Japan's Don Quijote to open first Southeast Asia store in Singapore

Don Quijote, a Japanese discount store famously known as "Donki", will open its first Southeast Asian flagship store in Singapore's Orchard Road. According to a release from the company, the store will offer "cool Japan-themed products" to suit the needs of local consumers.According to Don Quijote, Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIHD) will manage the store and serve as a development centre to help "Donki" expand its business in the region. Established in July 2013, PPIHD is the group's headquarters for overseas operations.The group did not share with Marketing details such as the Singapore store's opening date, its target audience and store concept. It remains undecided on whether or not it will be looking for agency partners.However, a spokesperson from the company said Singapore was chosen as it is the hub of Southeast Asia. The flagship store in Singapore will also serve as "a development centre for new resources that enable the group to execute growth strategies and expand its business in Singapore and Southeast Asia."Established in 1980, "Donki" opened its first general discount store in 1989 and has grown into a retailing group with 350 stores in Japan. Its revenue and operating profit have increased for 27 consecutive years.  Outside its home country, the group has been operating three Don Quijote USA stores in Hawaii since 2006. In September 2013, the group acquired Marukai Corporation, one of the biggest Japanese supermarkets in the US.