Esyms, a leading online pharmacy and health solutions provider, is collaborating with DHL eCommerce, a domestic parcel delivery service provider, to transform how medication is dispersed from hospitals and clinics to patients in Malaysia. Esyms will leverage DHL eCommerce’s expertise in parcel delivery and returns logistics. Esyms can better support partner hospitals and clinics in ensuring their patients receive their medications efficiently and safely at their convenience.

Esyms is partnering with DHL eCommerce to improve medication delivery through its AllMeds application. The AllMeds system helps hospitals and clinics streamline pharmacy workflows, boost patient engagement, and reduce congestion at pharmacy counters. Through the AllMeds app, patients can upload prescriptions, make secure payments, receive notifications, and track their orders delivered by DHL eCommerce.

Supporting the Malaysian Government’s vision to innovate medicine distribution

This initiative aligns with the Malaysian government’s commitment to advancing public healthcare services through digital innovation and enhanced distribution systems. It also reflects DHL eCommerce’s aim to harness its strengths to boost growth in life sciences & healthcare, which is highlighted as one of DHL Group’s growth initiatives of Strategy 2030.

Esyms will utilize DHL eCommerce’s expedited lane to provide timely and reliable delivery of medicine to the patients’ address. This means time-sensitive deliveries such as medicine are prioritized, handled and transported via DHL eCommerce’s expedited lane service.

Saurabh Kumar, Managing Director of DHL eCommerce Malaysia, stated, “The life sciences and healthcare sector demands very specialized logistics solutions, innovation and new ideas to improve patient outcomes and deliver next-level healthcare. DHL eCommerce is proud to partner with Esyms Group and offer our expertise in first and last-mile delivery to help address the persistent challenge of long waiting times for medication collection. Equally, we are confident that this partnership will deliver a positive impact to the healthcare sector and inspire even more collaboration to drive change.”

Lam Wee Yong, CEO of Esyms, added, “By securing a government project involving public healthcare facilities, Esyms continues to drive innovation in pharmacy care through strategic partnerships that address the actual needs of customers and healthcare facilities. AllMeds is a value-added service that complements existing practices in hospital, empowering pharmacies to deliver more efficient and accessible care, while enhancing patient outcomes, The collaboration with DHL Ecommerce can significantly enhance the last mile delivery process bringing a much-needed difference to the healthcare sector.”

A milestone for enhanced healthcare

The Esyms-DHL partnership represents a significant milestone in Malaysia’s journey toward a more connected and efficient healthcare system. It showcases the power of cross-industry collaboration, uniting technology and logistics to address real-world challenges and improve the quality of life for patients nationwide.

Author Credits: Media Out Reach Newswire

South African retail giant Pepkor (PPHJ.J) has announced a strategic expansion into the adult fashion market with the acquisition of Legit, Swagga, Style, and homeware brand Boardmans from privately owned retail group Retailability. This move strengthens Pepkor’s footprint in the adult clothing sector while complementing its already dominant presence in children’s apparel and school uniforms through its PEP and Ackermans brands.

In a statement on Tuesday, Pepkor confirmed that the transaction’s total purchase consideration will amount to less than 2% of its market capitalisation, subject to net working capital adjustments. The deal will be settled in cash.

Based on LSEG data, Pepkor’s market capitalisation stood at 97 billion rand ($5 billion) as of Monday’s close, meaning the acquisition is valued at approximately 1.94 billion rand ($107 million).

The newly acquired businesses operate a total of 462 stores across South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini. These stores will now be integrated into Pepkor’s Speciality business unit, which already operates 941 stores across the same markets.

“The proposed transaction will add significant scale to Pepkor Speciality and enhance its adultwear offerings, particularly in womenswear through the Legit brand,” the company stated.

Over the past year, Pepkor has been actively growing its adult clothing category. The company recently acquired Choice Clothing and launched Ayana, a dedicated womenswear brand. These moves signal a clear strategy to broaden its presence in the adult fashion segment, a shift from its traditional focus on children’s apparel.

Retailability, known for its affordable fashion and lifestyle products, previously made headlines in 2020 when it acquired struggling department store chain Edgars from Edcon, which had entered bankruptcy protection.

Despite selling Legit, Swagga, Style, and Boardmans, Retailability will continue to operate key brands such as Edgars, Edgars Beauty, Red Square, Kelso, and Keedo, ensuring its presence in the Southern African retail space remains strong.

With this latest acquisition, Pepkor solidifies its standing as a retail powerhouse, diversifying its portfolio and increasing its influence in the adult fashion sector across Southern Africa.

Author Credits: MSN

Clothing retailer Jeanswest has collapsed, with more than 90 stores set to close within months and hundreds of employees set to lose their jobs.

The company confirmed the news on Wednesday, with administrators citing increasingly tough trading conditions in the Australian retail sector.

Jeanswest entered administration in January 2020, but was rescued by Hong Kong business Harbour Guidance.

Administrators from Pitcher Partners said the decision to close the brand came after five years of struggling to revive the company, with shoppers spending less due to the higher cost of living.

“The owners have done everything they can to keep Jeanswest going,” administrator Lindsay Bainbridge said in a statement.

“They deeply regret the impact of store closures on their team members and their customers, and we will be working now with teams across the country.”

All stock at Jeanswest stores is expected to go on sale shortly, Mr Bainbridge said, with the retailer currently promoting a mid-season sale.

Jeanswest operates more than 90 stores around the country and employs more than 600 workers.

Its administrators are hoping to keep the brand going in some capacity online, which could save some of those 600 jobs.

However, many of those people work in the more than 90 stores set to close.

“This is a hard day for hundreds of Jeanswest team members and we will be working directly with the team members to provide clarity and information about the next steps,” Mr Bainbridge said.

Jeanswest has several stores in New Zealand too, which administrators say are not closing.

Founded in Australia, Jeanswest opened its first retail store in Perth in 1972, before expanding to the east coast during the 1980s.

It was purchased by Hong Kong firm Glorious Sun in 1994, before the business was sold to private company Howsea Limited in 2017.

Are you a Jeanswest employee? Contact our journalists at Ainsworth.Kate@abc.net.au and Terzon.Emilia@abc.net.au.
Retail insolvencies see thousands lose their jobs in 2025

Jeanswest’s collapse follows the closure of retail group Mosaic, which owns Australian chains including Rivers, Noni B and Katies.

Mosaic collapsed last year with 250 people in head office and 2,500 workers across 651 stores in Australia and New Zealand. It owed creditors almost $250 million.

Mosaic’s workers alone are owed $21 million in entitlements like pay and annual leave out of that collapse, the federal government’s department of employment confirmed to ABC News this month.

They are also owed $870,000 in superannuation.

Workers from the Mosaic collapse have already been offered assistance under the federal government’s scheme to pay out workers missing entitlements.

ABC News has contacted the federal government about whether it was across how many workers might be owed money out of the Jeanswest collapse, and if they would be offered fast-tracked assistance too.

Jeanswest’s administrators are still working through entitlements that could be owed, ABC News was told.

Author Credits: Kate Ainsworth and Emilia Terzon
ABC News

Saudi Arabia – Following the opening of new stores in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, Lulu has opened its latest hypermarket in Al Rusayfah, located on Abdullah Areef St., Al Rusayfah District in Makkah. This strategic expansion aligns with Lulu’s commitment to providing world-class shopping experiences to residents and visitors while supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative.

Abdullah Hanif, Secretary General of the Makkah Chamber along with Fahd Abdulrahman Al-Mutaz, Mayor of Rusayfah, officially inaugurated the new store in the presence of Ashraf Ali M.A., Executive Director of Lulu Group, along with Shehim Mohammed, Director of Lulu KSA, and other distinguished dignitaries.

The new Lulu store, which spans a total built-up area of around 200,000 square feet, is designed to offer a seamless and modern shopping experience, catering to the diverse needs of customers with a well-curated selection of daily essentials, fresh food, and departmental offerings, similar to other Lulu stores in Makkah and Madinah. The new store boasts a spacious 72-square-meter exclusive dining area, offering a comfortable space for shoppers.

On this occasion, Ashraf Ali Musliyam, Executive Director of Lulu, expressed his profound joy at expanding Lulu’s footprint in the Holy Cities. “We continue to expand regionally in Saudi Arabia and the new store in Al Rusayfah generates more employment opportunities and strengthens the local economy. We will open more than 45 new stores across the GCC within three years,” he added. New projects also includes three in the holy city of Madinah amongst others.

“We are undergoing a digital transformation to enhance the customer experience both online and in-store,” Ashraf Ali added.

The new store in Al Rusayfa will feature a well-designed layout inspired by the city’s cultural and architectural essence. Customers will enjoy a spacious and easily navigable shopping environment, ensuring convenience and comfort. Apart from the department stores, Lulu’s iconic value-added shop, LOT, will also be opened shortly.

Rafeek Mohammed Ali, Business Development Director of Lulu KSA, Noushad M.A, Regional Director of Lulu KSA Western Region, and other senior officials were also present.

Author Credits: Saudi Gazette
Zawya BY LSEG

The e-commerce giant Meesho, based in India, is gearing up for a significant leap with plans to initiate an Initial Public Offering (IPO) later this year. Reports from Moneycontrol suggest that the company is looking to raise a substantial amount of around $1 billion through this public offering. This move is set to mark a pivotal moment for the platform, highlighting its rapid growth and expanding influence in the Indian e-commerce sector.

Meesho, noted for being the third-largest horizontal e-commerce platform in India behind giants like Flipkart and Amazon, boasts an impressive 14.5 crore unique annual transacting users. The platform’s growth trajectory has been remarkable, with a threefold increase in order volume from January to December 2024, primarily driven by content commerce. This surge in business activity underscores Meesho’s successful strategy in leveraging content to boost e-commerce transactions. Furthermore, the company’s collaboration with over 21,000 creators highlights its commitment to supporting a wide array of vendors and content creators, enriching the e-commerce ecosystem.

In anticipation of this IPO, Meesho is considering adding JP Morgan to its IPO syndicate, aiming for a valuation of $10 billion. The decision to go public around Diwali, a period that typically sees a surge in consumer spending, reflects the company’s strategic planning. This timing could potentially maximise investor interest and capitalise on the festive season’s positive market sentiment.

Recent financial analyses reveal Meesho’s robust performance in the fiscal year 2024, with a 33% year-on-year increase in operating revenue, reaching Rs 7,615 crore compared to Rs 5,735 crore in the previous fiscal year. This growth is a testament to the platform’s strong market presence and operational efficiency. However, it’s noteworthy that earlier in the year, Meesho encountered a valuation dip during a secondary transaction, where its worth was pegged between $3.9–$4 billion, marking a 20% decrease from its former valuation of $4.9 billion.

Despite the earlier setback in valuation, Meesho’s ambitious IPO reflects the company’s confidence in its business model and growth prospects. By planning to file draft documents soon, with a listing target around the festive season, Meesho is positioning itself for a significant milestone. This IPO not only represents a critical growth phase for Meesho but also reinforces the vibrancy and potential of India’s e-commerce sector.

In conclusion, Meesho’s upcoming IPO signifies a major development in India’s e-commerce landscape. With a goal to raise about $1 billion at a valuation of $10 billion, the platform is set to embark on a new chapter of growth. Its remarkable increase in order volume and significant user base demonstrates its robust position in the market. As Meesho prepares for this next step, it stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of the e-commerce industry and the opportunities it holds for innovative platforms.

Author Credits: Rahul Das
Good Returns

The family-controlled company known for its Birkin bags named Bonnafé, the chief executive officer of France’s biggest bank, to replace Dominique Senequier, 71, the luxury company’s vice chairwoman who’s also CEO and founder of French private equity group Ardian. Also nominated is Bernard Emié, who led France’s external intelligence agency DGSE for close to seven years until January 2024, according to his LinkedIn profile.

The big-name board picks come even as key roles at Hermès are largely in the hands of descendants of the founding family behind the leather goods maker started by Thierry Hermès in 1837. These include Chairman Eric de Seynes and Executive Chairman Axel Dumas, a sixth generation heir who leads the company.

Also on the executive committee are Dumas’ cousins Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Guillaume de Seynes, respectively overseeing the artistic direction of the brand and the manufacturing operations. The family controls 67% of the share capital of Hermès.

The changes to the board, disclosed in a filing Monday, will be put to a vote at the company’s shareholders’ meeting on April 30 in Paris.

Emié, a former ambassador to Algeria, the UK as well as Turkey and Lebanon, will replace Alexandre Viros, the former head of Adecco Group AG in France. A third nominee is Cécile Béliot-Zind, the CEO of dairy company Bel Group, although the filing doesn’t say she’s replacing a current board member. Bonnafé is also a board member of Pierre Fabre SA, the owner of skincare brands such as Eau Thermale Avène. Béliot-Zind and Bonnafé will be appointed for three years while Emié’s mandate will run for two years.

Hermès, known for its silk scarves, is the second most-valuable stock on the French benchmark CAC40 index, behind rival LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, controlled by billionaire Bernard Arnault. Hermès has weathered the demand downturn for luxury goods better than some of its peers, riding the exclusivity of its coveted handbags.

LVMH has also tapped former state officials for its board. Hubert Védrine, a former French foreign affairs minister, has been a member of its board for more than two decades.

Author Credits: Fashion Network

MANILA, Philippines — E-commerce platform Lazada aims to sustain double-digit sales growth this year by expanding product assortment and using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the shopping experience.

Alvin Ching, head of seller operations at Lazada Philippines told reporters that the e-commerce platform, which has been enjoying double-digit growth in sales, aims to sustain this performance, with product assortment and AI as drivers.

“We are very, very deliberate in terms of bringing in quality assortment. We want to be able to have everything under the sun in Lazada, but also be very specific in terms of the quality of this assortment,” he said.

He said the platform has also been investing in AI to provide better product recommendations to consumers.

Through its generative AI chatbot LazzieChat, he said the platform is providing product recommendations to guide the consumers as they search for items.

“If we have that better strategy of pushing the right deals and the most relevant and smarter recommendations, we expect that would help us sustain (our growth),” he said.

While discounts and promotions are also expected to give a boost, he said relying on such is not a sustainable path for growth.

“We are going toward a different path of improving how we respond to the needs of the customers. So I think our bets this time would be really more of an internal way of operating, influencing the algorithm to respond better to the user. It’s quite invisible, but it will, over time, start giving us returns. And that would translate basically for us into more sales and more buyers,” he said.

He said electronics, along with women-focused categories like beauty, fashion, groceries and mother and baby products, which have been driving sales on the platform, are expected to continue to support growth this year.

“There’s a big push toward women’s categories because we are betting on that part of our demographic to be able to drive the sales, not just now, but in the future,” he said.

He also said LazMall, a curated section within Lazada featuring authorized sellers and distributors of authentic international and local brands, also continues to support the platform’s growth.

Lazada has a stringent screening process for sellers and an authenticity guarantee in place for products sold on LazMall.

In the event shoppers receive fake items, Ching said they would be given a refund twice the purchase amount.

He also said the Alibaba group, including Lazada, uses a portal, where brands register to protect their intellectual property.

“That would be the basis for enforcing any infringement that might come in,” he said.

Sellers on LazMall found selling fake items would not just face penalties, but also be taken down the platform.

Ching said the platform takes every single case of counterfeit items very seriously as LazMall has an authenticity proposition.

“I think because we have our own mechanism for enforcing it, it just becomes easy for us to work with regulators or agencies here who are working toward the same goal anyway. I think that we have a very robust system in place that allows us to operate very well within this space,” he said.

Lazada is part of an e-commerce memorandum of understanding facilitated by Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines for an efficient takedown mechanism to fight counterfeit products sold online.

The Department of Trade and Industry recently issued an order requiring online sellers of household appliances, electronics and other consumer goods to register with the agency.

Ching said Lazada is also working on how to comply with the government’s requirements.

To celebrate its 13 years of growing e-commerce across the country, Lazada is offering up to 90 percent off branded deals, up to P2,000 off campaign vouchers and 100 percent free shipping with no minimum spend from March 24 to March 29.

“We are extremely grateful for the continued trust and support of our community. Lazada’s journey has been fueled by a commitment to helping entrepreneurs, brands and partners thrive in the online marketplace,” Lazada CEO Carlos Barrera said.

Author Credits: Louella Desiderio
Phil Star Global

“Bringing Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger to our platform marks a significant milestone for Nykaa Fashion,” said Adwaita Nayar, chief executive officer and head of private labels at Nykaa, in a press release. “These iconic brands have set global style standards for decades—Tommy Hilfiger with its classic preppy flair and Calvin Klein with its sleek, minimalist designs. Offering their collections allows us to introduce both timeless style and modern appeal to Indian consumers.”

Calvin Klein will debut key pieces from its Spring/Summer 2025 collection, featuring underwear, denim, apparel, signature accessories and fragrances. Tommy Hilfiger, known for its quintessential American aesthetic, will showcase a curated range of denim, occasionwear and casual looks, including pieces from its Tommy Jeans line.

With this collaboration, Nykaa strengthens its portfolio of international brands, responding to India’s rising demand for global labels. The collections will be available on the Nykaa Fashion app and website starting March 22.

Author Credits: Isabelle Crossley
Fashion Network

Superfood and plant-based nutrition startup Nourish You has raised Rs 16 crore in its Series A funding round from Sidbi Venture Capital.

The Hyderabad-based company’s existing investors include Zerodha cofounder Nikhil Kamath, Darwinbox cofounder Rohit Chennamaneni, and actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu.

The funding follows Nourish You’s acquisition of plant-based dairy brand One Good in 2023.

The company plans to use the fresh capital to scale operations, enhance customer retention, and expand its market reach. It also aims to launch new products, grow its international presence in Australia, Europe, and the US, and integrate AI-driven technology to offer personalised consumer experiences.

“This investment marks a pivotal milestone in our journey to make sustainable superfoods a part of everyday nutrition. With Sidbi Venture’s support, we are set to scale rapidly, drive product innovation, and solidify our position as a global superfoods leader,” said Krishna Reddy, cofounder of Nourish You.

Founded in 2015 by Reddy, Rakesh Kilaru, and Sowmya Reddy, Nourish You offers a range of superfoods, including quinoa and chia seeds, edible seeds like flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and watermelon seeds, as well as breakfast and meal mixes such as millet muesli, nut mixes, and protein-rich cereals. In the plant-based dairy segment, its offerings include millet milk, cashew milk, vegan cheese, curd, ghee, and butter.

In 2022, the company raised $2 million in seed funding from investors including Kamath.

Nourish You’s products are available through its website, as well as on ecommerce and quick commerce platforms in India. The brand also has a presence in international markets such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Nepal, Kenya, Mongolia, and the Maldives.

“Investing in India’s superfoods sector presents a compelling opportunity at the intersection of sustainability, health, and scalability. With India’s deep agricultural heritage and the growing consumer shift toward nutrient-dense, plant-based diets, the sector is poised for significant growth,” said Arup Kumar, managing director, Sidbi Venture Capital.

Author Credits: MSN

With this partnership, Brand Concepts Ltd will oversee the design, manufacturing & distribution of the bags and accessories in India.

Juicy Couture products will be available through dedicated stores, Bagline website, outlets and e-commerce marketplaces.

Commenting on the partnership, Abhinav Kumar, co-founder CEO of Brand Concepts Ltd in a statement said, “We are excited to bring Juicy Couture’s iconic handbags, travel gear & lifestyle accessories collections to India. With our expertise in curating premium fashion pieces, this collaboration is a perfect match for Juicy Couture’s bold and trendy aesthetic.”

“This partnership marks an exciting milestone, and we are confident that Juicy Couture will strike a chord with fashion-forward Indian shoppers who value both sophistication and unique flair. Brand Concepts Ltd. will oversee the design, manufacturing, and distribution of the handbags and travel accessories,” he added.

Founded in 1995, Juicy Couture was acquired by Authentic Brands in 2013. The brand is available in stores and select department stores in 94 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

Author Credits: Maverick Martins