Sarah Chen has covered Asia's fastest-moving retail markets from Singapore for more than a decade. She writes on omnichannel strategy, mall operators and the shifting behaviour of ASEAN shoppers, from Orchard Road flagships to the latest cross-border digital marketplaces. Before joining RetailNews.asia she spent six years at a regional business title, where she led coverage of grocery, department stores and travel retail across Southeast Asia. Sarah is a frequent moderator at industry conferences in Singapore, Bangkok and Jakarta, and speaks regularly on retail media, loyalty and the future of physical stores. She holds a degree in economics and has a particular interest in how mid-market retailers are adapting to inflation and margin pressure. When she is not on a store visit, she is usually mapping how new mixed-use developments are reshaping neighbourhood retail. Reach her via the RetailNews.asia newsroom for tips on Southeast Asia's retail scene.
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Retail sales in Singapore experienced increased growth in June, with most sectors seeing improvements, with the most significant ones being recreational goods, watches, and jewelry. According to the Department of Statistics, retail sales—excluding motor…
The mobile services sector in Indonesia is anticipated to observe a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 3.4%, thus escalating from USD 10.2 billion in 2025 to USD 12.1 billion by 2030. This expansion is principally fueled by the escalating proceeds…
Lululemon, the well-known Canadian athleisure brand, is set to break into the Japanese market with its first flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo. The store is scheduled to open on August 19, marking a significant milestone for the brand’s international…
Uniqlo, a highly recognized retail brand, is set to embark on a substantial expansion plan in India. The company’s strategy involves a fivefold increase in its store network, boosting the number from 20 to over 100 within the next five years. The company’s…
In the wake of a record-breaking first half of the year, bulk homebuyers are anticipated to continue to be a significant influence in Hong Kong’s primary residential market throughout the second half of the year. The strong rental demand, particularly from…
Chloé, an esteemed French luxury fashion house, has recently established its first store in Vietnam, nestled within a bustling shopping complex in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The brand, recognized for its romantic, free-spirited and distinctly feminine…
On Tuesday, Vietnam witnessed its lowest gold prices since the start of July, resulting from a decline in worldwide prices due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The price of a gold bar from the Saigon Jewelry Company fell 0.88%, to VND147.1 million…
Onitsuka Tiger, a renowned Japanese fashion label, has inaugurated its most expansive flagship store globally in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. This notable move precedes the brand’s impending transformation into a distinct, independent subsidiary. The flagship…
On Thursday afternoon, fluctuations in global rates resulted in a decrease in gasoline prices and an increase in diesel prices. The popular gasoline variant, E10 RON95, saw a 2.01% drop pricing it at VND20,000 (US$0.76) per liter. Diesel Prices Rise as…
In the latest trading session, Singapore’s three major banks, DBS, OCBC, and UOB, all witnessed record high closures. Spearheading gains on the Straits Times Index, OCBC saw a 3.3% rise, closing at S$26.34 (US$20.39). UOB climbed 2.9% to S$41.69, and DBS…
Vietnam’s textile and garment industry saw a slight increase in exports for the first half of the year, reaching an estimated $22.2 billion, marking a 1.7% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. This information was released by the Vietnam…
Alumax Boats, a Dutch firm known for supplying water taxis for the 2012 London Olympics, has launched its first shipyard outside its homeland in Vietnam, through a joint venture partnership. This expansion was marked with a grand inauguration ceremony held on…