Tag: retail expansion

  • On Opens First Sydney Store at Westfield Bondi Junction

    On Opens First Sydney Store at Westfield Bondi Junction

    Swiss sportswear company On has opened its first Sydney store at Westfield Bondi Junction. The launch brings its Australian retail network to two physical locations.

    Located on Level 3, the 493-square-metre space pushes the brand’s global corporate-owned store count past 70 units across major metropolitan centres.

    Footwear, Collaborations and Local Design

    The shop carries On’s core inventory across running, training, tennis, and lifestyle footwear, apparel, and accessories. Shoppers can also buy limited-edition collaborative collections with external partners, including Post Archive Faction, Sky High Farm Goods, and grocery brand Erewhon.

    Local design elements run throughout the interior. Builders fitted the unit with textured concrete, sandstone-style seating, regional tiles, and a bespoke accent wall created by Australian finish firm Pretty in Paint Australia to match coastal running corridors around Bondi.

    “It is a place that feels deeply connected to what On stands for,” said Lauren Portelli, commercial director for Oceania at On.

    Direct Retail Push in Asia-Pacific

    Direct retail expansion has become a primary channel for performance footwear labels seeking higher margins and greater control over brand presentation across Asia-Pacific. Wholesale distribution through specialty running shops gave On its initial market volume in Australia. Dedicated company stores now allow the business to show full technical lines alongside higher-priced lifestyle apparel that multi-brand stockists rarely carry.

    Founded in Zurich in 2010, the company now distributes products across more than 80 countries worldwide. Attention turns to whether the Swiss group will add direct retail sites in Melbourne and Brisbane as it scales regional store operations.

  • Pop Mart First-Half Revenue Rises 23.8% to RMB 17.17 Billion

    Pop Mart First-Half Revenue Rises 23.8% to RMB 17.17 Billion

    Pop Mart grew first-half revenue by 23.8 per cent to RMB 17.17 billion (US$2.4 billion) in Beijing as newer character lines diversified earnings beyond Labubu. Gross margin reached 69.7 per cent for the six-month period.

    The Monsters franchise, which includes Labubu, generated RMB 4.45 billion to remain the company’s largest intellectual property. Its share of total corporate revenue dropped to 26 per cent from 34.7 per cent a year earlier, reflecting faster gains in secondary product lines.

    Twinkle Twinkle Gains on The Monsters

    Twinkle Twinkle surged 580.6 per cent year on year to RMB 2.65 billion, making it the fastest-expanding property in the catalogue. Four other lines, Crybaby, Dimoo, SkullPanda and Hirono, each generated more than RMB 1 billion during the half.

    Product formats showed similar diversification away from standard vinyl blind boxes. Revenue from plush items climbed 60 per cent to RMB 9.82 billion as shoppers bought bag charms, soft figures and related lifestyle goods.

    Collectibles makers across Asia face rapid fad cycles once single characters peak on social media. By shifting production capacity toward plush accessories and scaling multiple character rosters simultaneously, Pop Mart is attempting to build a multi-franchise licensing business modeled on Sanrio rather than a single-hit novelty toy brand.

    Global Store Count Reaches 676 Locations

    Physical distribution expanded by 46 net new stores and 190 roboshops in the first six months of the year. That brought the global brick-and-mortar network to 676 physical outlets and 2,827 automated vending units.

    The Americas led store additions with 22 net openings to reach 86 sites. Asia-Pacific locations outside Greater China grew by five to 90, while Europe and other regions added nine stores to stand at 45.

    Food and beverage formats are also rolling out internationally. Following trial pop-ups across mainland China and a permanent venue in Aranya, the group opened its first overseas Pop Bakery site on Sentosa Island in Singapore, setting up the brand’s next wave of lifestyle retail openings.

  • Vietnam’s Viva Star Coffee Expands to Malaysia with October Klang Store

    Vietnam’s Viva Star Coffee Expands to Malaysia with October Klang Store

    Vietnamese cafe chain Viva Star Coffee will open its first Malaysian outlet in October at Wyndham Acmar Klang through a partnership with local firm GinsengWorld Biotech Berhad.

    Under the agreement, GinsengWorld will manage local operations while the Vietnamese group provides coffee sourcing, store formats and franchise systems developed over two decades in its home market.

    Franchise formats and supply chain

    Founded in Vietnam, Viva Star Coffee operates an integrated farm-to-cup model that spans bean cultivation, roasting, packaged exports and retail outlets. The chain relies on local master franchisees to scale across international borders rather than building corporate-owned store networks from scratch.

    Its retail lineup includes Viva Reserve, a higher-ticket format featuring six bean varieties and six brewing methods at a dedicated bar, alongside Viva Togo, a compact concept built for fast-service takeaway orders.

    Beyond store counters, the brand exports packaged coffee to South Korea, the United States, Czechia, Australia and Japan, where it established distribution channels in 2022.

    Regional coffee push into Malaysia

    Malaysia gives Viva Star Coffee its seventh overseas market since beginning its international push in Cambodia in 2018. The company has since added operations in Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, China and India.

    Southeast Asian coffee operators are competing aggressively across each other’s home territories. Vietnamese chains such as Cong Ca Phe and Viva Star Coffee are taking their robusta-heavy menus into urban Malaysia and Indonesia, where local incumbents and international giants already fight for retail mall footfall and office lunch traffic.

    All eyes turn to the October opening in Klang, which will test how Viva Star Coffee’s franchise pricing and roast profiles compete against established domestic tea and coffee chains.

  • Filipino-American Grocery Chain Seafood City Opens First Arizona Store

    Filipino-American Grocery Chain Seafood City Opens First Arizona Store

    Seafood City Supermarket, a US-based grocery chain with roots in Filipino and Asian products, has officially opened its first store in Arizona. The new location in Chandler, an East Valley city near Phoenix, marks a strategic expansion for the company into new territories.

    The Chandler supermarket is designed to be a comprehensive destination for Filipino and pan-Asian groceries, fresh produce, and seafood. This opening continues Seafood City’s growth trajectory, building on its strong presence in California and other states with significant Filipino diaspora communities.

    Expanding US Footprint

    The Chandler store joins Seafood City’s existing network across the United States and Canada. The company, founded by Filipino-American entrepreneurs, has historically focused on serving communities with a high concentration of Filipino immigrants and those seeking specific Asian food items.

    The move into Arizona represents an effort to tap into growing Asian-American populations in new regions. Supermarkets catering to specific ethnic demographics often become community hubs, offering a taste of home and a wide range of specialty goods not typically found in mainstream stores.

    Regional Retail Dynamics

    For retailers in Asia, this expansion highlights the ongoing opportunities in catering to diverse consumer preferences, particularly within diaspora communities. The success of chains like Seafood City in North America can inform strategies for Asian grocery brands considering international expansion or for local retailers looking to enhance their specialty offerings.

    RetailNews Asia observes similar trends within the Asia-Pacific region, where specialized supermarkets and food halls are emerging to serve distinct consumer groups, whether focusing on organic products, imported goods, or specific regional cuisines. The ability to create a strong cultural connection through product assortment and store experience remains a key differentiator.

  • H Mart Orlando Unveils Expanded Asian Food Hall

    H Mart Orlando Unveils Expanded Asian Food Hall

    H Mart, America’s prominent Asian supermarket chain, will significantly enhance its customer experience with the Phase 2 grand opening of an expanded food hall in its Orlando, Florida, supermarket. The new extension is scheduled to launch on August 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Local time, with regular operating hours set from 10:30 a.m. To 9:00 p.m. Daily.

    Located at 7501 W Colonial Dr, the Orlando supermarket, which opened last year and spans over 100,074 square feet, has already established itself as a community hub. The food hall expansion doubles the available dining choices, offering a wider array of culinary experiences. This move reinforces H Mart’s ongoing commitment to innovation and service excellence, bringing diverse Asian flavors under one roof.

    Expanding Culinary Horizons

    The expanded food hall aims to redefine convenience and variety by bringing together popular Asian fast-casual favorites. Customers can expect a diverse range of dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. Offerings will include Korean street food, iconic Korean fried chicken, sweet stuffed hotteok, and savory Japanese curries.

    Brian Kwon, President of H Mart, stated the company’s enthusiasm for the expansion, emphasizing its dedication to sharing Asian food culture with the community. He affirmed the commitment to maintaining the high quality of food and service customers have come to expect. This expansion aligns with H Mart’s strategy to provide a holistic experience that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment.

    New Dining Concepts Introduced

    The new extension will introduce six distinct dining stalls, each offering a unique culinary focus. These additions are designed to create an upscale ambiance within the cultural space of the food hall. The new establishments include:

    • Curry 88: Specializing in Japanese Curry
    • Mari Mari: Offering Maki Rolls, Inari, and Noodles
    • Seoul Hotteok: Featuring Korean Traditional Dessert
    • bb.q Chicken: Known for Korea’s Finest Fried Chicken
    • Dduk Dabang: Serving Korean Street Food
    • SORIMMARA: A Korean Style Mala Restaurant

    H Mart’s strategic move to integrate an extensive food hall within its supermarket model echoes a broader trend observed across Asia, where retailers increasingly blend grocery shopping with experiential dining. In markets like South Korea and Japan, large-format supermarkets often feature diverse food courts and prepared food sections, drawing customers in not just for staples but also for a complete lifestyle experience. This US expansion by an Asian grocery giant highlights the growing global appeal of Asian culinary diversity and the evolution of the supermarket format into a comprehensive lifestyle destination.

  • Mom’s Touch Sees Strong Singapore Debut with Sales More Than Doubling

    Mom’s Touch Sees Strong Singapore Debut with Sales More Than Doubling

    Korean fast-food chain Mom’s Touch has reported strong initial performance for its first store in Singapore, with opening sales more than doubling its target. The outlet, located on South Bridge Road in Singapore’s Central Business District, launched last Friday and attracted over 200 diners on its opening day.

    This Singapore debut marks the first venture under a master franchise agreement between Mom’s Touch and FairPrice Group, Singapore’s largest retailer. FairPrice Group operates a diverse portfolio including supermarkets, food outlets, convenience stores, and pharmacies. Despite having a capacity of 90 seats, the store has maintained queues before opening each day, consistently exceeding its daily sales target by more than twofold during its first five days of operation.

    Local Adaptations and Expansion Plans

    Mom’s Touch dedicated over two years to developing ingredients, sauces, and a supply chain to meet halal dietary requirements and cater to local tastes in Singapore. The company ensured its signature items, such as the Thigh Burger, maintained their quality equivalent to those offered in Korea. The Singapore menu features market-specific items, including a spicy pepper-sauce burger, a fish fillet burger, and a burger with Australian Angus beef, egg, and cheddar cheese. Morning options like egg toast were also introduced to suit the store’s office district clientele. Prices for menu items range from 3.95 to 6.95 Singapore dollars.

    Dennis Quek, General Manager for Mom’s Touch Singapore and General Manager of FairPrice Group’s Kopitiam division, highlighted the aim of offering local customers a distinctive dining experience. Following this successful launch, Mom’s Touch plans to open a second store in a residential area of Singapore later this year, with broader expansion across the country slated for next year. The brand has been actively expanding its international footprint, having entered Thailand in 2022 and subsequently establishing a presence in Japan, Mongolia, Laos, and Uzbekistan. The company aims to operate 220 overseas stores by 2027.

    Asia’s Growing Fast Food Market

    Mom’s Touch’s strategic entry into Singapore, partnering with a retail giant like FairPrice Group, reflects a common approach for international brands seeking rapid market penetration and local relevance in Asia. Other global and regional fast-food chains have similarly adapted menus and forged local alliances to succeed in diverse Asian markets. RetailNews Asia has observed this trend across various F&B sectors, where localization and strong distribution partnerships are key to overcoming operational challenges and appealing to distinct consumer preferences in a competitive landscape.

  • Miniso Unveils First Miniso Friends Concept Store in Indonesia

    Miniso Unveils First Miniso Friends Concept Store in Indonesia

    Miniso has opened its first Miniso Friends store in Indonesia, introducing its expanded, IP-centric retail concept to the Greater Jakarta area. The new outlet is situated at Summarecon Mall Bekasi and occupies approximately 1500 square meters across two levels.

    The ground floor of the store features collectibles, including blind boxes, plush toys, and various licensed products. The lower level provides a broader selection of lifestyle, home goods, and everyday items. According to Miniso, roughly 60 percent of the merchandise consists of exclusive, first-launch, or limited-edition IP products. Initial offerings include items from One Piece 3.0, Persona, and the Sanrio Racing blind box series, alongside products featuring Sanrio, Disney, Harry Potter, and Spider-Man.

    Interactive Retail Experience

    This new store format integrates retail with interactive elements, allowing Miniso more space to present its growing portfolio of licensed and collectible goods. The opening coincides with a YoYo-themed exhibition, titled ‘YoYo’s Holiday Fun Starts at Miniso’, held in the mall’s central atrium until August 23. This event marks the character’s debut in Indonesia.

    Regional Expansion Strategy

    The launch in Indonesia follows Miniso’s strategy of expanding its larger-format stores across Asia. Last month, the retailer opened its first Miniso Land store in Macau, which represents a more premium format, as it continues to grow its IP-driven retail network throughout the region.

  • 7-Eleven Unveils First Concept Store in Macau, Emphasizing Experiential Retail

    7-Eleven Unveils First Concept Store in Macau, Emphasizing Experiential Retail

    7-Eleven has opened its first concept store in Macau, bringing an experience-focused retail format that combines a broader shopping experience with traditional convenience offerings. This expansion follows similar successful concept store launches by the brand in Hong Kong and signals a strategic move to differentiate its presence in the region.

    The new Macau store aims to serve both residents and visitors, positioning itself as a destination for exploring trend culture, unique products, and diverse food options. RetailNews Asia has observed a growing trend among convenience store operators in Asia to evolve their formats, moving beyond basic transactions to offer enhanced consumer experiences, particularly in competitive urban markets.

    Expanding The Retail Experience

    The new 7-Eleven outlet is structured around three core pillars: an innovative retail design, an exploratory shopping journey, and an expanded selection of ready-to-eat food. Its product mix includes a variety of trendy toys, collectibles, and specialty items, alongside the usual food and beverages.

    The store features 7-Eleven’s signature green tones, complemented by soft, natural lighting. An open layout is created by shelving positioned along both side walls, designed to guide customers through different product zones. This deliberate design aims to encourage discovery and longer dwell times.

    Specialty Products And Food Offerings

    A key highlight of the Macau concept store is a dedicated section for collectibles and blind boxes. This zone shows collectible toys, trading cards, and trending accessories, including popular brands like Beyblade X, JOGUMAN, and Sanrio blind boxes. The store also carries exclusive items such as the “7-Eleven meets niko and …” collaboration collection. Also, it will launch Macau-themed clicker toys styled after mahjong tiles, with plans to introduce limited-edition products periodically.

    The food and beverage selection includes 7CAFÉ and Tsat Jai Sik Dong, offering local favorites such as siu mai, fish balls, stirred noodles, and milk tea. Patrick Lui, managing director of 7-Eleven Hong Kong & Macau, indicated that the company sees significant potential in Macau for this elevated retail approach. This strategy mirrors 7-Eleven’s earlier concept store openings in Causeway Bay, Kai Tak, and Tseung Kwan O, which have successfully established themselves as neighborhood attractions.

  • Corporate Magnet Dubai Welcomes Exciting New Retail Brands

    Corporate Magnet Dubai Welcomes Exciting New Retail Brands

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continues to attract global corporations, eager to tap into the region’s flourishing economy. Major players from various sectors are establishing their presence, signaling strong growth in retail and advisory services.

    Lazard Expands Its Advisory Footprint

    In a significant move, U.S. investment bank Lazard (NYSE: LAZ) has revealed plans to set up its financial advisory headquarters in Abu Dhabi, pending regulatory approval. This strategic expansion highlights the bank’s commitment to the UAE market. The company has appointed Hussain Altajir as CEO of Lazard Financial Advisory in the UAE. Altajir, who previously held a position at HSBC in Dubai, is poised to lead the company’s endeavors in the region.

    PayPal Establishes Regional Hub in Dubai

    In another notable development, PayPal (NASDAQ: PYPL) has chosen Dubai Internet City as its first regional headquarters in the Middle East and Africa. The digital payments giant serves over 430 million customers worldwide, reflecting a growing consumer trend toward digital transactions. This expansion underscores PayPal’s commitment to emerging markets, making it easier for local customers to pay and receive funds digitally.

    Influx of IT Firms and Consultants

    With financial institutions flocking to the region, IT firms and consultancy groups are quickly following suit. Recently, the German investment firm Aquila Group announced the launch of its Middle East Bureau in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), focusing on property and renewable energy investments.

    Additionally, Turkish software company Bimser has inaugurated a Dubai office aimed at supporting asset managers throughout the MENA region with their digital transformation strategies. With a customer base of 2,500 across 30 countries, including the USA, Bimser’s presence further solidifies Dubai’s status as an IT hub.

    Consultancy Expansion Continues

    London-based consultancy Third Bridge has opened a new office in Dubai, marking its twelfth global location. The firm utilizes artificial intelligence to provide high-level financial research and consulting services to banks and family offices. With a global team of over 1,300 professionals, Third Bridge’s expansion reflects a broader trend toward integrating AI into financial advisory services.

    Conclusion: A Booming Retail Landscape

    The recent influx of global brands into the UAE illustrates a robust landscape for business and consumer activity. As corporations capitalize on the region’s economic growth, consumers can expect enhanced services and innovative solutions in retail and finance. The continued brand expansion signifies a promising future for the retail sector, driven by evolving consumer trends and heightened demand for digital services.

  • Lego Mosaic Maker opened first store in Yokohama

    Lego Mosaic Maker opened first store in Yokohama

    Danish toy producer Lego has opened a store in Yokohama Landmark Plaza this week, introducing “Lego Mosaic Maker” to Japan. One of only five in the world, the Lego Mosaic Maker is a machine that can reproduce your face in mosaic feature with Lego blocks.

    Visitors enter a booth and take a photo of their face, creating a kit that can make the mosaic in around 10 minutes and which can be offered as a gift for family or friends.

    Use of the mosaic maker is by advance reservation only for a fee of ¥10,455 (US$93). Other special promotions are available in-store.

  • Jollibee Sets Up Shop in Manhattan

    Jollibee Sets Up Shop in Manhattan

    Philippine fast-food restaurant chain Jollibee is opening its first Manhattan location next Saturday. The Jollibee Manhattan store will be the brand’s second store in New York State, and the 37th in the US. “We are excited to finally open our doors in the heart of bustling Manhattan, which is not just a centre of business and finance, but a major cultural and entertainment hub that receives millions of visitors from around the world each year,” said Jose Minana, Jollibee Foods Corporation’s (JFC) group president for North America.

    “The diversity of the food culture and the fast pace of living here make it perfect for our new Jollibee store location.”

    Maribeth dela Cruz, VP and GM at JFC North America expects the opening to draw long lines of customers.

    Jollibee Manhattan store located at 609 8th Ave., New York, NY 10018 opens Saturday, October 27. (Photo credit: Elton Lugay (Instagram/elton_lugay))

    To celebration the store, Jollibee will award free Chickenjoy for a year to the first 40 customers in line. Exclusive Jollibee Funko Pop! figures and other Jollibee collectibles will be up for grabs, too, to mark Jollibee’s 40th anniversary.

    Jollibee operates in 20 countries, with more than 4200 stores globally. The first North America store was opened in 1998 in California.

    JFC has an 85 per cent stake in US burger chain Smashburger, and has recently entered into an agreement with Mexican fast-casual restaurant chain Tortas Frontera for expansion.

  • Bath & Body Works to open first store in India soon

    Bath & Body Works to open first store in India soon

    Major Brands, India’s leading retailer for premier international fashion apparel, accessories and beauty brands is all set to launch Bath & Body Works first store in Mumbai at Palladium soon. Having established itself as one of the best and most sought after personal essentials and home fragrance brand, the Palladium store will be spread over 900 sq.ft that will allow customers to explore an extensive array of fashion fragrances for the bath, body and home.

    From fun and flirty scents to sophisticated and exotic fragrances, Bath & Body Works offers a wide range of world-class fragrances to suit every personality and occasion. Hallmark collections of the brand, including the Signature fragrances and White Barn Home Fragrance will also be available at the store.

    Launched in 1990, the brand’s portfolio today comprises over 200 different fragrances including the iconic Sweet Pea, Japanese Cherry Blossom, A Thousand Wishes, Aromatherapy, Hello beautiful as well as new seasonal releases.

    Earlier this year, the brand opened two of its flagship stores in New Delhi at Select Citywalk and Mall of India.

  • Mr DIY ready for massive growth by 2020

    Mr DIY ready for massive growth by 2020

    Malaysian home improvement retailer Mr DIY has announced plans to open at least 1000 branches by 2020. The announcement was made at the opening of its latest outlet at Paradigm Mall, its 440th local branch and 600th global branch. The brand currently operates 120 stores in Thailand, 40 in Indonesia, four in Brunei, and one each in Singapore and the Philippines.

    Mr DIY head of marketing Andy Chin said: “We feel that our home improvement retail business model, offering a variety of goods at affordable prices, is suitable for better business growth in the country as well as the Asean market. At the end of this year, we target 700 global branches, and the number may reach 1000 or more by 2020. These will be based on an organic growth.”

    He added that the company’s prospect of Asean-level expansion will be focused on Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines,” said Chin.

    Mr DIY is the largest home appliance retailer in Malaysia with more than 20,000 SKUs.

  • Eslite to open in Japan with partner

    Eslite to open in Japan with partner

    Taiwanese bookstore chain Eslite is planning to expand into Japan. The prominent bookstore business is using the move to build its international profile, and has announced its plans as amounting to a “new starting point for cross-culture ventures”. Eslite’s Japanese partner has yet to be named.

    The firm’s long-term plan is to expand into Southeast Asia, and it has been contacted by multiple potential partners, according to chairperson Mercy Wu. It is currently considering potential different modes of partnership.

    Eslite is a prominent name in the books industry in Taiwan, with 42 stores nationwide, as well as an additional three in Hong Kong and one in Suzhou.

  • New McDonald’s set to expand faster in China

    New McDonald’s set to expand faster in China

    Some 2,000 quick service outlets to open by 2022 in small cities

    McDonald’s Corp, the global fast-food chain that has forged a new partnership in China last month, will expand faster by opening 2,000 new restaurants in the next five years.

    They will be set up mostly in third-and fourth-tier cities with a focus on take-aways and digitalized services.

    The company said it will increase its expansion pace from about 250 new outlets this year to 500 per year from 2022 onward.

    It did not disclose other details like the scale of new investments that would ensue.

    The new partnership, jointly established by CITIC Ltd, CITIC Capital, Carlyle Capital and McDonald’s, paid $2.08 billion for the US-based fast food chain’s business in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

    The deal received regulatory approval and was completed on July 31.

    The new company will become McDonald’s largest franchisee outside of the United States.

    CITIC Ltd and CITIC Capital together hold a majority 52 percent stake in the new company, while Carlyle Capital will hold 28 percent, and McDonald’s 20 percent.

    Currently, McDonald’s operates and manages 2,500 restaurants in the Chinese mainland, including 600 franchises, and 240 restaurants in Hong Kong.

    The new company will manage all the 2,000 new restaurants directly.

    Despite McDonald’s global dominance, KFC, owned by Yum China, has bigger presence in the Chinese quick service restaurant. Yum China runs more than 5,000 KFC restaurants in over 1,100 cities and counties.

    KFC’s wide presence in China appears to have bolstered the confidence of McDonald’s investors in the new expansion plan, industry insiders said.

    The new partnership of McDonald’s aims to achieve double-digit sales growth annually in the next five years.

    The goal includes delivery coverage of 3,375 restaurants or over 75 percent of the total.

    “China will soon become our largest market outside of the United States,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s president and CEO.

    “The mainland and Hong Kong are leading the global system in capturing new consumer trends such as delivery and digitalization and it is driving strong performance and growth momentum.”

    Zhang Yichen, the new chairman of McDonald’s China, said restaurant ownership at the local level will foster entrepreneurial spirit within the company.

    For example, considering the strong demand for takeout food and the population density in China, Zhang emailed Easterbrook regarding the need to develop a customized software system for the Chinese market.

    The latter dispatched McDonald’s global IT team to support the China business. Now, the take away operation in China tops the global chain’s comparable systems across markets.

    Zhang said CITIC has more than 1,400 bank branches in China. Besides, CITIC and Carlyle’s extensive resources and market expertise in real estate, supply chains, retail, consumer goods and technology, coupled with the global quality standards and branding of McDonald’s, will prove to be a winning formula.

    Jason Yu, general manager of Kantar Worldpanel China, a firm that researches shopper behavior, said, “CITIC operates many branches in third-and fourth-tier cities, and they understand the local market, hence will be able to help McDonald’s to choose appropriate sites for new restaurants and also provide useful real estate information.”