Vietnamese coffee chain Cong Caphe is set to open its first Philippine outlet in February at Gateway 2 Mall in Quezon City.
Known for its signature 1970s-inspired interiors and unique coffee offerings, the brand aims to bring an “authentic Vietnamese coffee experience” to Filipino customers. It makes its coffee using Vietnamese Robusta beans.
Founded in Hanoi in 2007 by former performance artist Linh Dung, Cong Caphe currently operates 66 stores across Vietnam, with 45 located in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The cafe is known for its creative take on traditional Vietnamese coffee, including specialties like coconut coffee, coconut green rice coffee, and coconut pho coffee.
Cong Caphe made its international debut in Seoul, South Korea, in 2018 and has since expanded to Malaysia, Canada, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay offers so much more! Imagine a supermarket with a cozy bar nestled, a dining area in the middle of the supermarket, and a workshop area. This isn’t just shopping—it’s an experience that redefines retail therapy, taking it to an entirely new level.
FairPrice Finest is one of the premium retail formats under NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, Singapore’s largest retailer. Its portfolio includes FairPrice Supermarkets, FairPrice Finest, FairPrice Xtra, FairPrice Xpress, and Cheers convenience stores.
This 14,000-square-foot warehouse-inspired outlet at Clarke Quay, marks the 40th FairPrice Finest store in Singapore.
Far beyond the conventional supermarket, FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay transforms errands into opportunities for culinary discovery, social connection, and even recreation. Whether you’re sipping a signature cocktail at the bar, savoring a gourmet meal, or actively listening at a workshop, this unique destination is where shopping, dining, and entertainment meet seamlessly.
Singapore’s Love for Fresh and Local
Singaporean supermarkets are celebrated for their devotion to fresh produce, sushi, and delicatessen delights. FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay elevates this tradition with thoughtfully curated selections and a deep commitment to supporting local suppliers.
The Grocer Food Hall
At the heart of the store is the Grocer Food Hall, where different food kiosks serve a variety of cuisines. A standout feature? The “You Pick, We Cook” service. Pay for your seafood/beef and cooking fee and let them know how you would want it cooked, and next enjoy your food.
Comfortable seating areas invite you to enjoy your meals in a relaxed and vibrant setting—perfect for casual meetups or a quick break from shopping.
The Grocer Bar
Looking to unwind? Head to the Grocer Bar, it’s the ideal spot to relax and take in the energy of Clarke Quay.
Local Collaboration and Sustainability
FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay takes pride in its collaborations with local businesses. Highlights include a curated selection of fresh produce from Singaporean farmers. By celebrating local, the store underscores its commitment to community and sustainability.
If you come to Singapore, this place is a must visit and enjoy your own gourmet journey at FairPrice Finest Clarke Quay, where the joy of shopping meets the art of living.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
Bread Ahead Expands into the Philippines: A Culinary Journey Begins
In an exciting development for the culinary landscape of the Philippines, the renowned bakery chain Bread Ahead has forged an exclusive franchise agreement with Specialty Food Retailers Inc. (SFRI). This significant partnership marks Bread Ahead’s inaugural entry into the Asian market, bringing with it a wealth of baking experience and a commitment to quality that has made it a beloved brand in the United Kingdom and beyond.
Founded in London in 2013 by Matthew Jones, Bread Ahead is celebrated for its artisanal approach to baking, specializing in sourdough bread, delectable doughnuts, and New York-style sourdough pizza, among other gastronomic delights. The brand’s reputation was built on a foundation of craft and quality, setting it apart in an increasingly competitive market. With six locations already established across the UK, as well as a growing presence in the Middle East with locations in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, Bread Ahead is poised for continued international growth.
SFRI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Rustan Group of Companies, is strategically positioned to facilitate Bread Ahead’s expansion in the Philippines. The local expertise and established networks of SFRI will be instrumental in launching a total of 15 new bakery locations throughout the archipelago, complemented by a dedicated bakery school. This initiative aims not only to provide high-quality baked goods but also to educate and inspire locals to embrace the art of baking. The bakery school will offer workshops that cover everything from classic techniques to innovative recipes, fostering a deeper appreciation for the craft of baking within the community.
The choice to enter the Philippine market reflects a broader trend among international brands looking to tap into the burgeoning culinary scene in Southeast Asia. As food culture continues to evolve, there is a growing appetite for artisanal and specialty food products. The collaboration between Bread Ahead and SFRI will undoubtedly enrich the local food ecosystem, offering a blend of British baking traditions and local tastes.
Furthermore, Bread Ahead’s ambitions do not stop at the Philippine archipelago. Plans are already underway to explore opportunities for advancement into neighboring countries. Such expansions could potentially establish Bread Ahead as a leading force within the region, catering to an expanding demographic of food enthusiasts eager for international flavors and experiences.
In the context of rising interest in food-related experiences, this venture resonates with a growing trend towards experiential dining. As consumers increasingly seek out not just food but the stories behind it, the introduction of a baking school aligns perfectly with contemporary dining philosophies that prioritize engagement and education. Through this fusion of dining and learning, Bread Ahead is set to cultivate a community of baking aficionados, further enhancing its brand loyalty.
As the Philippines grapples with its own unique economic challenges and opportunities in gastronomic tourism, the timing of Bread Ahead’s launch is particularly salient. The establishment of bakeries and a school dedicated to baking empowers local entrepreneurs and creators, enriching the community by fostering skills that can translate into various facets of the local economy.
In light of such developments, the expansion of Bread Ahead serves as a beacon of possibility. It illustrates the impact of thoughtful partnership and dedicated craftsmanship in an evolving global marketplace. As the brand prepares to make its mark on the Philippines, it promises to not only deliver high-quality baked goods but also to contribute to the cultural tapestry of the nation through culinary education and engagement.
In conclusion, the arrival of Bread Ahead in the Philippines signifies a new chapter in the region’s vibrant food scene. With its commitment to excellence and community engagement through educational initiatives, this partnership is poised to leave an indelible mark on the culinary landscape. As we look forward to the opening of these new locations, there is great anticipation for the delicious innovations that will emerge from this exciting collaboration.
The ramifications of such expansions underline the dynamic intersection of global trends and local cultures, illustrating how food can serve as a bridge between communities in an increasingly interconnected world.
The recent trail of typhoons that hit the country has had devastating effects on Filipinos. Many have lost their homes, livelihoods, and tragically, their lives. Time and again, the resilience of Filipinos in the face of adversity makes headlines across various facets of society. Despite the heartache, Filipinos continue to show their strength in withstanding calamities.
Unfortunately, our crops have not been as resilient.
According to a report released by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), the total agricultural losses in the country due to Typhoons Kristine and Leon have reached a staggering 6 billion pesos. One can only imagine the gravity of this loss for our hardworking farmers – who have toiled in the fields, looking forward to the harvest season. But in just a few days, a typhoon can wipe out everything.
In the recent years, the Direct-To-Farm (DTF) approach has emerged among retailers. This model has gained popularity among consumers as a win-win-win situation for the three key stakeholders: consumers, retailers, and farmers. Furthermore, this approach has helped consumers understand how much effort farmers put into feeding the nation. DTF has not only made products more accessible and affordable for consumers, but it also put a face to the food we eat.
While this model has worked and improved the situation for all stakeholders, the devastating effects of the recent typhoons prompt us to think of other ways retailers and farmers can support each other during such crises, which are becoming more frequent in the country.
To establish a system that supports both affected farmers and retailers looking for fresh produce to offer consumers, the following suggestions can be considered:
1. Set Up a Digital Platform or Network
A centralized digital platform could be created for farmers to list products that survived the typhoon. While these items may not be in the condition, they are still safe for consumption. Retailers can access the platform to directly purchase these goods.
However, given the technological limitations in the country and farmers’ unfamiliarity with digital tools, it would be beneficial for an independent organization to gather this information from farmers and input it into the digital platforms.
2. Establish Logistics Support
Logistics support should be set up to connect farmers directly to retailers. This could involve partnering with delivery companies to ensure timely transportation, reducing further losses or damage to the produce.
3. Offer Discounted but Reasonable Prices
Typhoons may damage products, making them less than “store perfect.” Retailers can benefit from purchasing these items at discounted but still reasonable prices. One of the biggest challenges for farmers after a typhoon is discarding their produce because it no longer meets quality standards. In some cases, they are forced to sell at deeply discounted prices, which hardly covers their expenses, let alone the cost of replanting for the next season.
At the store level, retailers can communicate that these products may not be in perfect shape but are still safe to consume. Moreover, by purchasing these “rescue crops,” consumers can feel good about supporting farmers during tough times. For example, stores could set up a dedicated “rescue crops” section or offer bundles or “resilient boxes” containing a variety of produce at discounted prices.
4. Ensure Transparency
Maintaining consumer trust is essential. Retailers should be fully transparent about the condition of the produce by using clear tags or labels with full disclosure. Retailers can also emphasize that purchasing these imperfect products help support post-disaster recovery.
5. Develop Support Programs
Retailers can partner with government agencies to educate farmers on how to recover financially after a typhoon. Additionally, retailers can commit to purchasing crops, ensuring that farmers have a guaranteed income stream post-disaster.
6. Establish Micro-Lending or Crowdfunding Programs
While the above initiatives will aid in recovery, some farmers will experience massive losses and need financial support to start over. Retailers could contribute to these funds in exchange for guaranteed supply arrangements.
Going Beyond Just Direct Purchasing
As the saying goes, retail is always evolving. Purchasing directly from farmers and eliminating intermediaries is just the first step in building a more sustainable and transparent food system that benefits all stakeholders. As consumers increasingly demand fresh, high-quality and ethically sourced products, retailers and farmers must work together to meet this demand. By implementing the suggested action points, we can strengthen retailer-farmer relationships, contribute to nation-building and community resilience, and involve consumers directly in the process. After all, wise collaboration in retail ploughs the way to a sustainable future.
Is the Head of Operations at RetailWise (formerly Euroasia Research Experts, Inc.). She is also the Division Merchandise Manager of Heyday for Beauty and Fresh Departments, implementing Direct-To-Farm Approach and advocating for rescue crops.
CS Fresh Supermarket truly lives up to its name—everything is genuinely fresh, from fruits and vegetables to the delicatessen, meat, and seafood sections.
Fruits and vegetable area
Fresh butchery and meat area
Fresh seafood
CS Fresh by Cold Storage is an upscale supermarket spanning over 2,700 sqm at Basement 1 of Great World. It’s a haven for gourmet enthusiasts, featuring bespoke butchery services, a world-class selection of beer, wine, and spirits, a fresh bakery, fresh sushi, and Singapore’s widest range of organic produce.
Wine, beer and spirits
Fresh sushi and fresh bakery
Delicatessen and fresh produce area
You will love this store from the moment you step in. Fresh flowers greet you at the entrance, accompanied by vibrant displays of colorful fruits and vegetables.
For added convenience, the “meals-to-go” section offers ready-to-eat options for those on the go. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the Tanamera Indonesia coffee bar, where you can enjoy premium coffee, refreshing drinks, and delicious food while shopping.
Kitchen on the go area
Tanamera coffee shop
CSFresh also prioritizes customer convenience with features such as free delivery for minimum orders, clear signage guiding you to counters, and self-checkout stations—an innovation worth considering in the Philippines to reduce long supermarket lines.
One more thing we like about this store is their e-waste collection bins, encouraging customers to recycle and be rewarded. You can recycle household batteries and bulbs here. Additionally, they have a Foodbank at the entrance, where customers can drop off food donations to support vulnerable families during challenging times.
Self check-out | free home delivery signage | recycle bin | Foodbank
The ambiance, look, and feel of this store make shopping a delightful experience. It’s a place you’ll not only shop at but also enjoy visiting time and again.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
The RetailWise Team recently visited Singapore, diving into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’re spotlighting standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First, we showcased FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity. Next up : Scoop Wholefoods Singapore—a collaboration between Singapore’s retail powerhouses, Gill Capital and Sydney-based Scoop Wholefoods Australia.
This store is a haven for health-conscious shoppers, offering a wide array of organic, sustainable products and a zero-waste shopping experience.
We visited the flagship location at Great World, a 9,000 sq. ft. space thoughtfully designed for eco-minded shoppers.
Tea area
The store features bulk wholefoods, a Beauty & Bath chamber, an in-house Glass Box Bakery, and even a Kombucha Bar.
Glassbox bakery
With over 2,000 products—around 80% certified Australian organic and environmentally responsible—Scoop WholeFoods embodies a commitment to sustainable, wholesome living.
Scoop Whole Beauty
Sustainable homewares
What’s especially notable is the cozy bench area where shoppers can relax, read a book, and recharge.
The raw honey section is another beautiful highlight, adding to the store’s aesthetic appeal and dedication to eco-friendly advocacy.
Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
RetailWise Team has recently visited Singapore, and we’re thrilled to dive into its most innovative retail destinations! This week, we’ll be showcasing standout retailers with unique features and concepts.
First up: FairPrice Xtra at VivoCity
With an impressive 90,000 sq ft of retail space, including Unity Pharmacy on the second floor, this is the largest Fairprice store in Singapore.
What makes this store even more remarkable is that customers are greeted by a vibrant, expansive display of fresh fruits and vegetables, setting the tone with a burst of color and freshness right at the store entrance. Every visitor will find freshly delivered produce daily. They offer hydroponically grown vegetables harvested on-site, bringing farm-to-table right into the heart of the store!
The unique experiences don’t end there. Fairprice Xtra has a dining area at the core of the store, featuring zones like ‘Pick, Prep, Enjoy,’ and ‘The Kitchen,’ offering ready-to-eat meals, a dedicated sushi and sashimi area, cold cuts, pre-cut fruits, and an on-demand grill where you can select seafood or meat and have them prepared just the way you like. During our visit, we indulged in the ‘Oyster and Wine Night,’ enjoying fresh French oysters paired perfectly with wine.
The store’s layout is well-designed, with a spacious seafood section featuring farmed fish, live Dungeness crabs, and a variety of shellfish. The butchery area boasts premium selections, including grass-fed and grain-fed beef from Australia and New Zealand, catering to quality-conscious shoppers.
Fairprice Xtra also caters a have a beautiful bakery area with a wide selection of breads and pastries, a cozy café with seating area, dairy, and chilled sections. Fairprice Xtra truly is a one-stop shopping experience.
The second floor expands offerings with International and Local favorites, Sports & Leisure, Travel Essentials, Beauty & Wellness, Electronics, Home & Living, Mums & Kids, Pet Care, and Wines, Beer & Spirits.
This hypermarket exemplifies retail excellence, remaining fully stocked and organized even late into the evening, with self-service stations for weighing fruits and quick checkouts. Opened in 2019, this store is built around customer convenience and sustainability. Shoppers can have food prepped for easy home cooking, buy loose quantities of grains and nuts, and explore over 35,000 products, including 350+ local brands. A dedicated corner supports local enterprises, reinforcing FairPrice’s commitment to sustainability and customer-focused innovation. Stay tuned for more highlights from our Singapore retail journey as we continue to explore some of the city’s most inspiring retail experiences.
At RetailWise, we are bringing value across different brands. We aim to ensure your satisfaction by guaranteeing the success of your business from strategy to execution. Explore our strategies, resources, and expertise and find the perfect fit for your needs click here
I vividly remember the excitement of visiting the newest and closest hypermarket to our municipality in France with my aunt and uncle. These visits, once or twice a month on Tuesdays, were a highlight since I had no school on Wednesdays. My first stop was always the books section, where I would lose myself in reading while waiting for them to finish their shopping. Afterwards, we would eat together at the mall’s cafeteria.
In the 1970s, the hypermarket concept was predominantly developed and promoted by retailers. These large stores, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 square meters selling area, offered a wide variety of products under one roof – electronics, appliances, apparel, general merchandise, food, and non-food grocery items, along with a large fresh food area. The promise was a vast selection at affordable prices. However, this concept was controversial, posing a real threat to small independent businesses like meat shops, bakeries, and fruit and vegetable stores.
An Insightful Experience in the Hypermarket Business
Was it a coincidence that I began my professional career in the hypermarket business 15 years later? Starting in the retail industry, specifically in the hypermarket business with Auchan in 1988, was indeed a fantastic experience. Store operation managers were highly decisive in a decentralized organization, handling everything from buying to selling, with full accountability for their profit and loss statements.
Daily pep talks with the team and weekly reporting to the department head created a competitive environment for young managers. At that time, we were directly negotiating with supplier representatives, selecting promotions, and controlling daily orders.
Initiatives on planograms, coordinated with the centralized merchandise team, were welcomed. Buyers were gathering regular information on categories and products through constant communication with store operations personnel.
Our time was clearly divided between store preparation before opening and during the “re-opening” before the evening rush, administrative tasks, and supplier negotiations. Most importantly, constant communication and interaction with the store team were critical. Store personnel provided valuable feedback for young managers, benefiting from their extensive field experience and daily customer interactions.
I remember the regular sales challenges introduced by management, where we would arrive early to display our promotions extravagantly. Competition was fierce among the young managers (read: wolves!) to conquer challenges, and our creativity in showcasing the most impressive and innovative displays seemed limitless.
The principle of the concept was simple: “Low prices, strong promotions, everything under one roof, spacious cash counter lines, and ample parking to accommodate heavy customer traffic.” We felt invincible, anticipating that hypermarkets would gradually replace supermarkets and neighborhood stores. Back in the 1990s, the impact was indeed significant.
Today’s Reality: A Reflection on Decline
I travelled to Europe several times over the last three years and always made a point to visit stores, including hypermarkets. It was no different last August when I was in France and Spain. I have once again witnessed the continued decline of the hypermarket concept. There was so much space with few customers, empty cash counter lines, and a dark atmosphere – the excitement was gone.
Photo courtesy of Eric Poiret
Nevertheless, I must acknowledge the efforts made to maintain an outstanding fresh product offering with enticing displays, which still make a trip to the hypermarket worthwhile. The product selection is extensive, aiming to meet every customer’s request, even for niche items. The sheer volume on display, particularly the fish section, is impressive and tempting.
The option to choose between over-the-counter and pre-packed meat and fish is also a smart approach. The aroma of freshly baked bread and the remarkable pastry selection are highlights. The deli and cheese corner remain exciting, offering an amazing range from all over the world. New concepts, like the sushi bar and café corner, where you can have a quick breakfast or lunch with a variety of pastries and sandwiches, add a modern touch.
However, for dry food and personal care items, I see limited value. The product range is vast, but the display is uninteresting, and finding specific categories and merchandise can be challenging. There is nothing new, except perhaps the wine bar with a sommelier, and an expanded health and wellness section for the health-conscious.
For non-food items, primarily general merchandise, electronics, and apparel, there have been no significant changes or improvements in 30 years. While there are new products, the overall concept has not evolved and has even degraded in terms of attractiveness
What Happened Over The Years?
This decline is not without reason, as several factors have contributed to the hypermarket concept’s challenges, including shifts in market trends, consumer behavior, and increased competition.
Neighborhood Stores: Small supermarkets and compact hypermarkets have regained relevance. Economic considerations like rising transportation costs and a desire for more convenient shopping have favored proximity stores. Retail chains have also improved their smaller formats to offer almost everything, including fresh products and basic general merchandise, close to home. City stores in large urban areas effectively maximize small spaces to meet a wide range of needs, including fresh food and non-food categories, delivered right to your doorstep.
Specialty Stores: These stores have gained success by offering better assortments and prices in more enticing environments.
E-commerce and the Pandemic: The pandemic was a defining moment for hypermarkets. Modern retailers were pioneers in platform solutions, but e-commerce competition became fierce. All retailers now offer online platforms, and some are more relevant online than in physical stores. Independent e-commerce platforms have also emerged, creating new competition, while online food delivery options have surged.
Demographic Shifts: Changes in demographics, such as the increase in smaller households and aging populations, influence shopping behaviors. Smaller households prefer more frequent, smaller shopping trips rather than large, infrequent ones that hypermarkets accommodate.
Sustainability Concerns: Consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of their shopping habits, favoring stores that promote local products, reduce waste, and have smaller carbon footprints. Hypermarkets, with their extensive supply chains, can struggle to align with these values.
What’s Next? Suggestions for the Future of Hypermarkets
Retail chains have a significant opportunity to regain confidence in the hypermarket format by cultivating a mindset open to adapting to evolving customer trends and expectations. Based on my global experience in the hypermarket business, here are a few suggestions to consider.
Reduce Space: The first impression upon visiting a hypermarket at present is that it is too big. I find it difficult to understand why retail chains have not downsized existing stores over the years. In an era where prime space is valued and large boxes are losing popularity, retail chains should re-evaluate their use of space and declining sales productivity, perhaps transforming parts of hypermarkets into mall spaces, specialty stores, or dining experiences.
Improve Ambiance: It is a well-known fact that the hypermarket is a cutting-edge retail concept; unfortunately many have not evolved in terms of ambiance and visual appeal. Lighting, tiling, and visual concepts have remained unchanged for decades, and the absence of ambient music contributes to an uninviting atmosphere. Today’s customers crave experiential shopping that engages their senses – what they see, hear, and smell. This may be the perfect time to visually rebrand and transform this concept into one that is more vibrant and appealing for customers.
Enhance Customer Experience: This is probably the biggest opportunity. Rethinking the customer journey and creating engaging experiences for shoppers is key.
Given the quality of fresh offerings, there is an opportunity to emphasize and/or add dining experiences within the store, where customers can enjoy freshly prepared meals from the products they selected. This approach would engage customers’ senses, creating a strong appeal. Although this concept exists internationally in some high-end supermarkets, European retail chains have yet to embrace it strongly. Themed regional dining experiences – such as Asian, Mediterranean, or Mexican – could be introduced. With their existing volume and sourcing capabilities, hypermarket operators can additionally offer attractive price points. The challenge lies in creatively integrating dining experiences into the store layout without compromising space, customer flow, or navigation.
Similarly, there is a rise in new coffee concepts. Most hypermarkets have a basic grab-and-go coffee corner, but transforming it into a vibrant coffee shop inside the store could enhance the shopping experience. The coffee shop could be integrated near the bakery but designed to stand out visually.
For non-food items, integrating a “store within a store” concept could be beneficial. For example, Auchan could consider including a mini-Decathlon within the hypermarket, offering an immersive experience by inviting customers to try sports items in a dedicated zone.
For the electronics department, there is much room for rekindling excitement. I was once the head of this department, where customers would station themselves during home theater displays, showcasing the latest movies or concerts, with music resonating from afar. Surprisingly, during one of my hypermarket visits last August, I noticed that the TV units were switched off. While technology has evolved and most features are available in a single device, customers still desire to test and play with gadgets. Creating an engaging environment could attract customers and ultimately increase sales.
For apparel, collaborating with popular brands to create customized collections for the hypermarket could engage younger generations and revitalize the department’s offerings. These brands would have to ensure that price points remain accessible while maintaining the integrity of the concept.
Many of these suggestions have already been implemented in some modern retail chains worldwide. However, the necessary transformations in European markets appear to be occurring at a sluggish pace. Maintaining the status quo will only contribute to further decline. There is an opportunity to adapt to evolving market conditions and implement essential upgrades. Aesthetic changes alone may not be enough; a fundamental revolution in the hypermarket concept might be necessary. Benchmarking against successful markets in the US and Southeast Asia could offer valuable insights for European retail chains.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change in Hypermarkets
Reflecting on my early experiences with French hypermarkets, it’s bittersweet to witness the decline of a concept that once promised a vibrant shopping experience under one roof. The memories of bustling aisles filled with excitement contrast sharply with the empty spaces I now observe. As we look to the future, it’s clear that revitalizing the hypermarket model will require not only a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences but also a commitment to innovative and engaging shopping experiences. By embracing change and adapting to modern trends, hypermarkets can hope to rekindle the passion they once inspired in shoppers like myself.
I hope these thoughts motivate you to explore new ideas in retail and collaborate to revive the excitement that once made the hypermarket concept very special.
Eric has a solid experience of more than 35 years in the management of retail chains in the Gulf Region, Asia and France. Before becoming the Chairman of ERE, he was Managing Director for Metro Gaisano, Chief Operating Officer for ASWAAQ, a Dubai Government-owned company, and Chief Executive Officer for MAF Carrefour KSA. Eric Poiret’s expertise lies in strategic planning and operations management. Eric continues to expand his expertise by permanently keeping up with market trends through various engagements and visiting different retail markets around the world.
ALPHABET’S YouTube and e-commerce platform Shopee said on Wednesday (Sep 18) they were launching an online shopping service in Indonesia and planned to expand it in South-east Asia as competition picks up with a rival operator owned by TikTok.
Under the YouTube Shopping tie-up, people will be able to purchase goods viewed on YouTube through links to Shopee, which is owned by South-east Asian technology conglomerate Sea Ltd. Company executives told reporters they plan to expand the service to Thailand and in Vietnam in a few weeks. YouTube Shopping is already active in South Korea and the US.
Indonesia’s “energy and velocity around online shopping” is what prompted the launch, YouTube Asia-Pacific director Ajay Vidyasagar said in Jakarta. With YouTube Shopping, Alphabet and Shopee will be competing against TikTok, the Bytedance-owned video app, which has increased its ambitions for the region after taking control of Indonesia’s biggest e-commerce platform Tokopedia.
Asked about the size of the partnership with Shopee, Vidyasagar said it was very significant, but declined to give numbers. He said YouTube Shopping would be opened to partners other than Shopee “in a phased, sequenced manner.” Reuters reported last year, citing sources, that YouTube was planning to apply for a licence to operate e-commerce services in Indonesia, South-east Asia’s largest economy.
TikTok’s shopping service, TikTok Shop, accounted for US$16.3 billion in 2023 in gross merchandise value in South-east Asia, in a nearly fourfold jump from the previous year, consultancy Momentum Works said in a report.
This has made the platform the region’s second largest e-commerce platform after Shopee.
The region of nearly 700 million is one of the world’s fastest growing e-commerce markets. The Momentum Works report said South-east Asia’s eight largest e-commerce platforms racked up US$114.6 billion in gross merchandise value in 2023, up 15 per cent from 2022. REUTERS
TAKEAWAY:
This news marks a significant shift in how businesses and retailers should align their future strategies, particularly in terms of marketing and growth. As the collaboration between YouTube and Shopee begins in Indonesia and soon expands to Thailand and Vietnam, it’s only a matter of time before the Philippines becomes the next market to adopt this trend. With the rapid growth of the local e-commerce sector and platforms like TikTok providing stiff competition, businesses must stay ahead of the curve by embracing new, integrated shopping experiences that combine entertainment with commerce.
For retailers and brands in the Philippines, this signals a need to rethink traditional marketing approaches and adapt to the evolving digital landscape. The ability to seamlessly link content with purchasing decisions offers an exciting opportunity to engage consumers in a more interactive and immediate way, potentially driving higher conversion rates. As the digital economy continues to flourish, businesses that proactively align their strategies with these innovations will be well-positioned for long-term success.
The question now is: how will Filipino businesses adapt, and are they ready for this new wave of e-commerce?
TikTok shopping is taking over Christmas shopping as the majority of TikTok users discover new brands and products for the season through the platform.
Move aside Jose Mari Chan, TikTok is growing to be synonymous with Filipino Christmas celebration and shopping this 2024. According to two studies commissioned by TikTok on Christmas and New Year behaviors of Filipinos, TikTok users are increasingly turning to the popular short video platform for community, entertainment and holiday TikTok shopping. With the growing dominance of the platform, it comes as no surprise that TikTok now occupies a central part in the Philippines’ biggest holiday.
A clearer picture of Filipino habits during the holiday season is emerging thanks to a 2024 report by research company Toluna. According to the report, 81% of TikTok users gather with friends and family, with 74% giving gifts, and 66% celebrating with Christmas parties.
Notably, shopping habits of Tiktok users have also been revealed. 60% of Filipino TikTok users reported spending time shopping for the season, with some doing so as early as September. In addition, according to a second report by Kantar Profile, 81% of Filipino TikTok users rely on the platform to discover new brands and products. And 77% of users go to TikTok to answer their shopping needs.
TikTok Shopping in Mega Sales Delight Shoppers
Tiktok’s Mega Sales are a prime driver for shopping on the TikTok platform. In the previous year, 84% of TikTok users were reported to have participated in these Mega Sales. This year, they are projected to increase their spending on TikTok by a factor of 2.3 times, compared to non-TikTok users. TikTok users are also expected to be 1.9 times more likely to spend more on Christmas gifts this year over the previous year.
This growth marks the emergence of TikTok as a preferred platform for shoppers during sales.
Paolo David, Philippine Brand and Partnerships Head at TikTok, said in a statement, “As the holiday season unfolds, TikTok continues to be a pivotal platform for Filipinos to celebrate Christmas. Whether it’s for discovery, entertainment, or shopping, TikTok offers a unique space where users can fully immerse themselves in the festive spirit. By understanding and engaging with the platform’s diverse shopping personas, brands can better position themselves to connect with a highly engaged audience, ensuring success throughout the holiday season and beyond.”
A Profile of Filipino TikTok Shoppers
Through the TikTok-commissioned study by Kantar Profile, a clearer picture of Filipino TikTok users is also emerging. The research company identified four distinct shopping personas from the study, which brands on the platform can use to generate insight and drive their marketing campaigns. The four personas of TikTok shoppers are:
Bargain Hunters
These users actively search for the best deals online and seek vouchers. 74% use TikTok more than once a day, and 78% shop weekly on various e-commerce platforms.
Inspirational Shoppers
For these users, shopping is an exploratory experience. They like to discover new brands and new shopping trends. 78% use TikTok daily, and 82% shop weekly. They are 1.2 times more likely to shop on social media.
Effortless Shoppers
These users make purchases for convenience, and prefer quick and easy shopping experiences. 73% use TikTok daily and 80% prefer hassle-free checkout.
Purposeful Shoppers
More considered than the other personas, these users like brands that align with their personal values, such as sustainability. 77% of them use TikTok more than once a day. They seek out brand-specific websites and are twice as likely to shop on these platforms.
