Retail News CRM

Tag: Thailand

  • AEON Thailand Foundation supports the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand in Congenital Heart Disease project

    AEON Thailand Foundation supports the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand in Congenital Heart Disease project

    Ms. Suporn Wattanavekin (right), Chairman of AEON Thailand Foundation donated 500,000 Baht to the Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra in support of the “Children with Congenital Heart Disease Surgery Project”. The donation, received by Dr. Thanarat Layangool (left), President of The Cardiac Children Foundation of Thailand, will go towards surgeries and cardiac catheterizations outside office hours for up to 14 pediatric patients.

     

  • LINE Pay and LINE Financial Recognized at Good Design Award 2020

    LINE Pay and LINE Financial Recognized at Good Design Award 2020

    LINE Corporation announced today that it received two awards at the Good Design Award 2020. LINE Pay’s rebranding project was selected in the “Best 100” category while LINE Financial received a “Good Design Award” in the application category.

    Operated by Japan Institute of Design Promotion, the Good Design Award is considered a globally renowned design accolade, receiving more than 4,700 entries from around the world this year alone. Winners are allowed to use the “G Mark” logo on their products in recognition of their excellence.

    Both designs were produced by the BX Design Team at LINE Plus. The LINE Pay rebranding project was chosen for its sleek and scalable design, offering familiarity for users while increasing business potential. The LINE Financial services logos were recognized for their intuitive and easy-to-understand icons that are suitable for users of all ages. More information about both awards can be found on the Good Design Award website.

    LINE Pay Corporation, the operator of LINE’s digital wallet service, carried out a rebranding to refocus the company’s messaging, emphasizing how is evolving with society and becoming “The Next Payment Platform.” The rebrand also added visibility and simplicity to the LINE Pay logo, with the rebranded logos having a positive impact on both merchants and users, leading to an increase in the installation of the LINE Pay point of sales materials (POSM) in stores.

    LINE Financial has been introducing a range of financial services, including insurance, investment services, loans, and a credit scoring service, with the aim of bringing people and finance closer by creating new financial experiences. The brand design of these financial services captured a simpler user experience while also presenting a unified identity.

    With these awards, LINE Plus BX Design Team has been now recognized for its excellence in design by three of the most renowned international design awards: by the iF Design Award 2019, Red Dot Award 2020, and Good Design Award 2020.

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  • Volvo Cars Thailand launches an expansive new warehouse in Thailand

    Volvo Cars Thailand launches an expansive new warehouse in Thailand

    Volvo Cars Thailand officially launches an exciting and innovative new dedicated Volvo warehouse for the first time in Thailand. The “VOLVO CAR THAILAND CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION & TRAINING CENTER” (VCT CDTC) on Bangna-Trad Road Km 23, Samut Prakan Province, spread over an area of 23,331 square meters, is set to become Volvo’s one-stop hub in ASEAN and is the result of an investment of over 1 billion baht. The warehouse can store up to 550 Volvo cars with efficient spare parts management. There is also a comprehensive vehicle condition inspection department with world-class technology ensuring that every Volvo delivered to dealers across the region, and for direct delivery to customers, is in perfect condition. In addition, there is an international training center and a dedicated performance-testing center for the press. This warehouse has been developed to support future growth and expansion for Volvo’s business in Thailand and is in line with Volvo’s strategic plan and vision of becoming a regional leader in the premium car business.

    Mr. Chris Wailes, Managing Director, Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited, said, “Our new Volvo Car Thailand Central Distribution & Training Center, or VCT CDTC warehouse, is specially designed for Volvo Cars Thailand, in collaboration with our partners, the WHA Group. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology to manage warehouse and spare parts stock and has been designed to support our long-term strategic plans for Thailand. Our focus, as always, is on quality; all our new cars undergo a thorough quality check and steps before being delivered to our retailers and customers. This level of care and attention ensures every vehicle that leaves the warehouse is in perfect condition for the customer. We have also planned ahead and installed a new battery charger for recharging cars the electric cars we will be launching next year. We are confident that this new warehouse will play a major role in moving Volvo’s business forward in the future.”

    Volvo Car Thailand Central Distribution & Training Center (VCT CDTC) covers an area of 23,331 square meters, this expansive warehouse has been Built-to-Suit in cooperation with WHA Corporation Public Company Limited. Volvo has a comprehensive warehouse management plan developed to be the center of five key Volvo business units:

    • Distribution Center: a large distribution center equipped with a high-tech management system conveniently located to facilitate easy transportation access and enable Volvo cars to be efficiently delivered to customers and distributors across the region.
    • Pre-Delivery Service (PDS): this service provides Volvo vehicle condition inspection services that meet our stringent world-class standards, with a software station for ensuring that all software and systems are in perfect condition before the car leaves for delivery and is the first of its kind to be launched in Thailand. This dedicated software program has been developed specifically for Volvo cars only, ensuring each and every car that leaves the center is in perfect conditions, this adds an additional level of confidence for distributors and customers across the region.
    • Parts Distribution Center: providing the management and distribution of Volvo car parts and accessories supported by the latest in warehouse technology so as to enhance the efficiency of both before and after-sales services as well as supporting the lifetime warranty for Volvo parts and accessories (Customer Lifetime Parts Warranty).
    • Training Center: the new Volvo mechanic and sales consultant training center, operated by a team of experienced professionals from Volvo Cars (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The training center has been transformed into a modern new workshop under the concept of Volvo Personal Service (VPS) with an atmosphere that is elegant, airy, and resplendent in Scandinavian style, reflecting the aesthetic found at all Volvo car centers throughout the country.
    • Press Car Center: developed specifically for the testing and performance of Volvo cars for the press, all coordinated under the supervision of the PDS Center (Pre-Delivery Service Center) and the Press Car staff, so as to provide Volvo car test drives for the media. With VCT CDTC’s extensive space, there is ample private parking space for the press with a 24-hour a day security system, including a lounge area, and Volvo staff on hand to give professional and informed advice on all cars and services.

    Volvo Cars always prioritize the customer experience and know it is one of the most important factors when it comes to owning a Volvo and as such makes every aspect of Volvo’s operations, from warehouse to showroom, align with this concept.

    “Our goal is to provide a streamlined, efficient, and advanced experience for all our staff whose job it is to coordinate all sectors of our business, including working with all our distributors, customers, and the media. Volvo can clearly see the great potential for current and future growth in the premium car sector in Thailand. The opening of this new and expansive one-stop warehouse is an integral part of Volvo’s vision to become a true leader in the premium vehicle business in this country and is part of our infrastructure plans to make Thailand Volvo’s future business center in the region.” Mr. Chris Wailes added.

  • Thai Airways offers ‘semi-commercial’ flights to 7 international destinations

    Thai Airways offers ‘semi-commercial’ flights to 7 international destinations

    After a major slowdown in both international and domestic travel due to coronavirus travel restrictions, Thai Airways is now offering flights to and from 7 international destinations over the next 2 months, according to the airline’s chief executive Wiwat Piyawirot.

    These flights are “semi-commercial.” Wiwat says return flights are intended for Thais returning home from overseas, those with families in Thailand, those traveling to Thailand on business, students, and travelers with connecting flights.

    Departures in November and December

    • London – Sundays
    • Frankfurt – Fridays
    • Copenhagen – Sundays
    • Hong Kong – Wednesdays (expect November 11 and 25)
    • Tokyo – Wednesdays and Saturdays
    • Taipei – Fridays and Wednesdays
    • Sydney – Sundays (Must inform the Australian Embassy in Thailand)
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  • Tokyu department store leaves Thailand

    Tokyu department store leaves Thailand

    Japanese department-store chain Tokyu is to exit Thailand, the third Japanese retailer to withdraw from the country this year.

    Tokyu aims to close its last store at Bangkok’s MBK shopping center next January, ending 35 years of trading in the city. The retailer closed its second, newer store at Paradise Park last year.

    The department store has been struggling in the shopping center competition due to the launch of a series of new developments in Bangkok. However, the tourism depression resulting from Covid-19 proved a fatal blow to the company, forcing it to retreat home.

    The closure came suddenly, with the management of MBK saying just two weeks ago that the store would undergo a renovation after the lease agreement was extended for another nine years.

    Tokyu’s withdrawal follows the departure of Japan’s upmarket department store Isetan in September. That company pulled out of Thailand after 28 years of trading there, saying it was unable to continue to compete with other retailers.

    With Tokyu leaving Thailand, Takashimaya will become the only Japanese department-store chain left in the country.

    Another Japanese retailer, FamilyMart effectively withdrew this year after selling its stake to local partner Central Retail, effectively becoming a franchisor.

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  • Line Launches Social Banking Platform in Thailand

    Line Launches Social Banking Platform in Thailand

    Thailand is the first market where Line has integrated banking services on its main mobile platform. Japan-based Line, which operates one of Thailand’s most popular social media platforms, has rolled out banking services in the kingdom in partnership with Kasikornbank.

    The Line BK service allows users to customers to transfer money, open savings accounts, apply for loans, and make payments directly from the messaging platform. It also promises high-interest rates for saving accounts and a range of banking services, including personal loans for freelancers and individuals without fixed incomes, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

    The company said it plans to expand banking services into other countries, including Japan, Taiwan, and Indonesia.

    The Line messaging app launched in 2011 and since then has grown into a diverse, global ecosystem that includes AI technology, fintech and more.

    In Thailand, LINE introduced its messenger service in 2012, and quickly grew into the country’s leading social media platform.

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  • DHL Supply Chain partners with Shopee to provide world-class delivery services for the exciting ‘Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival’

    DHL Supply Chain partners with Shopee to provide world-class delivery services for the exciting ‘Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival’

    DHL Supply Chain Thailand, the global market leader in contract logistics solutions, is partnering with ‘Shopee’, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, to support  ‘Shopee 10.10 Brands Festival’. In anticipation of the expected spikes in online sales, DHL Supply Chain will extend its logistics support to include the transportation of large and bulky items directly to its customers.

    Kevin Burrell, CEO DHL Supply Chain Thailand Cluster said, “Our partnership with Shopee extends beyond logistics. We see ourselves as a strategic partner who can provide a full range of end-to-end services from warehousing to handling and delivering white goods. With DHL’s innovative technology that is integrated throughout our warehouse and transport services, I am convinced that we are best placed to manage the increased volume with ease and demonstrate our value in ensuring that all of Shopee’s customers receive the best shopping experience.”

    E-commerce is fast becoming a popular choice for savvy shoppers in Thailand, who expect to receive their purchases in pristine conditions and on time. The total value of Thailand’s business-to-consumer sector is valued at about USD 5.5 billion this year up by about 14% as compared to 2019. In reports by App Annie, Shopee continued to rank first in the ‘Shopping’ category by downloads in Southeast Asia in Q2 2020, and was among the top three worldwide in the same category.

    Eric Bui, Head of Operations, Shopee (Thailand) said, “With online shopping growing day by day in Thailand, it is our priority to consistently provide a seamless shopping experience for our users, from the moment they go online, to the purchase, and then delivery. That is why we teamed up with a world-class expert. DHL’s wealth of experience and innovative systems exceeded our expectations from day one, ensuring that we continue to maintain our good reputation with our users. With the previous Shopee double date campaigns, we encountered a spike in demand but DHL was able to meet our customers’ expectations, which made the campaign a resounding success. They will once again be an important partner for us during the Shopee 10.10 Brand Festival.”

    DHL Supply Chain utilizes its expertise to ensure products sold on Shopee are delivered to customers effortlessly. In particular, leading brands on Shopee Mall, which carry many types of products including large and bulky items will benefit from this partnership given that DHL excels in the transportation of such items which require extra care and precision.

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  • Shopee launching premium portal Shopee launches Shopee Premium, an exclusive destination for premium brands to connect with digital-first shoppers

    Shopee launching premium portal Shopee launches Shopee Premium, an exclusive destination for premium brands to connect with digital-first shoppers

    Shopee’s press release said the Mall offers 100 percent authenticity guarantee, free shipping and 15 days return on all products, with an additional wave of unbeatable deals and promotions during the grand launch.

    Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, has officially launched ‘Shopee Mall’, a new dedicated portal featuring thousands of products sold by leading brands and Shopee’s top sellers, revealed the press statement.

    The Mall will give users direct access to a variety of prominent brands such as Loreal, Unilever, Huawei, Nestle, Phillips and many more. All products on Shopee Mall come with 15 Days Return Policy, 100 percent Authenticity Guarantee, and Free Shipping nationwide.

    Terence Pang, chief operating officer of Shopee said that following the tremendous growth of Shopee Thailand in the recent years, it has taken a major step to officially launch Shopee Mall as a way to cement our position as the one-stop-shopping platform of choice in the market, and also to expand and diversify our product assortment to cater to users all across Thailand.

    “Moving forward, Shopee will continue to establish more strategic partnerships with leading brands, and to work closely with them to further provide an unprecedented choice of products and services to enhance users’ overall shopping experience, and to drive forward the growth of Thailand’s e-commerce industry.”

    The Mall was conceptualized to solve shoppers’ concerns about product authenticity, which is a major concern among buyers when shopping online. The newly launched portal caters to the demands of Thai shoppers where they can shop for their favorite brands and products from the brand owners themselves.

    Additionally, with more Thai brands embracing e-commerce, Shopee Mall provides a platform for traditional brands and retailers to tap on to expand their digital presence, according to the statement.

    This reflects Shopee’s commitment to constantly innovating and enhancing its platform, features, and services to adapt to the rapidly-changing e-commerce scene and consequently, the needs of users.

    To identify the product listings, shoppers can look out for the distinctive red ‘Mall’ label while browsing. Shopee ensures a premium online shopping experience with the following benefits:

    15 Days Return Policy: Shoppers can enjoy hassle-free returns within 15 days at zero cost for all Shopee Mall products.

    100% Authenticity Guarantee: Serves to eliminate buyer concerns about product authenticity. Any shopper who receives a counterfeit product when purchasing from Shopee Mall is entitled to a 200% refund.

    Free Shipping nationwide: Shoppers can enjoy greater cost savings with free shipping nationwide on every order, subject to a minimum spend of 200 baht.

    Get ready for a series of super deals and promotions during Shopee Mall Grand Launch

    During Shopee Mall Grand Launch campaign happening from 5 to 11 March, users can look forward to endless irresistible deals including multiple daily flash sales, discounts of up to 80% off, surprise voucher codes and up to 12% Shopee coins cashback across all product categories on Shopee.

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  • Thai Airways to open flight simulators to public

    Thai Airways to open flight simulators to public

    Thai Airways is opening up its Boeing and Airbus flight simulators to the public this October in its latest bid to boost business amid the drop in travel demand due to the coronavirus crisis.

    As part of the airline’s “Thai Flying Experience and Beyond” project, customers will get to enter a mock cockpit of an A380, B777-300ER, B747-400, and a B737-400 aircraft.

    “Pilots and co-pilots will accommodate customers throughout the entire session,” reads a statement from the carrier.

    According to Thai Airways, customers can choose from the following three packages:

    • Basic Package (30 minutes) 12,000 Baht for two users
    • Deluxe Package (60 minutes) 24,000 Baht for two users
    • Ultimate Package (90 minutes) 36,000 Baht for three users

    The flight simulator project is the airline’s latest effort to generate revenue amid the Covid-19 pandemic as flights continue to remain grounded, and the airline looks to restructure 245 billion baht ($7.83 billion) worth of debt.

    Earlier this month, the national airline converted the cafeteria of its headquarters in Bangkok into a plane-themed restaurant.

  • Vietnam opens anti-dumping probe into sugar imports from Thailand

    Vietnam opens anti-dumping probe into sugar imports from Thailand

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into sugar imports from Thailand, which have increased six-fold this year.

    The probe follows complaints by Vietnamese sugar producers that Thai exporters, with a subsidy from their government, are dumping their products in Vietnam and causing damage to the local sugar industry, the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam said in a statement.

    The import of sugar from Thailand increased six times year-on-year in the first eight months of this year to nearly 950,000 tonnes, it said.

    Vietnamese producers, represented by six major companies, said the surging imports hit their production, causing it to fall by 33 percent to 800,000 tonnes in the 2019-2020 crop.

    They have sought an anti-dumping duty of 37.9 percent. Vietnam removed import duties on sugar imported from ASEAN countries this year in accordance with the commitments of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

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  • Central Retail to merge Central with Robinson

    Central Retail to merge Central with Robinson

    Thailand’s Central Retail group plans to merge its two department-store businesses – Central and Robinsons.

    According to CRC, the merger is part of the company’s strategy to be the first omnichannel department store in Thailand. However, the company will continue to operate Central and Robinson as independent banners.

    “The business synergy will give the combined department stores a significant acceleration to become more customer-centric, as well as to strengthen the company’s omnichannel competencies,” said Nicolo Galante, president of Central Retail.

    “Through this new chapter of our business, we want to ensure that we continue to grow and create a winning company for the long term,” Nicolo said.

    Robinson department stores focus on apparel and beauty with 74 stores across the country. Central department stores are generally larger and have a more comprehensive product category-spanning multiple categories.

    It appears from information supplied by the company that the greatest impact of the merger plan will be in the fashion and apparel categories, streamlining offers.

    CRC also said it plans to open between two and five new stores annually.

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  • Thailand’s Central Group acquires OfficeMate

    Thailand’s Central Group acquires OfficeMate

    Central Retail (CRC) is to buy out COL Public Company, the parent company of Thai retail chains OfficeMate, B2S, and Meb E-Books.

    The deal with COL, which is estimated at US$390 million, will add the three brands to CRC’s existing retail portfolio and “strengthen Central Retail’s hardlines group” the company said in a statement. The move is part of the group’s strategy to expand its range of retail product categories, formats, and channels domestically and globally.

    COL is one of Southeast Asia’s largest office supplies, books, entertainment media, lifestyle products, and e-books retail business. The company’s board on Monday approved the terms of the takeover proposal which will now be put to a shareholders’ meeting. Once endorsed the company will be delisted from the Thai stock exchange.

    The company was incorporated in February 1994 by the Ounjai Family which had more than 40 years of experience in selling stationery and office equipment.

    “We are supremely confident that this plan to buy out the business and all the shares of COL will be mutually beneficial,” said Yo Phkasub, CEO of Central Retail. “It will enable both businesses to grow sustainably, and upgrade Thai retail for long-term national economic growth.”

    According to Central Retail, the deal will help the company to expand its customer base into new groups, particularly B2B and the younger customer segment. On the other hand, COL will enjoy greater exposure for its products through CRC’s omnichannel platform.

    The acquisition of 640 million COL shares is still subject to regulatory approval and expected to complete within the first quarter of next year, according to Yo.

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  • Thai government bans online liquor purchase

    Thai government bans online liquor purchase

    Thailand is to ban the sale of alcohol online because the government says it is too difficult to ensure broader liquor sales are being respected.

    The decision has been signed off by Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who said that alcoholic drinks have become a popular item traded via e-commerce, creating difficulties in oversight.

    Thailand’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Act BE 2551 sets legal limits for the sale of alcohol that have proved impossible to adequately enforce on digital trading, which has presented problems in controlling the date, time, venue, and target groups buying alcohol.

    Thai law prohibits the sale of alcohol in retail stores before 11 am, between 2 pm and 5 pm and after midnight. The kingdom also has numerous full-day bans throughout the year including Buddhist holidays and days in which elections are scheduled.

    According to the Prime Minister’s announcement, prohibited activities include the direct sale of alcohol online, as well as persuasion, introducing alcoholic products or related services via electronic channels that allow for retail transactions for alcohol to occur without physically meeting.

    It does not include in-person electronic transactions such as purchases made by digital means in restaurants and stores.

    The ban will be put into place within 90 days of being published in the Royal Gazette.

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  • Siam Piwat opens Ecotopia, Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination

    Siam Piwat opens Ecotopia, Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination

    Siam Piwat has unveiled Ecotopia in Bangkok, which it claims to be Asia’s first eco-lifestyle destination.

    Located at Siam Discovery, the store occupies 2000sqm and features more than 300 brands of eco-friendly and health-oriented products. Ecotopia houses eight different zones.

    A Hygienic zone offers a selection of household products made from natural and biodegradable materials, while the Zero Waste zone is a refiller where customers can take their own containers to refill everyday products or food items.

    Air-purifying plants and gardening tools can be found in a Green zone, while a Healthy zone offers organic food and a Beautiful zone a selection of chemical-free skincare and personal-care products.

    The Up-cycled zone displays products with renewed value through recycling, while a Stylish Zone features fashion items made from organic cotton and fabric scraps, and a clothing swap corner where pre-owned clothes can be exchanged for new garments.

    Finally, a Kind Zone highlights local handicrafts made from natural materials that help generate incomes for local communities.

    At Ecotopia, visitors can join regular eco-friendly workshops to learn how to turn waste into creative art or develop organic gardening skills.

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  • Isetan ends Bangkok era

    Isetan ends Bangkok era

    Japanese department store Isetan has closed its Bangkok outlet after 28 years of operation in Thailand.

    The complex launched in CentralWorld shopping center during the early days of Southeast Asia’s economic growth when many consumers in the region were having their first taste of wealth. The store was also a favorite haunt of Japanese residents in the city who found a slice of the home there.

    Isetan announced the closure on its Facebook account with a poignant message that attracted thanks and well-wishes from saddened customers and friends of the store. It did not disclose whether operator Mitsukoshi Group intends to reopen the store in a new location, but this is considered unlikely.

    The department store announced it would not renew the lease of its CentralWorld lease in March. At the time it was known that the store was suffering from competition with other retailers, its sales have fallen to 70 percent of the peak level in 1997.

    According to mall owner Central Pattana Plc, the 27,000sqm retail space is to undergo renovation as an “urban lifestyle destination”.

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