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Tag: Stores

  • CLUSE opens its very first monobrand store in Taiwan

    CLUSE opens its very first monobrand store in Taiwan

    The Amsterdam-based watch brand renowned for its timeless sophistication and strong focus on materials, quality, and style has just opened its first monobrand store in Taiwan in partnership with Bluebell. This CLUSE monobrand POS is a rotating pop-up in partnership with Eslite, which aims to attract visitors from different cities in Taiwan. This month the pop-up stops at the Eslite Taichung Parklane by CMP Store, 1F.

    CLUSE, created in Amsterdam in 2013 by a team of young and ambitious individuals, is a fast-growing watch brand for the modern and fashionable woman.

    Named after “Cluses”, one of the oldest watchmaking towns in France, CLUSE is able to combine a modern, minimalistic, and elegant design yet remaining faithful to its heritage by crafting authentic, quality analogue timepieces.

    CLUSE was discovered at an early stage by the fashion-loving crowd on social media, and among others, it has acquired worldwide fame on Instagram and Facebook, being recognized as a successful Facebook story for its effective digital marketing strategies.

    Thanks to the profound in-house knowledge of Social Media marketing, a data-driven approach and a clear customer profile based on campaign data, CLUSE has managed to grow to a staggering 1.6 million Facebook fans and 700K Instagram followers within 3 years.

    This success is boosted by CLUSE’s brand ambassadors who are recognized among the most influential kol worldwide like @sincerelyjules and @retroflame who live their life with the same philosophy of the brand.

    Drawing inspiration from minimalist fashion and subtle colours, CLUSE represents the mentality of simplicity of being grounded, empowered, sophisticated and true to oneself.

    CLUSE is designed not only to indicate time, but also to define the best moments in life.

    CLUSE is designed for dynamic and versatile women. One CLUSE watch allows infinite possibilities thanks to the mix&match easily interchangeable straps.

    CLUSE has soon become the most popular lifestyle watch brand in Europe and invested into a high-end network of distributors.

    After expanding in Europe, CLUSE has quickly conquered millennials in different countries, and it led to simultaneously launch in wholesale in Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and wholesale and mono-brand stores in Hong Kong, Singapore, and now Taiwan.

    The latest collection is La Tétragone (this new classic square shape design launched in SS18), and Triomphe (also launched in SS18).

    Following the success of CLUSE timepieces, the brand has started a new adventure into jewelry. Three collections have been created Essentielle, Idylle, and Amourette to translated unique personalities into unique pieces.

    CLUSE is definitely a brand to keep an eye on, strong brand identity,  effective digital marketing strategy, and an army of influencers boosting its brand image.

  • Emart24 ups the booze to capture solo drinker market

    Emart24 ups the booze to capture solo drinker market

    Convenience store chain Emart24 will expand its alcohol selection tenfold at around 500 branches this year, the brand said Wednesday. The products will be offered using the shop-in-shop model with 120 products, including wine, whiskey and micro-beers, displayed in a dedicated corner. Three to six racks will be added at each outlet to hold the products.

    The company explained the efforts are motivated by the rise of solo drinkers, those who enjoy a few drinks after work as opposed to drinking in larger groups.

    The reduction of the workweek to 52 hours and changing lifestyles, which prioritize work-life balance, have further driven up the number of solo drinkers. Before the announcement, the convenience store tested the shop-in-shop model at 19 branches for two months from November. Sales of wine, craft beer and whiskey increased 20-fold. Overall sales at these 19 branches doubled.

    Emart24 said it plans to expand the shop-in-shop concept to products other than alcohol in the future. It is considering fresh food and imported snacks.

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  • Japanese Brand Muji Will Open First Vietnam Store in 2020

    Japanese Brand Muji Will Open First Vietnam Store in 2020

    Japanese household goods and apparel chain Muji plans to open in Vietnam next year. The company will establish its subsidiary Muji Vietnam this August with headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City. The first store is scheduled to open in the second quarter. Muji’s parent Ryohin Keikaku says it chose Vietnam as Muji’s next overseas market because of the country’s fast-paced development. Vietnam has the third-largest population in ASEAN and is undergoing rapid economic growth.

    “From our business’ point of view, it is one of the major markets in ASEAN, with the estimated real GDP growth of 7.1 per cent last year,” the company said in a statement released in Japan.

    “We expect that our experience and knowhow in the global market will help in running stores that serve everyday living and [that will] increase Muji’s fans in the area.”

    Muji products are among the most popular items hand-carried back into Vietnam from travellers visiting countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

    The opening of first Muji Vietnam store is expected to attract many Vietnamese youngsters, with the minimalist lifestyle reflected in the retailer’s product range currently a trend in the country.

    Muji has more than 450 stores in Japan, and 470 stores in other countries.

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  • Armani’s pop-up opens in Thailand

    Armani’s pop-up opens in Thailand

    Giorgio Armani beauty announces the opening of its itinerant pop-up store ARMANI BOX in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand. The opening of ARMANI BOX BANGKOK was celebrated on February 11th with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exclusive event in the presence of influencers from Thailand and China. During the event, the design of ARMANI BOX BANGKOK was revealed: with its hot red walls and black lighting fixtures, it is full of surprises. A giant gorilla, Uri, welcomes visitors as they enter the store: created by Italian artist Marcantonio Raimondi Malerba, the full-sized golden gorilla is a replica of the black one that resides in Giorgio Armani’s home in Milan. “This resin gorilla is a gift that came from a movie set. He’s called Uri”.

    It is hard to think about Giorgio Armani without bringing cinematic images to mind. The new ARMANI BOX experience allows the visitor to become a movie star with a series of details to explore: from the Walk of Fame digital handprint, to the backstage makeup stations, as well as a red carpet indicating the way. Visitors can also film their very own screen test, entering a director’s booth and playing with their emotions; portrait photos and videos will be available to keep, share and post online.

    The ARMANI BOX is a sensorial and playful immersion in Giorgio Armani beauty’s universe. Visitors can discover product exclusives included a limited edition version of its new lip product Rouge d’Armani Matte #400, and personalize their products with engraving.

  • CU convenience stores parent records sales leap

    CU convenience stores parent records sales leap

    The operator of South Korea’s CU convenience stores, BGF Retail, has achieved KRW189.5 billion (US$168.9 million) in operating profit last year, a leap of more than 600 per cent over last year. The company said on Tuesday its sales had risen by 515.3 per cent to KRW5.77 trillion ($5.14 billion). The results confirmed market predictions of a major upswing for the firm following demerging into separate holding and operating entities in November 2017.

    However, despite the improved trading figures, net profit dropped 98.1 per cent to KRW47.2 billion ($42.06 million). A statement by the firm explained that profits from some business activities made after the demerger had been attributed to the previous year’s statements.

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  • Wing Zone reveals its Manila expansion plan

    Wing Zone reveals its Manila expansion plan

    US-based restaurant chain Wing Zone plans to open five more outlets in Manila by the end of this year ahead of pursuing more Southeast Asian opportunities. As Wing Zone opens new restaurants internationally, the company is exploring more local flavours and also plans to incorporate new menu options available in the US such as Zesty Breaded Wings and Chicken Ribs.

    “We have built a solid international presence and reputation with dedicated franchisees who share our values and understand the commitment to customer service. As we continue to find those qualified franchisees to help in our growth in the US we will be exploring even more partnerships to bring Wing Zone to more cities and countries internationally as well,” said Matt Friedman, co-founder and CEO of Wing Zone.

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    In the US, Wing Zone will open eight new domestic locations in 2019 in North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama. In Asia, after the Philippines, the chain will also explore other Southeast Asia markets.

    Wing Zone has nearly 100 locations across the US, and overseas including in Panama, Guatemala, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.

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  • PortsPURE opens first store in Thailand

    PortsPURE opens first store in Thailand

    PortsPURE is a contemporary womenswear label by Canadian-based brand PORTS 1961. It has just launched in Thailand at the Central Department Store. PortsPURE embraces timeless classics through a contemporary twist with a luxe aesthetic. The collection distills the style cues from the PORTS 1961 into a new, standalone wardrobe for today’s woman. Classic pieces with clever twists that add flair to utilitarian and urban silhouettes.

    For the Spring/Summer 2019 collection, PortsPURE is peppered with details inspired by the iconic Amalfi Coast in Italy. And this summer, the brand prepares to take you where the breeze is warm, the cocktails are cold, and the sun is bright in your eyes.

    PortsPURE is now available at Central Chidlom, 2nd floor, and Central Phuket, 1st floor.

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  • Metro Department Store is opening at Ayala Malls Feliz

    Metro Department Store is opening at Ayala Malls Feliz

    The 53rd Metro Department Store has opened its doors at the Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City. Covering a floor area of 21,200sqm, the store includes a 6600sqm supermarket. “Customers can look forward to an enjoyable and convenient shopping experience as we consistently strive to deliver world-class customer service as well as a wide assortment of premium quality merchandise at affordable prices,” said Frank S Gaisano, Metro Stores Retail Group chairman and CEO.

    The firm aims to open five more stores this year. An investment of P10 billion (US$191.9 million) has been allocated to store expansion over five years.

    Metro Stores Retail Group has shops in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and South Luzon, as well as in Central, Western, and Eastern Visayas through department store, supermarket, and hypermarket formats.

    For the first nine months of 2018, the group’s net income fell by 17 per cent to P454.93 million (US$8.7 million).

  • New Celine store design was made for Asia

    New Celine store design was made for Asia

    The new Celine store design unveiled in New York City is destined for China and Japan in the early stages of a global rollout. The white and grey dominated, minimalist design illustrated here in official photographs released by the luxury fashion brand, was conceived by the label’s creative director Hedi Slimane. The first store, which has opened at 650 Madison Avenue, takes up 5000sqft, making it Celine’s largest store yet anywhere in the world.

    According to company sources, the new look will be implemented next in Los Angeles, Paris and Milan before being launched in Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo.

    Slimane uses natural materials as a contrast to stark white walls and polished railings.

    He used natural stones like basaltina on the floors and ginger and cream-streaked black granite on walls and some shelving together with a combination of marbles and grey travertine.

    Contrasting yet complementing the stone, reclaimed oak, polished stainless steel, brass, gold, and concrete are used and in the case of the Madison Avenue store, a large rock creates a focal point in the store.

    Celine says future stores will feature commissioned artworks relevant to the locations. Commissioned artists include Jose Davila, Oscar Tuazon, Elaine Cameron Weir and James Balmforth.

    The stores will also feature furniture designed by Slimane, such as wooden benches, tanned leather chairs and brass side table.

    The timeline for the rollout of the new Celine store design has not yet been released.

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  • Looking at Omnichannel presence in India: IKEA

    Looking at Omnichannel presence in India: IKEA

    Swedish home furnishings major IKEA Thursday said it plans to have an Omnichannel presence in India going forward, reiterating its long-term commitment to the country. Last year, the company opened its first store in Hyderabad, spread over 13 acres of land and has a built up area of 4 lakh sq.ft. “We are long term committed to India. We are planning to have omni-channel presence here. We will have three formats — big stores, online and smaller stores here,” Peter Betzel, CEO, IKEA India said.

    According to a report, the presence in three formats is to bring the customers closer, he added. The Hyderabad store is the first of 25 such outlets planned to be set up in India by 2025.

    The company will be opening big stores in India, starting with a store in Mumbai this year, followed by one in Bengaluru in spring-2021 and then in Delhi-NCR, Betzel said.

    However, he did not provide any timeline for the opening of the store in Delhi.

    IKEA will have its online presence in Mumbai and will also expand smaller stores category there, he added.

    When asked how the company plans to fund the expansion, Betzel said: “It will be through our own money.”

    In 2013, IKEA received nod from the government to invest Rs 10,500 crore in single-brand retail out of which it had invested Rs 4,500 crore in its different ongoing projects in India.

    IKEA has been present in India for 30 years, sourcing many different products for IKEA stores worldwide.

  • AirAsia opening restaurant based on its in-flight menu

    AirAsia opening restaurant based on its in-flight menu

    Low-cost carrier AirAsia may launch restaurants serving its Santan “gourmet” in-flight menu on the ground. The proposal was revealed by AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes while promoting his recent autobiography in an interview with US talk show host Larry King. “I think our food is fantastic,” said Fernandes in response to a question from the audience. “We believe in it so much we’re going to start a fast-food restaurant out of it.”

    But Fernandes gave no more details away about the plan, such as where the restaurants might be located or whether he favoured airport locations or city centres.

    News that AirAsia may launch restaurants on the ground may come as a surprise to travellers, but Fernandes has previously spun off new business concepts from the airline’s business model including a short-lived budget hotel chain where occupants paid extra for features such as air conditioning, towels and amenities, and a bus service connecting Kuala Lumpur Airport with downtown.

    AirAsia also made news recently for its new chatbot Ava (AirAsia Virtual Allstar) which, along with a new look for the firm’s website and mobile app, are designed to deliver a more seamless and user-friendly experience to customers.

    Fernandes has also indicated the airline will place increased focus on the Indonesian and Philippines markets in the near future.

  • Belgian Waffle Co expands to Southeast Asia

    Belgian Waffle Co expands to Southeast Asia

    Indian-headquartered Belgian Waffle Co has partnered with VF Franchise Consulting to expand into Southeast Asia. The chain is operated under small kiosk and cafe models, and is best known for its waffle sandwiches. “The Belgian Waffle Co has seen exponential growth in India in less than three years with unprecedented success,” said Shrey Aggarwal, cofounder of The Belgian Waffle Co.

    “Our vision is to be a Global Player in the QSR segment, being recognised for dessert offerings and our values of affordability, quality and simplicity.”

    Founded in 2015, Belgian Waffle Co now has more than 200 outlets in 55 cities in India, Nepal and Dubai.

    “We are delighted about partnering with The Belgian Waffle Co as the company seeks to expand further into Southeast Asia,” said Sean T Ngo, CEO of VF Franchise Consulting.

    “Belgian waffles have universal appeal amongst Asians and non-Asians alike. They have taken a fork-and-knife approach to eating waffles and turned the industry upside down into a fast, on-the-go food for people who enjoy delicious-tasting breakfasts, snacks and desserts and a business that offers potential fast returns.”

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  • Ikea Malaysia opens new store

    Ikea Malaysia opens new store

    Ikea Malaysia will next month open its first store in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia – in Batu Kawan, Penang. Due to open on March 14, the brand’s fourth outlet in the country spans 43,600sqm of retail space and will feature more than 8000 products.

    “The store will also have 49 showrooms, a market, restaurants and a bakery. We expect it will attract about 50,000 visitors per week,” said Ikea Malaysia store manager Arumugam Pathmalingam.

    In advance of the grand opening, the store has already attracted excitement among Penangites, mainly on social media.

  • Ermenegildo Zegna Opens its Global Flagship Store in New York City

    Ermenegildo Zegna Opens its Global Flagship Store in New York City

    Italian luxury firm Ermenegildo Zegna has launched a new global store in New York. The new three-level 660sqm boutique, designed by prominent architect Peter Marino, is a luxury retail space with a facade composed of metallic threads. The store features a personalisation room on the third floor, offering high-end bespoke clothing fitted by a master tailor.

    A selection of fine leather footwear and other goods, couture collections and sneakers, and luxury leisurewear are also among product lines on sale in store.

    Exclusive to the New York global store is the newly released Taccuino capsule collection, featuring leatherwear goods inspired by Ermenegildo Zegna’s personal notebook and fine calligraphy.

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  • Leather brand Kompanero to expand in Europe

    Leather brand Kompanero to expand in Europe

    India’s premium leather bag brand Kompanero plans to open 100 outlets by 2025. The company will open four stores, raising its network to 34, this year. “With four new stores in the pipeline, we are expanding our presence in existing cities with Express Avenue Mall in Chennai and Sarath City Mall in Hyderabad,” said Indranath Sengupta, Kompanero CEO. “In addition, the brand’s airport presence is being strengthened with our newly launched store at Guwahati Airport and Chandigarh Airport, and an upcoming one at Chennai Domestic Airport.”

    The brand is also entering Europe this year with its exclusive stores; however, the exact location of the first store has yet to be revealed.

    The company’s turnover has grown by 60 per cent within the last year.

    Kompanero products are available in Australia, the UK, Japan, and Korea via distribution networks as well as e-commerce portals including Amazon, Myntra and Jabong.

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