Hong Kong (11 November 2009)



Nuance-Watson (Hong Kong) triumphed in yesterday's Hong Kong RFID Awards 2009 presentation, receiving the biggest number of distinction for its "Mobile Discovery" RFID Display Station with Gold Award for the Most Innovative Use of EPC/RFID, Silver Award in the Most Innovative EPC/RFID Products category as well as Bronze Award in the Best EPC/RFID Implementation category. These awards further underline the retailer's commitment in constant innovations to offer customers the best airport shopping experience.

Entering the second year, the Hong Kong RFID Awards 2009 is co-organized by the Hong Kong Research & Development Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management Enabling Technologies (LSCM), the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and the Hong Kong RFID Centre. The event aims to bring recognition to pioneering enterprises that have successfully brought EPC/RFID technologies into business operations; encourage the adoption of EPC/RFID technologies by businesses in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta region; and foster the development of new EPC/RFID products and services. Airport Authority Hong Kong was the Gold Award winner for the Most Innovative Use of EPC/RFID for its "Integrated RFID Baggage Reconciliation and Management System" in the inaugural Hong Kong RFID Awards 2008.

Apart from Nuance-Watson (HK), other winners of the Hong Kong RFID Awards 2009 include Hong Kong household names:

Launched in "Sound & Vision - Enriching Life" stores at Hong Kong International Airport in July, Nuance-Watson's "Mobile Discovery" RFID interactive display station, co-developed with PCCW Solutions Ltd, enables customers to instantly view on screen complete mobile phone product details, promotional information and product trailers. Customers can get recommendations on matching mobile phone accessories and compare up to three different models simply by scanning the RFID tags. Through its ability to co-ordinate and cross-reference between different products, the station gives customers all the information they need to make an intelligent choice. The station also allows the company to update product list data off-site which minimizes disruption to sales. Data about product popularity and trends can also be collected for better understanding of customers' buying behavior and preferences.

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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 licenses, 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 prestigious global accolades in 2009, including Frontier Awards for "Airport Retailer of the Year" and DFNI Global Awards for "Travel Retailer of the Year" and "Airport Travel Retailer of the Year".

Nuance-Watson (HK) is also committed in its corporate social responsibility. It has received the "Caring Company" award from The Hong Kong Council of Social Service for 4 consecutive years since 2006.

Besides, Nuance-Watson was also the winner of 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; as well as 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 50 international and local awards in recognition of its excellence in operation, product merchandising and customer service.

Nuance-Watson (HK) is also committed in its corporate social responsibility. It has received the "Caring Company" award from The Hong Kong Council of Social Service for 4 consecutive years since 2006.