Tag: E-commerce

Tokyo, Japan – E-commerce company Rakuten and food ordering company Uber Eats have recently teamed up to roll out a new payment service integration where Rakuten Pay’s online payment service will be integrated into Uber Eat’s online system.

Rakuten Pay will be available as an official payment method when ordering food and groceries on Uber Eats for all users by late April.

In addition, this new integration will allow Rakuten customers to effortlessly sign up for an Uber Eats account using their Rakuten ID. They will also be able to earn and spend Rakuten Points — Rakuten’s flagship loyalty program — when ordering food and groceries on the Uber Eats app.

Ryo Matsumura, senior executive officer at Rakuten Group and vice president at Rakuten’s Commerce Company, said, “We are extremely pleased to launch this Uber Eats and Rakuten Pay collaboration with our partners. Consumer demand for quick commerce is growing rapidly. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute greater convenience to the service and improve the user experience, and we are very much looking forward to delivering new value to customers.”

Meanwhile, Yukiko Muto, president at Uber Eats Japan, commented, “It is an honour to be partnering with Rakuten, one of Japan’s largest and most trusted internet companies. We extend a warm welcome to the more than 100 million Rakuten members in Japan, and can’t wait to bring them the benefits of food and grocery delivery within 30 minutes. This is a huge step in Uber Eats’ journey in Japan, and I look forward to more exciting ventures with Rakuten in the future.”

To celebrate this collaboration, Uber Eats and Rakuten will launch a special promotion starting 27 April for both first-time Uber Eats users and all current Uber Eats users as well.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Despite the growing popularity of social commerce amongst Vietnamese consumers, there remains a prevalent risk of fraud in the social commerce scene. New report from Decision Lab unveils that 60% of consumers in Vietnam reported having received products that do not match with advertised images. 

The report notes that late delivery and inability to return goods are other common negative experiences that consumers often encounter. Despite this, social commerce remains popular amongst Vietnamese consumers, with online communities, such as Facebook and Zalo groups, being the main drivers of product discovery for at least 67% of consumers. Yet, casual product discovery, another common pathway to social commerce, is more popular among Gen Z consumers. Gen Z’s are also more sensitive to ads from sellers.

The report also noted that when asked which sellers people often purchase from on social media, 75% of consumers said familiar shops–or shops that they have purchased from previously. Only one-third of the consumers are willing to explore unfamiliar stores.

“Social elements permeate every activity on social media, and social commerce is no exception. Vietnamese consumers know how to make use of social connections to reduce risks when buying goods through social media. Merchants and brands should embrace the social aspects of social commerce to build lasting relationships with their customers,” the report stated.

They also added, “Importantly, a driver for repurchasing intent is a positive initial experience with the shop. As such, social merchants should aim to lock in a positive impression with customers from the get-go to ensure repeat purchases.”

Hong Kong – Global clothing brand ESPRIT has announced a slew of digital and marketing leadership appointments to boost its international expansion. The new appointees are namely Edwin Pak as chief technology officer; Maximilian Wang as vice president and head of marketing and communications; Calvin Wang as vice president and head of brand strategy, innovation and partnerships; Ivy Au as vice president, head of digital marketing; and Tiffany Chu as vice president and head of e-commerce and CRM.

These seasoned professionals will lead ESPRIT’s e-commerce expansion, creating a seamless experience by integrating physical and digital businesses across its online and retail stores worldwide, bringing customers closer to its refreshed offerings. All new appointments report to Larry Luk, chief digital and marketing officer at ESPRIT, who was recently appointed in March this year.

With over 20 years of international experience, Pak will spearhead the development of ESPRIT’s digital offering by leveraging his extensive experience in enterprise systems development and creating game-changing digital solutions for industry giants including Hitachi and ABB.

Meanwhile, Maximilian Wang has more than 17 years’ experience including senior lead roles in both in-house and in agency, and will oversee branding, corporate communications, brand & loyalty marketing, and visual merchandising to cement ESPRIT’s impression and relevance to new and existing customers worldwide.

With over 12 years of fashion retail, editorial and brand management experience, Calvin Wang will steer the co-creation of ESPRIT’s brand strategy to meet international business ambitions and rejuvenate its fashion presence.

On the other hand, Au arrives with over 17 years of experience across APAC, and will bridge brand marketing and e-commerce to drive channel deployment efficiency, and amplify the effective use of data to locate and reach the right audience with messages that drive sales conversion.

Lastly, Chu joins boasting over 10 years of experience in e-commerce, and will be responsible for expanding ESPRIT’s digital footprint and accelerating the establishment of e-commerce touch points, as well as working together with the product, brand marketing, digital marketing and technology functions to ensure the brands’ digital success.

Speaking about the appointments, Luk said, “I am pleased to have such an array of experienced and sophisticated talents joining us in this exciting mission to breathe new life to the ESPRIT brand. The team’s regional expertise will add significant value to the rollout of our eCommerce expansion strategy. I look forward to leveraging their passion and expertise in brand building to continue to bolster the ESPRIT brand across key international markets.”

Singapore — End-to-end commerce enablement company AnyMind Group has announced the launch of AnyX, a one-stop e-commerce management platform for individuals and businesses that connects various e-commerce channels and AnyMind Group’s various platforms.

Through the convenience of AnyX, an individual or business can manage operations across e-commerce marketplaces and platforms, and consolidate and activate data across available e-commerce stores. With AnyX, businesses can also easily embark on cross-border e-commerce activities by tapping on the platform’s integrations with e-commerce marketplaces across the region.

At launch, AnyX is already connected to regional e-commerce marketplaces and platforms namely Shopee, Lazada, Rakuten, Amazon, and Shopify. Additionally, it is also connected to numerous AnyMind Group platforms such as AnyTag, AnyChat, AnyManager, AnyFactory, AnyDigital, and AnyLogi.

Kosuke Sogo, CEO and co-founder of AnyMind Group, commented on the launch of AnyX, saying that over the years, they have constantly made it exciting for everyone to do business through their technology, and AnyX is yet another milestone for AnyMind as an end-to-end commerce enablement company.

“We will continue to connect even more functions across our proprietary product suite, enabling easier and more exciting commerce for all. We’re looking to advance next-generation commerce by enabling commerce to be done anywhere, bringing forth a world where every business is borderless,” Sogo said.

AnyX is now available to AnyMind Group customers internationally, with customers having the option to use the company’s various platforms individually, or as part of a suite through AnyX. In the near future, AnyX will also support the automated triggering of actions across platforms, including order management, inventory allocation and management, and revenue/pricing management.

AnyMind Group is also working on connecting further with local or niche Asian e-commerce marketplaces and more third-party applications and will integrate future products that the company develops.

Australia – Global communications agency Havas Media has launched an e-commerce offering called Havas Market, which is focused on creating effective, digital shopping experiences that generate incremental revenue for clients. Said offering stretches far beyond media into e-commerce strategy, operations, analytics, and customer experience.

Havas Market’s capabilities have been fully integrated into the broader Havas Media business, ensuring e-commerce is seamlessly connected to a single communication approach and enhancing Havas’ ability to work with clients across the full customer journey.

Virginia Hyland, CEO at Havas Media Group says, “We know that up to a third of advertising dollars are wasted because of the poor consumer experience at the point of purchase online. Our dedicated ecommerce team has developed a unique approach shaped by combining best-practice customer experience and behavioural economics to remove purchase barriers and increase conversions.” 

She added, “Our approach means that we are utilising proprietary tools and capabilities that have been integrated agency-wide to enable marketers to navigate, identify, and leverage new and emerging opportunities across the entire commerce space.”

The launch of Havas Market is a new development for Havas Australia and comes at a critical time as brands are rapidly shifting their focus to online sales.

Managing Partner Dan Johns, who is leading Havas Media Group’s digital performance, data and technology teams, commented, “Central to the proposition is Havas Market Forecast. The tool uses a robust methodology to identify the incremental revenue opportunity across client websites and relevant marketplaces. The accuracy of Havas Market Forecast opens new performance-based engagement models that align Havas Market directly with client revenue growth.”

Through the new offering, Adam Steward now has the designation of head of performance and e-commerce. Speaking on his expanded role, he said, “As an agency, we are obsessed with delivering the best media experience, and now that extends to shopping, which we believe should be more seamless for customers. The launch of Havas Market allows us to help brands navigate the challenges a post covid world throws their way, as customers demand a more interconnected and personalised experience, both online and in-store. We deliver this by being a trusted business partner, providing integrated solutions and proven business outcomes.”

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – The Trade Promotion Agency (TPA) in Vietnam and e-commerce platform Alibaba.com have jointly organised a conference on 18 March to promote exports via the e-commerce platform, as well as the inauguration of the Vietnam Pavillion on Alibaba.com.

The ‘Vietnam Pavilion’ will support Vietnamese businesses in building images and promoting product brands; supporting business connection activities, increasing understanding of Vietnamese products and businesses for international customers.

Through the partnership, the two enterprises will implement business support programs for more than 2500 medium and large enterprises small, helping them to equip them with the right tools and mindset to overcome the post-COVID-19 era. In addition, it further promotes the success of Vietnamese businesses on Alibaba.com, by recruiting e-commerce experts to advise businesses throughout the participation process.

Vu Ba Phu, director at the Trade Promotion Department said that Alibaba.com continues its commitment to the Vietnamese market with unique services to help businesses accelerate and will also launch new membership products for Vietnamese businesses, helping them to better opportunity to introduce products to global shoppers.

Meanwhile, Alibaba.com Deputy General Director Andrew Zheng commented that they strongly believe that Alibaba.com will continue to help small and medium enterprises in Vietnam overcome difficulties for this year.

Singapore – Marketplace integration and operating platform ChannelEngine has raised US$50m in funding, which will be used by the platform to bolster its e-commerce and marketplace management suite in Southeast Asia. They first opened their office in Singapore in 2021 and subsequently opened in the Philippines in the latter part of the year. In addition, the funding will boost a large number of new e-commerce and tech jobs in both offices.

The funding is led by Atomico, with participation from General Catalyst, and existing backers Inkef and Airbridge Equity Partners. In addition, notable serial e-commerce founder Stephan Schambach – founder of Demandware, Intershop and NewStore – also joined this round as an angel investor.

In total, this raise brings the company’s total investment to US$57m, with Atomico Principal Luca Eisenstecken joining the ChannelEngine board, alongside General Catalyst Managing Director and BigCommerce investor Larry Bohn and Max Rimpel.

Jorrit Steinz, CEO and founder at ChannelEngine, said, “Over 60% of e-commerce sales globally are already taking place on marketplaces, with this figure estimated to grow to over 75% in the coming years, representing a total revenue of US$4.4t in 2023. Brands, wholesalers, and retailers are looking to capture the e-commerce opportunity by delivering a seamless experience demanded by the modern customer. By acting as the e-commerce control centre, we enable brands, retailers and wholesalers to sell on marketplaces globally.”

ChannelEngine is an e-commerce operating platform that connects the systems of brands, wholesalers and retailers to these global marketplaces providing a powerful management suite to boost their international sales with tools such as automated repricing, content, stock and order management.

Steinz also added that their customers are easily able to create, enrich, organise and manage their product listings and content as well as their e-commerce operations on marketplaces worldwide.

“Brands have gone from being online in one store – theirs or one big marketplace where the rules are made by others – to being everywhere their customers are, and being everywhere means you need control to offer consistent brand experience, e-commerce operations and availability. One of the biggest marketing challenges most brands and retailers face, as e-commerce business owners, when it comes to selling on marketplaces, is keeping their branding and messaging consistent across different channels,” he concluded.

Hong Kong — Choco Up, the Hong Kong-based financing and growth platform, has announced its partnership with fintech company Airwallex to support the future growth of cross-border e-commerce. By combining Airwallex’s proprietary global payments infrastructure with Choco Up’s flexible recurring funding solutions, the collaboration enables a comprehensive and integrated finance solution for e-commerce companies across Asia.

Leveraged by Airwallex, Choco Up is able to offer a one of its kind, turnkey solution covering cross-border payments, collections, and growth funding, and addresses the needs that will enable e-commerce firms of all sizes to grow beyond geographical boundaries without financial constraints.

Kai Wu, CEO of Airwallex Greater China, commented that they are pleased to have been chosen as Choco Up’s partner as they continue to support the growth of e-commerce companies across the region.

“Businesses today require easy-to-use, accessible, safe and cost-efficient payment options and our global financial infrastructure can enable that for businesses like Choco Up. Our scale API solution offers a centralized way to manage cross-border payment complexities, so businesses can easily transact internationally. We look forward to continuing our partnership in APAC and beyond, empowering businesses of all sizes to operate anywhere, anytime,” Wu said. 

Choco Up provides e-commerce companies with flexible funding ranging from US$10,000 to US$10m to accelerate their growth. Choco Up’s proprietary fintech platform allows for a seamless, automated funding process. By connecting the companies’ sales and marketing accounts to their data integration platform, Choco Up can efficiently conduct artificial intelligence-driven risk assessments on applicant companies within hours. The information gathered enables e-commerce companies to see all their business performance data in one place, helping them identify pain points, optimize their businesses, and stay on top of the competition.

Brian Tsang, co-founder and COO of Choco Up, said that the pandemic has propelled even faster growth of e-commerce companies over the past couple of years, many of whom are in search of new funding and payments options to enable more sustained long-term growth regionally/internationally.

“Partnering with Airwallex allows us to build a comprehensive hassle-free payment and funding infrastructure in Asia to empower these businesses to scale across borders without complications and co-create a better future for cross-border e-commerce in Asia,” Tsang said.

Bringing together Airwallex’s global payment technology with Choco Up’s funding platform and analytics tools, this solution will serve as a one-stop-shop for e-commerce companies looking to expand internationally. Airwallex’s global payment software lets e-commerce businesses make cross-border payments in more than 130 currencies at significantly lower costs because of their market-leading foreign exchange rates. In addition, Airwallex Borderless Cards will enable e-commerce merchants to make digital payments across borders that are more secure, transparent, and efficient.

Last January, Airwallex launched its fintech platform in Singapore.

Hong Kong – Hong Kong-based beauty retailer Sa Sa has partnered with foodpanda mall in Hong Kong, the online grocery and goods shopping mall under foodpanda, to accelerate its online-merge-offline (OMO) functions. 

It would be remembered that in June of 2021, the HK retailer announced the closing of a number of its physical stores with the goal to build a stronger O2O business.

With the new partnership via foodpanda mall’s round-the-clock delivery service, Sa Sa will be opening up for local customers a more convenient way of shopping to enhance customer experience. It will also be offering about 700 selected products on foodpanda mall, including anti-epidemic products for which Hong Kong citizens have an urgent need, and popular products such as cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, haircare, and body care products, as well as health supplements. 

After customers have placed orders at the online supermarket, foodpanda’s couriers will collect the goods at Sa Sa’s physical stores and deliver them to the customers in as fast as 10 minutes. Customers can thus quickly obtain the products without going out, especially meeting their urgent needs for anti-epidemic products and their favourite items within the cosmetic and personal care categories. This service will initially be piloted at 20 of Sa Sa’s stores and will be rolled out at more stores in the future.

Following the launch of the ‘click-and-collect’ service, Sa Sa’s partnership with foodpanda mall will further enhance the OMO development of the Group’s physical stores and its online business in Hong Kong. It also provides customers with one more customer-centric and convenient channel for online shopping, complementing Sa Sa’s shopping website.

Moreover, the partnership will allow Sa Sa and foodpanda mall to manifest their respective advantages and generate synergy. Sa Sa will be enriching foodpanda mall’s product assortment with its cosmetics, health supplements, and anti-epidemic products. Both foodpanda and Sa Sa have large customer bases, which can enable mutual conversion and thus enlarge their respective target customer bases. Sa Sa can also strengthen and expand its own base of young customers by serving foodpanda members who are used to quick commerce.

Simon Kwok, Sa Sa’s chairman and CEO, shared that online shopping trend is especially more pronounced amidst the raging pandemic as more consumers would rather stay at home than go out to protect themselves against the disease, and they believe that foodpanda’s quick delivery meets their customers’ increasing demand for convenient, fast online shopping service.

“In the light of the urgent demand for anti-epidemic products, we are offering them at foodpanda mall in the hope of providing citizens one more convenient shopping channel to help fight the pandemic. We also hope to enhance the OMO function at Sa Sa’s operation through the partnership with foodpanda mall so as to provide customers with a more seamless and convenient shopping experience,” said Kwok.

Meanwhile, Ryan Lai, foodpanda’s managing director for Hong Kong, said that they are extremely pleased to have Sa Sa as a foodpanda mall retail partner, benefiting from complementary strengths in advancing each other’s OMO business strategy, and elevating customers’ shopping experience for personal care, health and beauty products, amongst others. 

“This partnership also expands and diversifies foodpanda mall’s product offerings, to better satisfy the wants and needs of our customers,” added Lai.

To celebrate its partnership with Sa Sa, foodpanda mall launches promotional offers from 15 March to 30 April, where customers will enjoy a HK$50 discount upon spending of HK$400 or above with their first purchase at Sa Sa on foodpanda mall by entering the promotional offer code ‘SASA’.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Amidst the growing popularity of online shopping, there has been a high demand for shopping beauty products online and interestingly, more men in Vietnam shop for beauty products online than women, according to new research by marketing research company Decision Lab.

According to their data, 58% of their male respondents say they have shopped online for beauty products while 49% of the female respondents shopped online for beauty products. However, female shoppers still dominate all purchases for beauty products, amounting to 69% of the respondents. This is in contrast to the 28% of the male respondents.

“Notable from the responses was that women’s love of the shopping experience – often described as a type of ‘therapy’ – was reflected in the fact that it was men who said they had purchased beauty products online more often than women, with just under 10% more male respondents saying they had done so in the past three months,” the report stated.

The data also showed that shoppers in Vietnam are more informed than ever prior to buying but that the channel of research or browsing activity – be it online or offline – does not always determine the channel of purchase. This is especially true when it comes to non-durable goods like food and beverage, where the vast majority of purchases are still made in brick and mortar outlets.

Furthermore, smartphones have continued to increase their role in the everyday lives of Vietnamese consumers. Thanks to the emergence of branded ride-hailing apps like Grab, the mobile phone now dominates short distance travel bookings and has an equal split with computers of purchases in categories like mobile phones, clothing, and footwear. When it came to long-distance travel and hotel bookings, the computer was still preferred.