Nuance-Watson (HK) launched Pal Zilieri
The first flagship in any airport in Asia

Hong Kong (22 April 2009)

Today, Nuance-Watson (HK) and Pal Zileri jointly announced the grand opening of the brand's first airport flagship store in Asia at Hong Kong International Airport.

Alessandra Piovesana, Regional Managing Director of Nuance-Watson (HK) said, "We are very delighted with the winning of the license from the Airport Authority Hong Kong to open this Pal Zileri boutique out of a very competitive tender. Over the years, we have been committed in our constant quest for ingenuity and desire to innovate so as to satisfy our customers with newness and top quality. We are proud to have pioneered the introduction of many international menswear brands at the airport with the underlining support of the Airport Authority. Exclusivity and top quality are the key elements in a truly aspirational luxury lifestyle. While being one of the world's most prestigious brands in bespoke menswear with presence in over 70 nations, Pal Zileri's 100% made-in-Italy quality is undoubtedly one of the rare luxuries we believe for the utmost satisfaction of our increasingly discerning customers."

Joining Ms Piovesana in the opening ceremony were Mr. M. Mohamed Snoussi and Mrs. Monica Krauze, Director and Travel Retail Manager of Pal Zileri; and Ms. Eva Tsang, General Manager of Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Marco Barizza, CEO of Pal Zileri, although cannot be present at the Grand Opening, he gave his words of blessing and appreciation to the team, "For Pal Zileri, the opening of the boutique is a milestone in our expansion. We know that Hong Kong has always been a very fashion conscious place where consumers do seek and appreciate for the highest standards of quality. There is no real success in Asian Travel Retail without success in Hong Kong and in particular at Hong Kong International Airport and having such an excellent business partner as Nuance-Watson (HK). It makes us feel very confident for the future."

Mr. Barizza also added that Pal Zileri is today one of the best established Italian men's fashion concepts and has experienced a very fast growth in particular in China where the brand already has successfully opened 25 boutiques. All its apparels are manufactured with an extreme care for quality and Pal Zileri is proud to be recognized as an absolute leader and standard setter. Pal Zileri is also a global concept offering all what the elegant and refined world traveler of today's needs.

The new 35 sq. m. store enjoys 2-sides frontage at the heart of the East Hall retail zone facing the major passenger path to the Central Concourse and West Hall. At this store, Pal Zileri will satisfy Asian customers' aspiration for Italian-made material and craftsmanship of the very highest standard with a line of luxury classic fashion as well as the Lab Collection casual wear, presenting unbeatable choices of elegant style that is suitable for any occasion from the formalities of a working engagement to the desire for escapism during leisure time. Besides, the boutique also offers fashion accessories and leathergoods.

Since establishing operations at HKIA in 1998, Nuance-Watson (HK) has provided a travel retail "spring board to success" for numerous high-end brands, in terms of launching and validating their premieres at the airport; as well as expanding their span and setting off their development into boutiques. Nuance-Watson (HK) was the first to bring out with most conviction the potential of men's fashion business at HKIA with the Hugo Boss brand, Ermenegildo Zegna and alike.

To celebrate the new boutique opening, an exclusive range of cuff links will be offered to customers to compliment their purchase at the Pal Zileri boutique at HKIA.

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About Nuance-Watson (HK) Limited (www.nuancewatson.com.hk)

Nuance-Watson (HK) Limited, a joint venture between the A.S. Watson Group and The Nuance Group, is the leading retail operator at Hong Kong International Airport. It operates over 40 stores in 2 Terminals under 18 licences, namely general merchandise, perfumes and cosmetics, audio-visual/electronics, brand boutiques and specialty stores.

In 2007, Nuance-Watson (HK) has extended its travel retail business outside of Hong Kong by opening a 20,000 sq. ft. mega department store at Asia's largest integrated resort complex The Venetian Macao as well as two contiguous stores at Zhuhai Airport in China, namely The Plaza department store and Watsons Your Personal Store.

Nuance-Watson's commitment to retail excellence has given it the prestigious Frontier Awards for "Airport/Land-based Retailer of the Year", "Best Partnership Initiative" and "Best Marketing Campaign of the Year by a Retailer" in Year 2006, 2007 and 2008 respectively. Nuance-Watson was also the winner of DFNI Global Awards for "Travel Retailer of the Year" and "Airport Travel Retailer of the Year" in 2009; the Raven Fox Asia/Pacific Award for "Travel Retailer of the Year" in 2002 and 2003. Since operation in 1998, Nuance-Watson (HK) has received over 40 international and local awards in recognition of its excellence in operation, product merchandising and customer service.

Nuance-Watson (HK) Limited Angelina Lau Tel: 852-2870 6719 Fax: 852-2555 8848 E-mail: angelinal@asw.com.hk