Retail News CRM

Tag: retail experience

  • Aeon Plans 100 Large Retail Stores in Vietnam by 2030

    Aeon Plans 100 Large Retail Stores in Vietnam by 2030

    Aeon Targets 100 Large-Scale Stores in Vietnam by 2030: A Major Brand Expansion in Retail News

    Japan’s leading retailer, Aeon, is setting its sights on a substantial growth trajectory in Vietnam, with ambitious plans to establish 100 large-scale supermarkets and general merchandise locations by 2030. This expansion marks a significant eightfold increase in its footprint across the country and aims to redefine the retail landscape.

    Expanding the Retail Experience

    In a strategy driven by rising consumer demand, Aeon intends to introduce a novel concept of “super-supermarkets” that seamlessly blend grocery shopping with general merchandise offerings. These stores will feature food courts and beauty sections, enhancing the shopping experience for Vietnamese consumers.

    Yasuyuki Furusawa, who has recently transitioned to President of Aeon Retail, emphasized the need for this expansion to stay competitive against other key players in the market, such as Thailand’s Central. In addition to the larger stores, Aeon is also planning to grow its network of smaller grocery outlets, targeting an extensive reach of 200 locations throughout Vietnam.

    Current Operations and Future Plans

    As of February 2025, Aeon operates 12 general merchandise stores in Vietnam—including three super-supermarkets—and 36 standard supermarkets, which includes the Citimart stores managed by its subsidiary. With a strategic investment of approximately $1.5 billion over the past decade, Vietnam has become Aeon’s second most crucial market after Japan.

    In 2024, Aeon Mall reported a profit of JPY 4.23 billion (around $29.6 million) from its Vietnamese operations, achieving revenues of JPY 17.3 billion. This success positions Vietnam as Aeon’s top-performing market in Southeast Asia and the second largest after China, underscoring the country’s potential for retail growth.

    Retail Landscape in Vietnam

    Vietnam’s retail sales recorded an impressive 8% increase, totaling VND 4.92 quadrillion last year, capturing the attention of international brands, particularly Japanese firms. According to a survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro), over 60% of Japanese companies operating in Vietnam reported profitability in 2024, the highest rate seen in five years. Additionally, about 56% of these businesses plan to expand their operations within the next two years, highlighting a robust demand for growth in the region.

    Ozasa Haruhiko, the chief representative of Jetro Hanoi, commented, “This is the highest rate in ASEAN, indicating that Vietnam has one of the strongest potentials for growth.”

    Conclusion: A Shift in Consumer Trends

    Aeon’s significant investment and expansion plans could reshape Vietnam’s retail sector, enhancing consumer choice and access to high-quality products. As the company reinforces its presence, consumers can expect a retail experience that combines convenience with a variety of options, signalling positive growth in the industry.

    Questions & Answers

    1. What are Aeon’s expansion plans in Vietnam? Aeon plans to increase its network to 100 large-scale supermarkets and general merchandise stores by 2030, alongside growing its smaller grocery outlets to 200 locations.
    2. How has Aeon’s performance been in the Vietnamese market? Aeon reported a profit of JPY 4.23 billion ($29.6 million) from its Vietnamese operations last year, making it the top-performing market in Southeast Asia for the brand.
    3. What trends are influencing retail in Vietnam? Vietnam’s retail sales rose by 8% last year, attracting international brands, particularly from Japan. A significant percentage of Japanese businesses reported profitability and plan to expand operations, highlighting a strong market potential.
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  • Three in Four Consumers Frustrated by Inconsistent Retail Experience

    Three in Four Consumers Frustrated by Inconsistent Retail Experience

    Not only do today’s shoppers expect a great service experience, they want it to be integrated and harmonised across channels. According to recent research by Manhattan Associates, three quarters of shoppers say they expect a consistent cross-channel shopping experience, yet just 14 percent claim to enjoy such an experience today. With 82 percent stating they expect their online experience to be duplicated in store, and 78 percent saying they feel they know more about the products and services in store than the store associate, it is clear where the consumer thinks retailers need to invest.

    Furthermore, half of the consumers surveyed said they would like store assistants to make personal recommendations in the same way a website already recommends products they might like, indicating that personalisation within every selling channel – not just online – is high up on the consumer’s agenda.

    The rewards for those retailers able to effectively provide customers with a consistent service experience across channels is potentially huge, with 56 percent of the consumers surveyed stating a seamless service capability as the main reason they would be willing to commit their loyalty to a retailer.

    Other key findings include:

    • 45 percent of consumers stated “a reward scheme that gives you exclusive promotional offers” and 35 percent stated “fast delivery” as key reasons they would stay loyal to a retailer
    • 64% of consumers consider “free delivery” as the most important fulfilment option a retailer should offer as part of their online service proposition, ahead of any chargeable option
    • 47 percent view “product advice” and 33 percent of consumers consider “checking stock availability” as the most important aspects of the service provided by store assistants
    • Regarding reasons consumers are more likely to go to a physical store rather than buying online, 62 percent of respondents said “to get the product there and then” and 53 percent stated “to try and feel the products before buying in-store”
    • As to what consumers would like to happen when they go into a store and the product is not available on the store shelf, 42 percent said “they would like the store assistant to check if it is available in a store nearby where they can collect it from” whilst 19 percent stated “they would like the store assistant to order the product for them and have it delivered to their home or to the same store for collection”

    Raghav Sibal, managing director, Australia and New Zealand at Manhattan Associates, commented, “Consumers clearly have an expectation of what a retail experience should look like in today’s digital world and are willing to offer their loyalty in exchange for retailers able to meet that expectation. Now is the time for retailers to invest in technologies that keep them ahead of the curve and take the appropriate steps required to close the gap between customer expectation and today’s reality. Those that do will be the ones that will thrive in 2017 and beyond.”

    The research by Manhattan Associates questioned 2,000 adults in Australia about their shopping experience and expectations.

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  • Christian Louboutin Tokyo pop-up

    Christian Louboutin Tokyo pop-up

    Christian Louboutin’s latest spring/summer bag collection is being showcased in a stunning pop-up boutique in Tokyo’s Isetan department store.

    Christian Louboutin pop-up opens in Tokyo 1

    Open on the second level until March 1, the Christian Louboutin Tokyo pop-up was inspired by showgirls and exotic birds and features feathered plinths layered with rich colours plus quirky details.

    Christian Louboutin pop-up opens in Tokyo

    It is the latest retail experience designed by the luxury label in conjunction with customer experience specialist Household, and the second within the Isetan store. Household has also created spaces forChristian Louboutin at Selfridges in London and Manchester in the UK, Brentwood Los Angeles, Printemps Paris, Seibu Tokyo and Osaka’s Hankyu and Daimaru department stores.

    Christian Louboutin pop-up opens in Tokyo 2
    Based in London and Los Angeles, Household works across Asia, Europe and the US for clients including Harrods, Tesco, Unilever and Vodafone.

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