4 RETAIL NEWS CAPSULE PHILIPPINE RETAILING
A . S . Watson Greener Stores accelerate global movement toward more sustainable future
Watsons ' parent company , A . S . Watson ( ASW ) just celebrated its 180th anniversary , the Group is launching a Greener Stores Global Framework to accelerate the transformation of retail toward stores with lower environmental impact .
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in the last two years , A . S Watsons continued to open 1,600 new stores . That ’ s why making its stores greener is pivotal in accelerating its sustainability progress .
“ A . S . Watson Greener Stores Global Framework shows our deep commitment to accelerate our sustainability progress and move toward a more sustainable future . It is our vision to make every one of our stores a greener store with lower environmental impact throughout its life cycle ,” Malina Ngai , the Group Chief Operating Officer and CEO for Asia and Europe , said .
“ Keys to our Greener Stores Global Framework are efforts to inspire a sustainable culture in the everyday operations of retail stores , engaging customers in choosing more sustainable products and lifestyle , accelerating energy efficiency and renewable energy , increasing the use of responsible materials and waste diversion ,” she added .
The framework aims to achieve a reduction in carbon emissions , water usage and landfill waste as well as leverage its scale for good to speed up the global movement toward a more sustainable future . The ASW Greener Stores Global Framework aims to forge and inspire its businesses to build a stronger sustainability culture and practice in the way it designs , constructs , operates and maintains its stores .
Introducing Greener Stores
As the world ’ s largest international health and beauty retailer , A . S . Watson operates an extensive network of over 16,400 stores under 12 retail brands in 29 markets . It is one of the fastest-growing retailers opening over 1,000 stores a year .
( Philstar , 04 / 22 / 2022 )
Apac tipped to fuel global airport retail market recovery
Asia Pacific ’ s airport retail market is projected to grow to US $ 33.8 billion by 2026 , driving the global market to $ 63.4 billion thanks to a compound annual growth rate of 7.8 per cent . to $ 11.8 billion . Ray added digitalisation measures have helped provide normalcy after the pandemic , such as contactless payment systems , and antimicrobial coatings on self-service devices to keep shops clean .
“ Airport retailers are welcoming data technological innovation to improve customer engagement ,” Ray said .
“ Retailers are employing rolling robots , facial biometric scanners for security check process to avoid physical contact , and 24 / 7 grab-and-go stores to revive airport sales and protect consumers from further outbreaks .”
According to GlobalData , the growth will be driven by the increase in retail space and passenger numbers as cross-border travel resumes and the relaxation of lockdown and duty-free regulations . GlobalData ’ s latest report found the number of passengers in Apac will surge by 33.9 per cent this year , resulting in a boost in retail sales . However , it does not expect pre-pandemic levels to return until 2024 .
Retail analyst at GlobalData , Koyel Ray , said Apac ’ s airport retail sales fell by $ 10 billion in 2020 before rebounding slightly last year
( Inside Retail Asia , 05 / 02 / 2022 )