Chris Infotainment

The Rise of Daiso's Exclusive Brand 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul' Daiso, a well-known retail giant, has recently made waves in the beauty industry with the launch of its exclusive brand 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul.' This collaboration with the renowned South Korean makeup artist Jung Saem-mul has resulted in an overwhelming response from consumers. The brand was released on the 5th and quickly sold out both online and offline. As of the morning of the 10th, all eight products, including the Glossy Up Cushion, Light Prep Booster, Makeup Fixer, and Skin Pad, were completely out of stock. Affordable Luxury with High-Quality Products 'Zoom by Jung Saem-mul' offers a range of base makeup products such as foundation, cushion, and fixer, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 Korean won. This is significantly lower compared to Jung Saem-mul’s existing brand, which typically ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 Korean won. The price difference can be as high as 90%, making these ...

Growing Resilience in the Lifestyle Retail Market Despite the challenges that the economy is expected to face in 2026, the lifestyle retail market continues to show signs of growth. According to Achira Boonsongkor, director and executive committee member of Moshi Moshi Retail Corporation Plc, this segment remains resilient even during economic slowdowns. People continue to spend on impulse purchases, driven by factors such as attractive product displays, store ambiance, and emotional connections. Emotions play a significant role in shaping consumer behavior within this sector, Mr. Achira noted. The atmosphere of the stores and the products themselves create an experience that resonates with customers, encouraging repeat visits and brand loyalty. This emotional appeal is a key factor in maintaining demand, even when financial conditions are less favorable. The market is also evolving as more new operators enter the space, increasing competition. In September 2025, Index Living Mall P...

Expansion of Mobile Payment Services Between China and Vietnam Starting from December 2, Chinese visitors to Vietnam will have the opportunity to use their familiar mobile payment applications to scan VIETQR Global codes. This new feature allows for direct payments at various locations across the country, including shopping centers, restaurants, and tourist spots. The initiative aims to provide a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly payment experience for travelers, while also supporting Vietnamese businesses in tapping into one of their most significant markets. This development is the result of over a year of technical collaboration between UnionPay International (UPI) of China and the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS). The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by high-ranking officials from both countries in October 2024. The agreement highlights the growing importance of cross-border financial cooperation between the two...

A Disturbing Experience on a Tour in Chengdu A group of 23 tourists from Singapore found themselves in an unexpected and uncomfortable situation during a nine-day trip to Chengdu, China. The incident, which has since sparked widespread discussion, involved pressure from their tour guide to make purchases at a local shop, with some even being locked inside when they refused to comply. Shawn Tok, who won the 2007 Campus SuperStar competition, shared his experience through a series of Instagram Stories. He revealed that he was part of a tour group that included 22 others, traveling in November. According to reports from local outlets, the group was subjected to intense pressure to buy various items, including jade, silverware, combs, and herbal medicines. The guide reportedly did not allow the group to leave the shop until a certain sales quota was met. This led to significant financial strain on the travelers, who spent approximately 105,000 yuan (US$14,850) during the tour. However,...

Key Attractions for Tourists in Indonesia Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has emphasized the significance of shopping activities as a major draw for tourists visiting the country. During a press conference held in Jakarta on November 21, she highlighted the need to promote shopping tourism not only within neighboring countries but also across ASEAN and other international markets. According to Widiyanti, the growing interest in shopping among tourists is evident from the trends observed in 2024. Foreign visitors to Indonesia spent an average of US$1,391 during their visits, with 11.4% of this amount allocated to souvenirs and gifts. This data underscores the potential of the retail sector in attracting and retaining tourists. Initiatives to Boost Shopping Tourism To capitalize on this opportunity, the Ministry of Tourism has introduced several initiatives aimed at enhancing the promotion of shopping tourism. These efforts are particularly focused on prepa...

Expansion into the U.S. Market CJ Olive Young, a well-known name in the Korean beauty industry, has announced its plans to open its first physical store in the United States. The company is set to launch this new venture in May of next year, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. As K-beauty continues to gain international recognition, Olive Young is leveraging this growing trend to enter the U.S. offline market, which is considered the largest beauty market in the world. Strategic Location for the First Store The first U.S. Olive Young store will be located in Pasadena, California. This city, situated 18 km northeast of Los Angeles (LA), is known for its affluent residents and proximity to prestigious institutions such as the California Institute of Technology. An official from Olive Young explained that the area’s high-income population makes it an ideal location for the brand’s expansion. The presence of these research institutions also contributes to a demo...

Growth of Musinsa Standard Stores Musinsa, a well-known name in the fashion retail industry, recently announced that the total number of visitors to its in-house brand 'Musinsa Standard' stores from January to October this year has exceeded 20 million. This impressive figure highlights the growing popularity and success of the brand's physical stores. Visitor Numbers and Trends The journey to reaching 20 million visitors was marked by significant growth. During the first half of the year, the cumulative number of visitors reached 10 million over six months. The second half of the year saw an even more rapid increase, with another 10 million visitors added in just four months. This momentum culminated in October, where the store recorded a staggering 3.25 million visitors, setting a new monthly record for the brand. International Customer Surge One of the most notable aspects of this growth is the surge in sales from international customers. Major stores located in Seo...

AliExpress Launches Major Shopping Event with Significant Discounts AliExpress has revealed details of its largest year-round shopping event, the ’11.11 Singles’ Day,’ which offers a wide range of products at heavily discounted prices. During this event, customers can enjoy up to 50% off on popular items, as well as access limited-time offers priced at exactly 11,111 Korean won. This event is not only a great opportunity for consumers but also a significant platform for domestic sellers to showcase their products. The participation of local brands has expanded across various categories, offering a diverse selection of goods that cater to everyday needs. Expansion of Domestic Sellers' Participation In the heating appliance category, several well-known brands have joined the event. Shinil and The More Plus are offering a variety of heater products, while Seojin, an online tire specialist, will provide free installation services along with seasonal tire models from Hankook Tire, ...

The Closure of a Beloved Retailer An iconic footwear brand has made the difficult decision to close all its stores across Australia. This announcement came as a surprise to many, shared through the brand’s social media pages on Monday. Famous Footwear, a well-known Australian shoe retailer, has been in operation for 25 years and is now ending its journey. The brand explained that its online store will be closing on December 31. Additionally, its 17 physical stores located in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria are set to shut down in early 2026. In a heartfelt post captioned “The end of an era,” the brand expressed gratitude to its customers for their continued support over the years. In a statement posted to their social media, Famous Footwear said: “It's with sadness we announce the end of our journey. Famous Footwear will be closing permanently, with our online store open until December 31. We loved helping you find your famous fit for more than 25 years. We're truly grateful f...

Shenzhen, Oct. 1 — A new cultural complex has opened in the Bao'an district of Shenzhen, offering a unique blend of culture, technology, and commerce. Operated by the Shenzhen Publishing Group, the complex is designed to emphasize nature, openness, and the integration of culture with tourism. It also aims to explore innovative business models, revitalize commercial spaces, and leverage technological advancements. The complex features a variety of attractions that cater to different interests. One of the highlights is a bookstore that includes a reading space housing nearly 100,000 curated books. This space serves as both a literary hub and a gathering place for book lovers. In addition to the bookstore, there are flagship stores and outlets that provide a range of products and services. A starlit garden offers a serene environment for visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The commercial corridors provide opportunities for local businesses to showcase their offerings, whi...