ASIA PCIFIC. Business publisher Retail in Asia has extended the deadline for submissions for the Upstarts Awards, which recognise and amplify the next generation of Asia’s homegrown retail innovators and start-up brands.
The awards were officially launched in June, with The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie one of the judges of the event.
Full entry details in English and Chinese are available here.
Upstarts’ mission is to create a community amongst established retail players and new disruptors to boost Asia’s thriving retail scene. Invest HK, IWD, Alipay+ and Bluebell Group are some of the sponsors for the inaugural event.
“Ultimately, the new retail players are disrupting an entire ecosystem, and what they bring to the table is key to the success of the future of retail in the region and beyond, for future generations,” commented Retail in Asia Director Anne Geronimi.
“Asian entrepreneurship is at an all-time high. It is time to recognise their achievements, bring them into the existing retail network and reward them. But more than just reward, our aim with Upstarts is to build community around the concept that established and new players come together to exchange and learn from each other.”
Upstarts is open to companies and people in Asia-based emerging consumer brands, retailers, retail concepts, marketplaces, retail technology startups and new solution providers.
InvestHK Head of Consumer Products Angelica Leung added: “Asia is not only an important manufacturing base, it also enjoys exponential growth as a consumer market.
“The community is evolving at light speed with a fusion of international and regional influences at every level. Emerging brands, retailers and retail concepts created in Asia for Asia are best placed in this complex and fascinating market.
“InvestHK is looking forward to supporting the Upstarts ecosystem and to be a part of their journey to success.”
“As the retail landscape continues to evolve and the line between online and offline blurs, it’s particularly important for emerging and established brands to have a consistent identity,” commented IWD Director Gaelle Decolnet.
“With Upstarts, IWD’s aim is to award brands and retail players that are building strong and coherent brand experiences across all channels. Bringing together retail industry players at this occasion is crucial to foster innovation and shape Asia’s future brand ecosystem,” Decolnet added.
Alipay+ Global Partnership General Manager Guoming Cheng said: “The rise of the Asian consumer is creating new opportunities for brands and retailers — particularly small and medium-sized businesses — to connect with customers across the region and around the world.
“As these innovative businesses accelerate their growth, Upstarts will provide an important platform to exchange ideas and recognize successes. Alipay+ is proud to join this important community and share our digital payments and marketing solutions with the next generation of homegrown champions.”
“The Asian consumer is leading some of the major trends that are resonating globally on the larger retail scene,” added Bluebell Group President & CEO Ashley Micklewright.
“This is due to a combination of the consumers appetite and desire for new experiences, together with the ground-breaking regional retail technologies and the homegrown brands catering to this market.
“Through Upstarts, Bluebell Group is looking to discover and support new brands, retail concepts and retail technologies from different Asian markets and offer them a path to access the greater Asian region.”
Upstarts has three awards areas — covering brands, brand experiences and brand personalities — and a total of 15 categories.
The brands area is open to all brands and retailers. It covers seven categories: fashion & accessories, beauty & fragrances, health & wellness, homeware and lifestyle, retail gourmet, jewellery & watches and best retail concepts.
Brand experience covers four categories: retail tech breakthrough, digital excellence, sustainable concept excellence and pop-up concept.
Brand personality is open for all eligible people and teams. It covers four categories: pioneers & founders, retail management role, in-store role and tech & agency team.
