SK-II Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia SK-II has launched its first concept store in Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, as part of its global expansion strategy. The brand says every detail of the concept shop was designed to reflect the brand’s signature skincare ingredient Pitera, a transparent liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals, and organic acids.The product exploration section features a tester bar supported by balls that resemble Sugidama, a Japanese object made during the process of brewing sake. They are meant to represent Pitera’s fermentation process. Each product line includes an art piece designed by a ceramic potter from Shiga, where Pitera was discovered, to represent its skin benefits.In addition, Hinoki wood-inspired and sandalwood motifs were designed exclusively for the SK-II concept store.Aesop Bangkok ThailandAustralian skincare brand Aesop is expanding its retail footprint in Asia with the first signature store in Thailand.The store is located at Bangkok’s Thonglor. The store is separated into two sections: the main area and the flow chamber, to offer a calm experience for customers, allowing them to enjoy “every gentle touch”.The interior, designed in partnership with Sher Maker Studio, is lined with leftover teak wood from the building owner’s collection from the adjacent Bang Ban District.The store’s centre features traditional clay fire pits prevalent in rural areas, and a washbasin, allowing visitors to test products. A fragrance cabinet invites visitors to sample Aesop’s fragrance offerings. Aesop was founded in 1987 in Melbourne, Australia, and currently has locations worldwide. It was bought by L’Oreal last year.Apple Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Apple has established its first bricks-and-mortar store in Malaysia, at The Exchange TRX, attracting hundreds of customers who lined up for their first visit.The facility marks Apple’s sixth store in the region, following three in Singapore and two in Thailand. It has three floors and connects the mall’s central atrium to a rooftop park that wraps around the upper level.The storefront and panels surrounding the quartz staircase are made of glass. The Forum, which houses Today at Apple programmes, is located on a floating platform.Apple The Exchange TRX, like all other Apple facilities, uses renewable energy and is carbon neutral. The store has natural stone walls, polished stainless-steel columns, light terrazzo flooring, and a timber ceiling.Fendi Casa Phnom Penh, Cambodia Fendi‘s premium furniture and homeware branch Fendi Casa has opened its first flagship store in Cambodia.Located in Phnom Penh, the first Fendi Casa flagship is a collaboration with MW Design and Build Co, a Cambodian company specialising in importing luxury products.The store is 455sqm and was designed by the Fendi Casa design team under the supervision of Fendi’s architecture team.The new boutique is part of Fendi Casa’s larger international growth strategy, which began in 2021. The company recently built a boutique in Jakarta and plans to open mono-brand stores in Seoul and Singapore this year.Hoka Singapore Sports retailer Hoka is expanding its retail footprint in Apac with its first bricks-and-mortar store in Singapore.Located on Ion Orchard’s B4, the new location features Hoka’s whole line of footwear, from everyday walking to running footwear, lifestyle and outdoors.The store combines the design concept of landscapes as artificial components, which the brand says pays homage to its birthplace on Mont Blanc, and conveys sentiments of freedom and exploration.It also has elements inspired by natural and urban surroundings, such as mountain profiles, rock-shaped benches, asphalt and trail demo spaces.Hoka’s first brand store is also equipped with 3D foot scanning technology – SafeSize – to recommend the best fit and models to customers.