5 MOST EAGERLY-AWAITED STORE OPENINGS
While stores are decked out in their finest decorations to celebrate the end of the year, the...
5 retail lookout: Let's head to Asia
5 retail lookout: Let's head to Asia
- While the French giant LVMH is selling Marc Jacobs and buying Milan's Kiko, let's head to Asia:
1. Long queues? Gentle Monster strikes again!
2. Adidas made waves with its colorful "Customize station", engaging its community.
3. T-beauty is rising as Thailand's brands challenge J-beauty and K-beauty.
4. Miniso is expanding in the U.S., leveraging characters like Hello Kitty and Barbie.
5. Hong Kong gets back on board, and welcomes Chanel for its next show
Let's dive in!
1. GENTLE MONSTER REALLY KNOWS HOW TO CREATE EXCITEMENT
Long queues in the street? You're right by a GENTLE MONSTER "Jentle Salon" Pop-up store! This collection marks their third collaboration with K-pop artist Jennie, a true testament to their ongoing success. Dubbed a fusion of dreams and fantasies, the collection introduces detachable charms for personalized eyewear, a distinctive feature that sets it apart.
Beyond the brand's iconic extravagant decorations and disruptive universe, the collection offers an innovative online experience: customers can virtually try on charms before making a purchase, a level of personalization rarely seen in the industry.
The launch has been met with overwhelming success in major cities worldwide, thanks to the collaboration's high-profile celebrity endorsement, resonating designs for the youth, and strategic engagement of influencers for pre-launch hype. This achievement not only forges deeper emotional connections but also generates viral social media buzz.
2. SNEAKERS: THE SUCCESS OF CUSTOMIZATION AT ADIDAS ORIGINALS POP-UP
Adidas is undeniably the hottest sneaker brand right now, and they're taking their trendiness to the next level with an ORIGINALS Sneaker Party pop-up in Tokyo.
At the "Customize Station" in UNKNOWN HARAJUKU, guests can dive into the world of adidas Originals and personalize their sneakers on the spot with everything from beads to limited-edition Trefoil ribbon shoelaces. But it's not just about the shoes – participants rocking adidas gear or coming with a friend can snag exclusive gifts and enjoy original food and photo spots.
The design of the pop-up allows visitors to feel like kids again in a multicolor candy store, where they can infuse their personal style into their kicks, feeling like a designer or simply creating a fun experience with friends and family.
3. THE GROWING POPULARITY OF T-BEAUTY BRANDS ACROSS ASIA
The allure of 'T-beauty' brands is sweeping across Asia, making their home country a pivotal market for global players. With Thai beauty companies striving to establish T-beauty as a fixture on the international stage, the influence of Thai celebrities, films, and dramas is extending their reach into markets like Japan and China. In a thriving $6.6 billion Thai beauty market, experts advise foreign players to accentuate their origins, refine their positioning, and tailor offerings to local preferences. While J-beauty and K-beauty products have long captured global attention, T-beauty is poised to shine, with brands like SSUP Holdings-owned Oriental Princess and Better Way-owned Mistine leading the charge. Mistine, particularly, has seen remarkable success beyond Asia, notably in China, where its sunscreens resonate with price-conscious Gen-Z consumers seeking products suitable for Thailand's tropical climate. As the T-beauty phenomenon gains momentum, the stage is set for Thailand to make its mark on the global beauty landscape.
4. CHANEL CONTROVERSIAL CRUISE COLLECTION SHOW MOVES TO HONG KONG
Criticism surrounding the 'cruise collection' unveiled on the roof of Le Corbusier's La Cité Radieuse in Marseille has sparked debates about the direction of the brand under designer Virginie Viard, nevertheless, Fashion Network announces that Chanel is moving forward with its plans to present the 2024/25 cruise collection in Hong Kong on November 5th.
This upcoming show marks a significant moment as it solidifies Chanel's historical ties with the city and celebrates its commitment to Hong Kong SAR, as well as the vibrancy and modernity of its culture. Despite facing political crises and economic challenges in recent years, Hong Kong's economy has shown signs of recovery since 2023, once again hosting major events after a period of recession.
READ MORE: FASHION NETWORK
5. MINISO: A STRATEGIC PUSH INTO THE U.S. MARKET LEVERAGING IP
A Chinese retail brand is making significant investments in expanding its presence in the U.S. market – and it's not who you might expect. While digital giants like Shein and Temu grab headlines, another player is quietly making waves: Miniso. With a focus on physical stores rather than online dominance, Miniso recently opened its second location in New York City's Times Square, signaling a strategic push into the American market. With over 120 stores already spanning 27 states and plans for further expansion, Miniso is poised for growth. What's catching attention? Their new strategy of leveraging intellectual property (IP) to differentiate themselves. Recognizable brands like Sanrio, Barbie, Care Bears, and Peanuts "offer a deeper emotional connection" with consumers, according to Chang, Miniso's PR Director. With its new American Dream store, Miniso aims to establish itself as the "IP collection brand," setting itself apart in the retail landscape.
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