In Focus
Asia shoppers tighten wallets even as $7t growth looms
Asia shoppers tighten wallets even as $7t growth looms
Groceries and essential goods now anchor consumer baskets across the region.
3 days ago
Global brands accept high costs as gateway strategy squeezes local shops
International operators arrive with established digital marketing capabilities and supply chains.
4 days ago
How are Australian retailers responding to ultra‑cheap marketplaces?
Weaker players are being forced to change operating models, or risk further declines.
5 days ago
MINISO turns fandom into repeat revenue driver with Malaysian flagship
It is counting on character-based items and collector behaviour to drive visits.
Central Retail Vietnam revamps supply chain to cut empty shelves
Products must reach shelves consistently, on time, and at the right quality.
Social media and AI drive snack e-commerce growth to $57b
Platforms like TikTok/Douyin drive discovery and sales growth.
How can footwear and apparel brands fix inventory mismatches?
Global stockouts and overstocks cost retailers about $1.8t each year.
Global luxury market stabilises as industry enters ‘normalisation’
The US, Europe, and China remain key to stabilising global luxury.
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.
How can duty-free win back shoppers?
Travel retail sales are 13% below pre-pandemic levels despite a surge in air passengers.
SM Supermalls pivots to experience-led retail with $2.6b national rollout
The group plans to open one flagship mall each year.
Spending control and rewards drive BNPL adoption in APAC
Consumers use BNPL to manage spending and protect reward access.
Fashion brands facing shift to agent-first AI commerce
Discovery moves from search engines to AI assistants.
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.
What’s holding shoppers back from using AI at checkout?
32% remain hesitant to share personal or payment details with AI systems.
Commentary
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