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  • Coles Bids Farewell to Swaggle: The Unexpected Turn in Australia’s Pet Care Industry

    Coles Bids Farewell to Swaggle: The Unexpected Turn in Australia’s Pet Care Industry

    Swaggle, a pet care subsidiary of supermarket titan Coles, will be shutting down after a two-year run, it has been confirmed. Swaggle marked Coles’ entry into the thriving pet care industry which is currently valued at over $33 billion annually in Australia.

    Headquartered in Victoria, Swaggle was supervised by Chad Burke, previously a category manager at Coles Group. The online marketplace boasted an extensive inventory of items, featuring both niche and prominent brands in the industry.

    Despite its initial promise, Coles has decided to cease Swaggle’s operations beginning from April, just over two years after its inception.

    A representative from Coles praised Swaggle as one of the company’s most important innovation projects. The representative stated, “The venture demonstrated our ability to quickly ideate and trial in the market, and highlighted what a dedicated, nimble team can achieve when they stay attuned to the customer’s needs and are willing to experiment.”

    The company plans to investigate options for relocating Swaggle’s workforce within its group, while providing support to others during the transition.

    The representative further added, “It also serves as a reminder of the need to acknowledge market shifts and to redirect our focus and capital to ensure the continued execution of our strategy.” The spokesperson went on to express, “As the pet market’s demands have transformed and client needs have developed, we have made the difficult decision to close down our Swaggle Pet business from the beginning of April.”

    Questions & Answers

    Why is Coles closing down its pet care business, Swaggle?
    Coles is closing down its pet care business, Swaggle, due to evolving customer needs and shifting demand in the pet market.

    What will happen to the employees of Swaggle after its closure?
    Coles is exploring opportunities to relocate Swaggle employees within its group and promises to support others during the transition period.

    What was the significance of Swaggle to Coles?
    Swaggle was one of the most significant innovation initiatives at Coles, demonstrating the company’s ability to quickly create and test in the market, and highlighting the achievements of a small, talented team.

  • Vinpearl CEO Dang Thanh Thuy Steps Down: A Turn of Tide in Vietnam’s Hospitality Giant

    Vinpearl CEO Dang Thanh Thuy Steps Down: A Turn of Tide in Vietnam’s Hospitality Giant

    Dang Thanh Thuy has stepped down from her position as chief executive officer of Vinpearl, Vingroup’s resort division. Despite her resignation, Thuy continues to hold a seat on the organization’s board. Vinpearl has not yet announced a successor or the reasons behind Thuy’s departure.

    Background of Dang Thanh Thuy

    Thuy, 56, holds a Bachelor’s degree in literature. She joined the ranks of Vinpearl in 2004 and has held significant positions in the company over the years. She served as the chairman of Vinpearl from January 2023 to March 2024, and from 2012 to 2016, she was the deputy CEO of Vingroup.

    Vinpearl’s Status in the Hospitality Industry

    Vinpearl stands as one of the foremost hospitality brands in Vietnam, boasting an impressive portfolio of 48 hotels, resorts, theme parks, and golf courses spread across 18 provinces and cities.

    Financial Performance

    In the third quarter of 2025, Vinpearl reported revenues of VND3.09 trillion (US$117.5 million), marking a 40.7% decrease year-on-year. The company’s post-tax profits stood at VND169 billion, falling 66.6%. Furthermore, its profits for the first nine months of the year saw a drastic decline, plummeting by 86%.

    Vinpearl is primarily owned by Vingroup, with an ownership stake of 85%. The conglomerate’s chairman is renowned billionaire, Pham Nhat Vuong.

    Questions & Answers

    Who was the previous CEO of Vinpearl?
    Dang Thanh Thuy was the former CEO of Vinpearl.

    What significant positions did Dang Thanh Thuy hold in Vinpearl and Vingroup?
    Dang Thanh Thuy served as the chairman of Vinpearl from January 2023 to March 2024 and was the deputy CEO of Vingroup from 2012 to 2016.

    What was the financial performance of Vinpearl in the third quarter of 2025?
    In the third quarter of 2025, Vinpearl reported revenues of VND3.09 trillion (US$117.5 million), a 40.7% decrease year-on-year. The company’s post-tax profits stood at VND169 billion, a decrease of 66.6%.

  • South Korean Beauty Brands Leverage Immersive Experiences For Enhanced Customer Engagement

    South Korean Beauty Brands Leverage Immersive Experiences For Enhanced Customer Engagement

    As the beauty industry becomes more competitive, leading South Korean beauty brands are transforming their stores into immersive spaces. These spaces offer customers an opportunity to trial products and gain a deeper understanding of the brand’s ethos.

    Space Dosan: A Unique Testing Ground

    APR Co, a significant player in the beauty industry, operates ‘Space Dosan’ in Seoul’s Sinsa-dong. Here, customers can try the Medicube skincare range and experiment with the brand’s beauty device – Age-R. Trying creams or perfumes can be straightforward, but the opportunity to test electronic skincare appliances, which call for time and careful instruction, has garnered special interest. Staff members are present to help customers with product applications and device usage. This service was so well-received in the store’s initial phase that appointments had to be made by reservation. According to an APR official, some international visitors said they visited specifically to see and try the products personally. “Offering a direct, in-person experience is becoming crucial to expressing a brand’s complete value,” they said.

    Sulwhasoo: Storytelling and Ginseng Classes

    Amorepacific’s Sulwhasoo brand is placing a focus on experiences that tell a story and reflect its heritage. The brand’s Bukchon Sulwhasoo House in central Seoul hosts the popular ‘Ginseng Class.’ This hands-on workshop underscores six decades of ginseng research. Here, participants can make tailored ginseng-scented sachets and bath soaks using Sulwhasoo’s signature ‘Beauty Saponin’ and ‘Jaumdan’ ingredients. Since the reservations opened in July, more than 1,800 people have signed up in just a few days. The sessions continue to sell out within an hour each month, and a modest participation fee was introduced this month. The program, which will soon be available to foreign tourists, aims to increase awareness of the cultural and cosmetic importance of ginseng.

    The History of Whoo: Beauty Classes

    LG Household & Health Care is another beauty industry stalwart providing beauty classes for its product line, The History of Whoo. These classes are offered to department store VIP clients, who have achieved a specific spending level at luxury stores like Lotte and Shinsegae. Each session, with around ten participants, includes traditional experiences such as crafting a royal pouch and enjoying private catering. Since January, approximately 900 customers have participated. An LG H&H representative said, “These classes allow VIPs to connect with our brand identity as a ‘royal dermatology’ cosmetics line.” Meanwhile, LG H&H plans to expand such offline experiences to provide a distinct, premium interaction that reinforces The History of Whoo’s prestige.

    This trend in South Korea’s beauty sector mirrors a broader transition: the sale of not just products but sensory experiences that connect brand identity, tradition, and technology. This strategy is seen as critical in maintaining customer loyalty in an increasingly crowded global market.

    Questions & Answers

    What are the unique experiences Korean beauty brands are providing?
    Korean beauty brands are offering unique experiences that combine product trials with brand storytelling. Examples include the trial of skincare devices at Space Dosan, the ginseng classes provided by Sulwhasoo, and The History of Whoo beauty classes catered to VIP clients.

    What is the purpose of these experiences?
    These experiences aim to create a direct, offline connection between the customer and the brand. They allow customers to understand and appreciate the brand’s complete value, heritage, and identity.

    How are these experiences impacting customer engagement and loyalty?
    These immersive experiences are helping brands stand out in a crowded market and are seen as key to retaining customer loyalty. They provide a unique, sensory encounter that allows customers to connect more deeply with the brand.

  • Korean Wave Drives Tourism Boost: Retailers Enhance Strategies To Meet K-culture Demand

    Korean Wave Drives Tourism Boost: Retailers Enhance Strategies To Meet K-culture Demand

    The rising popularity of South Korean culture, often referred to as the ‘Korean Wave’, is driving record numbers of international tourists to the country. In response, South Korean retailers are intensifying their marketing strategies to cater to the growing demand for K-beauty products, K-pop merchandise, and unique cultural experiences.

    Boost in Tourist Numbers

    Data from the industry, released on October 19, indicated that the number of foreign tourists visiting Korea between January and August reached 12.38 million. This is a 16 per cent increase compared to the same time frame in 2024 and even exceeds pre-pandemic levels in 2019 by nearly 8 per cent. Capitalizing on this influx, retailers are offering a variety of services such as beauty consultations, pop-up stores, and immersive events that blend modern retail with traditional Korean culture.

    Beauty and Tourism Merge

    One of the leading health and beauty retailers, CJ Olive Young, expanded its ‘personal shopper’ and skin consultation services at its flagship stores, which are typically frequented by foreign visitors. At its Central Gangnam location, tourists can schedule a 45-minute personalized shopping session via the travel platform Klook. These sessions include product recommendations and makeup advice.

    At Olive Young N Seongsu, guests are offered skin and scalp analysis, personalized color consulting, and custom beauty tutorials. A company spokesperson highlighted the high interest of foreign tourists in understanding K-beauty trends and receiving customized product advice. They noted that foreign customers now constitute 60 to 70 per cent of consultation users at the Seongsu branch.

    Olive Young has also introduced K-pop pop-up stores at its Myeongdong, Seongsu, and Hongdae locations. These stores allow shoppers to buy albums and receive exclusive photo cards, a strategy aimed at capturing the worldwide K-pop fan base.

    Convenience Stores and Duty-Free Retailers Participate

    Convenience store chains are also morphing into mini K-culture centers. GS25’s “New Annyeong Insadong” location features an AI-powered beauty device that analyzes a visitor’s facial shape and personal color, providing immediate product recommendations that can be bought on-site.

    Seven-Eleven, under Lotte Group, has established special retail zones that sell albums and merchandise from popular groups like SF9, NCT Wish, and Seventeen.

    Duty-free retailers are also providing experiences beyond shopping. Shilla Duty Free’s Seoul branch offers complimentary jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) vouchers to Taiwanese customers who buy a certain amount of K-brand products. Lotte Duty Free’s Myeongdong main store organizes postcard-writing events, allowing visitors to send messages overseas.

    Combining Pop Culture and Tradition

    Retailers are also leveraging the global interest generated by the Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters, which showcased traditional Korean medicine and crafts. Lotte Duty Free is issuing discount coupons to tourists visiting Seoul K-Medi Center, the real-life counterpart to the film’s setting.

    Hyundai Department Store’s The Hyundai Seoul recently hosted a traditional crafts event. Here, foreign visitors could create Korean accessories like norigae charms and bracelets, guided by English-speaking instructors.

    According to industry experts, these initiatives reflect the retail sector’s transformation beyond conventional shopping towards immersive experiences steeped in Korean culture. As articulated by a tourism official, “Korean retailers are no longer just selling products – they’re selling a piece of Korea itself.”

    Questions & Answers

    Q: What is the ‘Korean Wave’?
    A: The ‘Korean Wave’ refers to the global rise in popularity of South Korean culture, encompassing music, television dramas, films, fashion, and beauty trends.

    Q: How are South Korean retailers responding to the increased number of foreign visitors?
    A: Retailers are tailoring their services to cater to these visitors. This involves offering personalized shopping sessions, setting up pop-up stores dedicated to K-pop, and organizing events that blend modern retail with traditional Korean culture.

    Q: How are convenience stores participating in the trend?
    A: Convenience stores are transforming into mini K-culture hubs. For example, GS25 provides an AI-powered beauty device that provides immediate product recommendations, while Seven-Eleven sells albums and merchandise from various K-pop groups.

  • Budget bakery boom as Koreans turn to convenience store bread

    Budget bakery boom as Koreans turn to convenience store bread

    In response to escalating prices in bakery franchises, that can exceed 10,000 won for just a few items, South Korean consumers are progressively seeking out more affordable private label (PB) bread. These are readily available in convenience stores and large retailers. As a consequence, the rise in sales of PB bread has prompted industry insiders to refer to the phenomenon as a ‘budget bakery boom’.

    The Surge of Private Label Bread

    Major convenience store chains report that PB bread now constitutes over 20 percent of all bakery sales. The market share of CU’s PB products has more than doubled from 9.4 percent in 2023 to 21 percent between January and September 2025. Similarly, GS25 experienced a rise from 21.1 percent to 24.9 percent, and 7-Eleven increased its PB ratio from 15 to 20 percent within the same timeframe.

    Due to this growing trend, retailers have been quick to introduce new in-house bakery brands. CU’s ‘Bakehouse 405’ launched in August 2023 and currently offers around 30 products. GS25 operates two PB lines, ‘Breadyque’ and ‘Seongsu’, which were launched in 2021 and 2024 respectively. These lines have sold 70 million and 3 million units to date. The ‘Seven Select’ range offered by 7-Eleven features approximately 40 varieties, and Emart24’s ‘Bakery of the Day’ (BOTD) was introduced in June with an initial selection of seven products.

    Price Versus Quality

    The primary attraction for consumers is the price tag. Items from CU’s Bakehouse 405, such as a sweet pastry, are priced at just 1600 won. Similarly, GS25’s bun is priced at 2100 won, and 7-Eleven’s honey hotteok is a mere 1500 won. Even on the higher end of the price scale, Emart24’s apple pie retails for 2400 won, which is less than a third of the price of similar pastries in high-end bakeries.

    In addition to the cost savings, the stores have also expanded their product ranges. Their selections now include a wide variety of items such as bagels, cream buns, baguettes, roll cakes, and even pizza rolls. Retailers stress that PB bread is not only affordable, but also of high quality. This is attributed to their partnerships with small manufacturers, which help to cut out middleman costs and marketing expenses.

    Supermarkets Join the Trend

    Large supermarkets are also following the trend. Homeplus runs ‘Mont Blagé’ bakery corners in over 120 stores nationally, offering traditional red bean, custard, and soboro buns for around 2000 won each. Lotte Mart’s ‘Poongmiso’, which was launched in 2022, is also growing its reach. Meanwhile, Emart has been selling imported ready-made cakes and dough under its ‘No Brand’ and ‘Peacock’ ranges since 2024, highlighting the advantages of affordability and convenience.

    Industry pundits believe that the popularity of PB bread highlights a shift in consumer thinking, driven by continuous inflation. Consumers are prioritising practicality and taste over brand prestige.

    Questions & Answers

    What is causing the ‘budget bakery boom’ in South Korea?
    The ‘budget bakery boom’ is due to rising prices in bakery franchises, prompting South Korean consumers to seek out more affordable private label bread from convenience stores and large retailers.

    How is the industry responding to the increased demand for private label bread?
    The industry is responding by introducing new in-house bakery brands. These brands offer a wide variety of products at a fraction of the cost of high-end bakeries.

    What are the advantages of buying private label bread?
    The main advantages of buying private label bread are affordability and quality. These breads are more inexpensive due to partnerships with small manufacturers that reduce costs. The quality of the bread also remains high, providing consumers with a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced branded products.

  • South Korean Jewelry Brands Pivot To Lower-karat Gold Amid Rising Prices

    South Korean Jewelry Brands Pivot To Lower-karat Gold Amid Rising Prices

    As gold prices continue to rise, South Korean jewelry brands are increasingly leveraging lower-karat gold and alternative materials to attract younger, budget-aware customers.

    Market Shift to More Affordable Options

    The market, which has traditionally been dominated by 14k and 18k products, is witnessing a surge in the availability of more cost-effective 10k, 9k, and even 5k gold items. These lower purity items, which contain less gold than the 24k gold standard, are assisting brands in maintaining their pricing strategy without compromising on design aesthetics.

    Leading retailers such as Lloyed, managed by E-Land Group’s E-World, have successfully targeted younger consumers by broadening their range of “light gold” products and silver jewelry.

    Since the introduction of 5k gold in late 2023, Lloyed has expanded its collection to include diverse products such as rings, necklaces, earrings, and anklets. This expansion has led to a 27 percent year-over-year increase in sales for its light gold and silver collections in the first half of 2025.

    A representative of Lloyed noted the company’s strategic move towards practical materials in the face of fluctuating gold prices has found favor with younger customers. “Diversifying beyond a product range focused exclusively on 14k and above has allowed us to address the evolving consumer demand effectively,” they said.

    Adapting to Changing Demographics

    Luxury brand Didier Dubot, known for its prominent positioning in high-end department stores, has also made changes to cater to younger demographics. The brand now offers 10k custom-made options in its couple ring line. A representative from Didier Dubot emphasized that their aim was not merely about providing affordable options, but also about introducing new customers to the brand.

    Some brands are exploring the concept of dual series. MiniGold, for instance, offers a premium series composed entirely of 14k gold alongside a “Smart Daily Line.” In the latter, silver pieces are gold-plated with only the earring posts made from 14k gold.

    The price difference between the two lines is significant. One style of 14k earrings is priced at nearly 1.3 million won (US$1,000), while the Smart Daily version is affordably priced under 200,000 won (US$150).

    Industry professionals point out that price-sensitive consumers, particularly those in their twenties and thirties, are the driving force behind this diversification. One executive commented, “While luxury brands have raised prices in line with the increasing gold prices, mass-market jewelry lines are innovating with materials and design to maintain accessibility.”

    With affordability now being considered as crucial as aesthetics, South Korea’s jewelry market is redefining luxury to cater to a generation that values cost-effectiveness over karats.

    Questions & Answers

    Why are South Korean jewelry brands moving towards lower-karat gold?
    Due to rising gold prices, these brands are utilizing lower-karat gold and alternative materials to maintain price points while meeting the demands of young, cost-conscious consumers.

    What changes have brands like Lloyed and Didier Dubot made?
    Retailer Lloyed has expanded its range to include “light gold” products and silver jewelry, while luxury brand Didier Dubot is offering 10k custom-made options in its couple ring line to attract younger customers.

    How is the jewelry market in South Korea evolving?
    The market is moving towards more affordable gold options, with brands creating lines that incorporate lower-karat gold and alternative materials. This shift is largely driven by price-sensitive younger consumers, leading to a redefinition of luxury in the sector.