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.