from £33.1 million ($60.5 million) the year before. It also said revenue would likely grow between 17 per cent and 19 per cent during the year. In its most recent trading update published last month, ASOS revealed that group sales had grown 10 per cent to £1 billion in the four months to June 30. The number of active customers in the period also increased by 16 per cent year-on-year to 23 million. Despite its improved forecast, ASOS warned that the outlook was still uncertain, and that it was unclear how long current favourable shopping habits would persist. H&M creates wearable hugs In these days of social distancing, Swedish multinational H&M has come up with a high-tech remedy for those needing a hug: it calls the concept “wearable love”. H&M Lab, the fast fashion giant’s innovation hub in Berlin, has unveiled a new denim jacket with flexible sensors built into the shoulder areas, which gives the wearer the feeling of being hugged when the sensors are activated. Every jacket comes with a registration code that the user can share with their loved ones via an accompanying app. Only those with the registration code will be able to activate the sensors to let the jacket-wearer know they are thinking of them. Contacts can also create an individual touch pattern, so it’s clear who the hug has come from. The sensors are activated via the app by Bluetooth. It is not yet clear when or where the jacket will be available for purchase, or how much it will cost. Lancôme Singapore goes 3D French luxury beauty brand Lancôme is ready to launch an immersive 3D virtual shopping experience globally through its Singapore store with the theme of encouraging its customers to explore their own strengths. Called Lancôme Advanced Génifique #LiveYourStrength, the virtual store is built around its signature skincare line, Advanced Génifique serum. The store features five different zones which visitors can access via a URL link. These zones draw customers further in, giving them information and background about the product, but also offering knowledge and awareness of their own personality. The zones feature celebrity interviews, as well as quizzes and opportunities for consultation. The store will be active from August 28 through September 20. Amazon eyes bankrupt mall stores Simon Property Group, the largest mall operator in the US, has been in talks with Amazon about transforming shuttered JC Penney and Sears department stores into fulfillment centres, the Wall Street Journal reports. Both companies have filed for bankruptcy, and Simon Property currently has 63 JCPenney and 11 Sears stores on its books, the report says. Investment adviser Motley Fool has commented that expanding into mall space formerly occupied by department stores could help Amazon meet surging demand and reduce shipping times. However, the website says, such an arrangement would not bolster the prospects of the attached malls that are losing their anchor tenants, making Simon’s apparent interest appear like a “desperation move” to secure some rent from its failing properties. Starbucks Bangkok goes self-serve Starbucks Thailand has launched its first-ever self-service machine at Bangkok’s new AIS eSports studio, which will allow gamers to stay caffeinated 24 hours a day. A cup of coffee from the machines is priced at 60 Thai baht ($2.70) which is less than the price at a staffed branch. The drink is fully customisable via a digital touch screen. A consumer can select their drink, tailor it to their liking, and then scan the QR code to pay either through Rabbit Line Pay or using a general QR code payment through their native banking app. World Co shuts 358 outlets Japanese apparel firm World Co is shuttering 358 outlets nationwide by March next year, hit by fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. The move will involve jettisoning five of its clothing brands – including the unprofitable Aquagirl and Ozoc – with potentially more to follow. A voluntary early-retirement program will be implemented for staff as well as around 200 layoffs. World Co has operated for more than 60 years within Japan and went into private ownership 16 years ago.