PARKnSHOP makes pledge to job-hunting graduates
20 management positions on offer

(Hong Kong, 6 September 2003) Hong Kong's leading supermarket chain is inviting 20 university graduates to begin a career in retail management.

The intensive Trainee Manager programme promises enthusiastic and talented graduates a retail management post within a year - and they can earn while they learn.

"The job market is a tough place to be at the moment, and for graduates trying to get that all-important first job, it can be a little disheartening," said Ms Winnie Chow, PARKnSHOP's Human Resources Manager.

"By giving 20 talented graduates their first job, we're demonstrating not just our confidence in the Hong Kong economy but our commitment to nurturing Hong Kong's next generation of management."

The 12-month Trainee Manager programme begins in October, with three months of in-store training and familiarisation with PARKnSHOP's business and culture.

For the next six months, classroom sessions and in-store training give trainees practical skills in logistics and operational procedures, and an understanding of PARKnSHOP's corporate philosophy and strong service culture.

After a further three months of on-the-job experience as a trainee manager in one of our stores, all trainees who are assessed as having performed well will be promoted to Assistant Manager or an equivalent position.

The year-long programme will include field visits, involvement in special projects such as the opening of new stores, and job placements across various PARKnSHOP departments.

"We're not just giving these graduates a job. We're giving them a career," Ms Chow said.

Trainee managers will be working in a highly motivated workplace that encourages them to develop their skills and let their talents shine. Those who shine in their work may excel up the corporate ladder into senior management positions within PARKnSHOP Hong Kong should they have the will, or even take up posts in our international retail network, which is part of the Hutchison Whampoa Group.

Applicants must be outgoing, energetic and ready to take on new challenges in a dynamic working environment. They must also have excellent communication and problem-solving skills. And, of course, they must be keen to develop a career in supermarket retailing.

Those candidate who are ready to take on the challenge can forward detailed resume to the PARKNSHOP Human Resources Department, G/F, Shop No. 17A, Site 9, Whampao Garden, Hunghom, Kowloon, or email to catalinah@asw.com.hk or susannaL@asw.com.hk on or before end October 2003.

For more information:
Please contact PARKnSHOP's Public Relations Manager, Teresa Pang
Media Hotline: 2687 5602

About PARKnSHOP

Established in 1973, PARKnSHOP is Hong Kong's leading supermarket chain. With its continuous commitment to innovation, quality, service and value, PARKnSHOP is well recognised by the industry and wider community through many awards.

PARKnSHOP was recently named Hong Kong's "Most Favoured Brand" in a global survey conducted by independent research house Ipsos-Reid - making it the only retailer in the world to take a top spot in the 22-country poll. In 2002, PARKnSHOP also won praise from Internet giant Yahoo! as "The Brand Yahoo! Users Trust the Most".

Our well-known "Fresh Check" and "PriceWatch" programmes guarantee customers the highest possible level of food safety and hygiene while maintaining the lowest prices in town, otherwise, refund double the difference. PARKnSHOP now operates more than 200 outlets with about 9,000 employees in Hong Kong and Macau. Of those outlets, almost 50 are Superstores and Megastores.

ENDS