5 RETAIL NEWS CAPSULE PHILIPPINE RETAILING
Lazada to highlight 5000 eco-friendly products in LazEarth campaign
E-commerce platform Lazada has grouped 5000 products with sustainability credentials in a new section of its LazMall to encourage shoppers to buy items that are friendly to the planet . The goods , from some 70 brands , mainly span the fashion and FMCG categories and are made , packed , or shipped with reduced plastics , or materials better for Earth .
“ The LazEarth campaign is part of Lazada ’ s ongoing efforts to address plastic waste and help our buyers make informed decisions about sustainable products .”
Lazada has offered greener packaging through its Fulfilment by Lazada ( FBL ) service for the partnering brands since 2011 . The brand also partners and makes social initiatives to build a sustainable digital commerce ecosystem in Southeast Asia .
“ As part of our commitment to build a lasting digital commerce business in Southeast Asia , we recognise that sustainability and value creation will become increasingly important to our long-term success ,” said James Chang , chief business officer of Lazada Group
“ With the launch of LazEarth , we look forward to forging more collaborative partnerships and green initiatives that will empower our brands , partners and consumers to collectively create responsible and sustainable shopping and consumption habits .”
Unveiling its LazEarth campaign , Lazada says it wants to encourage a reduction in plastic waste in both products and packaging , given Southeast Asia consumes an estimated 31 million tonnes or more of plastic waste each year . Recognising that consumers in the region are becoming concerned about plastic waste , Lazada believes the campaign will make it easier for people to identify and source environmentally friendly products . Lazada will also work with LazMall brands and partners to expand their offer of eco-friendly products .
“ As digital commerce continues to be one of the key growth drivers in Southeast Asia , it is crucial for companies to place sustainability at the core of their strategies to build stronger and greener economies ,” said Magnus Ekbom , chief strategy officer at Lazada Group .
Joint venture formed to boost Gucci ’ s footprint in Philippines
SSI Group , Inc . subsidiary Store Specialists , Inc . announced the creation of a joint venture company with G Distribution B . V . ( Gucci ), seen to strengthen the profile of Gucci in the Philippines .
( Inside Retail Asia , 04 / 19 / 2022 )
G Distribution BV is a Netherlands-based company owned by French luxury retail corporation Kering , which owns Gucci .
SSI Group is a publicly-listed Western goods retailer company that operates and sells 95 luxury and fast fashion brands around the country . Under its slate , it hosts Armani Exchange , Zara , Burberry , Lacoste , and Boss among others .
The disclosure said LGPI will receive an initial capitalization of P350 million . Gucci will own 75 % of the joint venture company while SSI will be in possession of 25 % ( Manila Bulletin , 05 / 18 / 2022 )
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange , SSI Group said the joint venture company , Luxury Goods Philippines , Inc . ( LGPI ), will start operations on June 1 and is set to own and operate all Gucci stores around the country .
SSI Group ' s board approved the joint venture on Tuesday .
" The joint venture between SSI and Gucci further strengthens the cooperation between Gucci and SSI , and is expected to further accelerate the growth of the Gucci brand in the Philippines and enable operating efficiencies , as Gucci and SSI transition from a franchisor-franchisee relationship , to joint venture partners ," SSI Group said in a statement .