Tag: Store

  • Luxury brands open stores in Ambience Mall India

    Luxury brands open stores in Ambience Mall India

    Ambience Mall, Gurgaon, with some of the biggest food and fashion brands such as H&M, Gap, Zara, Marks & Spencers, Kiko Milano, Luxe Bridge, Iconic, Da Milano, Jack & Jones, Cover Story, Ritu Kumar etc, is the perfect destination for shoppers of all age groups. To augment its standing as the numero uno, two more luxury brands Ted Baker and Hackett London have opened their stores in the mall recently.

    British clothing and accessories brand Ted Baker known for designer apparel and signature tailoring opened its latest store at the Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. The store is equipped with glamorous interiors and tons of charm. The brightly-lit store will house their wide range of both menswear and womenswear. Ted Baker is a mainstay for every stylish wardrobe with a collection of bright dresses, tops, menswear, luxe accessories and add-ons.

    Located adjacent to the Ted Baker store, Hackett London is a multi-channel British menswear retailer, specialising in vintage clothing for men. As the official couturier for the British Army Polo team, the Henley Royal Regatta, the BAFTA awards and Aston Martin Racing, Hackett London is steeped in Britain’s rich sartorial heritage. With a wide repertoire of fine casual and formal clothing the store is a niche addition to the malls offering.

    Speaking on the store launch, Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Malls, said, “We are delighted to have some of the best international fashion luxury brands Ted Baker and Hackett London in our mall. This is part of our commitment to offer International and Domestic premium quality brands to our customers under one roof. We will continue to bring best quality brands in the future as well.”

    The Ambience mall with the best offers in shopping, entertainment and culinary offering under its roof is the definitive favorite of shoppers looking for premium international and domestic brands. With an eclectic mix of top international and Indian clothing brands to cater to all age groups, wide array of entertainment options and unique decorative concepts that is constantly refreshed in-tune with changing seasons and festivities, the Ambience Mall, Gurgaon has indeed cemented its place as the perfect destination for shopping enthusiasts and thrill seekers in Delhi-NCR.

  • Superdry forays into sports fashion category, to open 50 retail stores in 3 years.

    Superdry forays into sports fashion category, to open 50 retail stores in 3 years.

    Recognizing the immense scope in the lucrative fitness market that has hit the country, Superdry announces its venture into Sports category under the name SuperdrySport. The brand is all set to open its first exclusive Sport store in the country that will celebrate technical sports gear, athleisure, great design and outstanding craftsmanship at DLF promenade, Delhi.

    From technical gear to workout essentials, SuperdrySport has everything from active wear, athleisure and sportswear. With pieces engineered to enhance performance and aid- goal focused activity, to more fashion lead items made with sports fabrics but designed more to turn heads, there are items carefully mastered to suit whatever your ability. Geometry and pop grid structures are complimented with layered mesh weaves. The highly technical performance range is created with a distinct ‘win’ attitude featuring compression fits and engineered ventilation designs.

    The 1076sqft, brand-owned Delhi outlet located at this premium location retains the Superdry DNA of clean lines set against raw finishes yet takes a leap forward into the fresh brand of SuperdrySport by merging the future technology, lighting and finishes to enhance the experience of the customers. SuperdrySport stores will have the ability to evolve with seasonal change, product sales and popularity or gender demand allowing maximum traction from every square meter. It is sure to catch the eye of a millennial customer.

    Millennials are increasingly buying clothing that’s characterized by durability and utility, this shift has led to a surge of interest in brands offering innovative designs, new functionality and practical fashion.

    With many celebrities donning the athleisure look, the trend has reached Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities as well. Having understood this potential Superdry plans to open stores in these cities as well soon.

    The report published by Global Industry Analysts Inc., the global market for Sports and Fitness Clothing is projected to reach US $231.7 billion by 2024. The research also indicates that technological developments designed to improve comfort and performance has also led to the growth in sales of sports apparel. The report points out that the Asia-Pacific region is expected to be fastest growing region, with a CAGR of 6.9 percent over the forecast period. Sales came from emerging markets, such as India and Thailand, as well as the US, the world’s largest sportswear market.

  • Puma Shuffle makes its debut in India

    Puma Shuffle makes its debut in India

    Global sportswear brand Puma has launched Puma Shuffle, a street style weekend pop up space in Indiranagar, Bangalore on February 02, 2019. With an aim to become the hub for growing sub-cultures in the city, Puma has introduced a brand new concept that emerges over weekends to provide a dedicated space for creative expression.

    PUMA Shuffle is created on the notion of an alter ego where the identity of the place oscillates between a friendly neighbourhood bar, Watson’s and a high-energy creative space that celebrates live music and sub-cultural communities of the city over the weekend. The fluid pop up space by Puma comes to life on Friday and Saturday evenings with gigs by an eclectic selection of DJ’s, musicians, artists, designers and sneakerheads.

    Speaking about the new concept, Abhishek Ganguly, MD, Puma India, says, “Bangalore has always been a hub for culture, but it’s time to re imagine the city’s cultural landscape with the rise of a new generation of youngsters who are using sneaker, street art, skateboard, hip hop battles, and basketball as a form of self expression. Puma Shuffle, is an innovative concept aimed at being the hotbed for such communities and sub cultures, giving them a dedicated space, impetus and empowerment they need. This new concept of shuffling between two spaces will also be a great visual, gastronomical and creative experience for our consumers all under one roof.”

    Resonating the dual identity of the space, the aesthetics are all about fusing the two entities and creating a concept that allows a smooth transformation from one identity to the other. The interiors exude an old world, heritage charm with soaring arched windows and a barrel roof with an unfinished surface that gives the space raw yet regal feel. The quirky wall art and live animation breaks the earthy palette to give the space a distinct personality. The mezzanine floor displays live graffiti – a cat silhouette and Puma Shuffle artwork are brought to life by animated projections. Vibrant layered art with mixed styles of graffiti adorns the wall beside the staircase.

    Created by artist Badaal, the edgy illustration also pays homage to two of Puma’s big sneaker names – Puma Suede and RS-X Toys. There are also 5 arched frames that house images of international Puma assets on the top floor. In keeping with Puma’s first sustainable store, located below, the idea was to retain elements from the existing space and reuse materials to construct the new venue.

    Puma Shuffle provides both a great visual and gastronomical treat for the audience. Much like the vibe of the place, the menu curated for Puma Shuffle is new age, vibrant and refreshing. On offer is a medley of cuisines from different corners of the world, including a few local favourites, that makes one keep coming back for more. In keeping with the theme of the space, the bar is hooked up with a mechanical pulley system used to elevate the wrought iron lighting at the facade. Here, an array of fun cocktails are created by expert mixologists.

  • IKEA’s first India store sold more despite lower than anticipated footfall

    IKEA’s first India store sold more despite lower than anticipated footfall

    Swedish home furnishing multinational IKEA’s first India store here witnessed less than expected footfall during last six months but the spending by the buyers was more than what it anticipated, said a top company official on Thursday. IKEA’S Hyderabad store, which opened in August last year, said it was originally looking for 7 million footfall a year but it is now 5 million a year.

    “The ambition was to have more footfall. We imagined higher visitation but the same time we see many positive categories. People are buying more items and they are spending more money. We are selling more pieces. This is good for IKEA because we are volume driven company. They are spending and buying more than we anticipated,” said John Achilles, Hyderabad Store Manager, IKEA India.

    He told reporters that products with a volume of 80,000 square metres were sold but declined to share the numbers in terms of value.

    Terming the people’s response as amazing, Achilles said it was a great learning experience. “We learnt so much about market, so much about customers and about their buying habit.”

    According to Achilles, customers in India were price sensitive. “Low priced items are those selling in much higher volumes. People want great value for money for products both accessories and furniture.”

    Kallas spoon set, priced at Rs 15, the lowest at the store, has been the number one selling item during last six months. “We sold half a million of those in six months. There is no other store in the world that sold this kind of volumes,” he said.

    He said IKEA’s range of products were lowest in many categories in the market. While 95 per cent of the products sold in India were the same available at IKEA stores around the world, about five per cent were specifically meant for India. These products included spoons, “tawa” and other accessories.

    Achilles was talking to reporters on the sidelines of the launch of made in India textile collection, Anglatarar, by by IKEA.

    IKEA opened first store five years after the world’s largest single brand retailer received government approval in 2013 to invest Rs 10,500 crore to open 25 stores in India by 2025. The company last year revised the number of stores to 40 across all formats.

    Achilles said they would open the next store at Mumbai during 2019 while Bengaluru store would come up in next 24 months and this would be followed by New Delhi.

    On sourcing from India by IKEA, he said this had gone up to 19 per cent while it was less than 10 per cent before the launch of first store.

    The sourcing has to go up to 30 per cent in five years as prescribed by the government of India, the official said, adding that they were looking to go beyond 30 with ambition to reach 50 per cent.

    Mia Olsson, Country Communication and Interior Manager, IKEA India, said: “This collection mark the celebration of design aesthetics from both countries.” She termed it as a tribute to India.

    IKEA’s Hyderabad Stores Food Woes Resolved

    After a gap of nearly five months, vegetarian biryani returned to the menu of Swedish home furnishing retailer IKEA here on Thursday.

    In September last year, IKEA’s had stopped selling vegetarian biryani at its store here found a foreign object in a dish.

    “Today is the first day we have started reselling vegetarian biryani,” said John Achillea, Hyderabad Store Manager, IKEA India.

    He said that they were making this dish in house and it is available for Rs 99 like in the past.

    IKEA’s first India, which is completing six months in February, was earlier sourcing prepared veg biryani from Haldiram of Nagpur.

    The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) had fined the IKEA store Rs 11,500 after a customer lodged a complaint that he found a caterpillar in veg biryani served to him at the IKEA restarurant.

    The furnishing giant subsequently removed the veg biryani from its menu and stated that it takes food safety and quality very seriously.

    IKEA opened its first India store here on August 9. It has a 1,000-seater restaurant.

  • Top 9 things to know about Starbucks Dewata coffee sanctuary

    Top 9 things to know about Starbucks Dewata coffee sanctuary

    Recently, Starbucks celebrated the journey of coffee from seed-to-cup by opening its largest destination in Southeast Asia – the Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary.

    1. Original Logo

    Starbucks opens the Dewata Coffee Sanctuary with an original logo, crafted in the Geringsing Double Ikat technique, inspired by the deep traditions of the seed-to-cup story. Double Ikat, found only in Bali, is a weaving technique used to create geringsing fabrics, traditionally taking five years to create, and an essential textile used in ceremonial dress as it is believed to have extraordinary powers. The logo itself is a lotus flower, the symbol of beauty, prosperity and fertility, and highly respected in Bali. The 18 petals represent the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana – the three causes of prosperity: harmonious relationships between people, the environment and God.

    2. Store Façade

    The store’s façade is created with locally made red bricks in the shape of half circles to create the illusion of the many waves found on Bali’s famous beaches. The exterior appears to move to passersby on Sunset Boulevard as they drive past the storefront, and combines modern building techniques with traditional Balinese architecture for an east-meets-west design. The design is carried into the interior of the store at the core bar where baristas handcraft favorite Starbucks beverages.

    3. Micro-Plot of Arabica Coffee Trees

    Upon entering the space, customers are invited into a micro-plot of Arabica coffee trees. This 1,000 sq. ft. plot will be a working, coffee producing farm cherrying during harvest season in the region, typically in the early springtime, and mirrors the size of 90 percent of all coffee farms in Indoneisa.

    4. Hand-Carved Wooden Mural

    As customers enter the café, their eyes are immediately drawn to the unique artwork filling the store. A 30-foot tall hand-carved wooden mural from Jepara features a depiction of the history of coffee in Indonesia, from the coffee growing regions of Java, Sulawesi, Bali, West Papua, Brastagi and North Sumatra, home to Starbucks Indonesia Farmer Support Center. Over the Reserve bar, customers eyes are drawn up to the bamboo installation inspired by the smoke, steam and vapor that create the familiar aroma of coffee. Both expansive pieces were created by Indonesian art agency, Atrovale, while two Jakarta-based artists, Janet Jane and Jamal M. Aziz, created pieces to highlight the store’s moments of discovery. Janet’s macramé art was inspired by the lush landscapes of Indonesian coffee farms, while Jamal’s two murals illustrate the first-ten-feet of the coffee bean’s journey at origin.

    5. Hand-Carved Stone Tiles

    In the Reserve Bar, hand-carved stone tiles create the ornate floor and wall design. The traditional, local craft found across Bali was reimagined into patterns which reflect a modern interpretation of coffee flowers and coffee beans.

    6. Living Wall

    To the left of the entrance, customers are invited to Starbucks core bar featuring a living wall filled with flora from the region. The botanicals are arranged in the form of Bali’s signature gapura, split gates, a symbol to welcome guests into our stores. This living wall is set back behind the bar where Starbucks partners will enter the café to connect with customers and handcraft their favorite Starbucks beverages.

    7. Clay Pots

    Around the store, customers will be enchanted by the surrounding flora, bringing the unique Indonesian environment inside. Trees throughout the space are planted in beautiful clay pots inspired by a traditional Sumatran pattern and the Starbucks Siren. Motifs of Indonesia’s mountainous terrain and coffee beans remind customers of the unique surroundings found only in Indonesia.

    8. Coffee Seedling Nursery

    On the second floor, customers are invited into the first coffee seedling nursery to be located inside of a Starbucks store. Our partners work with local farmers to take special care of these seedlings and invite customers to help tend to the delicate plants. Inside this greenhouse, customers can touch the first stages of the seed-to-cup journey that brings us our favorite coffee flavors around the world.

    9. Interactive Media Installations

    The experience continues throughout the expansive space where customers can find two interactive media installations to further immerse themselves in the coffee journey. On the first floor, a first-of-its-kind digital wall can be accessed through pressing and twisting various portions of the wall to participate in the planting, processing, roasting, shipping and brewing processed. Above them, customers can hear the stories of Starbucks Farmer Support Center in Indonesia. Two synchronized videos guide visitors through the FSC on walls fashioned from the traditional rattan weavings which inspired the Dewata Bali logo.

  • The Beer Café’s 40th outlet at Delhi with new concept

    The Beer Café’s 40th outlet at Delhi with new concept

    The Beer Café, India’s largest alco-beverage chain, has opened its 40th outlet at Delhi’s Aerocity. Enhancing the beering experience for its patrons, this brand-new outlet is the only place in the city to offer a whopping 16 varieties of the fresh and delicious ale on tap. With a food menu that perfectly complements the golden brew and an energetic and lively ambience that is a hallmark of the brand, The Beer Café is definitely the new must-visit spot for beer lovers in Delhi/NCR.

    Aerocity is fast emerging as one of the most posh and upmarket locales in the Delhi-NCR region. Not only has it become the hub for some of the most vibrant F&B brands in the city, it is also a hotspot for a variety of lifestyle and cultural events. Further, its easy connectivity to the airport and other bustling locations in the city such as Gurgaon, Vasant Kunj and Dwarka made Aerocity the perfect choice for the newest The Beer Café in the capital.

    The brand has been a pioneer of casual, inviting, neighborhood hangout spaces in India. The innovations in providing superior consumer experiences have played a key role in establishing its domain leadership in India.

    With this 40th outlet that serves more beers on tap than any other bar or hangout space in the city, The Beer Café has elevated the benchmark for social drinking experiences in the city yet again.

  • Fila to open 100 exclusive retail stores in India over the next 5 years

    Fila to open 100 exclusive retail stores in India over the next 5 years

    Fila India, owned by Cravatex Brands Limited, the Indian arm of the $150 million Batra Group, is adopting an aggressive expansion strategy in India. 2018 saw the comeback of sports brands, both globally and in India, due to the shift in consumer preference towards sports inspired athleisure clothing. A key player in the Indian market, Italian sports and fashion brand Fila has planned to capitalize on this trend and strengthen its presence in the country with an aggressive expansion strategy. The brand is projecting sales to grow more than 50 percent by the end of this financial year.

    As part of the new Heritage Store format, Fila has been opening one store a month and expects to keep this momentum going in 2019. The next 3 months will see stores coming up in Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Baroda and Chennai among other cities. The focus will be skewed largely towards Fila Heritage format stores, driving fashion lifestyle imagery in the premium sportswear segment with a global Heritage collection across footwear, apparel and accessories.

    Aside from main metros and mini metros, Fila has set its sights on the North Indian market with a focus across Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, and the entire region of Punjab; followed by South India. While company owned stores will be the primary objective, the brand is identifying some key partners to pursue a franchise model.

    Maintaining uniformity across layout and design, the average store size is expected to be between 1000-1200 sq feet carpet area with larger flagship locations in metros.

    Speaking on the strategy, Rakesh Singh Kathayat, Chief Operating Officer, Cravatex Brands said, “The resurgence of sportswear in mainstream fashion is the most relevant conversation in the industry today, particularly among millennials and Gen Z. Fila’s retro aesthetic and nostalgia-tinged DNA has thus, gained relevance and this conversation has supplemented its evolution into a sports fashion label. While we’re steadily making this progression in perception, supplementing consumer demand with supply is the need of the hour. Our offline retail growth in India focuses on strengthening our pan-India presence to create easier access and increased engagement with our growing consumer base.”

    Fila India is a licensee held by Cravatex Brands Limited which is a part of the Batra Group, a Global Retail, Brand Licensing, Distribution and Sourcing company with a presence across the Indian Subcontinent, United Kingdom, Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

  • Jubilant FoodWorks Q3 net profit up 46 pc to Rs 96.5 cr

    Jubilant FoodWorks Q3 net profit up 46 pc to Rs 96.5 cr

    Jubilant FoodWorks Limited (JFL) has reported its financial results for the quarter and nine-months ended December 31, 2018. Operating revenue for Q3 FY19 stood at Rs 9,291 million, representing an increase of 16.8 percent over Q3 FY18, and a sequential growth of 5.4 percent over the preceding quarter. The growth was driven by a strong 14.6 percent same store growth (SSG) in Domino’s Pizza.

    EBITDA for Q3FY19 was Rs 1,706 million, or 18.4 percent of revenue, a growth of 24.6 percent over Q3FY18 and a margin expansion of 120 bps. This is the highest EBITDA margin in seven years.

    Profit after Tax in Q3 FY19 stood at Rs 965 million, or 10.4 percent of revenue, a growth of 46.2 percent over Q3 FY18 and a margin expansion of 210 bps.

    During the quarter, the company added new products to its portfolio. Domino’s launched ‘Multigrain Crust’ with an objective of offering a wider range to the customers. In addition to this, the company also introduced four new side dishes viz. Potato Cheese Shots, Crunchy Strips, Crinkle Fries and Brownie Fantasy.

    The store opening momentum accelerated during the quarter, with 35 new Domino’s stores being opened during the quarter.

    Dunkin’ Donuts delivered break-even in Q3 FY19 on the back of strong growth in the core portfolio of Donuts and Beverages, as also disciplined cost management.

    Commenting on the performance for Q3 FY19, Shyam S. Bhartia, Chairman and Hari S. Bhartia, Co-Chairman, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited said, “I am delighted to share that we have once again delivered healthy earnings growth during the quarter which stood in-line with our expectations. Performance was driven by consistent progress made across each of the growth pillars.”

    Commenting on the performance for Q3 FY19, Pratik Pota, CEO and Whole time Director, Jubilant FoodWorks Limited said, “We have demonstrated strong all-round performance in Q3 FY19, led by robust same-store sales growth (SSSG) of 14.6 percent reported in Domino’s Pizza. This was accompanied by a tight control on operating costs that led to EBITDA margins improving to a seven year high of 18.4 percent. In addition, Dunkin’ Donuts also broke even during the quarter, ahead of the targeted Q4 timeline. We are happy with our performance and confident of the prospects ahead, as evident in the 35 new stores opened in Q3, the highest in eleven quarters.”

  • India’s  jewellery brand opens new outlet

    India’s jewellery brand opens new outlet

    Zoya, the exquisite diamond boutique from the House of Tata, has reopened its flagship store in Delhi, amidst a glittering celebration, graced by connoisseurs of design from Delhi’s high society. Located in the iconic South Extension neighbourhood, the new boutique of India’s homegrown luxury brand spreads luxuriously over 4,600 sq.ft. Designed as a minimalist gallery of fine art, where each piece resonates with reflections of Zoya’s inspirations from its journey around the world, the boutique is home to Zoya’s rare masterpieces.

    In keeping with the brand’s unwavering focus on fine design and impeccable craftsmanship, celebrated designer Gauri Khan was guest of honour for the evening and joined CEO of Titan’s Jewellery Division, CK Venkatraman, and guests, in raising a toast to the boutique’s many treasures.

    A splendid, two-part, fashion showcase by Zoya in collaboration with ace couturier Monisha Jaising showcased her elegant designs and a spectacular array of Zoya’s collections. Embellished gowns and cocktail dresses were paired with Zoya’s dramatic ‘6299 Hollywood Blvd.’, a collection that draws design direction from the panache of three iconic Hollywood eras translating the undying glamour of film into an absolutely unique take on jewellery.

    Fusion lehengas and sarees in pleasing pastels highlighted the mood for Whispers from the Valley, a collection that captures the poetic beauty of Kashmiri seasons and picturesque icons of the land, from the gentle shikara to falling chinar leaves.

    Stark black and navy created dramatic flair for the presentation of ‘Musee Du Luxe’ – Museum of Luxury, a collection that looks towards the sublime architecture, rich culture and inherent joie de vivre of Paris, blending a modern style palette with vintage charisma while summery whites paired with Zoya’s Pezzo D’Arte,a versatile line of 37 pieces inspired by rich Italian history and style. As visionary as art, the collection uses geometry in design, to create an edgy fashion statement, imbued with a distinctly modern vibe.

    The evening gave guests a chance to explore the purposefully planned navigation of the boutique and opportunities to appreciate each splendid piece. With three floors in Zoya’s signature tones of mushroom, champagne and orange, the store opens onto the ground floor presenting guests with its newer collections. A wide staircase or elevator leads to the basement unveiling a gallery of Zoya’s most iconic pieces. The first floor reveals the breadth of Zoya’s fine collections with an exclusive presentation of high value jewellery.

    Zoya travels the world to seek varied inspirations for its fine collections in the culture and art of historic periods like Awadh, Rajputana or the Romanov era. Iconic destinations like Banaras, Kashmir, Italy, Paris, Greece and Spain, are Zoya’s muse as much as legends and myths such as those of Krsna. Guided by a personal jewellery specialist, an indulgent walk-through of the thoughtfully-designed boutique is a tryst with luxury quite unlike any other; an opportunity to be regaled with tales of lands far and near, as the inspiration behind every creation of Zoya is brought vividly to life.

    The showcasing of jewellery with storytelling, visual merchandising, and varied lighting enhances the intricacy and beauty of each piece. Panels and partitions have been created by local artisans to tell the Zoya story, and clean, uncluttered lines and display units, showcase the treasures of this exclusive gallery of fine design.

    Thoughtful touches to make the customer feel special are a hallmark of luxury, and the store is designed to ensure valued guest experience the highly personalised service Zoya is known for. Private viewing areas with sheer curtains add softness while allowing customers to peruse the collections at leisure and with discretion, or to converse intimately with Zoya’s master designers at call to help them customize their favourite pieces. Once seated for a private viewing, chosen pieces of Zoya are individually showcased with an expert designer in attendance to fulfil bespoke desires. All while personally-curated gourmet hors d’oeuvres and sparkling flutes of bubbly flow in abundant luxury.

    CK Venkatraman, CEO, Jewellery Division, Titan Company, says “Zoya is a home-grown luxury brand, with an Indian heart and an eye on the world. It holds a cherished spot in the Titan story. With the aesthetic value of unique design and refined craftsmanship becoming sought after benchmarks of selection, we see great potential in Zoya’s growth. Delhi has always been a very important market for all of Titan’s jewellery brands, and we are delighted to offer our customers this beautiful new space to explore Zoya’s splendid treasures.”

    Added Gauri Khan, “Zoya’s products are very artistic. They are thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted. This attention to detail and commitment to quality is similar to my own approach to design. I am happy to be here for the opening of Zoya’s new boutique in Delhi.”

  • Daiso to set up regional distribution centre in Malaysia

    Daiso to set up regional distribution centre in Malaysia

    PKT every24 Logistics Sdn Bhd (PKT) signed a service agreement with Daiso Industries Co Ltd (Daiso) to operate the latter’s regional distribution centre (RDC) located in Port Klang, commencing in the second quarter of this year. PKT is a joint venture company between PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd and Daisei every24 Co Ltd. Incorporated in February 2016, it was set up by both parties to explore joint business opportunities in Malaysia.

    PKT said in a statement, in order to serve Daiso in this RDC, it will be constructing a purpose-built warehouse at an estimated investment cost of RM250 million while creating 500 new jobs for the state of Selangor.

    PKT said it shall be providing Daiso haulage, freight forwarding and warehousing services for their transshipment and local cargo, reaching approximately several hundred containers per month.

    Meanwhile, Daiso president Seiji Yano said the group is confident that PKT will be a valuable logistics partner for the group to better serve its outlets and customers across the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

    “We are truly honored by Daiso’s confidence in Malaysia’s logistics capability but most importantly Daiso’s confidence in PKT to deliver quality logistics service to their outlets,” PKT chairman Datuk Wira Jalilah Baba said.

    Daiso is a specialty store retailer of private label products offering a vast lineup of up to 70,000 superior quality products.

    Headquartered in Hiroshima Japan, Daiso has more than 5,270 stores worldwide, served by 17 distribution centers located in Japan, China and Thailand.

  • Little Caesars Philippines opens first store in Manila

    Little Caesars Philippines opens first store in Manila

    Pizza chain Little Caesars has opened its first restaurant in the Philippines. Little Caesars Philippines made its debut on Saturday, the first restaurant opened under the brand’s new franchise relationship with local operator Palmtree PH Foods Corp. It opened at the Metrosquare Building in Ermita with a promotional celebration that involved family activities and free pizza offerings.

    “Little Caesars is excited to celebrate the opening of its first restaurant in the Philippines, and to finally share our delicious pizzas with everyone”, said Paula Vissing, senior VP international for Little Caesars Pizza.

    Palmtree owner James Kodrowski, who manages a group of companies that operate in the region, said: “Little Caesars Pizza is exactly what this market needs … We believe that the Hot-N-Ready concept will have undeniable market appeal, as well as our commitment to excellent guest service, and superior value.

    It is our ambition to make Little Caesars the new favorite pizza of the Philippines.”

    Little Caesars Singapore also launched this month as the brand continues to experience growth internationally. The brand is the third largest pizza chain in the world, currently operating in 23 countries and territories.

  • Onitsuka Tiger store in Singapore is biggest yet

    Onitsuka Tiger store in Singapore is biggest yet

    Onitsuka Tiger Singapore has opened its largest boutique in Ngee Ann City. As part of its efforts to become recognised as a fashion lifestyle brand beyond its sneaker business, the Japanese footwear firm’s new 165sqm store – the label’s fifth in Singapore – exclusively stocks the label’s Nippon Made collection as well as its usual retail offerings, focused on hand-made shoes following traditional Japanese methods.

    The store also sells Japanese-designed athleisure apparel and accessories in a store space fitted out with plush tiger toys.

    Onitsuka Tiger is owned by Asics.

  • Puregold reveals expansion plan

    Puregold reveals expansion plan

    Philippines’ retail chain Puregold will open 25 outlets this year to boost its nationwide footprint. Parent company Puregold Price Club also plans to open four more S&R Membership warehouse stores. Planned locations include Metro Manila, Southern Luzon, and outside Metro Manila. Puregold VP for investor relations John Marson Hao said the company would use proceeds from the recently-concluded P4.69-billion public offering to fund the construction of the new outlets.

    The Puregold group operates 397 stores nationwide, including 345 Puregold stores, 16 S&R membership shopping warehouses and 36 S&R New York Style outlets.

  • Black Thunder pop-up store opens in Japan

    Black Thunder pop-up store opens in Japan

    Yuraku Confectionery has opened a Black Thunder pop-up store in Tokyo, selling chocolate to women for the men they’re not attracted to. The “obligation chocolate” business goes to the Japanese expectation that women should buy chocolate for male coworkers on Valentine’s Day and to express gratitude at other times of the year, without hinting at romantic attraction. The Black Thunder store is designed to save time for women observing the social nicety.

    The Black Thunder chocolate range is designed to be low-cost and sufficiently sweet to please recipients, while avoiding any fancy designs that might be mistaken for signs of hidden passion.

    The Black Thunder Obligation Chocolate Shop is located in the Tokyo Station Ichibangai underground shopping centre, connected to Tokyo Station, so that women can pick up several boxes or a large pack of individually-wrapped chocolates in one visit. It will remain open until Valentine’s Day.

  • Pronovias enters China with Shanghai store opening

    Pronovias enters China with Shanghai store opening

    Spanish bridalwear firm Pronovias has launched its first Chinese location in Shanghai. The 500sqm store is opening in luxury shopping centre Plaza 66, which hosts a range of high-end brands including Chanel and Dior. The move sparks off a greater strategy for the region, in which the Shanghai location will serve as Pronovias’s flagship.

    The brand was founded by BC Partners explicitly to tackle the difficult Chinese and American markets. China is the world’s largest producer of wedding dresses, and local custom is often to hire rather than buy the dress.

    The firm is simultaneously moving to expand in the US, with eight openings planned for the American East Coast.