AS Watson has celebrated Hong Kong’s elite young athletes with the nineteenth edition of its Hong Kong Student Sports Awards (HKSSA). The ceremony recognised 991 student athletes – its highest number of participants to date. Nearly 90% of local schools took part, underscoring the programme’s significance in Hong Kong’s youth sports community. Since its inception in 2005, HKSSA has honoured over 16,400 young athletes.
As a reward, 30 outstanding awardees embarked on a five-day sports exchange tour in South Korea. They visited prestigious institutions such as the Korea National Sports University, where they learnt from local athletes, inspiring them to pursue their lifelong dreams.
In response to growing customer demand for seamless and enjoyable shopping experiences, Watsons is making a significant investment of US$250 million to enhance its stores across Asia. Over the next two years, 6,000 new and upgraded stores are being introduced, with 75% of the stores in Asia set to deliver more innovative and customer-focused shopping environments. This transformation highlights Watsons as one of Asia’s biggest players in retail innovation, and it continues to offer its customers an elevated and engaging experience as customer expectations evolve in the health and beauty sector.
AS Watson has ramped up its global sustainability efforts by transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) in its delivery fleet and launching waste reduction initiatives to combat climate change. Currently, 60% of its 12 retail brands have adopted EVs for warehouse-to-store and online order deliveries. This move is a key component of AS Watson’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and fostering greener supply chain operations worldwide. By embracing clean energy solutions and sustainable logistics, the company is setting an example in the retail industry’s fight against climate change.
Superdrug has marked 60 years in the health and beauty retail business, celebrating six decades of growth and innovation. Founded in 1964 with a single store in London, the brand has expanded to over 780 stores and 180 pharmacies across the UK and Ireland. To commemorate this achievement, Superdrug hosted a series of events, including a lucky prize draw and competition for its 18 million loyalty members. From its humble beginnings, Superdrug has evolved into a trusted name, serving communities with a wide range of products and services. After 60 years, it’s clear that customers and colleagues alike are still inspired by “That Superdrug Feeling”.
To celebrate its thirtieth anniversary, Watsons Malaysia has launched its first-ever Watsons-branded aeroplane in collaboration with AirAsia. The plane features Watsons’ branding, in-flight shopping opportunities and interactive activities for passengers.
This initiative highlights Watsons’ commitment to innovative customer experiences, marking a unique milestone in the brand’s growth. With over 700 stores in Malaysia, Watsons continues to engage its over 7.5 million loyalty members through immersive and fun shopping experiences, both offline and online.
The modern fulfilment centre brings human, automation and artificial intelligence technology together to delight the discerning modern customer, while elevating the workplace to improve speed, safety, precision and ease of work for the staff. Robots make it happen.
AS Watson Group hosted the highly anticipated European Hackathon in Amsterdam in April this year. Over 70 university students from the Netherlands, the UK and Italy joined forces to combat challenges in Next-Generation Loyalty. Divided into 12 teams, they focused on challenges such as Generative AI, Gamification in Retail and the Digital Loyalty Programme. Judged on criteria such as novelty and innovation, the winning solutions will redefine customer loyalty strategies in retail. Throughout the 24-hour event, participants showcased their entrepreneurial spirit whilst grappling with the challenge of using their skills to evolve the current retail landscape.
Watsons Hong Kong recycling campaign collected a total of more than 330,000 personal care, skincare and cosmetics containers, which is equivalent to the height of 88 Victoria Peaks. Watsons thanks its loyal customers who made it possible to reach this impressive milestone. Encouraged by this great achievement, Watsons reaffirms its commitment to driving positive change through its sustainability efforts whilst inspiriting its customers to go green together.
Watsons dazzled as the Overall Winner in the 11th annual Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards 2024, a competitive programme that recognises the best in business innovation in the Asia-Pacific. Watsons took home 34 awards, including 11 Gold, 10 Silver and 13 Bronze across several categories, solidifying its status as a top contender in the O+O Health & Beauty retail sector. Some of the highlights include Watsons’ campaigns for Innovative Management in Retail and the impactful “Go Green with Watsons”, which promotes sustainable practices and carbon neutrality. These victories spotlight Watsons’ commitment to business excellence and its strong customer relationships across diverse markets.
In celebration of Earth Day, Watsons has launched Naturals by Watsons’ Special Edition Blue Beauty range across Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore. Each product is formulated with over 94% natural origin ingredients and every bottle is crafted from 100% recycled ocean-bound plastic. Thanks to this range, customers can actively combat plastic pollution while enjoying personal care products. This initiative is part of Watsons’ commitment to sustainability, which now offers 9,700 Sustainable Choices products.
Watsons Thailand celebrated its 700th store with a grand opening at Central Westville. As the leading health and beauty retailer in Thailand, Watsons has locations spreading across all 77 provinces. Glamour took centre stage, with a fashion show and mini-concert featuring local celebrities. To top it off, donations were also made to the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women, extending Watsons’ commitment to community and women’s empowerment.
Kruidvat Belgium hit a significant milestone with its 300th store opening at Dok Noord, Gent. It reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by donating 3,000 gift cards to Food Bank Belgium, embodying its ethos of giving back to the community and the needy. Meanwhile, Rossmann Hungary celebrated two major achievements: the opening of its 250th store at Budapest Arkad Shopping Centre as well as its 30th anniversary. These brilliant achievements reflect its dedication to providing customers with top-notch O+O shopping experiences, featuring a diverse range of high-quality products and services.
A sharp competitive edge can still have a soft side – if it comes from the heart. PARKnSHOP speaks to the big hearts of Hong Kongers, helping them to be their better selves and to keep them coming back. It also works to bring them taste experiences they can’t get anywhere else.
Water is just water – except when it is better water! Innovating with the world’s oldest, most important component of life is a huge challenge in a competitive market. But the Watsons Water team keeps abreast of scientific advances to track changing consumer preferences and deliver the “better water”.
In 2018, AS Watson launched its first-ever global sustainability campaign “Give a Smile” with Operation Smile. To date, they have supported over 6,500 children born with cleft lips with their physical condition and mental wellbeing. The company first aimed to transform 10,000 smiles by 2030 and now expects to surpass this target by 2026.
The programme also supports women in medicine. Operation Smile’s Women in Medicine provides educational pathways for women in the medical and health sectors.
AS Watson annually supports one of the biggest youth athletic events in Hong Kong. Since 2009, the Watsons Athletic Club Annual Challenge has grown, and in 2023, it attracted participation from more than 6,900 individuals across 27 different competitive events.
It is recognised by the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates as an accredited competition. The Watsons Athletic Club nurtures track and field talents and boasts a current membership of 1,250, including 69 athletes and coaches who are members of the Hong Kong, China Athletics Team.
Since 2012, PARKnSHOP has been a pioneer among Hong Kong supermarkets to donate edible surplus food. To date, it has donated more than 3,900 tonnes of food, which has helped the organisation Food Angel make up more than 12 million meal boxes and over 2 million food packs to feed needy people. Currently, around 150 stores and the Sheung Shui Fresh Food Distribution Centre are donating vegetables, fruit, bread, meat and packaged food to Food Angel.
Congratulations to Watsons Water for a successful 120 years! Watsons Water started producing bottled water to save the people of Hong Kong from plague arising from an unsafe water supply in 1903. Over the years, Watsons Water has taken care of its customers with heart. Watsons Water now reflects this commitment in campaigns like “Because WE CARE”, which showcases its dedication to creating a sustainable future.
Trekpleister, AS Watson’s health and beauty brand in the Netherlands, has launched its new concept stores in two towns, Putten and Bodegraven. The new concept prioritises the O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience. These stores are the pioneers that future stores will follow, both in concept and layout. They feature a fresh and stylish beauty corner, as well as a new cashier area with a digital screen. Additionally, the stores are fully equipped with LED lighting, demonstrating Trekpleister's commitment to accelerating sustainability efforts. Keep it fresh, Trekpleister!
AS Watson has received prestigious accolades at the BW Confidential Beauty Party in Cannes, France. BW Confidential is a leading media group covering the ins and outs of the beauty retail industry.
AS Watson was honoured with the title of Beauty Retailer of the Year, a huge achievement in a year that posed many challenges to the industry. The award recognises foci on innovation, technology, customer relationship management and customer understanding and sustainability. Ms Malina Ngai, CEO of AS Watson (Asia & Europe), was also named Executive of the Year.
A.S. Watson has long been at the forefront of AI adoption. From back-end operations to putting a virtual makeover smile on customers’ faces, it has its own dedicated AI teams coding, testing and delivering the future. A.S. Watson? Welcome to AI Watson!
The Watsons' DARE TO BE campaign is reaching out to over 100 million Watsons Club members to support the cause of gender equality. The campaign strives to encourage customers to be BRAVEHER, BOLDHER and STRONGHER in the cause of gender equality that embraces customers from all walks of life.
A record-breaking number of 962 student athletes were recognised at the 18th award presentation of the A.S. Watson Group Hong Kong Student Sports Awards. The recognition scheme was established in 2005 and has recognised over 14,500 students since its inception. This year’s theme was ‘YOU ARE STAR’ which is all about encouraging student athletes to pursue their dreams with courage – and shine. They will keep shining with A.S. Watson’s support!
The International Business Awards® are the world's most prestigious business awards programme — and their judges have their eyes on A.S. Watson.
The 2023 Awards saw A.S. Watson win an impressive 12 Stevie® Awards including Company of the Year in Retail. This was the headliner among 6 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze awards. The Group won multiple awards in various categories of PR Campaign of the Year ranging from Influencer Management to Community Engagement. Technology was another strong point with awards in Mobile App-Shopping, Mobile App-Best User Experience and Technology Department of the Year.
Malina Ngai, CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe) was especially strongly recognised, winning Executive of the Year in Retail, beating other global retail giants from around the world. Over 230 judges reviewed more than 3,700 nominations from 61 countries and territories to make their decisions.
K-pop, K-film and K-beauty have taken Asia and the world by storm. A.S. Watson will be bringing more of it to their customers in the form of derma and premium skincare brands, through a partnership with the Amorepacific Group. The two sectoral giants signed an agreement in Seoul to expand the reach of Amorepacific Group’s brands and bring more innovative products to the customers.
The global organisation representing all offline and online retail, the National Retail Federation, has teamed up with research firm Kantar to recognise the world’s most influential retailers. Cracking the top 20 is A.S. Watson in sixteenth place, which is recognised for its domestic and international retail revenue success. The Campaign Asia Top 50 Brands for Customer Experience asked 9,000 people across Asia and their answer was clear: Watsons is the #1 Personal Care and Beauty Retailer. It was also ranked sixth across all consumer product brands, an outstanding achievement in a field of hundreds of thousands of competitors.
Rossmann is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in Poland with a facelift for a special location. The Rossmann store located at Złote Tarasy is all about new experiences for customers which include a new health zone, a beauty zone and a self-checkout area. Rossmann has approximately 1,600 outlets in Poland from its over 4,500 stores across 8 markets in Europe. Gratulacje!
In alignment with A.S. Watson’s Greener Store Global Framework, Superdrug plans to refit 70 existing stores this year by using environmentally friendly materials to replace its shop front, flooring and ceiling with biosoluble mineral, clay and starch. The new design will also improve energy conservation and waste management, and the signage will be fully recyclable.
In Malaysia, Watsons has launched its first greener store: the Tropika at Bukit Jalil. The store has over 700 sustainable choices products. They’re also piloting Watsons Malaysia’s first in-store recycling platform where customers can recycle packaging materials from products bought at Watsons.
CK Hutchison’s Global Climate Action Conference is the first gathering of business CEOs to share how they are setting targets, taking action and proving their accountability on reducing their carbon footprint. Sphere’s three-part series on the Conference provides a sense of what was covered in depth for over 400 team members at the online event.
Watsons has been selected by Inside Retail Asia as one of Asia’s Most Innovative Sustainable Retailers for its work across the region. They often bring select partners along with them on their green journey. Watsons has launched a region-wide recycling programme in Asia to educate customers as well as engage them to go green and is constantly seeking out new ways to improve processes so that the company and customers can contribute to a healthier planet.
A.S. Watson Benelux has opened a new 14,000 sqm distribution centre. The facility is powered by 14,000 solar panels, generating energy equivalent to that normally consumed by 2,000 households. This facility, the third in the region, reduces carbon consumption by placing the distribution centre closer to Kruidvat’s retail outlets. The centre’s new home in Oosterhout, the Netherlands, will provide employment for the surrounding communities, a win for all concerned.
PARKnSHOP has invested over HK$200 million in a 300,000 sqft eCom Fulfilment Centre in a bold move that will increase its inventory processing volume by a factor of three. Cutting-edge technology is being used to improve efficiency. Artificial intelligence drives automatic guided vehicles. Data analytics spots inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. This capability is crucial as the firm has seen its offline and online (O+O) strategy pay off handsomely with a triple increase in two years.
The promise of telemedicine is being delivered by A.S. Watson from the UK to Asia. Patients can jump the queue to see doctors in minutes and get home delivery of medicines. The days of reading year-old magazines at the doctor’s clinic are done – online medicine is being delivered NOW!
Watsons China is keeping its customers – at home, in store or on the move – in the Health Care Zone. Online and in-store sections are answering customers’ needs to protect their health in the current and post-pandemic era. Over 1,200 stores in 270 cities, encompassing Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Chengdu and Wuhan are participating, along with their online counterparts. Online orders can deliver the healthy goods in as fast as 30 minutes!
A.S. Watson’s drive to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has seen it beat its targets set in 2015. It was aiming for a 40% reduction by 2030, but in 2021, it hit 42%. The target has been reset to a 50% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, using 2018 as the stricter baseline. It also aims to have 33% of its suppliers committed to science-based targets for GHG emissions reduction by 2027. A.S. Watson is aiming to meet its goals and then set higher ones. Onwards and downwards for GHG emissions!
A.S. Watson has committed to supporting over 200,000 young people getting their start in the working world, with job opportunities, training and coaching to get them the best possible start in retail. Over 5 million training hours will equip them for the fast-moving O+O retail industry. This will all happen between now and 2030, paving the way for the mid-century retail senior executives to be!
PARKnSHOP in Hong Kong celebrated its 50th anniversary at a celebration joined by over 220 business partners and staff. “Eat Better, Live Better” is the social purpose of PARKnSHOP as a trusted food retailer in the city for 50 years, which underpins its success with the O+O platform strategy.
In Europe, Kruidvat Belgium had over 2,000 people come out to have a distinctly Belgian birthday party for its 30th anniversary, with a focus on the company’s positive impact on its customers, the community and the planet.
Watsons Malaysia is introducing its first-ever drive-through pick-up service in Johor Bahru, a city just a bridge away from Singapore. After making a purchase on the Watsons mobile app, customers can drive up, pick up and carry on using the Click & Collect Express service. It’s the perfect solution for Malaysians and Singaporeans on the move!
Watsons’ ninth-generation store design ethos is transforming stores into experiential spaces, making the most of their O+O strategy and aligning Watsons with customers’ green hearts. Delivering human connection and a commitment to environmental stewardship is incorporated into features in stores from Hong Kong to Türkiye.
A.S. Watson has announced the adoption of a comprehensive framework to make every store, staff member and customer around the world a steward of the earth. The Greener Stores Global Framework touches every aspect of the business including store design, construction, operations and maintenance. There are also elements to encourage customers to bring greener practices into their everyday lives. One set of practical measures that has been achieved are Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission targets. A 40% reduction (from a 2015 baseline) in GHG emissions, targeted for the end of 2030, was beaten by the end of 2021! New targets have been set for A.S. Watson operations, supplier inputs and upstream transportation and distribution.
A.S. Watson’s luxury perfumery and cosmetics brand Marionnaud will create five crossover stores with Watsons China in Shanghai, Wuhan, Xian and Chongqing. Beauty lovers will be able to experience new products from around the world in dedicated “experience spaces”, to discover their new look and maybe even a new signature scent.
The Perfume Shop was founded in 1992 and is still going strong. To celebrate its 30th “pearl” anniversary, it is looking to the future. Customers will get to enjoy a wide range of celebratory offers and be confident that they are shopping with a responsible retailer. The new anniversary commitments to the planet include reducing its carbon footprint by 90%, planting one million trees and removing 100,000 new bottles from circulation – all by 2030. It is also a strong supporter of the community and has pledged to raise £1 million for its charity partners by 2026.
Superdrug delivers unique, super start-up products
Superdrug Marketplace will be the place to find unique products never-before-seen on the shelves of Superdrug. Innovative start-ups will be able to showcase and sell their products on the new online platform. Hundreds of start-up products are being introduced to customers through the new website, giving these savvy retailers a shot at becoming rising stars in their own right.
Watsons is asking Asians to #GetActive! Tailored for the Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand markets, the Watsons VR Get Active Park is an online experience with four exciting zones to help people lead an active and healthy life. Participants can earn rewards while improving their health in the Exercise Arena where they can measure their body mass index (BMI) and work out with virtual trainers. The Watsons VR Get Active Park delivers fun workout challenges, the Wat’s On Air zone provides health tips, and the Brand Expo helps connect people to the health products right for them. It’s time for you to head to the Watsons VR Get Active Park to get healthy!
Watsons is set to win over an army of new fans for seamless Offline plus Online interactive shopping as it launches in Qatar. Watsons will be wowing Qataris from the Doha Festival City in the heart of this vibrant market. It joins five other shops located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia in serving the people of the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
A.S. Watson around the world brings Christmas cheer
A.S. Watson Group brings holiday cheer and support to people in need around the world. Watsons China and Philippines collaborated with Operation Smile to offer surgery for children with a cleft lip and palate. Their Hong Kong counterpart sold masks to support youth sports through the efforts of InspiringHK Sports Foundation, a local charity. Kruidvat raised funds for children’s hospitals in the Netherlands. Superdrug collaborated with Beauty Banks (supporting people living in hygiene poverty) to collect donations for the underprivileged. The Perfume Shop sold personalised ribbons for customers to show their support for Alzheimer’s Research UK and the Marie Keating Foundation (supporting cancer awareness in Ireland).
3 Hong Kong is leveraging the footprint of over 400 A.S. Watson Group (ASW) retail outlets across Hong Kong including Watsons and PARKnSHOP. SoSIM pre-paid SIM cards can be purchased and recharged at the many locations. Buying SoSIM at ASW outlets also earns points on MoneyBack, the multi-retail brand loyalty programme. MoneyBack members can also receive a range of offers.
Watsons’ retail outlets will become the nodes of a city-wide plastic bottle collection network to get plastic bottles into recycling facilities and out of landfill. It’s part of a programme with global consumer goods giant Procter & Gamble and Hong Kong-based circular economy service The Loops. Customers will be incentivised by receiving Plastic Reborn eStamps which they can redeem for products. The bottles will be transported to the New Life Plastics plant in Tuen Mun’s Eco Park where they will be prepared to be reborn into their next incarnation.
100% recyclable. Made of 70% recycled material. AND BPA free!?! This bottle has got it all. Watsons Water has launched an innovative packaging with its new PATHWATER aluminium bottles. The bottles are also designed for re-using, which has been part of their immense popularity since they were launched earlier this year.
The high-pressure crucible of Hong Kong’s shopping environment seems like it would leave little room for learning among retail professionals. But A.S. Watson’s commitment to higher performance creates opportunities for promising staff to elevate their game at its very own Retail Academy.
The six-nation ‘Watsons X Grab’ partnership will hypercharge the O+O (offline plus online) shopping experience, and will see Watsons partnering with Grab, Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing and delivery juggernaut. Watsons stores in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines will form the backbone of this new shopping, payments and delivery behemoth. Watsons’ 2,300 stores continue to grow, with e-commerce sales doubling in 2020.
Watsons’ loyalty programme has reached 100 million members in Asia, helping a powerful global community to lead healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. A separate VIP programme has also brought more privileges and personalised offers to Watsons' most committed customers around the world.
3 Hong Kong and FORTRESS teamed up to create 3HK@FORTRESS – a shop-in-shop experience inside 26 FORTRESS stores. In addition to purchasing a wide range of home appliances, smartphones and accessories, customers can access mobile services including subscriptions, contract renewals, SIM card replacement, name changing, bill payment and autopay services – promoting all-round new 5G smart living experience.
A.S. Watson Group (ASW) is on a global mission to meet ambitious social purpose and sustainability goals to 2030. The retail group will fund free corrective surgery for 10,000 children with cleft lips and palates. Towards a cleaner world, ASW will reduce its electricity intensity by 30%, greenhouse gas emissions by 40% (both against a 2015 baseline), eliminate unnecessary plastic packaging and phase out PVC plastics – all by 2030.
International Women’s Day was the perfect day to launch the DARE TO BE campaign for Watsons. It is reaching out to over 100 million Watsons Club members to support the cause of gender equality. The campaign strives to encourage customers to be BRAVEHER, BOLDHER and STRONGHER in a cause of gender equality that embraces customers of all walks of life.
A.S. Watson Group marked its 180th birthday by celebrating with a 5G-powered virtual cocktail event attended by hundreds of business and charity partners from around the world. From its humble beginnings as a dispensary offering free medicine to the needy, to what is now the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer with 16,000 offline and online stores worldwide, it has been a remarkable journey during which the company has given back during the tough times.
A.S. Watson Group (ASW) unleashed a flurry of firsts as it celebrated its franchise agreement with Al-Futtaim, an international retail conglomerate based in the United Arab Emirates, to launch a Watsons flagship location in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. This move breaks new ground in two ways – ASW’s first-ever franchise agreement and its first foray into the Middle East.
