Retail Asia 2018 JunJuly2018 | Page 24

RETAIL SPACE

RETAIL SPACE

• Continue from previous page groceries . Saving money is an additional benefit of our concept , but we do want to emphasise that this only happens if you make wise choices . Our prices are similar to the market rate and calculated by weight . This is so you can buy only what you need , rather than getting the most ‘ value-for-money ’ option but wasting the rest of what you don ’ t need .
For example , if you buy a makeup remover towel , in time you will break even as compared to buying packs of cotton pads that need to be replaced indefinitely . Once consumers understand the value of reusable no-waste items , they realise that it ’ s actually an investment for the future .
How do you ensure that the logistics and supply chain aspects of UnPackt are in line with your zero-waste policies ? Tay : We purchase stocks from suppliers in bulk and recycle the packaging . We also pass the packaging over to those who request for it for various purposes , such as students who need materials for school projects . As mentioned earlier , we aim to understand our consumer needs : this means that we procure from suppliers based on demand , preventing food waste . We brought in a small selection of products based on the consumer market survey which we conducted in early April , so that we can gauge how well they are received without wasting any excess .
How can more retailers join the zerowaste movement in Singapore and Asia ? Tay : Consumers can make statements with their choices . If retailers see that there is a demand for zero-waste practices from consumers , we believe that they will be motivated to adopt such practices . We hope that retailers will look at their practices in a new light by considering the essential needs of their business and cutting down on excess waste that is generated . UnPackt also takes requests from businesses to help with planning to go packaging-free ; they can drop in to the store with their business cards , or they can contact us through Facebook ( fb . com / UnPackt . SG ) or email ( florence @ unpackt . com . sg ).
Could you share your future plans to launch an online version of UnPackt ? Tay : E-commerce is on the backburner for now as we are currently prioritising our bricks-and-mortar store . ra

Uniqlo to open global flagship store in Manila

UNIQLO is planning to open a global flagship store in the Philippines this coming Fall / Winter season .
The new store , which will be the largest Uniqlo store in the country and in the South-east Asian region , will be located in Glorietta 5 in Makati ’ s central business and commercial district .
The company said Uniqlo has chosen Manila as the location of its newest flagship store to strengthen the foundation of its business in the Philippines and in South-east Asia — a key global growth engine for the brand . The store will mark the 15th global flagship store for Uniqlo in 11 markets around the world .
“ We are honoured and excited to open our first Uniqlo global flagship store in the Philippines . Having been a member of the local retail scene since 2012 , we remain committed to contributing to the local community and to being an integral part of Manila ’ s growth and future ,” said Satoshi Hatase , chief operating officer , Uniqlo South-east Asia and Oceania . Set over a sales floor area of 4,100sqm , Uniqlo Manila will offer local and international customers a huge shopping area and a “ world-class ” immersive shopping experience featuring large visual displays and state-of-the-art
Separately , Uniqlo Singapore recently announced that it will be opening two new stores at Downtown East and Great World City towards the end of this year . This brings the brand ’ s total number of physical stores in Singapore to 28 , excluding its online store , www . uniqlo . com / sg .
The launch of these new stores displays the commitment to meet the needs of the residents in the central and eastern parts of Singapore through offering quality and innovative clothing and making the brand accessible for all to enjoy , the retailer said .
Downtown East An entertainment hub in the East which
Uniqlo Global Flagship Stores represent the best and latest of the brand , its LifeWear clothing and its customer service .
design concepts . As with other global flagship stores , the store will also showcase the full line-up of LifeWear for men , women , kids and babies .
“ This exciting new retail environment and experience will help put our Manila business in the global spotlight . We sense growing enthusiasm in the community here and hope to share the very best of the Filipino lifestyle , culture and optimism with the world through our flagship store ,” Hatase added .
The opening of a global flagship store in Manila highlights the importance of the Philippines in Uniqlo ’ s growth plans worldwide . It will add to global flagship stores in key locations today , including New York ’ s Fifth Avenue , London ’ s Oxford Street , Paris ’ Opera District , Ginza in Tokyo , and Orchard Road in Singapore . ra
Uniqlo Singapore to open two new stores this year
caters to families and youths alike , Downtown East will be home to a new Uniqlo store that is estimated to cover approximately 10,200sqf . The store will be located in Downtown East ’ s new wing and it will offer affordable essentials for people of all ages to enjoy .
Great World City Situated along the fringe of Singapore ’ s most popular shopping belt , Uniqlo Great World City is estimated to cover approximately 9,000sqf . The new store presents local shoppers and tourists alike with the opportunity to shop for their favourite quality clothing at a central location without having to worry about busy shopping crowds . ra
22 Retail Asia June / July 2018