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Tag: star wars

  • Samsung releases new Star Wars accessories

    Samsung releases new Star Wars accessories

    At this point, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 is just as much a foldable smartphone as it is a fashion accessory. For the most part, this is the result of the Korean tech giant’s persistent efforts to consolidate the latter’s status as one through extensive collaborations with many different brands.

    This time around the clamshell foldable will be receiving a Star Wars treatment in the form of a number of exclusive accessories. Today, Samsung launched a Star Wars Bundle Pack consisting of a Ring Case and a strap for the Galaxy Z Flip 4, in addition to a Star Wars case and band for the Galaxy Watch (4 or 5), and a Star Wars case and strap for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

    The entire bundle costs $149.99 and is available at Samsung’s official online store. Each item can be purchased independently, however. It should be noted that this is just the latest in a series of exclusive accessories that Samsung has debuted this year.

    We have already seen Pokémon-themed merchandise and a fair share of other less-prominent collaborations. It should be noted that this is not nearly as ambitious as the company’s limited edition bundles.

    For reference, they always feature the device itself, sometimes with a unique design tweak, and are much more expensive. The bundles are also most often available for a limited time only and seldom make it out of South Korea.

    A notable exception to the general rule outlined above is Samsung’s recent collaboration with Maison Margiela. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 Maison Margiela edition has been released internationally and is still available.

    These Star Wars accessories are much more accessible in comparison and make the perfect present for a Samsung user who is also a fan of the cult classic.

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  • Find the Perfect Piece of Pokémon Jewelry at U-TREASURE

    Find the Perfect Piece of Pokémon Jewelry at U-TREASURE

    Japanese jewellery brand U-Treasure has released a series of Pokemon-themed merchandise.

    The firm launched the “Pikachu Electric Motif” collection of rings for men and women to be available from the U-Treasure Shinjuku store in Tokyo and the K.uno Meitetsu store in Nagoya, as well as online. The rings will be available in platinum, yellow gold, and white gold as well as blends, and diamond-studded engagement and wedding rings are available. All the rings feature the Pikachu character.

    U-Treasure has also announced the re-release of its popular “Poke Ball” accessory case.

    The accessory brand has also released branded jewellery featuring Sailor Moon, Disney, and Star Wars.

    View the gallery below (6 images) :

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  • Global Brands to Sell US Licensing Businesses to Differential Brands

    Global Brands to Sell US Licensing Businesses to Differential Brands

    Global Brands Group is to sell a substantial part of its North American branded business to Differential Brands Group for US$1.38 billion.

    The move, announced at the release of its annual results yesterday, will allow it to cut debt, pay a modest special dividend to shareholders and free capital to grow “a more focused business”, the company said. It will also result in about half of its 7000 staff leaving the company.

    Global Brands Group is currently carrying about $1.1 billion of debt, much of it related to its 2014 spin-off from Li & Fung and subsequent listing.

    The assets to be transferred include licences for Disney, Star Wars, Calvin Klein, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger, Bebe, Joe’s, Buffalo David Bitton, Frye, Michael Kors, Cole Haan, Kenneth Cole and the BCBG Max Azria label which it bought last year for $27.4 million after the company filed for bankruptcy.

    CEO Bruce Rockowitz said the sale was the outcome of a strategic review of the business.

    “We concluded that divesting the portion of our business that has a high present-day value, was the way to move forward. With this transaction, the group will be able to improve our balance sheet significantly and simplify our organisation, while focusing on the less established lines of business where we see high growth potential going forward.”

    Subject to shareholder approval, the deal will see Global Brands Group become “simpler, flatter and more nimble”.

    The company said that on the branded product side, the group’s European and Asian businesses will remain as before, while its US business will now focus on footwear and its remaining fashion business. Brand Management will continue to be managed on a global basis.

    “Looking ahead, we will continue to attract new licenses to our portfolio with a tighter and deeper focus on our businesses,” said Rockowitz. “At the same time, we will continue to improve the efficiency of our existing businesses, delivering synergies across our platforms. In addition, we have embarked on a significant cost reduction program across the organisation and we are committed to improving our cash flow via a combination of tighter working capital management, and even stronger cost discipline.”

    Revenue up but write-downs cost

    For the year to March 31, Global Brands Group increased its revenue by 3.4 per cent to $4.023 billion.

    However sales were impacted by Coach taking its footwear business in-house after their licence expired in June last year, and the cessation of the Quiksilver kids fashion licence when the company declared bankruptcy.

    Total margin increased from 28.5 per cent to 31.2 per cent, however operating costs increased by 37.3 per cent to $1.254 billion, driven largely by transition costs for new licenses in men’s and women’s fashion and additional operation expenses for running the new brands.

    The group also made one-off, non-cash adjustments in relation to impairments from the write-off of a receivable arising from a loan made by the company, and various intangible assets, which totalled $94 million.

    “In addition, taking into account this strategic divestment, the external market condition and business performance, the group performed an impairment test and recognised a non-cash goodwill impairment of $1.05 billion during the financial year,” the company said. That resulted in a net loss of $887 million for the year, however earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation was steady at $379 million.

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  • Echo Base Collection Star Wars Jackets by Columbia

    Echo Base Collection Star Wars Jackets by Columbia

    Columbia Sportswear has unveiled three limited-edition jackets inspired by iconic characters in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

    Inspired by the costumes worn by Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker, the collection is named after the Rebels’ secret base on ice planet Hoth. In developing the Echo Base Collection, Columbia’s designers worked with Lucasfilm and it archives team to incorporate details of the original jackets worn in the classic movie, released in 1980.

    With Columbia’s “tested tough” promise, the jackets include the brand’s technologies to ensure they can withstand the freezing conditions on planet Hoth, or other galaxies closer to home.

    The limited-edition jackets, with vest combined, are made from water-resistant cotton-blend fabric and insulated with Omni-Heat Reflective lining. The Leia Organa Echo Base Jacket includes a stowable hood, seam piping and gusset sleeves, the Luke Skywalker Echo Base Jacket has a stowable hood and the Han Solo Echo Base Parka features multiple closures, a leather Rebel patch, and quilted faux-fur trimmed hood.

    Columbia has also produced a limited run of the dark-brown Han Solo Archive Edition parkas, and has also collaborated with actor Harrison Ford to raise funds for Conservation International, a global organisation dedicated to the protection of nature. Ford has hand-signed each parka, and Columbia will donate total proceeds from their sale to Conservation International.

    Only 1980 jackets of each style in the broad Echo Base Collection were produced. The jackets are individually numbered and contain references to Star Wars and the characters who wore them.

    The jackets are being sold on Columbia’s website and at branded retail locations including China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea, from Friday.

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  • Uniqlo US to open at Disney resort

    Uniqlo US to open at Disney resort

    Disney Springs, at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, will be the location for the latest store for Japanese fashion retailer Uniqlo US.

    Opening next month, the first Uniqlo store in the US southeast will occupy 25,000 sqft (2300 sqm) across two sales floors. It will showcase the brand’s full assortment of LifeWear as well as items incorporating its Japanese heritage plus special Disney-inspired products.

    “We hope to make every day at our store feel like opening day for our customers,” says Uniqlo US CEO Hiroshi Taki.

    There will be Japanese-inspired daily giveaways, as well as in-store events each week and month like Taiko drummers and a Japanese-style game show.

    Uniqlo continues its link with Disney, which started in May last year with its global launch of a line featuring Mickey Mouse as a professional tennis player and golfer. The same month, the store launched Disney’s new Tsum Tsum concept plush toys.

    Uniqlo-Disney-Spring-Florida

    In July, Uniqlo announced “friendship in Disney Pixar movies” as the theme for its annual UT (Uniqlo T-shirt) Grand Prix 2016 design contest.

    The following month Uniqlo launched the “Magic for All” global initiative with Disney Consumer Products, adding Marvel action and Star Wars themes to its LifeWear fashions.

    In September, Uniqlo opened a Magic for All store on the fifth floor of its Shanghai global flagship store, the largest in the world, and in April the Magic for All line was installed on the 12th floor of the Uniqlo Ginza Global Flagship Store in Tokyo. It will be there until the end of next month.

    A brand of Fast Retailing, Uniqlo has 43 stores in the US, including Boston, Los Angeles and Seattle, and its online store.

  • Robotics roll into Indonesian retail with launch of Sphero in Jakarta

    Robotics roll into Indonesian retail with launch of Sphero in Jakarta

    Global robotics firm Sphero has signed a distribution agreement with Halo Robotics to distribute Sphero’s full range of robotic gaming systems in Indonesia.

    Sphero is the creator of intuitive smartphone-controlled robots such as the BB-8 app-enabled Droid popularized in Star Wars, whose enormous popularity has defined a new product category, “connected play.”

    Sphero’s  engaging robotic toys roll and jump in response to voice and app controls, and that constantly improve with regular software updates.

    New products and apps, include Ollie, a rebellious, cylindrical robot that rolls at speeds of up to 15 mph; and SPRK, a clear shelled Sphero, that when coupled with the Lightning Lab app, teaches foundational programming through STEM activities.

    “This is an exciting time for Sphero, and we are excited to celebrate the launch of our long-term connection with Indonesia,” said Aurelien Joly, Sphero’s APAC Channel Director.

    Halo Robotics said the connected play toy market has grown dramatically over the last several years and appeals to a full range of consumer audiences.

    Nearly half of Indonesia’s population of 249.9 million are under the age of 30, with among the world’s fastest-growing consumer demographics for Sphero products. Famously tech-savvy, over 100 million Indonesians will be smartphone users by 2017, laying a strong foundation for app-controlled robots.

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  • Currency, tourism hits Bossini profit

    Currency, tourism hits Bossini profit

    A strong Hong Kong dollar and fewer tourists to Hong Kong and Macau hit profits for Hong Kong-listed fashion group Bossini International Holdings for the six months to December 31.

    Revenue dipped 13 per cent to HK$1146 million (US$147 million) from $1319 million for the same period in 2014. The gross profit was $543 million ($665 million in 2014), with the Bossini profit attributable to owners sliding from $87 million to just $14 million.

    However, the group says its financial position is still healthy despite an unseasonably warm winter in several core markets and more fierce competition within the apparel retail industry.

    In Hong Kong and Macau, same-store sales declined by 14 per cent, opposed to a 5 per cent growth for the 2014 period. Same-store sales in mainland China dropped by 8 per cent (as against 2 per cent growth), while Taiwan and Singapore same-store sales declined 14 per cent (2014: 8 per cent growth) and 1 per cent (2014: flat) respectively. Overall, same-store sales for the group fell by 12 per cent, following 4 per cent growth for the same period in 2014.

    At reporting date, the group had outlets in 33 countries and regions – 267 (down 10 on June 30, 2015) directly managed stores and 678 (681) franchised stores, giving a total store count of 945 (938).

    Its export franchising business continued to expand with 15 new franchised stores, taking the total to 615 stores across 29 countries. The group also continued launching its licensing programs, a major strategy, including a Star Wars collection and a further collaboration with the Ocean Park Halloween Bash.

    CEO and executive director Edmund Mak says the group expects the demand for value-for-money apparel to grow as economies slow globally.

    “To cope with this, we intend to offer more items that are easy for mix-and-matching, as well as products with better functions under a more competitive pricing strategy over the coming years.

    “The group will also continue to implement further cost-control measures and focus on expanding operations further afield of Hong Kong and Macau to achieve a more balanced portfolio.

    “We will also continue to devote energy to expanding our apparel lines for kids, which has consistently been our competitive edge and would also perfectly complement the recently announced end to the one-child policy in mainland China. Furthermore, we will launch Bossini eyewear in mainland China through franchise arrangements.

    “Going forward, the Group will continue to create appealing, competitive and quality everyday wear that drives sustainable growth, profitability and customer satisfaction. With a firm focus on our “be happy” core brand value, we will continue to strengthen our competitive edge and endeavour to enhance the value that we offer to our shareholders.”

  • The Simpsons store: a new retail phenomenon?

    The Simpsons store: a new retail phenomenon?

    The Simpsons is about to expand offscreen into a retail store network, with two flagships confirmed as the first global outlets for the popular animated US TV series.

    Beijing and Shanghai will be home to the world’s first The Simpsons stores because the 27-year-old show is familiar to Chinese audiences and Simpsons products have already been a success, reportsChina Daily. A network of 100 retail stores is planned to follow.

    Opening in the fashion district of Sanlitun in March, the Beijing store will be the first bricks-and-mortarSimpsons store in the world. The second store will be launched in Shanghai in June, according to 20th Century Fox Consumer Products president Jeffrey Godsick. Its location has yet to be announced, but it is expected to be in a high-traffic mall similar to the one in Beijing.

    Fox launched Simpsons products in China in collaboration with fashion brands nearly three years ago. It started to team up with Chinese retailers 18 months ago before deciding to open the stores last year to tap growing interest.

    Godsick says the products released in China sold out quickly, and there were routinely a three-hour queue for people to enter the fashion brand store in Shanghai that launched Simpsons products.

    Already, Walt Disney has led the way by opening its first flagship store in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area in May last year. The world’s largest Disney store, it offers more than 2000 categories of products.

    “China’s movie and television industry will bring a lot of investment opportunities for derivative product sales,” Professor Zeng Hongshan of Zhongnan University of Economics & Law has told theChina Economic Herald.

    Derivative products of Star Wars have created about $30 billion worth of business, and in 2013 and 2014 alone generated about $4.6 billion for Disney, China National Radio has reported.

    Meanwhile, the Simpsons stores will cover about 250 sqm and offer about 200 products including T-shirts, hats, jackets, pants, cellphone cases, lifestyle accessories, stationery, shoes, sneakers and socks.

    Between 25 and 50 per cent of the products will be sold exclusively through Simpsons stores, says Godsick.

    “We will continue to design individual consumer products for each of our movies and TV shows in China, and ultimately grow our brand as a company,” he says.

    In October 2014, a Simpsons World app was launched in China, allowing fans to watch all 500-plus episodes of the series for free.

  • Star Wars: A force to be reckoned with on social media

    Star Wars: A force to be reckoned with on social media

    The force has hit Singapore shores and Star Wars: The Force Awakens fans in Singapore could not be more excited. Whether you’re a hardcore Rebel or an Empire henchman, let’s see what’s been going down on social media in the month leading up to this year’s most highly anticipated movie.

    Already, social media is abuzz with anticipation of Star Wars, whether it’s seeing the droids or the Stormtroopers in action.

    Based on conversations from 1 November to 14 December, Digimind Social’s conversation clusters showed immense interest in the merchandise display at VivoCity, as well as the Battlefront game – good news for Star Wars retailers out there.

    StarWars

    The top hashtags feature also showed the ongoing #starwarsatchangi campaign, which features a life-sized T-70 X-wing and TIE fighter, as well as character appearances at Changi Airport, among the top 10 Star Wars related hashtags in Singapore.

    hashtag SW

    The Force awakens on social media

    Conversations about the 7th installment of Star Wars spiked on 16 November, at more than half a thousand mentions. We suspected it had something to do with it being the day movie tickets went on sale.

    Trend

    Who’s ruling the galaxy on social media?

    Out of the ensemble of characters, it was supervillain Darth Vader, droids R2-D2 and BB-8 and newcomer Kylo Ren that garnered the most traction online. Most of the conversations about Darth Vader were related to games and merchandise.

    SW characters

    A new generation comes to the Force

    While the Star Wars series has been around for decades, most of the conversations online belonged to the 18-25 age group. But it looks like this one belongs to the boys, with 71% of the conversations.

    Social medi sw

    War continues in the online shopping arena

    In the online shopping arena, there has been an­­­other type of lightsaber combat for a share of the SG$4 billion Retail Empire in Singapore.

    Thousands of e-retailers such as ZALORA, Taobao, Expedia, Lazada, and Groupon have recently fought for sales on specific days known as the Retail Holidays. ShopBack has observed some interesting numerical movement this Star Wars season and has pitted it  and has decided to pit the three Retail Holidays – Singles Day, Cyber Monday, and 12.12 against each other in an infographic.

    Take a look on which day came out on top:

    INFOGRAPHIC - Stat Wars_Retail Holidays

    May the Force be with you!

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  • Siam Synergy allies join hands to host vibrant daily activities and festivities to celebrate New Year

    Siam Synergy allies join hands to host vibrant daily activities and festivities to celebrate New Year

    Siam Synergy, led by MBK Public Company Limited, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., and the Siam Square Business Group, announced in a press conference that a series of New Year’s activities will be held under the concept “THE PRIDE OF BANGKOK, THE TREASURE OF THE WORLD”, inviting the public to join in the daily activities hosted in the Siam District to usher in the new year. The festivities will bring vibrancy and excitement to one of Bangkok’s most important districts and strengthen the Siam District’s position as one of the most diverse, colorful and multi-dimensional neighborhoods in the world. The Siam District — the urban center where the latest trends, world-class shopping, art and entertainment converge — opens a door to the soul of the city of Bangkok. The press conference was jointly held by Mr. Sompol Tripopnart, Senior Executive Vice President, Marketing Division, MBK Public Company Limited; Mr. Thanapat Chayutirat, Executive Director of Siam Square Business Group; and  Mr. Dan Zonmani, First Executive Vice President of Business Innovation, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., at K Bank Siam Pic Ganesha Theatre on 8th floor at 10.30 – 12.00 hrs.

    After the historic alliance was formed in September of this year to establish “Synergy Siam”, the partners are ready to host a series of activities in and around the Siam District, which is one of the country’s most important tourist destinations visited by travelers from around the world and the door to a soul of Bangkok. The group is partnering with more than 4,200 shops in the area and is injecting an investment of 1 billion baht to host vibrant and colorful New Year’s festivities. The activities are categorized into three main groups: those to honor His Majesty the King and preserve and promote Thainess, a celebration of art and providing an opportunity for youngsters to express themselves and their creativity, and world-class activities from around the globe that will delight shoppers and visitors. In addition, shopping malls in the Siam District will offer promotions and discounts to celebrate the holidays in the heart of Bangkok.

    The wide range of activities means that visitors of all ages and lifestyles will be able to take part in the fun and excitement. More than 30 activities in total will begin in December and last throughout the month. Some of the highlights will include; decoration of the Rama 1 road to welcome the Bike for Dad caravan in honour of His Majesty the King, Clean for the King, Echoing Sound of Reverence (Gaeg Gong Duay Pakdee), MBK Fight Night,  MBK Happy Street Festival, Siam Street World, Star Wars Run, Hay Christmas Market and Eco X’mas Festival. The activities are expected to draw many Thai and international revelers to the area. The aim is to increase the number of visitors by 650,000. The festivities are estimated to generate increase of about 15-20 percent cash flow.

    Mr. Sompol Tripopnart,Senior Executive Vice President, Marketing Division, MBK Public Company Limited said: “Entrepreneurs of large, medium, as well as small enterprises make up the force that drives the Siam area as Bangkok’s commercial district. We are all getting together to make the New Year’s celebrations and activities happen, starting with our collaboration to host activities to honor His Majesty the King and preserve Thainess. Some of the activities include; the decoration of the Rama 1 road to welcome the Bike for Dad caravan in honour of His Majesty the King, Clean for the King event on December 4 at the Pathumwan Institute of Technology, in which, operators situated along Rama 1 road and members of the public are invited to join together to help clean up the area, the celebration ofHM the King’s 88th birthday On December 5, MBK and the Kru Muay Thai Association will host MBK Fight Night, in which seven Muay Thai kick boxing fights and two Western-style boxing bouts will be held. ”

    Mr. Thanapat Chayutirat; Mr. Sompol Tripopnart; and Mr. Dan Zonmani in a press conference

    Mr. Thanapat Chayutirat, Executive Director of Siam Square Business Group, added: “We also plan to host the Siam Street World activity. This has been held for three consecutive years, each time drawing in more than half a million spectators. The activity provides an opportunity for youngsters to express their creativity through art. The activity will showcase the ultimate in world-class fun and will feature the Festival Zone, street performances, an art market, and the Street Fest Grand Sale. Leading artists from around the world will rotate around stages located throughout the Siam area to showcase their creativity. There will also be competitions to recruit new performers, with prizes up for grabs and an opportunity to become a world-class performer.”

    On the topic of bringing world-class activities to Siam, Mr. Dan Zonmani, First Executive Vice President of Business Innovation, Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., concluded by saying: “The grand activity entitled “The Echoing Sound of Reverence” will be held on December 5 at Siam Paragon. Drummers of all ages from around the country will perform HM the King’s compositions as well as other songs to pay respect to our king to show the world how much Thai people revere our “Supreme Artist King”, whose musical ingenuity is known the world over. In addition, a number of other activities that are truly unique have been lined up, such as the STAR WARS XPERIENCE 2015 event, where fans of the epic movie franchise will have a chance to experience a 360-degree surround sound and lighting system and be transported into the fictional world. Replicas of a gigantic TIE Fighter and X-wing Star fighter are some of the biggest highlights awaiting Thai Star Wars fans. This will coincide with a Star Wars Run, which will see the Siam-Pathumwan area transformed into a challenging running course for more than 10,000 participants. This event will be held on December 26.”

    The collaboration among business operators in Siam District to host New Year’s activities reinforces Siam as the lifestyle center of Bangkok and showcases its eagerness to welcome visitors from Thailand and internationally who will be ushering in the holiday season in the capital. The activities and promotions offered by businesses in the area are well wishes and gifts for visitors and shoppers, and will help to create a celebratory atmosphere and stimulate the economy.

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