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  • South Korean Eyewear Innovator, Gentle Monster, To Launch Flagship Store In Canada

    South Korean Eyewear Innovator, Gentle Monster, To Launch Flagship Store In Canada

    South Korean eyewear brand, Gentle Monster, is poised to make its debut in Canada with a flagship store set to open later this year at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto. The store, which will span over 5,300 square feet, is located in the luxury wing of the mall, keeping company with other high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Thom Browne, and Acne Studios. The brand, known for its bold, trendsetting eyewear and unconventional store designs, is expected to bring a unique shopping experience to the Canadian retail landscape.

    A Unique Retail Experience

    Founded in Seoul in 2011 by Hankook Kim, Gentle Monster treats each of its stores as a standalone creative installation. Every location showcases a distinctive theme, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to providing not just a shopping venue, but a complete immersive experience for its customers. The upcoming Canadian flagship is anticipated to follow this creative trend, offering an art gallery-style environment that marries fashion, design, and immersive experiences.

    Product Offering

    Gentle Monster’s eyewear is typically priced between US$200 to $500. The brand launches over 20 new styles annually, maintaining a catalogue of more than 50 silhouettes. This steady stream of new products, along with the brand’s distinctive designs, helps to ensure Gentle Monster stays at the forefront of the fashion industry.

    Global Presence

    Gentle Monster currently runs 78 flagship stores across 13 countries, and its products can be found in over 200 partner retail locations worldwide. The brand’s expansion into Canada demonstrates its continuing ambition to increase its global reach.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Gentle Monster known for?

    Gentle Monster is recognized for its innovative, fashion-forward eyewear and unique store designs. Each store is treated as a unique creative installation, offering an immersive shopping experience for its customers.

    Where is Gentle Monster’s Canadian flagship store located?

    Gentle Monster’s Canadian flagship store will be located at the Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto.

    What is the price range for Gentle Monster’s eyewear?

    Gentle Monster’s eyewear is typically priced between US$200 and $500. The brand launches over 20 new styles annually, maintaining a catalogue of more than 50 silhouettes.

  • Von Dutch Diversifies: Fashion Brand Ventures Into Food, Beverage, And Hospitality Sectors

    Von Dutch Diversifies: Fashion Brand Ventures Into Food, Beverage, And Hospitality Sectors

    Fashion label, Von Dutch, is broadening its horizons by venturing into sectors of food, beverage, and hospitality. The company has officially disclosed a worldwide food and beverage licensing agreement. As a result of this agreement, the brand will introduce a collection of drinks, snacks focussed on health and wellness, and a blend of cafe-lounges under the name of Von Dutch F&B. This initiative is under the leadership of CEO Joe Wallace, a seasoned executive known for securing millions in funding and pioneering a variety of products in food tech, consumer goods, and hospitality.

    As expressed by Wallace, the vision is to create an empire far beyond just a food brand. The brand’s philosophy will hinge on entertainment, authenticity, wellness, hospitality, and a fresh vitality.

    New Product Launches

    In partnership with beverage incubator Flavor House, Von Dutch F&B will launch an organic, plant-based line of sodas and mocktails. Other exciting ventures include a new alcohol line featuring vodka, tequila, beer, and hard seltzers. This move complements the brand’s existing product – Von Dutch Water, known as a high-quality hydration product that has gained popularity across various outlets from convenience stores to bars and music festivals.

    Von Dutch Cafes and Sub-Brand Launch

    Von Dutch plans on opening its brand-new cafes in New York and Los Angeles over the next year. These spaces will transition from being daytime hubs for coffee and snacks to after-hours hotspots featuring cocktails, mocktails, and live entertainment.

    The brand, which was taken over by the White Space Group (WSG) in 2024, also plans on launching an engaging sub-brand called ‘Von Dutch Loves.’ This sub-brand will highlight music, nightlife, and underground culture through exclusive releases, artist partnerships, festival collaborations, and community-centered events.

    WSG CEO Jack Cheika expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating that the goal is to create cultural relevance in every aspect of people’s lives, from how they dress to how they dine, drink, and socialize.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new venture of Von Dutch?
    Von Dutch is expanding its brand into the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors under the name Von Dutch F&B.

    What products will Von Dutch F&B be launching?
    Von Dutch F&B plans to launch a range of organic, plant-based sodas and mocktails as well as a new alcohol line including vodka, tequila, beer, and hard seltzers.

    What is the aim of the ‘Von Dutch Loves’ sub-brand?
    The ‘Von Dutch Loves’ sub-brand is designed to highlight music, nightlife, and underground culture through exclusive releases, artist partnerships, festival collaborations, and community-centered events.

  • Chinese Milk Tea Giant Chapanda Breaks Into Singaporean Market With Two Prime Location Outlets

    Chinese Milk Tea Giant Chapanda Breaks Into Singaporean Market With Two Prime Location Outlets

    ChaPanda, a renowned Chinese milk tea brand, is making its daring entry into the Singaporean market by launching two new stores in prime locations.

    The First Two Outlets

    The brand’s inaugural outlet in Singapore has already opened its doors at Scape, a shopping complex located on Orchard Link. The second store is also set to make a grand entrance soon at Northpoint City South Wing, a popular shopping mall in northern Singapore.

    These new outlets continue the brand’s tradition of featuring adorable panda mascots and offering an impressive range of drink options. Customers can look forward to indulging in popular favourites such as Taro Ball Milk Tea and Mango Pomelo Sago.

    ChaPanda’s Rapid Growth

    ChaPanda, also known as ChaBaiDao, was established in 2008 in Chengdu, China. Following its inception, the brand has experienced tremendous domestic and global growth.

    Today, ChaPanda is recognized as the third-largest freshly made milk tea chain in China. The company operates an expansive network of over 8000 stores across the globe, enjoying a significant presence in several key markets including Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

    Major Milestone for ChaPanda

    In a significant achievement in 2020, ChaPanda’s founder, Wang Xiaokun, ascended to the prestigious ranks of the world’s billionaires. This significant milestone followed a successful funding round that catapulted the company’s valuation to an impressive US$2.1 billion.

    Questions & Answers

    What is ChaPanda?
    ChaPanda, or ChaBaiDao, is a Chinese milk tea brand established in 2008. It is the third-largest freshly made milk tea chain in China with over 8000 stores globally.

    Where will the ChaPanda stores be located in Singapore?
    The first ChaPanda store in Singapore is located at Scape on Orchard Link, and the second outlet is set to open at Northpoint City South Wing soon.

    Who is the founder of ChaPanda?
    ChaPanda was founded by Wang Xiaokun, who became a billionaire following a funding round that valued the company at US$2.1 billion.

  • Cos, H&m’s High-end Fashion Brand, To Debut In India With New Delhi Store

    Cos, H&m’s High-end Fashion Brand, To Debut In India With New Delhi Store

    Cos, the fashion brand owned by H&M and renowned for its “Collection of Style,” is set to make its debut in India later this year.

    Store Location and Offerings

    The inaugural store will be situated in New Delhi, India’s capital. It will exhibit the brand’s trademark contemporary aesthetic, featuring ready-to-wear collections along with accessories. The product range will cater to women, men, and children, thereby covering all demographics.

    Cos is globally recognized for its minimalist design, with a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. The brand is eager to bring its approach of creating long-lasting, durable fashion pieces to the new Indian market.

    Company Vision

    The company expressed its excitement for the new venture stating, “We are excited to introduce Cos to the Indian market and bring our emphasis on craftsmanship and innovative materials to a new audience.”

    Established in 2007, Cos has grown into a significant global presence. The brand operates 239 stores across 48 physical markets and holds an online presence in 38 markets. Apart from running its own outlets, the brand also sells through wholesale and franchise channels, marking its omnipresence in the fashion industry.

    Questions & Answers

    Where will Cos open its first store in India?
    The first Cos store in India will be opened in New Delhi.

    What is Cos known for?
    Cos is globally recognized for its minimalist design and a strong emphasis on craftsmanship.

    How does Cos distribute its products?
    Cos operates physical stores, has an online presence, and sells through wholesale and franchise channels.

  • Chagee: Chinese Tea Giant Set To Brew Success In The Philippine Market

    Chagee: Chinese Tea Giant Set To Brew Success In The Philippine Market

    Chagee: The Chinese Tea Brand Poised to Enter Philippine Market

    Chagee, a renowned Chinese tea brand, is poised to infiltrate the Philippine market. This expansion is earmarked for August, with three branches slated for unveiling in Metro Manila.

    The fresh outlets will be strategically located at notable locales such as SM North EDSA, Robinsons Galleria, and Venice Grand Canal Mall.

    A Modern Take on Traditional Tea

    Chagee has carved a niche for itself as a contemporary tea bar that fuses traditional Chinese tea-making techniques with an emphasis on natural ingredients.

    The brand’s signature concoctions are milk-based tea beverages, expertly brewed using whole tea leaves from a variety of plants including green, black, and oolong. These teas are free from artificial sweeteners or flavorings, underscoring the brand’s commitment to all-natural products.

    Chagee’s Global Footprint

    With its roots in Yunnan, China, Chagee has successfully extended its reach across Asia and beyond. The company presently boasts of over 6000 stores worldwide. Its international presence can be felt in a number of markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and the United States among others.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Chagee?
    Chagee is a Chinese tea brand that is recognized for infusing modern flavors with traditional Chinese tea-making methods.

    Where are the new Chagee outlets in the Philippines going to be located?
    The new Chagee outlets in the Philippines are planned to be located at SM North EDSA, Robinsons Galleria, and Venice Grand Canal Mall.

    What distinguishes Chagee’s tea beverages?
    Chagee’s signature tea beverages are milk-based and are brewed using whole tea leaves from a variety of plants such as green, black, and oolong. These teas are free from artificial sweeteners or flavorings.

  • Mountain Dew And Pyra Unveil High-performance Urbanwear In Unique Fashion Collaboration

    Mountain Dew And Pyra Unveil High-performance Urbanwear In Unique Fashion Collaboration

    Mountain Dew, in collaboration with the acclaimed Australian outdoor brand, Pyra, is launching its inaugural apparel line. This innovative collection harmoniously fuses practical, high-performance elements with an urban, stylish aesthetic.

    Artful Blend of Performance and Style

    Drawing inspiration from the iconic Volt Green color, symbolic of both brands, the collection contains a wide variety of unique pieces. Highlights include a versatile, reversible puffer jacket insulated with 3M Thinsulate featherless down, a sherpa fleece balaclava hoodie and a versatile multi-pocket camouflage vest bearing a Realtree print.

    A Fresh Take on Streetwear

    The collection also features a range of organic cotton graphic tees, generously cut nylon cargo pants, and innovative antimicrobial accessories. These items are not only trail-ready but also promise to make a significant style statement on city streets.

    Rachel Siu, Mountain Dew’s brand manager, spoke enthusiastically about the new collection. “Mountain Dew has always represented a vibrant, bold approach to life. This collection allows us to extend that ethos into the world of fashion. While the gear is indeed technically proficient, it also captures a fun, playful spirit in the best way imaginable.”

    Building on Previous Success

    This new Mountain Dew x Pyra collection comes on the heels of the brand’s previous viral hit: the Mountain Dew Djorts. The success of this previous launch has generated significant anticipation for the brand’s latest venture into the fashion world.

    This limited-edition collection is currently available exclusively through the Pyra online store.

    Questions & Answers

    What inspired the new clothing line by Mountain Dew and Pyra?
    The line is inspired by the iconic Volt Green color, symbolic of both brands, and a desire to blend high-performance outdoor gear with street-smart design.

    What are some standout pieces in the collection?
    The collection features a reversible puffer jacket, a sherpa fleece balaclava hoodie, a multi-pocket vest in Realtree print, organic cotton graphic tees, nylon cargo pants, and antimicrobial accessories.

    Where can consumers purchase items from the collection?
    The limited-edition collection is currently available exclusively through the Pyra online store.

  • Australia And Eu Resume Free Trade Talks: Farming, Food Labeling, And Intellectual Property Rights In Focus

    Australia And Eu Resume Free Trade Talks: Farming, Food Labeling, And Intellectual Property Rights In Focus

    Trade Minister Don Farrell has announced that Australia and the European Union (EU) are set to resume negotiations for a free trade agreement immediately. This comes two years after Australia withdrew from discussions due to an unsatisfactory market access proposal for its beef, sheep, dairy, and sugar sectors.

    Changing Global Trade Landscape

    The global market has reshaped in unexpected ways due to the unanticipated tariff hikes imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. As a result, the prospects for fruitful negotiations between Australia and the EU, specifically centered on enhancing access for select agricultural products and reducing bureaucratic hurdles, have considerably improved.

    One of Australia’s prime objectives is to amplify its beef and lamb exports to Europe. However, this is a task easier said than done, considering the significant political sway held by European farmers. An offer made by the EU in 2023 accounted for a scant 0.3% of its agricultural imports and was inferior to what it proposed to other trade partners.

    Contentious Discussion Points

    Another significant obstacle has been the EU’s insistence that Australia relinquish naming rights for hundreds of food and beverage products. The EU is pushing for Australia to adopt its system of controlling the names of region-specific food and spirits specialties, which, if agreed upon, could adversely affect Australian consumers, dairies, and boutique spirit manufacturers.

    The EU is advocating for Australia to implement its “geographical indications” model to safeguard the names of European goods. This includes a list of 170 food names and 236 spirit names that the EU wishes Australia to concede.

    The EU’s proposition is that only Greek feta should be allowed for sale in Australia; currently, Australian, Greek, Danish, and Bulgarian feta are sold nationally. It also seeks to reserve the names prosecco and parmesan exclusively for European manufacturers.

    Australia’s approach to food labeling is primarily driven by consumer protection laws and there is minimal history of fraud. By contrast, Europe initially introduced this system for wines due to rampant fraud, before extending it to food products.

    Intellectual Property Challenges

    Issues arise with the specific food and spirits names that the EU wishes to reserve for its producers. Australia contends that these are common names for the food items and it should not lose access to them. The country’s trade agreements allow for an objection process in situations where intellectual property rights limit what other producers can do. However, the government has thus far failed to offer a resolution process or feedback for those affected by the EU’s naming demands, hindering due process of law.

    Questions & Answers

    What impact could the EU’s naming demands have on Australian producers and consumers?

    It could negatively affect Australian dairies and boutique spirit manufacturers, as well as consumers who are accustomed to products with certain names.

    Why is Australia resisting the EU’s naming demands?

    Australia argues that these are common names for food items and that they should not lose access to them. The country also maintains that its approach to food labeling, driven by consumer protection laws, is adequate.

    What concessions could Australia potentially make to reach an agreement?

    Australia could follow the precedent set by Canada by accepting feta as a geographical indication while allowing existing Australian producers to continue producing and selling feta. Similar safeguards could be sought for other products.

  • Beenleigh Distillery Targets Rtd Market With Citrus-inspired ‘hard Orange Crush’ Launch

    Beenleigh Distillery Targets Rtd Market With Citrus-inspired ‘hard Orange Crush’ Launch

    Beenleigh Distillery has recently expanded its ready-to-drink (RTD) selection by launching Hard Orange Crush, a citrus-inspired beverage.

    Product Characteristics

    Hard Orange Crush, the newest offering from Beenleigh Distillery, is a refreshing blend that includes real orange juice. It is packaged in 375ml cans, which are sold in packs of four. The beverage boasts a delicate citrus and sherbet aroma with a slightly tart finish. The alcohol content is pegged at 4.5%.

    Following the Success of Pineapple Crush

    This move comes after Beenleigh Distillery’s successful introduction of Pineapple Crush. According to the company, this product was one of their most successful RTD launches in the last financial year, securing a spot amongst the top three based on sales data from certain retail groups.

    Will Sullivan, the brand manager at Beenleigh Distillery, commented on the new product launch, saying, “Orange is a beloved soft drink flavor in Australia, but it is seldom used in RTDs. We had great success with Pineapple, and we’re confident Hard Orange Crush will follow suit.”

    Strategic Expansion

    The launch of Hard Orange Crush is part of Beenleigh Distillery’s larger strategy to tap into the market for soft drink-inspired alcoholic beverages. The distillery aims to broaden its presence in the expanding ready-to-drink sector.

    Sullivan added, “We view this as a deliberate step towards an area that has been neglected for too long. With Hard Orange Crush, we’re introducing a unique product and aiming to fortify our position in the market.”

    Questions & Answers

    What inspired Beenleigh Distillery to create Hard Orange Crush?
    Beenleigh was influenced by the popularity of orange as a soft drink flavor in Australia and the success of their previous product, Pineapple Crush.

    How is Hard Orange Crush packaged and sold?
    The product comes in 375ml cans and is sold in packs of four.

    How does the launch of Hard Orange Crush fit into Beenleigh Distillery’s broader strategy?
    The introduction of Hard Orange Crush is part of Beenleigh Distillery’s plan to expand its presence in the growing ready-to-drink sector by creating soft drink-inspired alcoholic beverages.

  • Singapore’s Jumbo And China’s Siji Minfu Unite To Bring Peking Duck Delicacy To Resorts World Sentosa

    Singapore’s Jumbo And China’s Siji Minfu Unite To Bring Peking Duck Delicacy To Resorts World Sentosa

    Singapore’s Jumbo restaurant group and Siji Minfu, a well-known Chinese roast duck brand, are joining forces to introduce Siji Minfu’s famous Peking duck to Singapore. This collaboration will see the first international establishment for Siji Minfu.

    The New Venture

    The upcoming joint restaurant will be located at Resorts World Sentosa, featuring an interior design influenced by Beijing’s classic courtyard architecture. The restaurant’s menu will highlight traditional Peking duck and a variety of northern Chinese dishes.

    Siji Minfu currently operates over 20 locations throughout China, with outlets in places such as Wangfujing and Qianmen Street in Beijing.

    Jumbo perceives this partnership as a strategic opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Siji Minfu and take advantage of the expanding global food and beverage industry in Singapore.

    Strategic Expansion

    This joint venture aligns with Jumbo’s ongoing efforts to broaden its brand portfolio and diversify its food and beverage offerings. Jumbo, famed for its chili crab at Jumbo Seafood, already operates in multiple Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Beijing, and Fuzhou.

    The collaboration is set for an initial five-year term, with the possibility for automatic extension or renewal through a mutual agreement. The joint venture will be structured with an issued share capital of US$1.5 million, with Siji Minfu owning a 90 per cent stake and Jumbo the remaining 10 per cent.

    The Siji Minfu outlets in China will continue to operate independently from this joint venture.

    Jumbo has announced that the investment will be financed through internal resources and is not expected to significantly affect its net tangible assets or earnings for the financial year ending September.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the main focus of the joint venture between Jumbo and Siji Minfu?
    The joint venture primarily aims to introduce Siji Minfu’s signature Peking duck to Singapore through a new restaurant.

    How long is the initial term for the joint venture?
    The initial term for the joint venture is set for five years, with the potential for extension or renewal through mutual agreement.

    How will the investment for this collaboration affect Jumbo’s financial status?
    The investment will be financed through Jumbo’s internal resources and is not predicted to have a significant impact on its net tangible assets or earnings for the financial year ending in September.

  • Hermes reopens expanded Macau store with playful, nature-inspired design

    Hermes reopens expanded Macau store with playful, nature-inspired design

    Hermes, the renowned French luxury brand, has recently re-opened its expanded store in Macau. The newly renovated space is a unique blend of natural materials and symmetrical design elements, subtly incorporating references to traditional games in a nod to the city’s playful spirit.

    The store, which initially opened its doors in 2008, now proudly displays all 16 of the brand’s métiers within its redesigned interior. The renovation was orchestrated by RDAI, a leading Parisian architecture firm.

    New Design Elements

    The re-envisioned space introduces a new colour palette, a soothing blend of greens that transition from cool to warm hues. The store’s interior is adorned with jade-coloured ceramic bricks that are cleverly arranged to resemble mahjong tiles, adding a unique touch of local culture to the aesthetic. This design is further enhanced by large windows framed with sliding triangular panels.

    The interior is marked by earthy tones and the use of luxurious materials, creating a welcoming environment for its visitors. The store’s signature Faubourg mosaic serves as a striking centrepiece, anchoring the women’s silk and home collections. The terrazzo flooring, embedded with fragments of green, amber, and ochre, seamlessly connects the men’s silk, fashion jewellery, and beauty and fragrance departments.

    Contrasting Themes

    The watches and jewellery salon feature a rich lacquered green wood finish, forming a contrast with the darker cherrywood used in the sections housing equestrian and leather goods. These sections are framed by diamond-patterned panels reflecting influences from the traditional game of backgammon.

    The rear portion of the store is dedicated to women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and footwear collections. These are tastefully presented in zones delineated by shaded carpets and intricate timber detailing. A private salon and fitting rooms complete the store’s new layout.

    Aesthetic Touches

    The revamped space is further enhanced by artworks from the Émile Hermes collection and the Hermes Collection of Contemporary Photographs. These pieces, featuring botanical prints, equestrian imagery, and Douglas Lance Gibson’s Esi Ni Daimani-inspired by playing cards, add layers of visual depth to the store. The overall design is tied together with elements like the ex-libris motif, Grecque lighting, and game-inspired aesthetics.

    Questions & Answers

    When was the Hermes store in Macau initially opened?
    The Hermes store in Macau was initially opened in 2008.

    What are the new design elements introduced in the renovated store?
    The renovated store introduces a green-toned colour palette, jade-coloured ceramic bricks arranged like mahjong tiles, large windows with sliding triangular panels, and a signature Faubourg mosaic among other features.

    What collections are presented in the renovated store?
    The renovated store presents all 16 of Hermes’ métiers, including women’s and men’s silk, home collections, fashion jewellery, beauty and fragrance departments, ready-to-wear and footwear collections, and equestrian and leather goods.

  • Shein hit with complaint from EU consumer group over ‘dark patterns’

    Shein hit with complaint from EU consumer group over ‘dark patterns’

    The BEUC, a Pan-European consumer organization, has lodged a complaint with the European Commission against Shein, an online fast-fashion retailer. The grievance centers on Shein’s use of “dark patterns”, a series of strategies designed to increase purchases via its app and website.

    Manipulative Tactics

    The tactics employed by Shein, as described by BEUC, include pop-up messages urging customers to stay on the app to avoid missing out on deals, countdown timers creating a sense of urgency to finalize purchases, and an infinite scroll feature on the app. All these methods, BEUC asserts, could fall under the definition of “aggressive commercial practices”. The consumer advocacy group further highlighted Shein’s frequent use of notifications, with one instance showing a single phone receiving 12 alerts from the app in one day.

    Agustin Reyna, BEUC’s director general, commented on the matter, stating that such tactics align with the fast-fashion trend of stimulating mass consumption through volume. The issue, according to Reyna, lies in whether Shein is willing to abolish these “dark patterns”, given their potential impact on sales numbers.

    Shein’s Response and the Role of Gamification

    Shein, in response to the allegations, stated, “We are actively collaborating with national consumer authorities and the EU Commission to demonstrate our commitment to compliance with EU laws and regulations.” The company also mentioned that BEUC declined their request for a meeting.

    Shein and its competitor, Temu, another online discount platform, have experienced a surge in popularity in Europe, partly due to their apps’ gamified features. These apps engage shoppers with games that offer the chance to win discounts and products. One of the games on Shein’s app, “Puppy Keep”, encourages users to log into the app daily, feed a virtual dog, and collect points that can be exchanged for free items. Points can be earned by browsing the app and making purchases.

    Dark Patterns Across the Industry

    The BEUC acknowledged that “dark patterns” are not exclusive to Shein, but are commonly employed by many mass-market clothing retailers. In this line, they’ve called on the consumer protection network to broaden its investigation to include other retailers. BEUC’s complaint was supported by 25 of its member organizations across 21 countries, including France, Germany, and Spain.

    Last month, the European Commission issued a notification to Shein about practices breaching EU consumer law and warned of potential fines should the company fail to address these concerns. The firm is also under review from EU tech regulators regarding its compliance with EU online content rules.

    Questions & Answers

    What exactly are “dark patterns”?
    Dark patterns are tactics used by companies on their websites or apps designed to manipulate users into making purchases or taking certain actions.

    What is the “Puppy Keep” game on Shein’s app?
    “Puppy Keep” is a game on the Shein app where users feed a virtual dog and collect points that can be used to win free items. Users can earn more points by browsing the app and making purchases.

    What actions has the European Commission taken regarding Shein’s practices?
    The European Commission has notified Shein about practices that violate EU consumer law and warned of potential fines if they do not rectify these issues. Additionally, the company is under investigation from EU tech regulators regarding its adherence to EU online content rules.

  • Citroen C3 CNG Introduced With 28 km/kg Mileage

    Citroen C3 CNG Introduced With 28 km/kg Mileage

    Citroen India has made its foray into the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle market with the introduction of the C3 hatchback. Customers will have the opportunity to equip this model with a retrofitted CNG kit through the company’s certified retrofit program, accessible via the brand’s dealerships. This additional feature will cost consumers Rs 93,000, taking the total price of the vehicle to Rs 7.16 lakh. This initiative is aimed at customers seeking more economical operational costs and a decrease in emissions.

    The C3’s CNG Capabilities

    Citroen India asserts that the C3’s 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine is specifically designed to harness the potential of factory-tested CNG. The hatchback promises a mileage of up to 28.1 km/kg and boasts an operational cost of just Rs 2.66 per km. The CNG option is available with the Live, Feel, Feel(O), and Shine variants of the hatchback. To provide additional incentive for customers, Citroen is also offering a comprehensive warranty for the vehicle and CNG components, covering a period of three years or 100,000 km.

    Design and Comfort Considerations

    According to Citroen, the integration of the CNG system does not compromise on the boot space and maintains easy access to the spare wheel. The design of the CNG nozzle allows it to fit within the petrol filler port, providing hassle-free refuelling. In a bid to ensure ride quality is not compromised with the addition of the CNG kit, the company has made several modifications including revamped rear shock absorbers, reinforced suspension springs, and an added anti-roll bar.

    Kumar Priyesh, the Business Head and Director of Automotive Brands at Stellantis India, which oversees Citroen India, expressed his delight at the launch. He emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible mobility solutions with the introduction of the CNG retrofitment option for the Citroën C3.

    Priyesh also noted the company’s pride in providing solutions in line with India’s evolving fuel ecosystem and environmental goals, especially as CNG infrastructure is expected to grow significantly across the country, with an anticipated network of over 7,400 stations by FY2025.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the cost of the CNG retrofitment for the Citroën C3?
    The cost of the retrofitment is Rs 93,000.

    What modifications have been made to the Citroën C3 to accommodate the CNG kit?
    The vehicle has been modified with rear shock absorbers, strengthened suspension springs, and an anti-roll bar to maintain ride quality with the CNG kit installed.

    What is the expected expansion of the CNG infrastructure in India?
    By FY2025, it is expected that there will be more than 7,400 CNG stations across India.