Retail News CRM

Tag: rollout

  • Shein’s Landmark French Expansion: A Shift In Strategy Or Threat To Local Retailers?

    Shein’s Landmark French Expansion: A Shift In Strategy Or Threat To Local Retailers?

    Online rapid-fashion retailer Shein is set to establish its first ever permanent brick-and-mortar stores in France this November. This significant move has been facilitated through a partnership with department store owner, Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), and has been met with criticism from French retailers.

    Shein’s New Brick-and-Mortar Ventures

    The new Shein outlets will be “shop-in-shops” located in the BHV department store in central Paris and in Galeries Lafayette department stores across five provincial cities. This represents a fresh direction for the retailer, which has so far only ever held transient pop-up stores worldwide, primarily for marketing purposes.

    SGM’s president, Frédéric Merlin, expressed that the introduction of Shein’s outlets would invite a younger demographic to their department stores. He went on to suggest that the same customer may well indulge in a Shein product and a designer handbag during the same shopping trip.

    Controversy Surrounding Shein’s Expansion

    Despite the optimism surrounding this new venture, Shein, known for their highly affordable apparel – including 12-euro dresses and 20-euro jeans – is facing resistance from rival retailers, politicians, and regulators in France. French lawmakers have supported a draft law that proposes regulations on fast fashion. If enacted, this law would prohibit Shein from promoting their products through advertising.

    Yann Rivoallan, head of the fashion retail association Fédération Francaise du Pret-a-Porter, responded to the news with disapproval. In his statement, he expressed his concern about the impact of Shein’s massive influx of disposable products on the French market, after already causing the decline of several local brands.

    French retailers were already experiencing tough competition from global brands like Zara and H&M when Shein made its entry, attracting customers with its continuous discounts and engaging app. This year, a number of French rapid-fashion retailers, including Jennyfer and NafNaf, have had to initiate insolvency proceedings.

    The inaugural Shein store, located on the sixth floor of the BHV, is expected to open in early November. Additional openings in Galeries Lafayette department stores in Dijon, Grenoble, Reims, Limoges, and Angers are planned for the near future.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the significance of Shein’s new stores in France?
    The establishment of permanent physical outlets marks a major change in Shein’s retail strategy, as they have traditionally relied on temporary pop-up stores and online sales.

    Why is Shein’s expansion in France causing controversy?
    The rapid-fashion retailer’s expansion has been met with resistance due to concerns about their impact on local brands, and because they are under scrutiny from lawmakers proposing regulations on fast fashion advertising.

    When and where will the first permanent Shein store open?
    The first store is set to open in early November on the sixth floor of the BHV department store in central Paris. More stores are planned for Galeries Lafayette department stores in various French cities.

  • BSNL Set to Expand with 100,000 New 4G Towers, Paving the Way for Upcoming 5G Rollout!

    BSNL Set to Expand with 100,000 New 4G Towers, Paving the Way for Upcoming 5G Rollout!

    Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is gearing up to bolster its network with plans to deploy an additional 100,000 4G towers across India. This initiative follows the successful installation of nearly 100,000 towers, marking a significant step in their ongoing infrastructure expansion.

    Government Approval on the Horizon

    Union Minister of State for Communications, Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, expressed optimism about the upcoming proposal: “After successfully installing 100,000 towers with optimal 4G equipment, we will approach the Cabinet and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to approve another 100,000 towers.” He also highlighted the plan to enhance BSNL’s cash flow, which would facilitate the installation of more 4G and 5G equipment and enable the monetization of BSNL’s assets.

    Strategic Partnerships for Growth

    BSNL’s ambitious journey took a significant turn in May 2023, when it awarded a major contract to a consortium led by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This partnership also includes Tejas Networks, the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and ITI Ltd., covering the supply of 4G equipment for the new 100,000 towers, along with necessary network components and a 10-year maintenance contract.

    Pemmasani acknowledged initial equipment challenges but noted substantial improvements: “There were some problems with the equipment in the beginning. But now, it’s functioning well. We expect it to operate near perfection by the end of July or August next year.” He also emphasized the technological lead enjoyed by global telecom firms like Nokia and Ericsson, whose legacy spans decades, compared to India’s homegrown solutions that are still in their infancy.

    Stiff Competition and Future Plans

    BSNL currently faces tough competition; with its limited 4G infrastructure, retaining customers has been a challenge. Pemmasani pointed out, “One major limitation is that we currently have only 100,000 4G towers. In comparison, Reliance Jio and Airtel each have more than 500,000 towers.” However, he is confident that as the 4G rollout progresses, customer retention will improve significantly.

    Looking ahead, BSNL plans to launch its 5G network by June 2025. Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed that the transition to 5G will only occur once the 4G network stabilizes and meets quality standards: “Once the 100,000 towers are up and the network is stabilized, and once we see that the QoS is up to the mark, then we can start switching.”

    Homegrown Technology Takes the Lead

    In a bold move, the Indian government has ruled out foreign involvement in BSNL’s 5G deployment, insisting on the use of domestically developed technology. BSNL aims to roll out 5G standalone services using the 900 MHz and 3.3 GHz spectrum bands, starting with an initial target of 100,000 subscribers. The company is also set to introduce 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) services, ensuring cutting-edge connectivity for urban users.

    In a nod to its readiness, BSNL has successfully tested its indigenous 5G technology in New Delhi, across locations like Nehru Place, Chanakyapuri, and Minto Road, signaling that they’re primed to push forward once their 4G foundation is firmly in place. Who knew the race for digital dominance could feel so thrilling?

    Questions & Answers

    What is BSNL’s plan for expanding its 4G network?
    BSNL intends to deploy an additional 100,000 4G towers across India, building on its existing infrastructure to enhance customer retention and prepare for 5G.

    When does BSNL expect to launch its 5G network?
    BSNL aims to launch its 5G services around June 2025, contingent on stabilizing its 4G network.

    What is unique about BSNL’s approach to 5G technology?
    BSNL will rely solely on domestically developed technology for its 5G deployment, ensuring that all equipment and services are homegrown.

  • Taiwan’s Bafang Dumpling steps up US rollout

    Taiwan’s Bafang Dumpling steps up US rollout

    Bafang Dumpling, a renowned dumpling chain based in Taiwan, intends to establish new stores in Texas later this year. This move is part of its strategic growth within the American market, notwithstanding the current tariff dispute between the U.S. and other nations.

    Expanding Internationally

    The company’s expansion plan covers the south-central region of the United States, including Texas and California. In line with this, Bafang Dumpling is set to launch a new headquarters by the end of this year. This is seen as a significant milestone in its international growth strategy.

    Bafang Dumpling has successfully established thousands of stores across Taiwan. Additionally, it has managed to secure a presence in Hong Kong and the United States as well. The company is set to open its 12th store in Arcadia in the coming month, which will further expand its operations on the West Coast.

    Market Exit and Entry

    In 2022, Bafang Dumpling made the strategic decision to exit the Chinese market. It subsequently sought to establish itself within the United States, starting in the City of Industry, California. This move has proven to be fruitful, as indicated by the company’s positive financial report for the past year. The company reported a consolidated revenue of $268.38 million, which translates to a 9.37% increase from the previous fiscal year.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Bafang Dumpling’s latest expansion plan?
    Bafang Dumpling plans to open new stores in Texas later this year as part of its strategic growth within the U.S. market.

    What significant milestone is Bafang Dumpling set to achieve by the end of this year?
    The company is set to launch a new headquarters by the end of this year, marking a significant milestone in its international expansion.

    What was Bafang Dumpling’s financial performance last year?
    Last year, Bafang Dumpling reported a consolidated revenue of $268.38 million, a 9.37% increase from the previous fiscal year.

  • Don Quijote eyes massive US rollout

    Don Quijote eyes massive US rollout

    Hard on the heels of a successful expansion in Singapore and launching in Hong Kong and Thailand, Japanese variety retailer Don Quijote is now eyeing continental USA.

    Pan Pacific International Holdings, the company’s parent, already has Marukai supermarkets trading in the US and three Don Quijote stores in Hawaii.

    But rather than replicate its Asian concept, Pan Pacific will create a new format tailored to the US but with “Don Quijote-ism at the core,” CEO Koji Ohara told the publication.

    The expansion will be led by Ohara who will resign from his current role and relocate to the US to build the business there, with a target of expanding its network from 38 currently to 100.

    Sean Butler, MD at supply-chain consulting firm LIDD, told Grocery Dive that he expects Don Quijote will stick to its three pillars – convenience, discount, and amusement – when it launches in the US.

    In the US, Don Quijote has an opportunity to reach an audience hungry for low-price groceries and consumer goods, he said.

    “The company is betting that it can execute experiential retail better than the status quo – and pick up a nice chunk of the world’s largest consumer economy in the process.”

  • Urban Tea to roll out More China Stores

    Urban Tea to roll out More China Stores

    Chinese beverage and baked-goods retailer Urban Tea says it plans expansion from the middle of this year.

    The company will expand its network to 28 stores initially, through a combination of franchise partnerships and opening its own stores, with plans to speed up the rollout next year.

    Last October, Urban Tea set up a subsidiary company Shanghai Ming Yun Tang Tea, which controls Hunan Ming Yun Tang Brand Management Co (Hunan MYT), to focus on catering, along with health, training, retail and wholesale. Headquartered in the Changsha Xingingmen Fanchen International Center, Hunan MYT will integrate strategic brand positioning, offline operations, store management and brand marketing – all which will be used to expand the planned retail cafe network.

    Hunan MYT will operate stores under three brands: Buoyance Manor, Your Ladyship Tea (pictured) and Meet Honey. Buoyance Manor mainly features bakery products and coffee. Your Ladyship Tea sells specialty teas and light snacks and Meet Honey will primarily sell snacks and kitchen goods such as coffee mugs and tea cups.

    Currently, the company operates seven stores itself in Hunan province branded Buoyance Manor, along with a tea shop in Changsha Youyou Township.

    Urban Tea plans to focus on health and nutrition, using fresh, green, high-quality ingredients, positioning itself as an “all-natural baker”. Beverages offered include milk teas, fresh fruit teas and coffee.

    Light meals include salads, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, pastas and other meals primarily drawing from French cuisine and other western cuisines, and emphasising healthy meals and fresh ingredients.

    The company says it has established a research-and-development centre and will place an emphasis on seasonal research and product development, by picking fresh fruits, using seasonal tea, and using in season grains.

    “By offering seasonal menus we ensure fresh delivery to meet customers health and dietary needs to cultivate long term customers,” the company said in a statement.

    Urban Tea CFO Kan Lu said: “Our professional operations and R&D teams have many years of industry experience. We desire to make every product uniquely impressive to our customers, and bring consumers fresh, healthy and beautiful food and beverages.”

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  • Philippines taps UNDP to accelerate free Wi-Fi rollout

    Philippines taps UNDP to accelerate free Wi-Fi rollout

    The Philippines’ Department of ICT (DICT) has signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) aimed at fast-tracking the deployment of free Wi-Fi access in public places.

    Under the agreement, the UNDP will provide support for the government’s Pipol Konek – Free Wi-Fi Internet Access in Public Places Project.

    The UNDP will conduct area-based network analysis of target sites, oversee monitoring of project impact, and continue to provide technical training to stakeholders involved in the rollout.

    The UNDP and the DICT will meanwhile jointly take charge of project oversight. The project participants plan to hold workshops and consultative meetings to address the challenges with the rollout and investigate potential solutions.

    The DICT sought the assistance of the UNDP in September last year to expedite the project and aid in the capacity-building initiatives of the companies involved in the rollout. A formal signing ceremony was held last week during the first project board meeting.

    “Today as we set to seal this meeting of minds, the Department is optimistic that our goals of providing free Internet access and promoting knowledge-building among our citizens will soon be realized,” DICT acting secretary Eliseo M Rio Jr said at the signing ceremony.

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  • Rakuten using Red Hat technologies in mobile rollout

    Rakuten using Red Hat technologies in mobile rollout

    Japan’s Rakuten announced it has arranged to use open source technologies provided by Red Hat in its upcoming end-to-end cloud native mobile network.

    The network, which is scheduled to launch in October, will use Red Hat’s open hybrid cloud technologies, Rakuten announced at this week’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.

    Rakuten Mobile Network has built an NFV based network supported by Red Hat Enterprise Linux, the Red Hat OpenStack Platform and Red Hat Ceph Storage software-defined storage solution.

    The deployment will support the planned launch of 4G mobile services, and leave Rakuten Mobile Network well placed to roll out 5G services subject to government licensing approval.

    “Our vision is to build a network that innovates at the speed of software and scales at the speed of cloud, and with a culture founded in technical and operational innovation, we are uniquely positioned to achieve that. We are excited to work with leading partners from around the world such as Red Hat as we work to create the world’s first end-to-end fully virtualized cloud-native network,” Rakuten Mobile Network CTO Tareq Amin said.

    “End-to-end automation for both network and services is a pillar of our systems building strategy, and by using Red Hat’s open source technology we can achieve automation and auto-scaling, enabling more productive operations and allowing us to provide cost-effective services to our customers.”

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  • Taiwan’s Quanta Computer taps Brocade for IP rollout

    Taiwan’s Quanta Computer taps Brocade for IP rollout

    Taiwan-based notebook manufacturer Quanta Computer has deployed Brocade-powered New IP networks at factories within its key manufacturing site.

    The deployment of Brocade IP networking technology at both the company’s network edge and its data center dramatically simplifies operations at the Quanta Shanghai Manufacturing City (QSMC) plants, Brocade said.

    The project also paves the way for the company to employ SDN as it diversifies into producing a broader range of digital products.

    Quanta Computer has grown to become a $ 31.5 billion business by delivering manufacturing excellence to major brands including Apple, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, and Sony.

    “Competition in the notebook market is relentless and so is the demand to improve manufacturing quality and efficiency,” said Dave Chen, AVP of Quanta Computer. “Our factories are highly automated and that makes them highly network-dependent with a network edge of more than 10,000 ports now deployed at Quanta Shanghai Manufacturing City, which is a big network administration challenge.”

    Chen said they deployed Brocade networking solutions at Quanta Shanghai Manufacturing City because they provide a radically simplified administration model, which reduces costs and improves network availability, and sets us up for further improvements and increased production line flexibility by leveraging SDN.

    Henry Zhu, Brocade country manager for China, the deployment opens the way for the development of software-defined production lines that are capable of virtual retooling on the fly to dramatically increase flexibility.

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  • China Mobile taps Brocade software for SDN cloud rollout

    China Mobile taps Brocade software for SDN cloud rollout

    China Mobile will deploy NFV software from Brocade at several of its key data centers as part of its first SDN-based commercial public cloud rollout.

    The operator is deploying virtual traffic management technology from the networking vendor, initially at its Southern Base and Northern Base data centers.

    The deployment will be conducted in conjunction with China Mobile’s strategic SDN and NFV supplier Nokia. Brocade’s software will run within the Nuage Networks virtual service platform, which is being implemented by Nokia as part of a project announced last week.

    China Mobile is playing a major role in the Chinese government’s Internet Plus initiative to support the development of new business models enabled by ICT, such as fixed and mobile internet connectivity, cloud, big data and the IoT.

    As part of this effort, China Mobile has taken on the role of a large-scale cloud service provider for major enterprise and government customers, and is deploying SDN-based cloud services to support these operations.

    “The promise of network functions virtualization is the ability to scale services on demand. When it comes to service providers, they don’t come much bigger than China Mobile in terms of potential scale,” Brocade China country manager Henry Zhu said.

    “We’re naturally delighted that Brocade’s advanced NFV appliance technology has been selected by China Mobile. This is a groundbreaking project within China’s service provider landscape and we are fully committed to ensuring it results in complete success.”

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  • Globe fast-tracking LTE 700 rollout

    Globe fast-tracking LTE 700 rollout

    The Philippines’ Globe Telecom is fast-tracking the rollout of LTE over its recently-acquired 700-MHz spectrum.

    The operator revealed it has recently rolled out more than 150 700-MHz base stations, mostly in Metro Manila.

    The new sites cover major business districts and populated areas in the country. Globe launched its first 700-MHz base station Quexon City in June, and the company said its LTE 700 sites now cover the majority of the city.

    Globe is planning an initial rollout of 200 compatible LTE 700 base stations, and has committed to deploying around 4,500 multiband, multimode software defined radio base stations covering 95% of municipalities and cities in the country.

    “We are confident that more and more of our customers will experience improved services as adoption of LTE-capable devices increases and as we continue to deploy LTE 700 in more sites,” Globe senior vice president for network technical group program governance Joel Agustin said.

    “This is consistent with our strategy of continuously improving internet services using the previously idle 700 MHz spectrum that the NTC now allowed us to co-use.”

    Globe acquired rights to co-use the 700-MHz spectrum after joining with rival Smart to acquire San Miguel Corporation’s telecoms assets for a combined 69.1 billion pesos ($1.5 billion) earlier this year.