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Merchandisers turn to trendspotting as AI runs numbers
Merchandisers turn to trendspotting as AI runs numbers
Humans now set rules and guide AI to protect brand value and pricing.
CHAGEE targets prime sites to drive Asia-Pacific expansion
Morning tea routines are a key growth opportunity.
SM Supermalls pivots to experience-led retail with $2.6b national rollout
The group plans to open one flagship mall each year.
K-Pop signed singles, photocards turn fans into investors
Premium items have appreciated like blue-chip collectibles.
Leaner menus seen as key after 2,431 F&B outlets shut
Closures have reached a near 20-year high following a wave of business liquidations.
Brands ditch 20m buyers for 'Crazy Rich Asians'
About 20 million consumers exited the personal luxury goods market last year.
FairPrice AI trolleys trigger 80% surge in shopper spend
Its flagship store has raised the average basket size from $19.64 to $35.36.
AI enters the Philippine neighbourhood store
Widespread use could generate up to $48b in economic value by 2030.
Asia’s shoppers ditch search bars for ChatGPT conversations
Referral traffic from platforms like ChatGPT grew sevenfold over the past year.
Hong Kong small retailers step up investment to take on big chains
They are getting a boost from state funding and fee cuts.
H&M bets on Philippines as $15.8b 'fashion hungry' outlier
President Saed El-Achkar cites a globally rare demographic average age of 27.
Singapore SMEs to gain from clearer e-commerce rules
The guidelines should boost the confidence of merchants on large platforms.
High rents, labour costs loom over Jollibee’s Australia plans
A crowded chicken segment could also weigh on initial growth.
DFI Retail revamps Guardian and IKEA stores for smarter shopping
Business is no longer purely transactional, but increasingly advisory.
Beyond The Vines uses online insights to shape overseas growth
It looks at online reception before opening any physical stores.
Watsons launches Singapore’s first pharmacy eConsultation
It targets busy professionals and people who want privacy.
Indonesian malls prioritise upgrades over expansion
The shift mirrors Thailand’s focus on leisure and Japan’s emphasis on efficiency.
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