Latest news with #healthandbeauty
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
AS Watson and HSBC have grown together since the very beginnings of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a renowned commercial and financial hub, and that status can be traced to the 19th century, when early entrepreneurs laid the foundations for the city's success with some of its most enduring household names. Among these is AS Watson, established in 1841 – as The Hong Kong Dispensary, with just a single shop. Over the following decades, the company's significance in Hong Kong grew alongside the city's rapid development. AS Watson was appointed chemist to the Hong Kong governor in 1869, and inspired by the need to have safe, clean water during the plague of the late 1890s, the company established Watsons Water in 1903. Today, as the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, AS Watson Group operates more than 17,000 stores in 30 markets around the globe, with some of the most recognisable brands including Watsons, ParknShop, Fortress, Superdrug and many more. All share a strong focus on customer experience, innovation and community. For Malina Ngai, group CEO of AS Watson, much of the company's success can be attributed to its long-standing partnership with HSBC, the Hong Kong-founded bank which celebrates its 160th anniversary this year. 'The story between AS Watson and HSBC goes back 160 years,' Ngai says. 'In fact, AS Watson appeared on HSBC's very first customer ledger in 1865. I believe that trust, understanding and shared experiences have defined the relationship over the last 16 decades.' Beyond sharing values, both AS Watson and the bank have grown together to become deeply ingrained in Hong Kong society. 'We have been touching the lives of different generations in Hong Kong through our retail offerings … and HSBC has also been part of the everyday life of Hong Kong,' Ngai adds. Together, the two Hong Kong stalwart brands strive to make a positive impact, contributing to a better future for the city and beyond while supporting their customers. 'We're proud to call Hong Kong home, so our shared success has grown from here,' Ngai says. 'For both HSBC and AS Watson, we remain as committed to Hong Kong as ever. It's this shared purpose that strengthens our bond, taking it beyond just business.'
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Superdrug to sell CLOTHES in huge shake-up as retailer partners with big name fashion brands ‘handpicked by popularity'
SUPERDRUG is branching out into the world of fashion with the retailer now set to sell clothes in a huge online shake-up, the company announced today. The health and beauty chain has teamed up with 60 big name fashion brands "hand-picked due to their popularity". 2 Customers will now be able to go to Superdrug's website for a range of products from fragrances, electrical appliances, make-up, skincare as well as shop their favourite looks in the new fashion section. Chief commercial officer at Superdrug, Simon Commins, said: "We are excited to offer our customers an even more diverse shopping experience, incorporating fashion brands that perfectly complement our existing ranges. 'We know this initiative addresses customer demand along with our ongoing commitment to offering an inclusive and broader product selection by giving our them the best shopping experience." This evolution comes as Superdrug is hoping to become more of a lifestyle retailer than just traditional health and beauty place. Commins added: 'This move will not only strengthen our position as a go-to destination for a wide range of personal care and lifestyle products but also present a new opportunity to connect with a large and highly engaged customer base that already loves these brands, unlocking new potential for online growth.' The shake-up is part of Superdrug's growth strategy for 2025, which will see a broadening of its product categories as well as investment in bricks-an-mortar expansion. Iconic fashion brands like Nike, Wrangler, Jack and Jones, and Regatta will be available from the online store. They will also meet customer demand by providing stylish plus-size clothing and more inclusive options. Superdrug currently has more than 830 shops across the UK. It is, however, reported to have faced some store closures in recent months. Inside Superdrug's biggest UK store Challenges it has faced include mass thefts, which caused staff to remove some items from shelves and place them behind the counter. It comes after Superdrug also issued bodycams and headsets to staff earlier in the year, as shoplifting violence has risen.
