Paul Burke

[Revolutionize Hong Kong Retail with Your Innovative Technology Solutions ❗ ] As Hong Kong consumers increasingly tend to "go north for consumption", local retail is facing unprecedented challenges 😥 . How can Hong Kong retailers face the challenge? In order to remain competitive amid the trend of Hong Kong consumers heading north for consumption, Hong Kong retailers need to actively take strategic measures, such as improving customer service, providing competitive prices, enhancing in-store experience, strengthening online business, and making good use of science and technology👍 The retail tech landscape is rapidly evolving, with a proliferation of new solution providers and tools. In this competitive environment, relying solely on online presence may not effectively showcase your tech solutions❗ Distinguish your brand as a LEADER in this dynamic space by participating in the physical show. Stand out from your competitors now - we are thrilled to invite you to participate in the Retail Technology Zone at BUSINESS GOVirtual Expo & Conference 2024 👋 Here's a glimpse of the exhibit profile in Retail Technology Zone: ✅Smart catering solutions ✅Inventory management systems ✅Omnichannel shopping solutions  ✅E-commerce platforms ✅Retail analytics platforms  ✅Mobile payment solutions ✅Self-checkout systems  ✅Electronic shelf labels  ✅Digital signage  ✅Smart fitting rooms ✅Geolocation marketing solutions   Don't miss this chance to showcase your cutting-edge solutions and establish invaluable connections with literally all retailers across every sector. 🙌 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BUSINESS GOVirtual Expo & Conference 2024 2024. 7. 11-12 HKCEC, Wanchai Exhibit Now：http://bit.ly/3EwPRoS Enquiry: (Baobab Tree Event) Tel: (852) 3520 3186 Email: govirtual@baobab-tree-event.com #BUSINESSGOVirtual #GreaterBayArea #GBA #HongKong #ImmersiveTechnology #GenerativeAI #ESG #FinTech #MarTech #Blockchain #Web3 #Cybersecurity #SmartOffice #DigitalTransformation #BusinessSolution #TechnologySolution 

5

🤝 LVMH and Alibaba are deepening their partnership to enhance AI in China's unique digital ecosystem. 🌟 We are excited to have been included in the Vogue Business piece diving into the recent news. Check out the full article for more info and expert bites: https://lnkd.in/ehkexUN4 🌐 LVMH is starting to integrate Alibaba Cloud’s powerful AI tools, including Qwen, the tech giant’s proprietary large language model, and Model Studio, the comprehensive AI model-building platform, into its business operations. This means LVMH can potentially drive innovation in DATA ANALYSIS & utilization, creating a huge impact in ads, physical display, content creation, CLIENTELING, customer service, eCommerce / offline / OMNICHANNEL interactive shopping experiences, and even in INTERNAL departments like manufacturing and supply chain. 🔥 Overall, the continued collaboration with Alibaba for digital transformation in China demonstrates that LVMH has a strong and clear vision for the future to strengthen customer interactions and relationships.

1

【#GuruCase Series | Mr. Samuel Lee: “As a member of the retail industry, we also aim to promote sustainable lifestyles among our customers in Hong Kong.”】 What factors do you consider besides affordability and quality when purchasing different daily necessities? With the increasing emphasis on sustainable development, consumers and businesses are more concerned about responsible consumption and production, in the pursuit of maintaining the quality of life without putting excessive pressure on the environment. In this episode of #GuruCase, the PSLB team is honored to invite Mr. Samuel Lee, the Managing Director of Watsons Hong Kong, to share with us how the company, as a chained health and beauty retailer, collaborates with value chain partners to promote sustainable development and encourage customers to change their consumption behaviors. Here are some of their initiatives: 1.    AS Watson Group has introduced the ‘Greener Stores Global Framework’, which incorporates green elements into store design to improve energy efficiency. 2.    Promote suppliers to jointly support sustainable consumption and production practices, such as minimizing unnecessary packaging and ensuring all rinse-off products are microplastic-free. 3.    Collaborate with different suppliers to launch recycling reward programs, to encourage customers to build a recycling habit. Watch the full interview through the following link: https://lnkd.in/gJ2YGcGv From Samuel’s sharing, you can understand how we, as consumers, can reflect our concerns for environmental conservation and incorporate responsible consumption into our daily lives. #pslb #svc #businesssustainability #sustainabilityleadership #sustainability #business #sme #collaboration #sustainablevaluechains #sdgs #undp #hkwatsons The Hongkong Bank Foundation Watsons Hong Kong

3

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 “𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘆” 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆? I did! My memories of my grandmother’s Nonya 𝑧ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔 making process was that of an arduous one taking hours of hard work. Having only eaten storebought 𝑧ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑠 since her passing, I was curious how these were made in massive quantities. So, I hit the local markets of Hong Kong to find my answer. I stood in front of at least 5-6 aunties, watching as they made these yummilicious dumplings. Auntie Mei here was one of the fastest, making a 𝑧ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔 from start to finish in <30secs. 🤯 1️⃣ Did I have to go scour the local markets to actually satisfy this curiosity? No, I didn’t - YouTube probably has many videos of aunties making 𝑧ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑠. But I believe when one gets curious about something, you should chose to look for answers yourself. Sure, YouTube, TikTok and ChatGPT can give you information, formulas and even full-fledged solutions. But nothing beats experiencing something for yourself. ❗️Experiential learning experiences allow you to put things you have learnt into action immediately. Be honest, how many times have you watched a video on YouTube and not actually put the information you watched to use? Precisely. 2️⃣ Nothing beats practice and hard work. Watching Auntie Mei solidified this belief. While she didn’t let me wrap a whole 𝑧ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔 myself, she let me try my hands at putting the leaves together. I took probably a whole minute to do what she does in literally 3secs. Yes, we all want to 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑡 and be more productive. But I’m a huge believer in getting the basics right before putting it into a process. I mean, how can you automate a process without even knowing what it looks like? ❗️Bruce Lee once said “I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times”. While you don’t have to literally kick something 10,000 times these days, deeply understanding the work that you are doing will give you more clarity on what you can improve, automate or change. I’ve seen organisations with so much potential waste away because their founders or leaders are so far removed from the 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 process of how things are done. While AI and automation are of paramount importance these days, I still believe that being solid in the basics of your craft is a fundamental non-negotiable. Your ChatGPT/Gemini responses are only as good as the human writing its prompts. ✨ And I’m glad I took the time to explore and have a taste of 𝑧ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔 making this weekend - cause it something AI and robots can’t do (for now?) I do wonder if robots will be able to make 𝑧ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑠 one day as these intangible cultural traditions aren’t always being passed down. Will it really die out one day, or will it be continued by robots in the future? 👇🏻Place your bets (or guesses) in the comments!

6

Talking of Chinese #eCommerce sector, it can be compared as the beginning of a youth's journey, Andrew Wu, LVMH Group President, Greater China told the 8th BECS conference. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gVCZmqat #Baozun #NewQualityProductiveForces #UnifiedCommerce #Omnichannel #DigitalCommerce #ConsumerExperience #CustomerExperience #Retail

6

🔥 One day to register 🔥 👉 Don't miss this chance to explore lucrative master franchise opportunities in Taiwan. 💼 Network with industry experts, learn insider tips, and discover how you can become a successful franchise owner. Plus, take advantage of personalized 1-on-1 sessions to discuss your goals and aspirations directly with franchising professionals. 📅 Mark your calendars and secure your spot now! Register here: https://lnkd.in/eusuFwBE 👥 Tag a friend who needs to see this and join us on this incredible journey towards entrepreneurship and success! 💪 #FranchiseOpportunity #Entrepreneurship #Taiwan #MasterFranchise

1

Our Chairman, Jason Wong Kon Man, recently delivered a keynote speech at the 2024 Forbes China Brand Development Forum held in Guangzhou on April 26th. Co-hosted by Forbes China 福布斯中国 and Bingo Consulting, this forum brought together a diverse array of industry leaders, investors, and brand experts to explore the evolving landscape of Chinese brands. In his address titled "Brand Upgrading in the Globalization Trend: Strategies and Opportunities for Overseas Listing," Mr. Wong, dubbed by the media as "Asia's SPAC Godfather", and also the SPAC Committee Chair at the Hong Kong Institute of Financial Analysts and Professional Commentators Limited (IFAPC), provided invaluable insights into the significance of listing for brand development, along with an exploration of the SPAC model's potential. Reflecting on the journey of Chinese brands, Mr. Wong emphasized the transition from being the "world's factory" to establishing themselves as "world brands." He underscored the importance of this pivotal moment, where brands not only influence company valuations but also serve as a beacon of cultural confidence on the global stage. Mr. Wong's alignment with the forum's theme, "Initial Intention, Create Excellence," underscores Norwich's commitment to upholding our founding principles while fostering innovation and adaptability. We share his vision of guiding Chinese brands towards global success, characterized by authenticity, innovation, and unwavering determination. https://lnkd.in/d5Z5ZcSG #NorwichCapital #Norwich #NorwichHK #BrandDevelopment #GlobalExpansion #ForbesChinaForum #SPAC #Innovation #EconomicGrowth #MarketInsights 

3

With the end of winter comes the warmer temperatures and blossoming flowers associated with the heart of the spring season! Take a look at the popular spring shopping trends of the past season by going to this article: https://lnkd.in/dRqTQDHf #coupang #coupangmarketplace #business #ecommerce #globalecommerce #쿠팡  #korea #쿠팡마켓플레이스 #마켓플레이스 #sellingoncoupang #springshoppingtrends #springtrends #sellingtokorea #koreanecommerce

7

Nearly the end of 1H 2024, the retail market, especially luxury consumer goods, is extremely difficult, I realize a new trend of eye-catching Pop-Up Stores: Hot trend in the high-end retail scene in Vietnam (2023 -2024) While some luxury locations remain pricey, branded temporary stores are on the rise. These temporary stores create a sense of excitement and exclusivity, attracting Vietnamese consumers who desire unique shopping experiences. Looking ahead, I believe pop-ups will grow further as it allows us business leaders to test new markets, gauge customer response in specific locations and refine our approach before deciding to open permanent stores. #LuxuryRetail #Vietnam #PopUp #RetailStrategy #Opportunities #Trends #fashion

40

And the story develops... Chinese e-commerce giants AliExpress and Temu signed a product safety agreement with Korea's Fair Trade Commission on Monday in the hopes of ensuring and protecting Korean consumers from harmful products being distributed and sold through their platforms. The agreement marks the first of its kind signed by an overseas online platform operator in Korea regarding product safety. Particularly, Temu's involvement is noteworthy as this is the first time the company signed such an agreement with a foreign country. Under the voluntary agreement, AliExpress and Temu platform operators will responsibly block the distribution and sale of hazardous products based on self-monitoring and information provided by the Korean government, which will be gathered through product recall information from consumers as well as regular safety inspections. The EU and Australia are currently also taking measures to block hazardous products distributed and sold on online platforms.

4

In 2021, we first reached out to the CEO of Biti's footwear company, the largest and most iconic shoe brand of Vietnam with 200+ stores nationwide. For the next two years, we repeatedly contacted her inviting Biti's to try out our Palexy platform, but was always told "now is not the right time." There needs to be a certain synergy for a business collaboration to work out. At that time, the conditions weren't quite aligned: the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing, it wasn't a priority for Biti's at the moment, they had other projects underway, and so on. After being rejected multiple times, we took a step back to seriously re-evaluate whether we should keep persistently pursuing this potential partnership. We realized there was an admirable aspect to Biti's business philosophy - striving to create a balanced environment for their employees. Retail work is demanding, and the sales staff need ample support, motivation, and guidance to not only perform well but also maintain a positive quality of life. Initially, when pitching Palexy, we emphasized the benefits for the retailer itself, the management team, and of course the customers - the "gods" that the retail world revolves around. But we overlooked how crucial it is to also benefit the frontline sales associates who directly interface with those customer "gods." Stressed, fatigued, and confused employees simply cannot deliver a great customer experience. Once we understood this perspective, Biti's gave us a chance to collaborate. Leveraging Palexy's data, Biti's management shifted how they worked with staff - providing guidance, oversight, and encouragement. This lowered the pressure on associates while upholding sales conversion rates, so even when foot traffic declined, revenues didn't take as big a hit. The lesson we learned is not to give up, but also not to just stubbornly stick to the old ways. Being rejected once is understandable, but racking up repeated rejections without adapting is a mistake. Flexibility and evolving one's mindset are key! #startup #lessons #customer #success #stories

15

Sales Results Revealed as 618 Shopping Festival Wraps Up 🛍️💸 The second biggest shopping festival in China, the 618 Shopping Festival, just concluded yesterday. This year's event extended longer than usual, kicking off in early May. Consumer sentiment appears to be rebounding from the pandemic-induced slowdown, with this year's festival achieving pre-COVID results and a record-breaking sales total of 798.7 billion yuan ($110.5 billion USD). 👉 Read our latest article to learn more about this year's 618 Shopping Festival: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ecrC4-FH #618ShoppingFestival #RetailTrends #ChinaRetail #ShoppingFestival #MarketTrends

2

The Uniqlo’s successful customer-centric marketing approach: From innovative product strategies to global market expansion, Uniqlo sets a remarkable standard in understanding and meeting consumer needs. https://lnkd.in/gNi6uD3V At Krows Digital, we specialize in tailoring marketing strategies that are as dynamic and effective as Uniqlo’s. Whether you’re looking to enhance customer engagement, innovate your product line, or expand globally, our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals. 💡 Let’s discuss how we can apply these insights to your brand for transformative results. Connect with us today! #MarketingStrategy #CustomerCentric #Uniqlo #RetailInnovation #GlobalMarketing #KrowsDigital

3

During my recent business trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable resurgence of the country's department stores. It was an experience that highlighted not only the recovery from the pandemic but also the innovative ways in which these retail giants are adapting to new consumer behaviours. I arrived in Tokyo with a packed schedule of meetings, but I made sure to carve out some time to explore the famous department stores like Isetan Mitsukoshi, Takashimaya, and Sogo & Seibu. Walking through these stores, it was clear that something extraordinary was happening. The vibrant atmosphere, bustling crowds, and luxurious displays all pointed to a significant revival in consumer activity. According to Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, their sales in April were up by 10.1% compared to the same period in 2019, setting a new record. Takashimaya's flagship store in Nihonbashi reported a 15% increase, while Sogo & Seibu's flagship in Ikebukuro saw a 12% rise (source: Retail in Asia). These numbers were not just impressive; they were a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Japan's retail sector. One aspect that stood out to me was the role of local shoppers. Japanese consumers were spending more on domestic luxury goods and experiences, which was evident in the crowded aisles and busy checkout counters. However, it wasn't just local spending that was driving this boom. The weak yen had also brought back international tourists, particularly from China and South Korea. This made shopping in Japan more affordable for these visitors, encouraging them to indulge in high-end shopping and significantly boosting sales. What really struck me was how seamless the shopping experience was for international customers. The widespread adoption of electronic payment systems, including Alipay, WeChat Pay, and international wallet networks, made transactions incredibly easy. This convenience undoubtedly contributed to the increased spending by foreign visitors. The digital transformation of these department stores was also impressive. I noticed how they effectively utilized social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase new collections and in-store events. Digital signage and QR codes for promotions were everywhere, and many stores had embraced LINE, Japan's popular messaging app, to send personalized messages and exclusive discounts to customers. This blend of traditional retail with modern digital marketing was clearly paying off. My experience in these department stores was a vivid demonstration of how Japan's retail sector is not just recovering but thriving. The strategic initiatives, from enhancing in-store experiences to leveraging digital marketing, have set a positive tone for the future of retail in Japan. As I wrapped up my business trip, I couldn't help but feel optimistic about the potential for growth and innovation in this dynamic market.

44