Tag: store launch

Indonesia – Kao Corporation, a Japan-based manufacturer of personal care, household products, cosmetics, and specialty chemicals, is expanding its footprint in Asia with the launch of its luxury skincare brand, SENSAI, in Indonesia, marking its latest move in the region’s growing beauty market.

Kao’s expansion into Indonesia marks the next step in its broader growth strategy for the region. The introduction of SENSAI aligns with Indonesia’s strong affinity for established skincare routines.

SENSAI’s first counter in Indonesia will be at SOGO Plaza Senayan in Jakarta, a department store located in the Senayan district, an area known for its upscale shopping and luxury hotels.

Yoshiko Sakurai, SENSAI brand manager, shared, “Indonesia has a strong affinity for Japanese skincare culture, which includes a well-known practice of double cleansing, double moisturising, and UV protection. This aligns perfectly with SENSAI’s skincare ritual, Saho. We believe that introducing SENSAI in Indonesia will help to expand our fan base among affluent consumers across Asia.”

As part of its mid-term strategy, Kao has identified SENSAI as one of its key brands for global growth within its cosmetics division, alongside Molton Brown and Curél. The brand, which initially built a strong presence in Europe, has since expanded to over 40 countries. Its entry into Asia began in 2019 with a launch in Japan, followed by the opening of a flagship store in Shanghai in 2023.

Hong Kong – Singapore’s premium ice cream brand, The Ice Cream & Cookie Co. (ICC), has unveiled its first international flagship store in Hong Kong, marking a significant step in its expansion across the Greater Bay Area and North Asia. 

Situated in the vibrant Gough Street, Central’s trendy shopping and dining hub, the two-story flagship store serves up scoops, pints, and sandwiches for takeout, along with a diverse selection of coffee, tea, ice cream, desserts, and more, all available to enjoy in its inviting bistro-style seating area.

Arnold Lau, associate director-general of investment promotion at Invest Hong Kong, said, “Hong Kong people are health conscious and demand high-quality food. Together with its strategic location providing an unparalleled bridge between the Mainland and the rest of the world, it is the ideal place for ICC to expand in the region. We wish the brand every success in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Natasha Chiam, co-founder of ICC, also shared, “We are so excited to bring our delicious, much-loved ice cream creations to Hong Kong, our second international market and the first with its very own concept store. This expansion is a significant step towards our vision of becoming the leading better for you ice cream company across Asia.”

She explained, “Hong Kong is not only situated in the heart of Asia but is also on the doorstep of Mainland China and part of the GBA. We will use the city as our North Asia headquarters, with a focus on overseeing the operations in Hong Kong as well as managing our expansion to other regions in the Greater Bay Area and North Asia.” 

“Hong Kong’s sophisticated consumer market closely mirrors Singapore’s in terms of taste and demand for quality, so we consider it a great fit for our premium ice cream products. Renowned for our signature ice cream sandwiches and pints, we also offer unique Asian-inspired flavours as well as a wide range of plant-based and diary-free options,” she added. 

ICC’s products are also stocked in supermarkets and convenience stores across Hong Kong.

Hong Kong – Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced the official opening of popular Japanese doughnut chain Mister Donut’s first store in Hong Kong, marking the brand’s entry into the city as part of its regional expansion strategy.

Located in an art-themed shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, the new store offers a wide selection of popular doughnuts crafted with the same high-quality ingredients as in Japan. Among its offerings is the signature Pon de Ring, beloved locally and internationally for its soft, airy, and chewy texture.

Jimmy Chiang, associate director-general of Investment Promotion, said, “We are happy to see that a famous Japanese food brand has established its foothold in Hong Kong. The city, as a well-known food paradise, is an ideal place for companies to promote their brands to the world. We wish the brand every success in Hong Kong and beyond.”

Duskin Co. Ltd. has brought Mister Donut, part of its food portfolio, into the Hong Kong market through a partnership with local franchisee Dragon Circle Enterprise Limited.

As part of its expansion strategy, Duskin is exploring entry into additional Asian markets while strengthening its presence in existing locations.

Fanny Su, chief executive officer of Dragon Circle Enterprise Limited, expressed that the company sees significant potential for Mister Donut in Hong Kong, driving its decision to introduce the brand to meet local demand.

“Our market research shows that there is a huge potential customer base in Hong Kong. They are so looking forward to the Mister Donut brand coming to Hong Kong. That is why we are bringing the brand to the city. We will open the second shop by the end of this year, and nine in total by 2027,” Su said. 

Malaysia – OH!SOME, the one-stop retail brand, has officially launched in Malaysia with new stores at AEON Bandar Dato Onn in Johor Bahru and AEON Mall in Taiping.

Originating in Singapore, OH!SOME takes its name from the English word “awesome” and aims to elevate consumers’ shopping experiences by offering high-quality products that promote a happier life.

The newly opened stores in Malaysia showcase the brand’s signature yellow color and a variety of themed elements, promising an immersive shopping experience across more than 1,000 square meters. With over 10,000 trendy lifestyle products on offer, these stores aim to ignite a new shopping trend for consumers in urban areas.

OH!SOME features 15 categories of global products, including beauty, trendy toys, snacks, accessories, and 3C items to meet everyday needs. Disney fans can also find merchandise featuring beloved characters like Donald Duck and Stitch in-store.

Beginning in October, OH!SOME will also roll out new product collections showcasing beloved Pixar characters, including the fluffy villain Lotso, the adorable Alien from Toy Story, the heroic Buzz Lightyear, and the fun-loving Red Panda Mei from Turning Red. Shoppers can look forward to a delightful selection of items, including bags, accessories, cups, and plush toys.

In their official press release, the brand stated, “So far, OH!SOME has opened in two major Malaysian cities, Johor Bahru and Taiping. A new store is expected to open in Kuala Lumpur this December. In the future, OH!SOME plans to expand further across Malaysia and Singapore, bringing even more exciting products and collaborations, ensuring every visit is full of new discoveries.”

OH!SOME has become popular in Indonesia for its diverse, innovative products and immersive shopping experience. The brand is now expanding into more Southeast Asian countries to cultivate a fresh and diverse consumer base in emerging markets.