NOT A Books Kinokuniya Chinese Magazines & Japanese Magazines Promotions + New Arrivals BLOG

Limited Edition HeadPorter x SLY Tote Bag

2012-02-18T22:59:00.001+08:00

Limited Edition HeadPORTER x SLY Tote Bag available at SLY Japan Outlets from Mid Feb 2012

Japanese Mook TSUMORI CHISATO 2012 SPRING & SUMMER Preview

2012-02-18T10:01:00.000+08:00

Singapore Woman's Weekly Promotion Starts at Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-17T20:31:00.002+08:00

http://kinokuniyapromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/upcoming-english-magazines-promotions.html

Limited Stocks left for Cleo Australia!

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/cleo-australia-feb-2012-issue-comes.html

http://kinokuniyasg.wordpress.com/

Upcoming Japanese Mooks

2012-02-16T21:27:00.003+08:00

Chinese Magazine 新Monday Issue 595 comes with a free HosannArt Post It pad x 6 Designs

2012-02-16T21:06:00.003+08:00

Hong Kong Magazine U comes with Little Twin Stars Freebie - Release Date is 23rd Feb 2012 in Hong Kong

2012-02-16T13:03:00.001+08:00

Kinokuniya does not take advance reservations for this item. Only Bluespot does

Japanese Mook MERCURYDUO Spring Summer 2012

2012-02-16T10:36:00.001+08:00

Porter International Spring Summer 2012 Milky Series Preview

2012-02-15T19:26:00.000+08:00

Porter International Spring & Summer 2012 MILKY Camera Bag coming to Singapore soon

2012-02-15T19:23:00.000+08:00

Lego Moleskine Preview

2012-02-15T17:23:00.000+08:00

Japanese Cooking Mooks with free Silicon Pot available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-15T17:22:00.001+08:00

http://kinokuniyapromotions.blogspot.com/

Japanese Magazine Cutie March 2012 issue comes with a free Dazzlin Tote Bag available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-15T17:17:00.005+08:00

Made of very tough Canvas Material with a Huge Base which can put in many items!!
http://tkj.jp/cutie/2012Mar/

Porter International Items coming to Singapore in March 2012

2012-02-13T23:08:00.004+08:00

Porter International Singapore
Wisma Atria Shopping Centre
435 Orchard Road #03-06 Wisma Atria, S 238877
65-63338258

HeadPorter x MasterMind Japan Limited Edition Bag Preview

2012-02-13T23:04:00.002+08:00

Limited Edition Colloraboration Bag between HeadPorter & MasterMind Japan
Made of Special Gortex Treated Canvas Material with inner Monogram lining.

HeadPorter Spring Summer 2012 Collection Preview

2012-02-13T11:34:00.000+08:00

Japanese Mook Lesportsac Spring Summer Collection 2012 is coming in March

2012-02-12T09:12:00.003+08:00

Snoppy x Peanuts x Uniqlo Collection

2012-02-11T09:08:00.000+08:00

Upcoming Rody Mook

2012-02-11T00:12:00.000+08:00

Social Media and How it can help Improve Sales & Maintain Customer Relations

2012-02-10T22:29:00.003+08:00

http://www.todayonline.com/Sunday/SundaySpecial/EDC120115-0000007/The-business-of-friending

I was reading the above article when I realised that, "hey...this is always what I wanna do for my company"....only that the last 2 companies that I worked at went down with their company policies, rules & regulations, principles and all...into the pits of doom gloom and all...
Even though for most people, traditional media works best and is the human presence is the essence of building relationships & customer rapport. I still feel that Social Media is also something that cannot be totally ignored. When used correctly, it can be a powerful tool to communicate with customers, increase Company Profile, improve Market Share and much more.
Of course, one need not follow aimlessly and jump into the bandwagon just because everyone else is doing so. To fully harness its effect, a company must 1st be prepared to discard whatever old mindset it has and start out with a totally new perspective of things which is hard to do. Social Media is a totally different playground and has a new set of ground rules dealing with a totally different crowd with different expectations.
Let me start by listings the communication channels between a company and its customers(prospective of current) nowadays....we have the
1)Face to Face
2)Phone
3)Fax
4)Email/Web Corporate Website
5)Traditional Media (Newspapers, TV,Radio, etc)
6)Social Media (Facebook, Twitter etc)

1st 5 types of Communication methods are used fairly often by Big Multi-Billion Corporations where every transaction is in astronomical figures such as sale of a Boeing Aircraft where of course a face to face presentation of the product is crucial to close a sale. Or in a luxury goods sector where the customer like personalise services and can afford to pay premium prices for premium services and goods.
Phone Communication is the most often used out of the 5 as a means of communication from informing a particular customer when the new stocks arrive or taking orders from customers to handling customer enquires(CALL CENTRE). I do not see this mode of communication as be out mode in the near future...I get all my sale & upcoming stocks arrival notice sms from the boutiques I normally shopped in with a personalise message from an originator and to quote (Recently Y3 Yohji Yamamoto Sales Executive sent a message informing me that the new season collection is in stock & I can drop by to view) & I suggested SOME COMPANIES should try it soon.
The problem with Fax is that it can be replaced by Email which is probably the nearest Online means of communication which most companies are using it today. Depending on the market segment that a company is targeting, younger generations do not read email as often and older generations still prefer traditional media which I will mention later on. Although by no fault of theirs but the email sender who when using this medium to communicate starts off with "DEAR CUSTOMERS"...this is something that only happens during the closing announcement of a shopping mall..With all the mass email flooding my inbox from companies that say "something is good for me" or "great savings" etc...it is not surprising that I have missed a lot of emails or most end up in my junk mail. I have no opinion on Corporate Website if only they put in a little more effort into it but adding animations, flash etc. Just have a plain old web page tends to bored the customer and if no one visits the web page, it is as good as not having it at old. Even a old watchmaking company like Patek Phillippe can have a flash animated website, why can't some companies do it as well..(http://www.patek.com/)
Traditional Media still works best in my opinion, IF THE COMPANY HAS HUGE LOADS OF CASH TO DO DAILY ADVERTISEMENTS which I see many companies have...(Mostly Luxury Goods Companies). Everyday people read papers, listen to radio in the car, watch TV at home and I still feel that the outreach to customers(Potential or Current) is still the widest. A plus point is that, No One will write/broadcast bad press about a company that is paying a huge advertising fee and is a CUSTOMER unless the situation is such that it has to be reported(for example a product cause a death to its customer etc) but minor issues like occasional indifferent customer service attitudes or complains or even company policies might not even make it way into the traditional media at all.
Finally, I come to the latest form of communication, which is what we call Social Media nowadays. It is a medium where interaction with customers takes place anyway,anyplace, anytime. It is not bounded by time and so expectations are different from the 5 previous mediums discussed earlier. So far sad to say, I have only used 4 types of them before namely, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter & Blogspot)
So one would ask, OK so you have the four of them. So what do you do it with?
Firstly, I would killed off my blog as the other 3 can easily replace what my blog does and I do have my Corporate Website don't I?
Secondly, I would use my Facebook as a general mass communication tool to my customers. It will be updated with pictures of the latest product offerings, major events or happenings inside my company. Depending on the nature of my company, if it is a bookstore, probably latest book recommendations and stuff. Events Organising and announcement can also be made via Facebook. Customers can also make use of the Facebook Wall to post in comments, make a feedback or check product availability etc. Of course bear in mind that any comments will be subjected to public scrutiny due to the openness of the system but as a Social Media Practioners know, thats Part and Parcel of the work.
Twitter will be used for customers will want real time info in an informal way for example, I would use Facebook to announce and event, but Twitter to mention "Author So & So is in store now starting the booksigning"...or similarly for a book launch, I will use Facebook to annouce the date and twitter to tweet as of "1015am, 30 copies are being placed on the shelf now"...Both systems are just as time sensitive but to which and what kinda info to post out will purely depend on the user and the objective to which both media is to carry out...if some one ask, why can't Facebook also give real time Tweets like Twitter? Well technically it can but I do not really want to clog up my facebook page with all these endless info which maybe irrelevant to some but for a textbased system like Twitter, it just is meant to be this way(by the way twitter can upload pictures too so if you want to take a picture of the book on the shelf to illustrate the text info by all means do so).
Before I touch on Youtube please bear in mind that users of social media normally expects a fast response to their feedback and enquires and unlike traditional media where maybe a day or two is fine but not for SOCIAL MEDIA...please see the above TODAY report to see my what I meanT!
Finally, a Youtube Channel to film my events, happenings inside my shop. Maybe some on the ground interviews with customers to get a feel of how they felt about your company, the products, services etc. I will also upload advertisements of my company, also maybe some staff video contributions on their worklife or things that will keep my customer interested in my company...beside Facebook and Twitter Annoucements, I can also make short clips to highlight promotions, sales annoucements, special offers and more...the Ideas are really endless....

This post that I have wrote probably contains a narrow one sided view of the endless possibilities that people can make use...There are a lot of smarter people out there than me, broader perspective than me, more work experience than me who might have a better view or reasons to improve on the possibilities or just keep things the way they are...either way...I am done for tonight cos I still gonna work tomorrow..so good nights all....while I dream of the NEXT BIG DREAM Tonight...

Chinese Magazines freebies Release for Saturday Morning

2012-02-10T22:27:00.001+08:00

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/chinese-magazine-mobile-magazine-hk.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/chinese-magazine-monday-issue-592-comes.html

Apple Hong coming to Books Kinokuniya Ngee Ann City Orchard on Saturday

2012-02-10T18:48:00.001+08:00

See the news here.

http://www.todayonline.com/Entertainment/Television/EDC120210-0000005/Book-a-date-with-Apple-Hong

Recipes Book from Kinokuniya Ngee Ann City for my Mum

2012-02-10T18:15:00.009+08:00

This few months, I find myself spending more time during my off days browsing for recipe & cook books to buy for my mum more than I do for my regular magazines shopping at Kinokuniya...Maybe I should do a food blog on what my mum cooks...hehe...
In life when you lose something, you tend to realise the importance of things that are still around me. Girlfriends come & go....but my mum has always been around me whether I am in sickness or in health...in rich or in poor....so after 30 years of being the "bad" boy that I am....it is about time to be the fillal Man & contribute a bit to my mum's latest adventure into the Kitchen again....baking pastry...cookies...and stuff....her latest complain is that the oven too small...so had to do multiple times....is that a Hint?

Anyway the 2 books I chose for her are from the Chinese Dept at Kinokuniya Ngee Ann City..The first book is by this "Zhou Lao Shi" that is titled 101 handmade pastries...retailing at $29.96. As the pictures below show, it showcases the instructions for making cookies, biscuits,crisp egg roll, gaufrettes & macarons. The instructions are very simple to follow even for a novice baker and there is a 120min DVD included to demonstrate the steps for people who are unsure of what to do even after reading the book.
The Second Book I bought is purely on Macaron because I love to eat them and aint wanna spend too much $$$$ on it. At $2 a Macaron, I figure after 5pcs my mum made, I would have gotten back my ROI as this Book cost on $9.63 at Kinokuniya. This Book is rather thin but features the top few types of Macaron in the market today and instructions to make them...

Initially thought of buying a Watch for my mum after she mentioned her watch spoil already but that would be the next gift next time round...in the mean time, I just blew $200 on a new pair of specs!!!!!

Japanese Mook Stussy is in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-10T18:04:00.003+08:00

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/chinese-magazine-monday-issue-592-comes.html

Japanese Magazines in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-10T18:01:00.002+08:00

http://tkj.jp/sweet/2012Mar/

NBC Stationary Special - Sentimental Circus Sure-Win Lucky Dip begins today at NBC Bugis Junction, NBC Ngee Ann City Level 4 and Takashimaya Basement

2012-02-09T23:14:00.002+08:00

Win one of the attractive prizes at $10 per try♪ While Stocks Last

Porter Japan x New Era Tokyo 2-Way Bag - Limited Edition

2012-02-09T22:40:00.002+08:00

Yen Price is estimated at ¥36,750... Sure to be HOT HOT ITEM

Upcoming Cinnamoroll 10th Anniversary Book Mook Preview

2012-02-09T21:50:00.003+08:00

Upcoming Cinnamoroll 10th Anniversary Book Mook Preview

2012-02-09T21:50:00.001+08:00

Rilakkuma Lucky Dip at Isetan Scotts Toys Department, Level 4 begins on 9th February 2011 (Thursday)!

2012-02-08T22:27:00.003+08:00

NBC Stationary Exclusive
Ngee Ann City NBC is Sentimental Circus Lucky Dip

HBG & X-Girl Stages Japanese Mook Preview

2012-02-08T17:01:00.001+08:00

Uniqlo x Undercover Collaboration looks set to hit Stores in March 2012

2012-02-08T16:19:00.004+08:00

This series is part of the new Uniqlo S/S 2012 Collection and will debut in Menswear, Womenswear & Kidswear. Keep a lookout for it!

Recommended Buy of the Month 13" Porter International Laptop Bag at only $179

2012-02-08T16:12:00.003+08:00

Available in Colors Red, Black, Dark Brown, Saddle Brown and Navy.
Check it out at Porter International Singapore now!

Latest Porter International Bags to be Released in Taiwan in March 2012

2012-02-08T16:04:00.006+08:00

Range & Prices are as follow
Pilot 11322-002 TBA
Pilot 11322-001 TBA
OLD SCHOOL FEVER 11178-016 TBA
OLD SCHOOL FEVER 11178-004 TBA
DOLLY (Yellow & Red) 11326-001 TBA
Blue Messenger Bag 11184-006 TBA
For More info
Please check it out with the Porter International Singapore Outlet near you

Japanese Magazine Steady March Issue comes with a free Anna Sui Dolly Tote Bag + Charm available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-08T15:45:00.004+08:00

http://tkj.jp/steady/2012Mar/

Japanese Magazine In Red March Issue comes with an Aquagirl HandBag Pouch Carrier available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-08T15:37:00.004+08:00

http://tkj.jp/inred/2012Mar/
I dun know why, I already had some email enquires on this item before it came out so wither the brand is pretty good or the look of the item is nice so here it is

Japanese Magazine Marisol March Issue comes with a free Transderma Cosmetic Sample available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-08T15:29:00.001+08:00

Japanese Magazine March Issue comes with a Portable Memo Board & Marker Pens available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-08T15:26:00.001+08:00

Harris Bookstore at Great World City to close - 20% Farewell Sale

2012-02-06T11:37:00.004+08:00

Picture Credits to AsiaOne Website
http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Singapore/Story/A1Story20120203-325750.html
Another Bookstore killed off by the rent. In the end how many will survive at the end of the day...I also dunno...but if nobody buys anything at Bookstores but just browsing, it will hasten its death even faster...so I urge all those who loves Bookstores to continue to buy buy buy no matter which Bookstore you support...to prolong its survival......
KEEP BROWSING RATE LOW, ENCHANCE & IMPROVE SELL Through Rate to Prolong Bookstore Survival...KEEP IT UP!!!

Japanese Mook Russet Spring & Summer 2012 comes with 2 Bags

2012-02-06T10:04:00.000+08:00

Upcoming New Era Mook

2012-02-04T21:37:00.000+08:00

Japanese Mook Stussy Spring 2012 Collection

2012-02-04T21:21:00.002+08:00

Chinese Magazine Mobile Magazine HK Issue 55 comes with a free Android Robot USB Mini-SD Card Reader

2012-02-03T20:48:00.002+08:00

Shopping at Bugis/Bras Brasah for China Magazines

2012-02-03T20:13:00.005+08:00

Nothing much to blog today & had lotsa free time, so I head down to Bras Brasah/Bugis area to view some magazines from China.

Despite the gloom facing the Magazines Industry today which every one knows, there is a region where the magazine industry is facing a big boom and that is in China. Even though speaking to a few insiders in the industry, not many people realised that or even simply brushed them aside cos it's "CHINA". I seriously wondered why, with a population that is the largest in the world and with its GDP & buying power increasing every year, I wonder why the rest of the world is so slow to catch up.

I had the opportunity to grab a couple of my favourite China Magazines from Great River, Music Book Co & of cos Kinokuniya SG & usually the prices of the magazine are way lower that those of Taiwan & Japan & Hong Kong but the thickness is way way higher....

Mostly Bookstores in Singapore stock up the traditional fashion magazines like Vogue China, Cosmopolitan, Bazaar, Elle, GQ, Esquire & Ruli. Some might stock up more niche titles like Numero, but I am surprised to find titles like Psychologies China, Men's Health & Architectural Digest missing from the shelves here except at Great River Books Co where they stock a few at least.

So why do I mention these few titles? Well I have my own reasons.
The English Version of the these magazines have performed very well internationally especially in Singapore and even in China themselves which is what spured the decision to license out Chinese Edition in these markets. Titles like Men's Health or Fitness & Health China Edition can actually tap onto the existing group of readers whom already are followers of the English Edition & may want to buy the Chinese Edition too as the artcles would tend to steer towards the asian body structure;biologically or phyically which many can relate to.
Psychologies China is another magazine that is originally from the UK but license for internation editions which is very popular in its original version..Again, the same rule of thumb applies..as problems faced by people from different parts of the world are different and magazines witgh topics that people can relate closely do will always do well in terms of sales...
Lastly Architecture Magazine, is a genre that language really does not determine whether a reader buys the magazines or not but rather the Visuals, the designs featured in the magazines. Locally, I do not think there are many Chinese Language Magazines that deals in Interiors and stuff like that, probably because they are either not popular, or no one really take the time to go and read them. Architectural Digest is really different and a cut above the rest, combining the local designs & some editorals taken from the Original Edition, the fusion of East Meets West really surprised me with how good the Magazine is...
With the increase in the China Population every year and the number of tourist or working expats that arrives in Singapore everyday, I am sure the demand for Chinese Magazines will be high...especially now that we have so many new migrants from China and other Chinese Asian Parts of the world..and of cos no forgetting the high editorial standards and rich contents that actually fuels the sales of the magazines in China.
Hope that more exciting China Magazine Titles will arrive in Singapore soon..but meanwhile, I will just make do all those that I had!

Japanese Magazine Bargain Corner Haul at Kinokuniya Liang Court - STRICTLY NO RESERVATIONS & Stock Availability CHECK!

2012-02-03T20:01:00.002+08:00

I was shopping at Kinokuniya Liang Court today & chanced upon some $3.00 Bargain Corner Magazines freebies for sale. Unable to carry so many items today cos I have just been to Bras Brasah for my China Magazines Shopping so can only carry this 2 more...There are more titles in stock so head down to Kinokuniya Liang Court on Weekend to get your Bargain Items....These Deals are simply too great for individuals & Blogshop owners to pass up!

Rules & Regulations for Bargain Corner Items available exclusively at Kinokuniya Liang Court.

No offence in particular to anyone when I choose to repeat them even though all smart, educated, and understanding customers already know what they are but still in the end someone might forget, I might just post a gentle reminder.

1)Cash Terms only on Bargain Corner Items & Strictly No Kinokuniya Membership Discount is entitled

2)No Reservations nor Enquires will be entertained on stock availability of the Bargain Corner Items

3)Whist STOCKS LAST!

Doraemon at Liang Court - Random Post

2012-02-03T20:00:00.000+08:00

Chinese Magazine Milk Taiwan Issue 15 comes with a limited edition MILK 10th Anniversary Earphone by SQUAD Co Ltd - HOT ITEM AT $7.36 only!

2012-02-03T19:51:00.006+08:00

FASTER CALL in to Reserve before STOCKS runs out especially at this price only!

Sound Quality is not bad, similar to the Philip Brand that I am using. The Design is pretty nice and cutting edge and very fashionable so it is a recommended buy.

Squad Co Ltd Info
美式休閒風格，創始於2007年的台灣品牌，以新型態的不受拘束的創意發想模式來呈現自家作品就宛如身處於叢林之中的游擊小隊，沒有特定規則，只求精準確實，這也是SQUAD團隊的製作準則，而SQUAD標準倒三角圖形，以象徵著其商品規劃包括：衣著、褲款、外套、帽類、配件、鞋類、飾品......等全方位的服飾系列

http://www.squad.com.tw/index2.html

Clarke Quay Central Bag of Joy Fukubukro Event

2012-02-03T19:48:00.006+08:00

A whilst stocks last item....at Central Clark Quay

Places having Bay of Joy Event including Play Imaginative at Scape Orchard..

Japanese Mook ちびまる子ちゃん　アニメ放送1000回 ANNIVERSARY BOOK is in stock now at Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-03T19:40:00.001+08:00

New Monday Issue 591 arriving on Saturday - Hot Item!
http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-monday-issue-591-hyoma-touchscreen.html

Japanese Mook Pink House is in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG - 2 designs!

2012-02-03T19:37:00.003+08:00

New Monday Issue 591 arriving on Saturday - Hot Item!
http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-monday-issue-591-hyoma-touchscreen.html

Japanese Mook 秘密結社　鷹の爪 comes with a Mini Lunch Tote Bag + Charm available at Books Kinokuniya SG - Hot Item!

2012-02-03T19:12:00.004+08:00

New Monday Issue 591 arriving on Saturday - Hot Item!
http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-monday-issue-591-hyoma-touchscreen.html

猫のダヤンとわちふぃーるどの世界 Mook comes with a Cotton Tote Bag + Leather Charm is available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-03T19:09:00.002+08:00

New Monday Issue 591 arriving on Saturday - Hot Item!
http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-monday-issue-591-hyoma-touchscreen.html

Japanese Magazine Sutekino/Ohayo Okusan Freebies in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-03T19:05:00.005+08:00

New Monday Issue 591 arriving on Saturday - Hot Item!
http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-monday-issue-591-hyoma-touchscreen.html

Chinese Books with Freebies at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-03T19:01:00.001+08:00

RANDOM THOUGHTS & Endless Rantings

2012-02-03T18:51:00.006+08:00

Hmm....its has been 3 years since this blog have started and here I am still blogging away everyday & week to try to bring the latest news on the best magazines freebies in town. How time flies and I am really surprise that people still take the time to read my blog.
Today, is a quiet time for me to reflect on the pass 3 years, the ups and downs of my life including this blog which as grown from a baby to a man and now probably an old man...Haha, & myself...Even though this is an interest of mine...and trust me my interest normally last for days except for this blog...I am now genuinely beginning to think if this blog still serves its original purpose.
Thinking back, when I first started out...magazines freebies were still a pretty novel concept and even Japanese Magazines do not give them often also. Local Magazines will give out some freebies periodically and are normally cheap Eco Tote Bags, Scarf or some cosmetics/perfume samples but as they do not happen often, people take great interest in them and are quickly snapped up and sales of the magazines often ed doubled or tripled compared to the normal versions.
And then, comes the Japanese Magazines freebies...Like the Tsunami, they came in waves and waves ...giving out tote bags and cosmetic pouches featuring brands like YSL, Anna Sui,Fred Perry,Marc Jacobs and Agnes B...competing directly with the local magazines even though their prices are tripled. The idea of a branded freebie that is banded together with a magazine is a sure way to boost sales especially in the brand conscious society of Singapore. In the early days, it is not uncommon to see queues forming in Kinokuniya waiting for the release of the magazines so that they can be sure that they can get a copy...the phenomenon continued for months and just when you thought that the novelty will wear off, better brands such as Gucci, Anteprima & Coach & even Tiffany & Co jumped in the Bandwagon...further sustaining the hype. Japanese Brands not commonly found in Singapore also came out with their speciality catalogues that gave a branded bag together with the Mook(aka Japanese Catalogue Book) exposing the locals to brands like Headporter, Bathing Ape, Snidel,Tsumori Chisato & Samantha Thavasa etc. Recently, the hype is almost gone and the momentum is somewhat slowed down by the fact that there is not a big enough fashion market to sustain the continued high sales of the magazines unlike in Hong Kong where the Japanese Brands presence can be felt in almost every section of the Fashion Industry. Usually, the Japanese Magazines will feature a particular brand which the freebie originated from (a form of advertising also) and the items can be easily found in almost every big shopping malls in HK unlike in Singapore...After awhile, it really makes no sense for me to buy a magazine that does writeups on items not readily available here, and the brand is probably not famous here due to its non presence and I would rather save my money to buy better bags etc...Despite that, die hard fashionistas still flock to Kinokuniya every Wednesday & Friday hoping to grab the latest fashion magazines that gives out the best Branded Freebies.
So what do the local magazines do? Some jumped into the bandwagon like Elle SG which gives out branded bags from Agnes B, Hansel and NoteBooks from Follie Follie and others just came out with their own magazine brand Tote Bags or Pouches...which boosted sales also. Kinokuniya also participated in a couple of magazine exclusive promotions that gives out cosmetics, facial & body products, food, cultery etc which proved to be extremely popular with the local customers here. Australian Magazines not be outdone also comes with free dresses and tshirts from Aust Brands and also sometimes from brands like FCUK etc... UK Magazines like Shout & Bliss gives out Cosmetics every issue all in the attempt to capture a slice of the pie of customes..
After a while, the trend now moves towards magazines from other parts of Asia such as Korea, HK, Taiwan and China Magazines. Korean and Taiwan Magazines tend to favour giving out Cosmetic products as those are the major advertisors in the magazines, while HK & China Magazines often give out branded bags and pouches although in recently years, the freebies range from USB Phone Chargers, Slippers, Earphones to recently Phone Acessories such as covers, protective stickers etc. In this manner they are more innovative and are always keeping the readers interested in what is the next upcoming freebie. The Magazines from HK & China are the Hottest Thing in the market right now just behind the Japanese Magazines and Books Kinokuniya happens to be the biggest retailer selling them.

When I first started out, there are many bookstores in Singapore competing with each other for Magazines sales, but recently with the closing of Borders and Page One, there aint really a big Bookstore that are very well stocked in Magazines except Kinokuniya...(SO if you want them to continue surviving in the Market, PLEASE BUY MORE)...and a few independent magazines retailer in the Chinatown Bugis area that stocks Chinese Magazines...English Magazines can be found in almost every newstands but if you are looking for those with Freebies, it is either in Kinokuniya, MPH or Times and sometimes Popular Bookstore.

So writing for so long, I also dunno where this post is heading but looking at the recently onslaught of EMagazines appearing in the market and Magazines titles closing...I see with a tingle of sadness that Magazines retailers and Bookstores are still running Business the Old Way instead of rolling together with the changes in time due to different consumer tastes, buying attitudes and the different levels of competition in the age time & space...which reminds me of the American Automobile Industry today & how it fails to compete against Car Makers from Japan, China, Korea & Europe.

Ford is a American Car Company whose founder generally credited as the Father of Automotive Industry...Inventors of the assembly line techniques for mass productions and all...During the booming days of the Car Industry, no one came close to touching Ford or threaten their market position....but recently their positions are being overtaken by Japanese such as Toyota and the US Automobile industry is 3rd behind Japan and China in terms of production volume & sales.
There is nothing wrong with Ford Vehicle nor their Brand Name. In fact, the Ford company has one of the lowest recall rates for Automobile Vehicles and in general their cars are known for the reliability, low accident rate and is generally a safe vehicle to own....but too me.... they are too good and clean to a point that they they get boring and the vehicle design isnt exactly breathtaking to compete with the Japanese and European AutoMakers. Granted that safety is the 1st pirority in vehicle design which I AGREED completely but it doesn't take a genius to tell people that cars are meant to be driven and to be SEEN. A boring Car body Design aint the way to attract buyers especially where in sales perception and brand name rules and other considerations comes in later....which brings me to my own experience which I am relating below....

I used to work for a Major Electronics company that is very well known in the market...the company placed heavy emphasis on production processes and quality control and its expertise in this area is unparallel in the market or in the industry...In fact it has produced products that has a longer lifespan than any competitor in the industry I presumed....yet in terms of WorldWide Sales, it has fallen behind another competitor whose product cycles and range changes every few months and its marketing channel is in such full force that people will buy a new range of product before the old one fails thereby reducing the need for a long product lifespan....which I wonder, why would people buy a new product when the old one is still working well?... I am always the Marketing Kinda of person even in my old company and I seriously dont deal well with operational or processes kinda stuff..

So what I am trying to say is that it is important that we maintain an efficient operational system of workflow. a good system of production processes, but on the public perception, if we are seen as out of date or boring, no matter how good the backend is, if no one buys your product or brand..no one is paying your salary.....Innovation, rebranding, updating of sales strategies are now as important as operational restructuring, processes streamling or even more important in the everchanging consumer taste environment where a fad can come and go in matter of days....and in a front line retail industry it is even more important than ever since now competition can come from from everwhere and the markets are getting smaller and smaller....

Speaking of which, I feel it is time for me to explore other channels of relaying information to my readers via twitter and other means....cos after awhile, I also feel that my blog is getting kinda boring anyway...hopefully, people reading this can get the message that I am sending out...cos there is more than 1 way to boost up a business...Thinking Innovatively and Out of the Box is one of them........

Porter International Limited Edition Bracelet/Bangle Preview

2012-02-03T09:35:00.001+08:00

Porter International Valentine Day Special

2012-02-03T09:33:00.000+08:00

SAMANTHA THAVASA VALENTINE Promotion

2012-02-03T09:30:00.003+08:00

Chinese Magazine 新Monday Issue 592 comes with a free STRiDA x BEAR'S BIKE x adlib x New Monday x 3M Pouch Sling Bag x 4 Designs

2012-02-02T10:53:00.004+08:00

http://kinokuniyapromotions.blogspot.com/2012/02/english-magazine-asian-diver-promotion.html

Japanese Magazine Papier comes with a 4-way Tote Bag available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-01T15:57:00.003+08:00

Milk Taiwan Issue 15 Earphone Freebies are in stock now!
http://kinokuniyasg.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/milk-taiwan-limited-edition-headphone-is-in-stock-now/

Japanese Magazine Mini March Issue comes with a free HeadPorter Pouch available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-01T15:56:00.002+08:00

Milk Taiwan Issue 15 Earphone Freebies are in stock now!
http://kinokuniyasg.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/milk-taiwan-limited-edition-headphone-is-in-stock-now/

Japanese Magazine 25ANS March Issue comes with a free YSL Pouch + Bag Hangar at Books Kinokuniya SG - HOT ITEM

2012-02-01T15:53:00.002+08:00

April Issue is Anteprima Tote Bag

Milk Taiwan Issue 15 Earphone Freebies are in stock now!
http://kinokuniyasg.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/milk-taiwan-limited-edition-headphone-is-in-stock-now/

Japanese Magazine Seventeen March Issue comes with a free Rilakkuma Purse Charm available at Kinokuniya SG

2012-02-01T15:50:00.001+08:00

Milk Taiwan Issue 15 Earphone Freebies are in stock now!
http://kinokuniyasg.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/milk-taiwan-limited-edition-headphone-is-in-stock-now/

Mini & 25ans March issue Freebies coming to Kinokuniya SG on Wednesday 01st Feb 2012

2012-01-31T21:38:00.003+08:00

25ANS - YSL Bag Hangar + Pouch
Mini - HeadPorter Pouch

Promotion Starts Today

2012-01-31T09:35:00.002+08:00

http://kinokuniyasg.wordpress.com/2012/01/31/animal-planet-magazine-promotion-starts-now/

Mini Magazine March Issue comes with a free HeadPorter Pouch !

2012-01-31T01:18:00.001+08:00

Arriving 1st Feb 2012 Wednesday after 2pm
http://tkj.jp/mini/2012Mar/

Porter International Chamber Series of Bag

2012-01-30T23:56:00.001+08:00

Porter International Bag of Joy Haul

2012-01-30T23:26:00.004+08:00

Haha, I mentioned on my earlier postings that I am going to post a few pictures of my Porter International Bag of Joy Haul and here it is.

The biggest catch is the Postrider (assuming I am right) series Tote Bag which I blogged on earlier and so wanted to buy. (Retail around $259SGD) & also the Limited Edition Porter 10th Anniversary Series CD. The rest of the items were just bonuses really and for SGD158 which is the cost of the Bag of Joy, I get about $400++ worth of items....you all say Worth or Not?
By the way, for those who did not participate before, the outside of the Porter International Bag of Joy is the same and only the inside contents are different and what you get is based on pure LUCK.

Below are the earlier postings of the PostRider Series of Bags

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/03/droping-by-porter-international-wisma.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2011/03/latest-springsummer-2011-porter.html

LEGO x MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK Preview - Release Date in March 2012

2012-01-29T23:42:00.001+08:00

Upcoming Japanese Mooks

2012-01-28T21:03:00.000+08:00

Chinese Magazine New Monday Issue 592 comes with a Limited Edition STRiDA x BEAR'S BIKE x adlib Multi-Purpose Pouch x 2 Designs!

2012-01-27T20:53:00.002+08:00

Pre-Orders as usual check with Bluespot as Kinokuniya does NOT take advance reservations Nor Pre-Orders

Porter International Bag of Joy Event at Wisma Atria 27th Jan 2012 Friday

2012-01-27T18:27:00.005+08:00

Finally after waited for a year for the Porter International Singapore "Bag of Joy" Event 2012. it begins today at Wisma Atria 27th Jan 2012. I arrived at around 900hrs as I am one of the Priority Queue Pass Holder (Please see info at Porter International Singapore FaceBook for more details) and a queue was already forming. As there were quite a number of priority queue pass holders this time round, 2 queues were formed. The public can only start buying at 1200hrs while the door was opened for the priority pass holders to enter at 930hrs. The buying process this time round was pretty smooth as most of us have already participate in the event last year. At around 1145hrs, there is a special Lion Dance Performance before the commencement for the entry of the public queue to buy their Bag of Joy.
I am very fortunate to be able to participate in this event again this time round & special thanks to Mr Lawrence & Porter International Singapore for the Opportunity.
By the way for those who heard of this event the first time, the Bag of Joy System originated from Japan and the explaination is as below
Fukubukuro (福袋 lucky bag, mystery bag) is a Japanese New Year's Day custom where merchants make grab bags filled with unknown random contents and sell them for a substantial discount, usually 50% or more off the list price of the items contained within. The low prices are usually done to attract customers to shop at that store during the new year.

For Porter international "Bag of Joy" retails at $158 and the value of the items can be up to $488 depending on your luck. For Public & Priority Queue, purchase of Bags is on a first come first serve single purchase basis.

I will be uploading my haul and items that I got on a seperate blog postings.

Chinese Magazine Ketchup Issue 243 comes with a free Chocoolate x Baby Milo Bag arrives in Singapore this Weekend

2012-01-27T15:43:00.003+08:00

Other Saturday Release...

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-e-zone-issue-701.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-e-zone-hk-issue-701.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-new-weekender-weekly.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-new-weekender-issue.html

Fans if Baby Milo & Chocoolate - Please keep a lookout for it!

Japanese Magazine WITH March 2012 Issue is in stocks now

2012-01-27T15:35:00.003+08:00

Japanese Magazine More March Issue comes with a free Banner Barrett Tote Bag available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-27T15:32:00.004+08:00

Japanese Magazine Glow March Issue is in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-27T15:28:00.001+08:00

http://tkj.jp/glow/2012Mar/

Japanese Mook in stocks at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-27T15:17:00.007+08:00

Fashion & Beauty Issue 422 comes with a pair of Hyoma EarMuff - Hot Items!

2012-01-26T21:18:00.002+08:00

New Monday Issue 591 Hyoma TouchScreen Glove Preview!

2012-01-25T23:52:00.002+08:00

Porter Bag of Joy Event

2012-01-25T18:21:00.001+08:00

Japanese Magazine Spur March Issue comes with a Christian Louboutin Large Drawstring Bag available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-25T17:50:00.005+08:00

Christian Louboutin is a French footwear designer whose footwear has incorporated shiny, red-lacquered soles that have become his signature.
Not many people can afford or are willing to part money for his shoes...but this is a chance to own a true Christian Louboutin Item with the purchase of the Spur Magazine.
The last time this brand freebie came out in Kinokuniya, it was sold out in a few days. See post here... http://rougedeluxe.blogspot.com/2010/09/25ans-x-christian-louboutin-more-x-paul.html

http://www.christianlouboutin.com/

Japanese Magazine Spring March Issue comes with a free Tsumori Chisato Purse available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-25T17:48:00.003+08:00

http://tkj.jp/spring/2012Mar/

Japanese Magazine SMART March Issue comes with a Free ROEN Multi-Tool Swiss Army Knife available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-25T17:46:00.002+08:00

http://tkj.jp/smart/2012Mar/

Japanese Magazine Ray March issue comes with 2 x Ravijour Pouches available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-25T17:44:00.002+08:00

Japanese Magazine Maquia March Issue is in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-25T17:42:00.001+08:00

Japanese Magazine Biteki March Issue - 2 Sets of Freebies!!! Hot Item!

2012-01-25T17:40:00.005+08:00

Japanese Magazine CanCam March 2012 Issue comes with a free Exercise Belt available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-25T17:35:00.002+08:00

Japanese Magazine Cool Trans March 2012 Issue comes with a free Luker by Neighborhood Sling Messenger Bag available at Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-25T17:33:00.001+08:00

Today Japanese Magazine Shipment as USUAL

2012-01-25T09:01:00.001+08:00

FOR REAL TIME UPDATES PLEASE CHECK

http://kinokuniyasg.wordpress.com/

Japanese Mooks coming to Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-23T18:51:00.007+08:00

Reasons to BUY E-ZONE Hong Kong Magazines - SO MANY FREEBIES!!!!

2012-01-23T18:07:00.030+08:00

Chinese Magazine EZone is an Electronics & Gadgets Technology Magazine in Hong Kong that is also jumping in the bandwagon of freebies with Magazines. So far they they have given gadget related freebies such as Iphone case & Stylus & Charger, Gundam Camera Pouch Card Holders Etc...More Freebies will be coming out soon...HINT!!!so get your subscriptions soon.....

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2010/09/places-that-sell-chinese.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-e-zone-issue-701.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-e-zone-hk-issue-700.html

Chinese Magazine Fashion & Beauty Freebie - Hyoma EarMuffs

2012-01-20T19:47:00.000+08:00

Porter International Promotion in Taiwan

2012-01-20T19:26:00.001+08:00

Porter International Spring/Summer 2012 CraftMan Collection Preview

2012-01-20T19:25:00.000+08:00

Chinese Magazine New Monday comes with a Miffy Iphone/Android USB Charger(2 Designs) coming to Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-20T18:52:00.003+08:00

QUEUE EXPECTED ON SATURDAY MORNING

Chinese Magazine U Travel HK comes with a free Chocolate Rain Luggage Tag x 2 Designs coming to Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-20T18:50:00.002+08:00

Japanese Magazine Non No March Issue comes with a free Snidel Wrist Watch available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-20T18:49:00.003+08:00

Japanese Magazine Linere March Issue comes with a free Pas de Calais Felt Lunch Tote with Zip at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-20T18:46:00.002+08:00

http://tkj.jp/liniere/2012Mar/

Japanese Mook in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-20T18:34:00.004+08:00

Japanese Magazine Mina March 2012 Issue comes with a free Orne Pouch available at Books Kinokuniya SG

2012-01-20T18:33:00.001+08:00

Chinese Magazines Freebies arriving on Saturday

2012-01-20T08:14:00.002+08:00

QUEUE Expected for Miffy USB Charger...on Saturday Morning.....HOT HOT ITEM

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-u-hong-kong-issue-320.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-monday-issue-589-comes-with-free.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-e-zone-hk-issue-700.html

http://kinokuniyacbjbpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-magazine-ketchup-issue-24316th.html

NOT A Books Kinokuniya Chinese Magazines & Japanese Magazines Promotions + New Arrivals BLOG

Limited Edition HeadPorter x SLY Tote Bag

Japanese Mook TSUMORI CHISATO 2012 SPRING & SUMMER Preview

Singapore Woman's Weekly Promotion Starts at Kinokuniya SG

Upcoming Japanese Mooks

Chinese Magazine 新Monday Issue 595 comes with a free HosannArt Post It pad x 6 Designs

Hong Kong Magazine U comes with Little Twin Stars Freebie - Release Date is 23rd Feb 2012 in Hong Kong

Japanese Mook MERCURYDUO Spring Summer 2012

Porter International Spring Summer 2012 Milky Series Preview

Porter International Spring & Summer 2012 MILKY Camera Bag coming to Singapore soon

Lego Moleskine Preview

Japanese Cooking Mooks with free Silicon Pot available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine Cutie March 2012 issue comes with a free Dazzlin Tote Bag available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Porter International Items coming to Singapore in March 2012

HeadPorter x MasterMind Japan Limited Edition Bag Preview

HeadPorter Spring Summer 2012 Collection Preview

Japanese Mook Lesportsac Spring Summer Collection 2012 is coming in March

Snoppy x Peanuts x Uniqlo Collection

Upcoming Rody Mook

Social Media and How it can help Improve Sales & Maintain Customer Relations

Chinese Magazines freebies Release for Saturday Morning

Apple Hong coming to Books Kinokuniya Ngee Ann City Orchard on Saturday

Recipes Book from Kinokuniya Ngee Ann City for my Mum

Japanese Mook Stussy is in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazines in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

NBC Stationary Special - Sentimental Circus Sure-Win Lucky Dip begins today at NBC Bugis Junction, NBC Ngee Ann City Level 4 and Takashimaya Basement

Porter Japan x New Era Tokyo 2-Way Bag - Limited Edition

Upcoming Cinnamoroll 10th Anniversary Book Mook Preview

Upcoming Cinnamoroll 10th Anniversary Book Mook Preview

Rilakkuma Lucky Dip at Isetan Scotts Toys Department, Level 4 begins on 9th February 2011 (Thursday)!

HBG & X-Girl Stages Japanese Mook Preview

Uniqlo x Undercover Collaboration looks set to hit Stores in March 2012

Recommended Buy of the Month 13" Porter International Laptop Bag at only $179

Latest Porter International Bags to be Released in Taiwan in March 2012

Japanese Magazine Steady March Issue comes with a free Anna Sui Dolly Tote Bag + Charm available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine In Red March Issue comes with an Aquagirl HandBag Pouch Carrier available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine Marisol March Issue comes with a free Transderma Cosmetic Sample available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine March Issue comes with a Portable Memo Board & Marker Pens available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Harris Bookstore at Great World City to close - 20% Farewell Sale

Japanese Mook Russet Spring & Summer 2012 comes with 2 Bags

Upcoming New Era Mook

Japanese Mook Stussy Spring 2012 Collection

Chinese Magazine Mobile Magazine HK Issue 55 comes with a free Android Robot USB Mini-SD Card Reader

Shopping at Bugis/Bras Brasah for China Magazines

Japanese Magazine Bargain Corner Haul at Kinokuniya Liang Court - STRICTLY NO RESERVATIONS & Stock Availability CHECK!

Doraemon at Liang Court - Random Post

Chinese Magazine Milk Taiwan Issue 15 comes with a limited edition MILK 10th Anniversary Earphone by SQUAD Co Ltd - HOT ITEM AT $7.36 only!

Clarke Quay Central Bag of Joy Fukubukro Event

Japanese Mook ちびまる子ちゃん アニメ放送1000回 ANNIVERSARY BOOK is in stock now at Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Mook Pink House is in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG - 2 designs!

Japanese Mook 秘密結社 鷹の爪 comes with a Mini Lunch Tote Bag + Charm available at Books Kinokuniya SG - Hot Item!

猫のダヤンとわちふぃーるどの世界 Mook comes with a Cotton Tote Bag + Leather Charm is available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine Sutekino/Ohayo Okusan Freebies in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

Chinese Books with Freebies at Books Kinokuniya SG

RANDOM THOUGHTS & Endless Rantings

Porter International Limited Edition Bracelet/Bangle Preview

Porter International Valentine Day Special

SAMANTHA THAVASA VALENTINE Promotion

Chinese Magazine 新Monday Issue 592 comes with a free STRiDA x BEAR'S BIKE x adlib x New Monday x 3M Pouch Sling Bag x 4 Designs

Japanese Magazine Papier comes with a 4-way Tote Bag available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine Mini March Issue comes with a free HeadPorter Pouch available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine 25ANS March Issue comes with a free YSL Pouch + Bag Hangar at Books Kinokuniya SG - HOT ITEM

Japanese Magazine Seventeen March Issue comes with a free Rilakkuma Purse Charm available at Kinokuniya SG

Mini & 25ans March issue Freebies coming to Kinokuniya SG on Wednesday 01st Feb 2012

Promotion Starts Today

Mini Magazine March Issue comes with a free HeadPorter Pouch !

Porter International Chamber Series of Bag

Porter International Bag of Joy Haul

LEGO x MOLESKINE NOTEBOOK Preview - Release Date in March 2012

Upcoming Japanese Mooks

Chinese Magazine New Monday Issue 592 comes with a Limited Edition STRiDA x BEAR'S BIKE x adlib Multi-Purpose Pouch x 2 Designs!

Porter International Bag of Joy Event at Wisma Atria 27th Jan 2012 Friday

Chinese Magazine Ketchup Issue 243 comes with a free Chocoolate x Baby Milo Bag arrives in Singapore this Weekend

Japanese Magazine WITH March 2012 Issue is in stocks now

Japanese Magazine More March Issue comes with a free Banner Barrett Tote Bag available at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Magazine Glow March Issue is in stock at Books Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Mook in stocks at Books Kinokuniya SG

Fashion & Beauty Issue 422 comes with a pair of Hyoma EarMuff - Hot Items!

New Monday Issue 591 Hyoma TouchScreen Glove Preview!

Porter Bag of Joy Event

Japanese Mook ちびまる子ちゃん　アニメ放送1000回 ANNIVERSARY BOOK is in stock now at Kinokuniya SG

Japanese Mook 秘密結社　鷹の爪 comes with a Mini Lunch Tote Bag + Charm available at Books Kinokuniya SG - Hot Item!