#Retail – Zack Chia

Library fashion shop

Posted on May 17, 2015 by Zack Chia

When it comes right down to retail shopping, the very essence of exceptional marketing depends on remarkable services as well as engaging experiences. Themed shopping experiences is one way to leave a strong impression for your clientele. The fact that a lot of designer and luxury boutiques splurge on creative retail displays and pop-up shop marketing campaigns, is a clear sign that this is an opportunity that should not be missed. Sonia Rykiel’s recent opening of their store in Aoyama, Tokyo, epitomises the significance of such classic retail experiences. Their library-themed store packs a really eye catching interior, splash with red and generous shelves of books from the floor right up to the ceiling. And mind you, these are not just wallpaper printed art executions, but real use of props to simulate the theme desired. It all started from Paris where the retail experience centred around the origins of the Left Bank and the concept was later brought globally across the different Rykiel stores. For the A/W 2015 collection, the stores will now feature works from André Saraïva and Daniela Andrier, whom the latter curated an exclusive fragrance for the brand.

Japan’s take on the new iPhone 5S and 5C

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Zack Chia

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It is pretty surprising to see a huge audience outside the stores of Apple in Japan. Following the news of their release for iPhone 5C and 5S, a huge crowd start gathering and began queuing outside the stores. To my astonishment, one would gather that the japanese economy, while moving slowly on a slum is still gaining lots of traction from their people in terms of their retail spending. On a relatively hot morning, we can still see a significant amount of people at the Shibuya Apple store and this is from the third day of sale. Looks like the results of their popularity haven’t been too shabby I suppose. The iPhone is now on NTT Docomo, and with a great telecom giant behind their back, there would definitely be great growth for the tech company in Japan. The japanese market is an imperative step to bring up the current equity status in Asia and hopefully it would help to empower the neighboring asian countries as well.

“Window Shopping”

Posted on June 22, 2013 by Zack Chia

If you never expect window shopping to be as literal as what Kate Spade had done, you are in for a big surprise. Kate Spade had recently tied up with Ebay to launch their weekender line using four digital shopping windows located across lower Manhattan. They had basically created window displays with new products from Kate Spade and a digital touch screen that allows passer-bys to interact and shop from it. You can then have it delivered to your place in one hour. This is a really cool idea that not only allows retailers to save up on having a physical store, it also helps to reduce inventory space and a much easier way to shop for consumers. Upon item arrival, the customer can purchase it using Paypal. Delivery is also free anywhere within Manhattan.

“We’re redefining what it means to window-shop,” says Healey Cypher, head of retail innovation at eBay, which partnered with Kate Spade Saturday on the initiative. “There’s no inventory and no [store associate].”

What we are seeing right here is another example of a good retail strategy that encompasses not just operations alone, it takes into careful consideration the shopping experience from the customers’ point of view. A great shopping experience coupled with efficient delivery right down to your doorstep. This would also mean the customer would now have one less shopping bag to carry around while they continue to brisk through the streets shopping. I hope to see more retailers embracing this innovative concept.

Heineken you did it!

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Zack Chia

Oh my, this is so so so Good! I loved how Heineken creates the opportunity for couples to go on to the UEFA cup finals through clever use of retail shopping experience coupled with great consumer engagement. This stunt basically see the males trying to convince their female partners into spending $1899 on two plastic stadium seats in the efforts to win a trip for the UEFA Champion League finals in London. Everything is recorded. For all you know, it is definitely a worth it deal! For me, the icing on the cake is the part where the winner is announced. You get to be on TV with two almost professional looking host reporting your performance. How epic is that huh? Nice work!