MANILA, Philippines — E-commerce platform Lazada is spending as much as P3 billion this year to grow its operations in Mindanao.

Lazada Philippines CEO Carlos Barrera told reporters that the e-commerce player intends to spend “more than P2 billion to P3 billion” for Mindanao this year.

He said Lazada sees an opportunity to grow in Mindanao, which currently has a low e-commerce penetration rate in the single-digit level.

“When we look at the opportunity, it’s not so much about what it accounts for today. But we believe that over time, it should be a sizable percent of our business, (around) 20 to 25 percent. So we’re investing today to build that future growth and to help bridge that e-commerce development gap,” he said.

According to Barrera, the investment is going to marketing campaigns, especially shipping vouchers to make it cheaper for Mindanao customers to shop online.

“Historically, the cost of delivering items to Mindanao was the highest in the country. So we have been investing a lot and we have been able to lower the cost of shipping by more than P40 per order,” he said.

Barrera said Lazada is also investing in sellers on the platform.

“We have onboarded more than 500 sellers over the past few months and we’re also investing a lot to help them grow,” he said, noting this is done by co-funding the vouchers so these businesses can gain traction and reduce the cost of their operations.

In addition, Lazada is also investing in infrastructure and the e-commerce ecosystem.

Barrera said Lazada has opened an office in Mindanao and plans to open more hubs.

“We’re also helping with financing options. Together with our partners, we’re giving more buy now, pay later options for the users in the area and even seller financing,” he said.

While Lazada has earmarked an investment from Mindanao, it is also looking to invest in the Philippines through its $100 million fund to support the creator economy in Southeast Asia.

“The Philippines is one of the biggest countries for influencers, especially when it comes to many mobile individuals, people that are recommending things. We have very strong beauty bloggers, mother and baby bloggers, so it will probably be one of the top two countries in terms of investment,” he said.

As Lazada aims for growth, it is set to hold the 6.6 Super Wow Sale, the platform’s much-anticipated mid-year mega sale.

During the mega sale, which will run from June 5 to 8, shoppers can get Lazada vouchers up to P2,000 off, LazFlash deals up to 90 percent off, as well as access to authentic, high-quality products from both top local and international brands on LazMall.

Author Credits- Louella Desiderio
Philstar GLOBAL

Nestle India to invest Rs 5,000 crore in capacity expansion, new product lines, and sustainability across its factories. CMD Suresh Narayanan highlights growth, premiumisation, and rural outreach. New CMD Manish Tiwary to take over from August 1, 2025.

To meet the growing demand for its products, Nestle India will invest around Rs 5,000 crore in the country in coming years, it said in the Annual Report for 2024-25 released on Tuesday.

“Consistent with the growth in business and operations, the company plans to carry out capital expenditure to increase the capacities, productivity, investment in the new product lines and sustainability initiatives across all its existing factory locations,” the company said in the report.

“…this is estimated at around Rs 5,000 crore in coming years,” it added.

In his last letter to the shareholders as the Chairman and Managing Director of the company, Suresh Narayanan said that the company’s capital expenditure as a percentage of sales has jumped from 1.8% in 2015 to 10% in FY25.

“This not only demonstrates the focus on Indian consumers but also our commitment to manufacture in India and ‘Make in India’ as a theme,” he said.

Narayanan will retire as CMD of the company on July 31. Former Amazon executive Manish Tiwary will replace him on August 1.

The annual report showed that in FY25, the company spent Rs 2,004.4 crore towards capital expenditure, its highest in a decade.

It operates nine factories in the country and is currently setting up the tenth facility in Khordha, Odisha.

The FMCG major said that while the capacity expansion has planned for all categories, the focus will be on foods, chocolates and beverages. For instance, the upcoming Khorda facility will focus solely on the company’s food portfolio – which includes the famous Maggi.

Moreover, the company would continue to expand its premium portfolio. “Premiumisation remains a key growth engine for your company,” it said.

Narayanan said that Nestle India’s revenue grew at a compounded rate of 10.3% since 2015. The corresponding profits from operations grew by 13.5%, during the same period.

“In 2015, many considered us to be solely a MAGGI noodles company. Since then we recalibrated and rejuvenated the portfolio launching over 150+ new products that have contributed to 7% of sales,” he said.

Since 2016, Nestle India has added 1.3 million retail outlets, with the highest gains amongst peers in 2024. Its RUrban strategy, which began in 2019, has increased RUrban distribution touchpoints to 28,240.

“Today we are present in approximately 209,050 villages,” Narayanan said.

Currently, India is the largest Maggi and the second-largest KitKat market for the company globally.

The company’s confectionery business here has tripled in the last ten years. Munch and Milkybar have also doubled their business.

In the distribution channels, Narayanan said that about 40% of the distributors have been associated with the company for over 10 years. Moreover, e-commerce contributes 8.6% to sales, out of which quick commerce accounts for around 45%.

Author Credits- Raghav Aggarwal
FINANCIAL EXPRESS

Usave, Shoprite Group’s no-frills discount stores, recently introduced an advanced loss prevention system designed to reduce costs and boost operational efficiency in its supermarkets – helping the retailer to continue delivering the lowest prices to customers.
This is in response to South Africa’s rising energy prices.

Implemented in partnership with 100% South African tech company Azoteq, the customised system employs SmartSense technology to track power consumption and facilitate rotational switching of store equipment during power outages, utilising inverters and battery banks.

It is especially critical for Usave’s rural and peri-urban stores, where the electricity supply is often erratic and extended outages are a regular challenge.

“This pioneering work showcases how our real-time, proactive use of innovative, locally developed technology, combined with a strong focus on operational excellence and cost savings, helps us prevent unnecessary waste and reduce shrinkage-related costs – efficiencies that allow us to pass even more value and savings directly to our customers,” says Dewaldo Diedericks, general manager of Usave.

The system monitors temperatures in critical areas, like cold storage, freezer rooms, and the sales floor, and issues alerts when predetermined thresholds are surpassed, thereby preventing spoilage and optimising energy consumption of equipment in these areas.

Data is delivered through a user-friendly dashboard that equips management with real-time insights to enhance decision-making, ensure improved food quality, and prevent costly equipment failures.

Generator runtime and fuel levels are also tracked, enabling the business to follow more efficient servicing and refueling schedules. In this way, Usave avoids unnecessary maintenance, further reduces costs, and minimises the likelihood of unexpected outages in instances where a switchover to a generator is necessitated.

To generate additional savings, Usave supermarkets also regularly simulate power outages at supermarkets on time-of-use (ToU) tariff structures, switching over to battery during peak times when electricity is more costly, and charging the batteries during off-peak times.

“We have been able to respond and prevent freezer failures as they occur, achieving a 0% rate of stock loss across all stores where this system has been implemented to date. In addition, the seamless, automated transition from generator power to hybrid inverter and battery power during outages has saved the business more than 80,000 hours worth of costly services and fossil fuel consumption,” adds Diedericks.

Already running at 202 locations, Usave plans to equip all its stores with SmartSense technology, gradually replacing older uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.

As part of its sustainability efforts, the discount retailer is also gradually incorporating solar energy into its operational strategy at its already compatible hybrid system stores

News Credits- ZAWYA BY LSEG

Burberry’s CEO Joshua Schulman has earned almost £2.6 million in his first nine months at the business, with the figure including hundreds of thousands to relocate him to the UK and a £1 million+ bonus.

With former CEO Jonathan Akeroyd having received a payoff adding up to around £1.5 million following his July 2024 exit, the numbers come in stark contrast to the firm’s aim to cut costs, an aim that will include around 1.700 job cuts.

The firm’s annual report showed that Schulman could earn multi-millions this year if he meets key targets that will trigger bonus payments. And in future he could received £3.6 million if the company’s share price doubles in three years and it gets back into the elite FTSE 100 index that would see demand for its shares rising even further.

Earlier this month the company revealed a £66 million annual loss after profits had been close to £400 million in the previous year.

Burberry clearly believes that Schulman is the best person for the job and he already appears to have stabilised the business while boosting its share price that has risen almost 50% since he took over. That’s what triggered the £1.2 million bonus he’s already received.

While the payments to him are likely to come in for some criticism at a tough time for many at the business, Burberry said the three-year targets he has will stretch him and challenge him to deliver tangible growth.

Author Credits- Sandra Halliday
FASHION NETWORK

NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) announced today that Michael Gonda will become Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer of NIKE, Inc., effective July 7, 2025. In this role, Gonda will lead the global communications organization, overseeing all facets of the communications strategy, including storytelling, corporate and brand reputation, issues management, and employee engagement. As a member of the company’s Senior Leadership Team, Gonda will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Elliott Hill.

“Michael is a deeply strategic, emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven leader who understands the power of storytelling to move both brands and people,” said Hill. “His vision for driving impactful communications, his instinct for building high-performing teams, and his ability to form authentic connections will help Nike amplify the voice of sport and athletes around the world in bold and meaningful ways. I’m confident he’s the right leader for us as we put Nike back at the center of sport, and our team is excited for the vision and leadership he brings.”

Gonda joins Nike from McDonald’s Corporation, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Impact Officer for North America—overseeing communications, public affairs, sustainability, community engagement and philanthropy for the company’s largest markets—and as Global Chief Communications Officer. During his tenure, he served on several leadership bodies, including the Global Senior Leadership Team.

“Nike has always been more than a brand—it’s a storyteller, a cultural force, and a catalyst for belief,” said Gonda. “I’m deeply honored to join a company that has shaped how people see themselves and the world around them, and am humbled to help Nike tell the stories that matter, connect even more deeply with athletes and communities, and write the next ambitious chapter with Elliott and this team.”

Prior to McDonald’s, Gonda held senior leadership roles at Chobani, a purpose-driven food company, and communications agency Weber Shandwick. An avid runner and traveler, Michael has lived across the United States, Kenya, and China. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English with Honors from Brown University.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, NIKE, Inc.’s earnings releases and other financial information are available on the Internet at https://investors.nike.com/. Individuals can also visit https://about.nike.com/and follow NIKE on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

News Credits- businessWire

FSN E-Commerce Ventures reported 193 percent surge in consolidated net profit at Rs 20 crore for the quarter ended March, against Rs 7 crore in the year-ago period.

Shares of FSN E-Commerce Ventures Ltd, the parent of beauty products retailer Nykaa, sank on Monday, June 2, after the e-commerce giant reported a strong earnings show for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

The Nykaa parent reported 193 percent surge in consolidated net profit at Rs 20 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. It reported consolidated net profit of Rs 7 crore in the year-ago period.

The firm’s consolidated revenue rose 24 percent to Rs 2,062 crore in Q4FY25 as against Rs 1,668 crore in Q4FY24. The firm’s consolidated EBITDA rose 43 percent year-on-year to Rs 133 crore and EBITDA margin in Q4FY25 was 6.5 percent as compared to 5.6 percent a year ago.

Further, Nykaa reported consolidated beauty operations sales of Rs 1,895 crore in Q4FY25 as compared to Rs 1,520 crore in Q4FY24. The firm’s consolidated fashion revenue rose to Rs 161 crore in March quarter from Rs 145 crore a year ago.

At 9.20 am, shares of the firm were quoting Rs 202.28 apiece, lower by half a percent on the NSE.

Should you buy, sell, or hold Nykaa shares?

The beauty and personal care segment continued to deliver strong double-digit growth along with improving profitability. Management indicated fashion business shall report demand traction in Q1FY26 as most of the industry headwinds have bottomed out, noted Nuvama Institutional Equities. The broking house hiked its target price to Rs 235 per share, from Rs 205 earlier, while retaining its ‘buy’ rating.

“Nykaa’s focus on onboarding new global brands, expanding stores and product curation should continue to drive strong revenue growth in BPC. But margin improvement thus far has been slow and needs to pick up for us to turn more constructive. In Fashion, the focus on improving profitability is positive, esp. given the highly competitive segment,” said Nomura.

The Japan-based broking house reiterated its ‘neutral’ rating, but hiked its target price to Rs 216 per share, up from Rs 190 earlier.

HSBC downgraded Nykaa shares to a ‘hold’ rating, cutting its price target to Rs 200 per share. The brokerage said there is limited clarity on the earlier commitment of the management to break-even in the fashion business EBITDA margin by FY26. The brokerage sees risks to the consensus margin improvement expectations of 150 basis points.

News Credits- Money Control

Industry bellwether LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, which reported weaker-than-expected sales in the latest quarter, was accused of selling a Dior bag that costs about $60 to make for $2,800. Meanwhile, Tapestry Inc.’s Coach is cashing in on cool with its $495 Tabby bag — a viral hit that costs a fraction of a similar shoulder bag from Dior or Chanel.

That’s just one example of how mid-tier luxury brands are weathering the current economic uncertainty better than their ultra-luxury and fast-fashion counterparts, as consumers seek quality and value without the sky-high prices amid a weaker global economy.

“There’s a bit of a backlash going on,” said Fflur Roberts, head of luxury goods at Euromonitor International. Consumers are questioning the true value behind the price, including how items are made and the cost versus what they’re really worth, she said.

As wealthy consumers trade down, mid-tier brands are performing increasingly well. Tapestry, which also owns the Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman brands, recently raised its forecast for the year after reporting quarterly results ahead of analyst estimates.

Amer Sports Inc., which owns premium sportswear brands Salomon and Arc’teryx, also increased its projections for the full year, while Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings Ltd. and Hugo Boss AG both outperformed market expectations.

Ralph Lauren Corp. is another winner, offering a broad price range and maintaining appeal through its classic design, according to Bloomberg Intelligence senior retail analyst Mary Ross Gilbert. Same-store sales rose 13% in the three months through March 29, nearly double what analysts expected.

Meanwhile, luxury giants Hermès International SCA and Gucci owner Kering SA joined LVMH in disappointing investors in the most recent earnings season, while privately-held Chanel Ltd.’s profit plunged.

On the other end of the spectrum, fast fashion also struggling. “We’ve seen a more difficult environment,” said BI senior analyst Charles Allen. Higher Zara prices and fewer H&M promotions are deterring shoppers, he added.

Zara owner Inditex SA, Hennes & Mauritz AB and Primark, owned by Associated British Foods Plc, all reported slower growth or missed targets, while JD Sports Fashion Plc’s same-store sales fell 2% in the first quarter and are expected to drop again.

Tariffs — a key reason for the luxury slowdown — leave retailers targeting value shoppers little wiggle room. Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing Co. already warned these could hurt future earnings, while H&M said it may raise prices to offset the impact, which could push shoppers further away.

Still, some consumers may be returning to stores. Primark US sales grew in April — partly due to the Easter holiday shifting to the month — after shrinking the previous two months, according to observed sales data collected by Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, US wages continued to grow in April, and the country is still at a full employment level with the unemployment rate at 4.2%. US spending in April, however, ground to a halt.

“If people have money and see something tempting, they’ll spend,” Allen said. “People don’t always behave how they say they will.”

News Credits- FASHION NETWORK

As part of its wider goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, Amazon is now transporting parcels by high-speed train between the cities of Lyon and Paris, with over 500,000 packages set to travel this way in 2025.

Through a partnership with Rail Logistics Europe (RLE), SNCF’s freight division, Amazon has secured dedicated storage areas on ultra-fast trains that will transport parcels along this route at a speed of 320km/h.

The operations will take place six days a week and follow a successful pilot project last year. Once the parcels reach Paris, up to two-thirds of last-mile deliveries will be made using electric vehicles, cargo bikes or on foot.

According to Amazon, the high-speed train transportation is part of a €250m (US$281m) investment to decarbonize its transportation network in France and the company has plans to expand similar initiatives across Europe.

Author Credits- HAZEL KING
Parcel and postal technology INTERNATIONAL

DFI Retail Group has sold its 22.2 per cent stake in Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc (RRHI) for US$270 million as the company refocuses investment on its core operating businesses across Asia.

The transaction was completed via a special block sale on the Philippine Stock Exchange and involved 315.31 million shares priced at $0.90 per share – a 36.2 per cent premium to RRHI’s current market price.

GCH Investments, a wholly owned subsidiary of DFI Retail Group, first became a shareholder in RRHI in 2018 following the Philippine retailer’s acquisition of Rustan Supercenters.

Scott Price, Group CEO of DFI, said the divestment would enable the company to redeploy its capital more effectively.

“This transaction represents a step in our evolution as an operating company, enabling us to redeploy capital to support growth and enhance shareholder returns across our subsidiary businesses,” said Price.

DFI Retail Group operates a broad portfolio of banners across Asia, including Wellcome, Food World, and Cold Storage supermarkets; 7-Eleven convenience stores; and Mannings and Guardian health and beauty outlets.

Founded in 1980, RRHI operates a wide range of retail formats in the Philippines, including supermarkets, department stores, drugstores, and DIY chains.

The company said in a recent filing that the buyback aligns with its capital allocation strategy and reflects confidence in its long-term prospects.

“The ongoing share repurchase program reflects the company’s belief that current market prices do not fully reflect the underlying financial strength and long-term growth prospects of RRHI.”

RRHI CEO Stanley Co credited DFI with supporting the group’s expansion into new categories.

“Our acquisitions of Rustan Supercenters in 2018 and Rose Pharmacy in 2020 enabled us to enter the premium food retail segment and strengthen our drugstore network,” said Co.

“The partnership also allowed RRHI to become the exclusive distributor of DFI’s private-label brands, Meadows and Guardian. We are deeply grateful for the partnership we have forged with DFI.”

Despite DFI’s exit, RRHI will continue to exclusively distribute Meadows and Guardian products in the Philippines.

Author Credits- Kaycee Enerva
Inside Retail