fulfillment centers and logistics sites. This recruitment drive is aimed at enhancing operations in anticipation of the highly-anticipated Prime Day event in July.

    Roles Focused on Order Fulfillment

    The seasonal positions will predominantly involve picking and packing orders to ensure that customer demand is met efficiently. With a significant increase in online shopping, particularly leading up to Prime Day, these new hires will play a crucial role in maintaining the swift, free delivery services that Prime members expect.

    Competitive Pay and Opportunities for Growth

    “These roles offer competitive pay, a safe and inclusive work environment, and the chance to build valuable skills in a fast-paced, technology-driven workplace,” stated Jacqui Marker, HR Director of Operations at Amazon Australia.

    In addition to attractive compensation, these seasonal positions have the potential to transition into permanent roles. Employees may enjoy benefits such as life insurance, income protection, and subsidized private health coverage for their families, making these opportunities appealing for those seeking long-term employment in retail.

    Prime Day: What to Expect

    Prime Day promises exclusive discounts on a vast array of products, spanning everyday essentials to the latest electronics and home goods. The event has become a cornerstone of Amazon’s retail strategy, drawing in millions of eager shoppers.

    Amazon’s proactive approach to staffing with these seasonal roles reflects broader consumer trends in the retail sector. As more shoppers turn to online platforms, companies like Amazon are investing in their workforce to enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. This wave of hiring not only underscores the booming e-commerce market but also has the potential to positively impact local economies by providing job opportunities and fostering growth within the retail landscape.

  • Amazon reveals Singapore date for Prime Day

    Amazon reveals Singapore date for Prime Day

    After a delay of a few months, Amazon has officially confirmed when its Prime Day shopping event is taking place. Amazon Prime Day 2020 will, once again, actually run for two days. Following a postponement from the usual mid-July period, the first discounts will launch at 00:01 on Tuesday, October 13, with offers running until 23:59 on Wednesday, October 14.

    It’s been confirmed that Prime Day will run on these dates in the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Luxembourg, Singapore, UAE, Mexico, China and Japan. First-time Prime Day events in Turkey and Brazil will also run on October 13 and 14.

    The annual sale, which first happened in 2015, usually features a selection of spotlight deals running for either 24 hours or (as was the case for some products during 2019’s two-day event) 48 hours, plus shorter flash sales which may only last for a few hours. Discounts are available across a broad variety of departments – home, fashion, beauty, tech and much more.

    Prime Day is, as you’ve probably guessed from the name, exclusive to Amazon Prime members.

    An Amazon Prime subscription costs £7.99 per month, or £79 per year, for UK customers, and the perks that come with it include free delivery, Prime Video access (with content ranging from original TV shows like The Boys to selected live Premier League football games), unlimited music streaming, and Prime Reading, which features a regularly-rotating selection of books and magazines.

    This year, you can also take advantage of an offer where if you spend £10 with selected small businesses in the run-up to Prime Day, you can claim £10 credit to spend on October 13 or 14. Terms apply, and more details about the pre-Prime Day small business promotion are available here.

    It’s been a busy few days for Amazon, with the announcement of an all-new Echo range (including a sphere-shaped Echo Dot) and new Fire TV sticks.

    The company, which already owns Twitch, also recently unveiled its own gaming streaming service called Luna.

    Lees ook:

  • Amazon Prime Day 2020 finally has a start date

    Amazon Prime Day 2020 finally has a start date

    Everything was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, including Amazon’s huge sale known as Prime Day. Typically, Amazon Prime Day takes place in July, but this year, due to obvious reasons, the sale was reportedly delayed for October.

    The initial reports dated early July claimed Amazon Prime Day will be scheduled for the week starting October 5, and that a definitive date will be announced later. However, a new report mentions another start date for Amazon Prime Day.

    Without further ado, Amazon’s Prime Day 2020 will start on October 13, at least according to four people familiar with Amazon’s plans. Although Amazon declined to comment on the date, it looks like the company has already “blacked out vacation for its full-time warehouse workers from October 13-20.”

    It’s important to mention that the sources of this crucial information don’t know how long the sale will last, just the start date. It’s hard to make any assumptions at this time since Amazon has already extended these huge sales in the last couple of years, so it won’t be a surprise to learn that this year we’ll have a 3-day Amazon Prime Day sale event.

    Last year, the annual deal event exclusively for Prime members lasted for two days, whereas the year before it was squeezed into a 36-hour sale event. If the information proves to be accurate, Amazon should make an official announcement in the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.

  • Amazon Prime Day delayed until October

    Amazon Prime Day delayed until October

    It was already understood that Amazon Prime Day will not take place in July as it usually does every year, with the most recent report hinting that it might get delayed until September. According to a new report, the annual sales event will be held in October.

    The company has supposedly given sellers a placeholder date of the week of October 5. A definitive date will likely be announced later.

    Those details were apparently shared by Amazon in an e-mail to third-party sellers. Officially, the e-tailer has not said anything about this year’s Prime Day. In recent weeks, the coronavirus has shown signs of resurgence, prompting many businesses that had reopened to close their doors again. Amazon is apparently postponing Prime Day again because it fears its supply chain could get negatively affected because of the spike.

    At the beginning of the pandemic, Amazon suspended shipments of nonessential items to its warehouses as it struggled to deal with increased demand following the outbreak. The e-commerce giant prioritized essentials such as medical supplies and household items during that time.

    Towards the end of April, the company said it would allow third-party sellers to resume shipments of nonessential products.

    Last month, the company organized a fashion-oriented sale to help sellers reeling from the effects of the pandemic and clear inventory in preparation for the Prime Day.

    Now as coronavirus cases are rising again, Amazon’s logistical challenges have resurfaced. Although the future is uncertain, a former Amazon executive does not think Prime Day will be delayed beyond October as the company wouldn’t want its biggest sale event to coincide with the holiday shopping season.

  • Price Kaki to launched by Customers Association of Singapore

    Price Kaki to launched by Customers Association of Singapore

    The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) has released an app rewarding users for sharing pricing information to allow comparisons while shopping.

    Users of the Price Kaki app, which is expected to launch at the end of this month, can submit photos of any prices they come across while shopping for hawker food or groceries, allowing other users to save costs. Contributors to the pricing information platform are eligible to claim rewards such as film vouchers.

    Price Kaki’s base pricing information will be updated daily by FairPrice, Giant, Sheng Siong and Prime Supermarket.

    Future updates to the app are expected to be broad-ranging and include other businesses such as cafes.

    Lees ook:

  • Amazon offering free international shipping on Prime Day

    Amazon offering free international shipping on Prime Day

    Amazon’s massive annual sale, Prime Day, will kick off on Monday, July 15th and run for 48 hours until 5pm AEST on Wednesday, July 17th.

    For the duration of the event, Prime members will also enjoy free expedited international shipping, with no minimum order threshold, on all Prime eligible products through the global store.

    “We all love a bargain, and last year’s Prime Day confirmed this, being our biggest day since the launch of amazon.com.au,” Amazon Australia country manager Rocco Braeuniger said.

    “We are excited to announce that this year will be even bigger, with Prime members down under not only being the first in the world to have access to Prime Day but also having the longest Prime Day event worldwide.”

    Prime Day deals will be split across all categories, including TVs, smart home, kitchen, pantry food and drinks, toys, fashion, video games, books, as well as everyday essentials.

    According to Amazon, small and medium-sized businesses surpassed US$1.5 billion in sales globally during last year’s Prime Day, with Brisbane-based Astivita noting it was the company’s “biggest single day of online sales ever.”

    “It was mainly down to one product, a monitor,” Astivita chief executive Joseph Mizlkovsky said.

    “We are excited to be taking part again this year and we will be discounting that same product at an even lower price, alongside a number of bathroom products.

    “We hope that customers will snap up the change to shop our products at brilliant discounts, making this Prime Day even bigger than last year for us.”

    Lees ook: