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Tag: standalone

  • Tops Revolutionizes Thai Beauty Market with Standalone Looks Store Launch

    Tops Revolutionizes Thai Beauty Market with Standalone Looks Store Launch

    Tops, a leading retail brand owned by Central Retail, is expanding its influence in Thailand’s thriving beauty sector by introducing an independent Looks store concept.

    The initial independent Looks store will be inaugurated on May 20th at Robinson Lifestyle Srisamarn, underlining a significant shift in strategy for the wellness and beauty brand as it ventures into dedicated specialty retail.

    This expansion is part of a broader, long-term growth plan for the brand. The company has ambitions to increase the presence of Looks to 100 locations across various formats over the next seven years.

    Historically, Looks has operated mostly as beauty sections within Tops supermarkets. However, the brand’s new direction aims to appeal to the emerging ‘new-gen’ market and the progressively expanding masstige segments.

    The independent store concept is set to offer an impressive range of over 5,000 SKUs, encompassing skincare, makeup, and inner wellness products. Approximately 15% of the stock will consist of exclusive items that will only be available in Looks stores.

    In addition to the diverse range of products, the store will also host a ‘Solution Bar.’ This feature will offer customers personalized recommendations and consultations from beauty specialists at Looks.

    Despite the implementation of the standalone model, the brand will continue to uphold its strong omnichannel presence. This includes maintaining the 105 dedicated Looks zones in Tops stores and the 17 Tops Daily branches throughout the country.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new strategic direction for the Looks brand?
    With the launch of an independent store concept, Looks is expanding from simply being beauty zones within Tops supermarkets to becoming a standalone specialty retail brand.

    What unique features will the standalone Looks store offer to customers?
    The store will offer a wide range of over 5,000 products across skincare, makeup, and inner wellness. It will also provide exclusive products unavailable elsewhere. Additionally, customers will benefit from personalized advice and recommendations at the in-store ‘Solution Bar.’

    Will the brand maintain its presence within Tops supermarkets despite the new direction?
    Yes, despite the launch of the standalone stores, Looks will continue to operate its dedicated sections within Tops supermarkets and Tops Daily branches nationwide.

  • Stacked Store Revolutionizes Singapore Retail With First Standalone Shop: A Blend of Unique Brands, Immersive Experience & Dynamic Events

    Stacked Store Revolutionizes Singapore Retail With First Standalone Shop: A Blend of Unique Brands, Immersive Experience & Dynamic Events

    Stacked Store is set to launch its inaugural independent retail establishment in Singapore’s New Bahru district on May 16, broadening its physical presence following its predominant operation as an online platform.

    A New Take on Retail

    Sited within The Factory, this establishment is envisaged as a hybrid of retail and exploration. It showcases an expertly curated assortment of independent brands, unique home decor items, and design-centric products that ordinary mass-market stores seldom offer.

    The interior design follows a bare, industrial style, with the primary structure of the space made up of raw scaffolding. This contrasting backdrop is designed to accentuate the products on display while promoting a more leisurely, tactile shopping experience.

    Unique Features

    One of the primary attractions is the brand’s trademark living room setting, which has been reimagined for the new location in partnership with W Atelier.

    However, the venue is not just for shopping. It also serves as a platform for engaging customers with the brand. Stacked Store intends to organize workshops, collaborative pop-up events, and exclusive product launches. It also plans to debut its forthcoming in-house brand.

    Expanding Physical Presence

    Earlier this month, the retailer broadened its offline footprint by opening the IMBA Store – the exclusive gift shop for interactive exhibitions at Gardens by the Bay.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the concept behind the new Stacked Store location in Singapore’s New Bahru district?
    The new location is a hybrid of retail and discovery, offering a curated selection of independent brands and unique home decor items. The store is designed to provide a leisurely, tactile shopping experience.

    What unique features does the Stacked Store offer?
    The store houses a reimagined version of the brand’s signature living room setting. It will also serve as a platform for brand engagement, hosting workshops, collaborative pop-ups, exclusive product launches, and unveiling its in-house brand.

    Has Stacked Store expanded its physical presence in other ways?
    Yes, the retailer launched the IMBA Store, the official gift shop for interactive exhibitions at Gardens by the Bay, earlier this month to broaden its offline presence.

  • Swiss Sportswear Giant On Unveils First Standalone Store in Seoul, Invigorating South Korea’s Retail Scene

    Swiss Sportswear Giant On Unveils First Standalone Store in Seoul, Invigorating South Korea’s Retail Scene

    Swiss sportswear label, On, has unveiled its inaugural standalone shop in South Korea, furthering its direct-to-consumer reach within the nation.

    Strategically Located in Seoul

    The store, nestled within Seoul’s Hannam district, signifies On’s maiden standalone brand space in the Korean market. This launch builds upon the brand’s initial direct retail outposts in Yeouido and Jamsil, which were established in the previous November.

    The shop encompasses three floors, with the lower level spotlighting On’s running collection. The higher levels are dedicated to lifestyle, tennis, outdoors, and children’s merchandise.

    The basement has been repurposed as a hub for running, functioning as a space for community gatherings, such as running club meets and in-store events tied to the local running community.

    Inspired by Seoul’s Night Running Routes

    The store’s aesthetic borrows elements from Seoul’s evening running paths. The use of lighting and reflective surfaces aims to replicate the dynamic movement and visual ambiance of the city post-sunset. The storefront’s design elements also nod towards the nearby Han River.

    According to Rebecca Cai, On’s APAC GM, the brand anticipates the store to serve as a central spot for their running community. This is especially relevant with the looming Seoul Marathon. The brand also hopes the space will allow customers to fully immerse themselves in On’s universe, and personally interact with their latest performance and design innovations.

    This inauguration aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to widen its retail footprint across Asia. Just this week, On launched its most expansive store in China, situated at Shenzhen MixC World. This two-story outlet covers approximately 802 square meters.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the new On store in Seoul offer?
    The store provides a wide array of sportswear, including running, lifestyle, tennis, outdoor, and kids’ products. Additionally, it will serve as a hub for community activities related to running.

    What is unique about the design of the new store?
    The design of the store is inspired by Seoul’s night running routes, with lighting and reflective surfaces that mimic the city’s atmosphere after dark. The facade also pays homage to the nearby Han River.

    What recent expansion efforts has On undertaken in Asia?
    On has been actively expanding its retail network in Asia. Along with the new standalone store in South Korea, it recently opened its largest store in China, located in Shenzhen MixC World.

  • Nokia and SoftBank Seal Innovative Deal to Propel 5G Standalone Coverage Across Japan

    Nokia and SoftBank Seal Innovative Deal to Propel 5G Standalone Coverage Across Japan

    Nokia has recently declared the broadening of its existing collaboration with SoftBank Corp., showcasing a fresh agreement to supply sophisticated 4G and 5G radio access equipment across Japan. The agreement encompasses an enhancement of current network infrastructure and an extension of 5G standalone coverage through the utilization of Nokia’s cutting-edge AirScale portfolio. The roll-out will take place predominantly in Western Japan.

    Deploying Energy-Efficient Solutions

    As part of this contractual agreement, Nokia is set to incorporate its power-efficient AirScale Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions. This includes the incorporation of the latest Habrok Massive MIMO radios and AirScale baseband equipment. Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology powers these solutions, promising stellar performance, expansive coverage, and ample capacity, all while ensuring superior energy efficiency. Additionally, Nokia’s AI-empowered MantaRay solution will be featured to boost network management and Self-Organizing Network capabilities.

    The Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, Mark Atkinson, expressed his enthusiasm for the extended partnership, stating that their solutions integrate AI capabilities, delivering unparalleled performance with industry-leading energy efficiency. He further mentioned that these developments support the progression towards Advanced-5G networks.

    Joint Ventures and Future Prospects

    Nokia and SoftBank, both founding members of the AI-RAN Alliance, are jointly embarking on research and development projects focusing on AI-RAN and 6G technologies. This collaboration encompasses joint research, field trials, and the establishment of a virtualized RAN platform. The companies are conducting tests in the 7 GHz frequency band for 6G in Tokyo, employing Massive MIMO technology.

    The Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank Corp, Hideyuki Tsukuda, reflected on the enhanced partnership with Nokia, stating that it will facilitate the development of a unique, high-quality 5G network powered by AI. He emphasized that the upgraded network will boost efficiency, reduce emissions, and provide a superior user experience for their customers.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main aim of Nokia’s collaboration with SoftBank Corp?
    The collaboration aims to supply advanced 4G and 5G radio access equipment across Japan, enhancing the current network infrastructure and extending 5G standalone coverage.

    What key solutions will Nokia implement as a part of this partnership?
    Nokia will integrate its power-efficient AirScale Radio Access Network solutions, which include Habrok Massive MIMO radios and AirScale baseband equipment, powered by Nokia’s ReefShark System-on-Chip technology.

    What future ventures are Nokia and SoftBank planning?
    As part of the AI-RAN Alliance, both Nokia and SoftBank are embarking on joint research and development projects focusing on AI-RAN and 6G technologies, including field trials and the creation of a virtualized RAN platform.

  • Liverpool FC Expands Global Footprint With 20th Standalone Store In Hong Kong

    Liverpool FC Expands Global Footprint With 20th Standalone Store In Hong Kong

    Liverpool Football Club (LFC) recently inaugurated its inaugural standalone store in Hong Kong, marking a significant milestone as its 20th globally. This move is strategically aligned with the five-year extension of the club’s collaboration with All Star Partner, an established sports and e-commerce retailer with a focus on worldwide sports brand merchandizing and licensing.

    Promoting Football Culture in Hong Kong

    The newly launched store, strategically situated in the Kai Tak Sports Park, caters to the club’s burgeoning fan base in the region. It is a one-stop-shop for all official Liverpool FC merchandise, offering a wide spectrum of club-branded attire, exclusive collections, and up-to-the-minute product releases.

    Luo Bin, CEO of All Star Partner, shared his confidence in the standalone store’s ability to not only fulfill the demand for official merchandise from Hong Kong and regional fans but also establish a dedicated space for fan interaction. This will enable fans to fully engage in the distinctive football culture of Liverpool FC.

    On the same note, Lee Dwerryhouse, Senior VP of Merchandising at LFC, reaffirmed that Asia continues to be the club’s strategic priority. This emphasizes the region’s pivotal role in the club’s international retail and fan engagement approach.

    The Growing Presence of LFC in Asia

    The Hong Kong store marks the ninth standalone LFC store in Asia. Besides these standalone outlets, the club also operates over 100 stores within larger establishments, pop-up locations, and an extensive network of e-commerce platforms specifically designed for Asian markets.

    Questions & Answers

    What does the opening of the new standalone store in Hong Kong signify for Liverpool FC?
    The opening of the standalone store in Hong Kong marks Liverpool FC’s 20th such outlet worldwide, highlighting the club’s ongoing expansion and commitment to engaging with its overseas fanbase.

    What is the purpose of the new standalone store in Hong Kong?
    The new store primarily targets Liverpool FC’s growing fanbase in the region by providing a wide range of official merchandise. It also aims to create an exclusive space for fans to interact and immerse themselves in the club’s unique football culture.

    What is the extent of Liverpool FC’s retail presence in Asia?
    With the new addition in Hong Kong, Liverpool FC now operates nine standalone stores in Asia. Additionally, the club runs over 100 stores within larger establishments, pop-up stores, and a robust network of e-commerce platforms across Asian markets.

  • Peggy Hartanto debuts first standalone store, in Jakarta

    Peggy Hartanto debuts first standalone store, in Jakarta

    The fashion brand Peggy Hartanto has achieved a significant landmark in its retail journey with the inauguration of its first independent store in Plaza Senayan, Jakarta.

    Reflecting the Brand’s Aesthetic

    The store’s design draws on the brand’s aesthetic, harmoniously blending dark brown and powder blue hues to craft a warm, grounded ambiance. The minimalist nature of the space is characterised by the balance between clean, structural lines and delicate, organic forms. The inclusion of clay walls adds an earthy, tactile aspect, underscoring the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and materiality.

    More Than a Retail Space

    Peggy Hartanto, the brand’s creative director, shared her perspective on the design of their premier standalone store. She expressed the desire to offer more than just a shopping space. Their vision was to establish a habitat that encapsulates the brand’s language and philosophy, utilising elements of minimalism, materiality, and colour. The aim was to create an environment that is immersive, calm, and focused, devoid of the commonly overwhelming functions and distractions found in retail architecture.

    Peggy Hartanto was established in 2012 by sisters Peggy, Petty, and Lydia Hartanto. The Jakarta-based label has gained a reputation for its contemporary womenswear, characterised by bold silhouettes, meticulous construction, and a forward-thinking design philosophy. The brand’s garments strive to empower today’s women by embodying both femininity and strength.

    Acknowledged Internationally

    Peggy Hartanto has received international acclaim, which includes being named on Forbes Asia’s ’30 Under 30 – The Arts’ list in 2016 and being chosen as a finalist for the International Woolmark Prize Asia in 2017.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the design philosophy behind Peggy Hartanto’s first standalone store?
    The store reflects the brand’s language and philosophy, featuring a minimalist design that balances clean, structural lines with soft, organic shapes. The colour palette and tactile elements like clay walls underline the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and materiality.

    What characterises the clothing offered by Peggy Hartanto?
    Peggy Hartanto’s clothing is defined by bold silhouettes, precise construction, and a progressive design ethos. The brand’s pieces aim to empower modern women by embracing both femininity and strength.

    What are some of the recognitions received by the fashion label Peggy Hartanto?
    Peggy Hartanto has been internationally recognised, including being listed in Forbes Asia’s ’30 Under 30 – The Arts’ in 2016 and selected as a finalist in the International Woolmark Prize Asia in 2017.

  • Nokia deploys 5G standalone core network for Taiwan Mobile

    Nokia deploys 5G standalone core network for Taiwan Mobile

    Nokia announced that it has deployed its 5G standalone core network for Taiwan Mobile Co. to enable the operator to provide the most advanced 5G applications for enterprises and businesses, and to strengthen its network services and performance.

    The timely deployment includes Nokia’s voice core, cloud packet core, subscriber data management, signaling, network exposure, policy controller, cloud infrastructure, and security management for radio transport. With a 5G standalone core network, Taiwan Mobile can readily provide the most advanced 5G services such as network slicing and smart city solutions that require ultra-low latency and reliability.

    Nokia and Taiwan Mobile are long-standing partners and Nokia, as the sole supplier of Taiwan Mobile’s 5G network, is supporting the operator’s ‘Super 5G strategy’ focused on sustainability and digital transformation.

    Nokia leads the market in core network deployments, with 25 of the top 40 communication service providers relying on its core network products.

    Tom Koh, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Technology Group, Taiwan Mobile, said: “Introducing SA to unleash the full potential of 5G beyond high-speed to further realize innovative use cases enabled by ultra-low latency and massive IoT is our strategic mission in the 5G era. We are delighted to reach this milestone with Nokia to bring the first true 5G network into Taiwan. Owning the agility of network slicing to swiftly customize the network for accommodating different use cases, Taiwan Mobile will be able to accelerate time-to-market to provide a wide variety of services for everyone and everything and to free enterprises to embrace Industry 4.0. The SA technology is built from cloud architecture, infrastructure-agnostic by design, which paves a critical step to a full software agile virtualization network. It unlocks the use cases with distributed cloud for low latency service with local breakout needed. Taiwan Mobile’s true 5G network will become the innovative engine for consumers to experience as well as verticals to deploy applications without limits.”

    Susanna Patja, Head of Cloud & Network Services, Greater China, Nokia, said: “We are very pleased that the Nokia 5G Standalone Core network is now up and running, on schedule, for Taiwan Mobile. This provides Taiwan Mobile with exceptional capabilities in terms of machine-to-machine communication, extreme automation, and reliability that enables critical 5G uses for enterprises; and does so with the knowledge that this standalone network will continue to function seamlessly with non-standalone networks.”

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