AS Watson Group - A member of CK Hutchison Holdings

AS Watson Group Celebrates Reaching 180 Million Loyalty Members Worldwide MoneyBack Teams Up with Four Retail Brands to Mark a Historic Milestone

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 14:43:51 +0000

AS Watson Group celebrates surpassing 180 million loyalty members. Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson (third from left) and Clarice Au, CEO of Retail Hong Kong of AS Watson (third from right) presented a surprise gift package worth over HK$18,500 to Ms. Lui, the 180 millionth member, and her friend, including a first-released 185th Anniversary Special Edition Gift Coupon, marking this historic moment together.

The “MoneyBack Family” characters — “MB Captain”, “WatsBag”, “Best Guy” and “Forte Bee” — made their first joint appearance at the surprise event, delighting customers with joy and infectious energy.

MoneyBack launched a “MoneyBack Family” claw machine activity together with the Group’s four retail brands on the same day to celebrate the 185th anniversary. Customers who spent HK$185 in a single transaction could try their luck at winning plush toys of “MB Captain”, “Coin B”, “WatsBag”, “WatMui”, “Best Guy” and “Forte Bee”. The event was met with enthusiastic participation and lively atmosphere.

AS Watson Group’s loyalty programme “MoneyBack” today (24 January) celebrated the Group’s 180 millionth loyalty member worldwide together with four retail brands — Watsons, PARKnSHOP, Fortress and Watson's Wine — by hosting a surprise event at the Festival Walk stores. The celebration also kicks off a series of exciting events for AS Watson Group’s 185th Anniversary.

“MoneyBack Family” characters — “MB Captain”, “WatsBag”, “Best Guy” and “Forte Bee”— made their first-ever joint appearance to meet and greet at the surprise event. There were joined by Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, and Clarice Au, CEO of Retail Hong Kong of AS Watson, to congratulate the 180 millionth member, Ms. Lui, and her friend at the Watsons Festival Walk store. Ms. Lui received exclusive gift package worth over HK$18,500, including a fully complimentary purchase, the first-released 185th Anniversary Special Edition Gift Coupon, as well as gift vouchers from the four retail brands.

AS Watson Group’s 185th Anniversary celebrations will be rolled with MoneyBack and the retail brands to continue walking alongside with customers and bringing them more new shopping experiences and exciting activities. One of the highlights is the upcoming 185th Anniversary Special Edition Gift Coupon, featuring a design inspired by the classic products of Watson’s The Chemist, making it a unique collectible. The vouchers will be available in limited quantities at all retail stores across Hong Kong from late February. Stay tuned to the MoneyBack Facebook page for updates.

AS Watson Celebrates 185 Years of Growth, Resilience and Purpose

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 12:44:38 +0000

From a single store in Hong Kong to a global leader with 17,000 stores across 31 markets, AS Watson looks ahead by staying true to what matters most

AS Watson Group CEO Dr Malina Ngai stands in front of a 6-meter-tall mural depicting the company's evolution from a single store in Hong Kong to a global health and beauty retailer, as the Group marks its 185th anniversary.

AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, announces the kick-off of its 185th anniversary today, celebrating nearly two centuries of growth, resilience and reinvention.

Founded in Hong Kong in 1841 as a single store, AS Watson has grown into a global retail powerhouse operating over 17,000 stores across 31 markets in Asia and Europe, serving millions of customers every day through trusted brands in health, beauty, personal care and wellness.

Sustained Momentum in a Fast-Changing World
AS Watson continues to demonstrate strong growth momentum driven by customer relevance, operational excellence and a clear long-term strategy regardless of an increasingly complex global environment.

In 2025, the Group delivered 8% growth in health category, with double-digit growth in Europe; and 6% growth in beauty category, with double-digit growth in Asia. With continuous investment strengthening its O+O (Offline plus Online) ecosystem, O+O sales achieved double-digit growth, reflecting strong customer engagement across channels. Its loyalty member base grew by ten million in the year, from 170 million to over 180 million.

Building for the Future
Looking ahead, AS Watson plans to open about 1,000 new stores this year, underpinned by a total investment of HK$3.8 billion (approximately US$490 million) across new store openings, store upgrades, technology and supply chain, as it continues to strengthen its global presence and O+O capabilities.

In an environment where consumer expectations, technologies and markets evolve rapidly, AS Watson views change not as a barrier, but as an opportunity — to innovate faster, operate smarter and serve customers better.

Purpose-Driven Growth
Alongside commercial success, AS Watson remains deeply committed to doing good for people, community, and the planet. Sustainability continues to be embedded across its operations — from reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible sourcing, to supporting community wellbeing and health education in the markets it serves.

As part of its commitment to its communities, AS Watson reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting over 134,000 young people to date and delivering 3.8 million hours of training. This achievement marks more than halfway toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030. In addition, the year also marks a major achievement in its “Give a Smile” campaign with Operation Smile, surpassing its goal of 10,000 free surgeries for children with cleft conditions ahead of schedule, reaffirming its commitment to brighter futures for our next generation.

Throughout its 185th anniversary year, AS Watson will host celebrations and initiatives across all 31 markets, recognising colleagues, partners and customers who have shaped the company’s journey and continue to drive its success.

Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, reflects on the company’s incredible journey while looking ahead to the future: “When we think about the next century, the truth is this: we have never been able to see 100 years ahead — not then, and not now.”

“Today, change moves faster than ever. Markets shift overnight. Technologies redefine industries. Expectations evolve constantly. So, when we talk about building the next century, it’s not about predicting the future. It’s about preparing for it.”

“And we prepare the same way we always have — by staying grounded in what does not change: our commitment to customers, our people, our partners, and to doing business responsibly.”

A Legacy of Resilience, A Future of Opportunity
After 185 years, AS Watson’s story remains one of adaptability, ambition and purpose. From one store to a global network of 17,000 locations, the company enters its next chapter focused on sustainable growth, innovation and continued leadership in health and beauty retail.

AS Watson Marks 185 Years of Caring: Surpasses 10,000 Smiles for Children With Cleft Lips

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 10:16:41 +0000

AS Watson, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, celebrates its 185th anniversary - a journey from Hong Kong’s first western pharmacy to a global retail leader. This milestone also marks a major achievement in its “Give a Smile” campaign with Operation Smile: surpassing its goal of 10,000 free surgeries for children with cleft conditions ahead of schedule. AS Watson now sets a new target - 15,000 surgeries by 2030 - reaffirming its commitment to brighter futures for our next generation.

A Legacy of Care and Purpose
Reflecting on this journey, Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said, “As we mark 185 years, I am deeply proud of how AS Watson has grown from a single pharmacy in Hong Kong to a global leader in health and beauty retail. Our journey is defined not just by growth, but by the countless smiles we’ve helped create - for our customers, our people, and the communities we serve. I am grateful to our 130,000 colleagues, our loyal customers, and our partners for their dedication and trust. Together, we will continue to create smiles—one at a time, for everyone.”

185 Years of Inspiring Smiles
From the very beginning, AS Watson believes that health and happiness should never be a privilege. In the early days, we offered free medicines to those in need because seeing smiles on the faces of the people we served mattered most. For 185 years, AS Watson has placed care for customers and communities at the heart of our journey, a commitment that continues to shape everything we do today.

This enduring spirit of care inspired the launch of the global “Give a Smile” campaign in 2018, supporting comprehensive cleft care to improve children’s physical and emotional well‑being. Guided by the belief that “Give 1 Smile, Create 5”, the campaign creates a ripple effect of hope and smile by uplifting not just patients, but also families, surgeons, hospitals, and community outreach.

“Every 3 minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition,” said Kathy Magee, Operation Smile Co-Founder, President and CEO. “Thanks to AS Watson, we are able to provide access to essential surgical and comprehensive cleft care for thousands of patients. With its support, we are closing the gap between where our patients live and access to the care they need. Congratulations to AS Watson on its 185th anniversary and the achievement of 10,000 smile surgeries, making a transformative impact on the lives of so many families around the world.”

Malina added, “We sincerely thank our customers for their generous support and donations, which have made these life-changing surgeries possible. Looking ahead, AS Watson will continue to raise funds, donate, and actively involve our customers in supporting children with cleft lips - ensuring we create even more smiles together.”

Learn more about AS Watson’s 185-year journey of growth at
https://185-anniversary.aswatson.com/.

Standing Together: AS Watson’s Continued Support for Residents Impacted by the Fire

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:09:17 +0000

The fire tragedy happened at Tai Po Wang Fuk Court on 26 November 2025 brings profound sorrow to people across Hong Kong. AS Watson Group extends our deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, and our heartfelt care to all residents affected. May the departed rest in peace, and may the families find strength during this difficult time.

Yesterday (1 December), our entire organisation observed a one minute silence to honour the victims and to keep the affected families close in our thoughts. That shared moment reminded us that empathy and compassion are among our greatest strengths.

Over the past few days, AS Watson Group and our retail brands have been doing everything we can to support the residents impacted by the fire. Watsons, PARKnSHOP, Fortress and Watsons Water immediately donated more than 30,000 items, including bottled water, food, warm packs, daily necessities and small home appliances. In addition, we set up 11 Care Service Stations at our stores in Tai Po to offer immediate assistance, providing free charging, printing and scanning services for anyone in need. We also created a “Wall of Care” for the public to leave messages of support, and our Watsons pharmacists have been offering free health consultations at community centres and helping arrange prescription medications.

As many affected families will soon move into transitional housing across different districts, we are working closely with government departments and charity partners to allocate resources and help them rebuild their homes. Fortress is donating HKD 1 million worth of home appliances, such as rice cookers, heaters and kettles. Watsons, PARKnSHOP and Watsons Water will also donate more than 10,000 additional items, including cleaning supplies, kitchenware, personal care products and water dispensers, to further support the community.

Starting today, our Hong Kong loyalty programme, MoneyBack, is encouraging members to donate points to support affected families. MoneyBack will transfer all donated points in cash to partnered charities within 24 hours. Every point contributed, every act of kindness, becomes a light for the families who are rebuilding their lives.

Although the pain remains deep, Hong Kong has always been a city filled with compassion and humanity. Let us continue to stand together, walk alongside the affected families through this challenging time, bring them hope, and help them rebuild their future.

Fortune Honours Malina Ngai as One of Asia's Most Powerful Women: The Science Behind AS Watson's 185-Year Legacy

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:27:28 +0000

Dr. Malina Ngai, takes the stage at the Fortune Innovation Forum 2025 in Kuala Lumpur to share the science and strategy behind AS Watson's 185-year journey of legacy.

Khoon Fong Ang, Asia CEO of Fortune (right) presents the Fortune's The Most Powerful Women 2025 honour to Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and influence in the retail industry.

Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, has been named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Asia 2025, ranking 6th on the list and standing out as the only retail leader among the top 10. The recognition was announced online earlier this month, and the award was formally presented to Ngai at the Fortune Innovation Forum gala dinner held in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Speaking at the forum gala dinner, she talked about ‘The Science Behind a 185-Year Company’ sharing insights on leading a vast retail network amid evolving market dynamics. AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, operates over 17,000 stores across 31 markets. In Malaysia, Watsons has over 800 stores and is the number one health and beauty retailer.
“Leading a company with 185 years of history is both an honour and a challenge,” Ngai stated. "Heritage gives us credibility, but relevance keeps us alive. Tradition gives us roots, but innovation gives us wings." She emphasised the importance of deep listening to customers, colleagues, and partners, and making decisions with both head and heart.

Ngai highlighted the company's focus on talent and agility, stating, "Culture is the bridge between past and future. We invest in talent and agility so our teams can adapt quickly without losing our DNA." Drawing on her background as a competitive athlete, "What sports have taught me is a kind of true resilience that no business school can teach. As a competitive athlete, you train for months for just a few minutes of performance. That focus, anticipation, perseverance, and the spirit of never easily giving up - that's the essence of resilience."

Ngai also shared how sports have shaped her leadership style, emphasising focus under pressure, rapid decision-making, and the importance of teamwork and trust. She underscored AS Watson's commitment to blending "art and science" into retail, using data and AI to personalise offers while maintaining a human connection with customers. "We are a technology-powered company with a human soul," she said.

As AS Watson approaches its 185th anniversary, the company continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its customers, blending its rich heritage with a forward-looking approach.

To learn more about the award, visit: Most Powerful Women Asia | Fortune

To discover more about AS Watson’s history and talent development, visit:
Our History
AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge: 134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders

AS Watson Surpasses Halfway Mark in Global Youth Employment Pledge: 134,000 Young People Recruited Worldwide and 3.8 Million Training Hours Delivered to Empower Future Retail Leaders

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:46:11 +0000

AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, has reached a major milestone in its global youth employment pledge - recruiting 134,000 young people to date and delivering 3.8 million hours of training. This achievement marks more than halfway toward its goal of creating 200,000 opportunities by 2030.

Alongside job creation, AS Watson has invested heavily in training and development, delivering 3.8 million hours of learning to new joiners in their first year - meaning each young person receives on average 28 hours of learning. This initiative underscores the Group’s dedication to empowering young talent with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.

AS Watson launched the Pledge in 2022 to address the challenges young people face when entering the workforce. A lack of initial workplace experience and a disconnect between academic learning and practical skills often limit their employability. AS Watson is committed to helping them overcome these barriers by providing hands-on experience and practical skills training that bridge the gap between education and the workplace.

Empowering the Next Generation
Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said, “At AS Watson, we give young people more than a job - we give them belonging, purpose, and the tools to succeed.”
“When we invest in young people, we invest in the future of everything - our industry, our communities, and our world. That's the real purpose behind every opportunity we create."

Impact Beyond Numbers
Beyond offering first jobs, AS Watson's programme focuses on long-term career growth. It equips young employees with essential digital, customer service, and leadership skills. The Group continues to collaborate with educational institutions and NGOs to ensure inclusive access to career opportunities.

Looking ahead, AS Watson remains committed to:
• Reach 200,000 youth employment opportunities by 2030
• Expand training in digital skills and sustainability roles
• Drive innovation through technology and Generative Al in retail

To learn more about AS Watson’s youth employment initiatives and career opportunities, visit Join Us | AS Watson Group - A member of CK Hutchison Holdings

Watsons Spearheads Aesthetic Beauty Trend with Strategic JCprogram Expansion Across Asia

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:43:33 +0000

Watsons strategically positions itself at the forefront of the global aesthetic beauty revolution through accelerating the expansion of JCprogram across Asia

Watsons exclusively partners with JIYUGAOKA CLINIC to launch JCprogram, a revolutionary Japanese clinical skincare brand that directly addresses all major aesthetic beauty trends through innovative 1:1 Seamless Aesthetic Replication technology

Watsons, AS Watson Group's flagship health and beauty brand, strategically positions itself at the forefront of the global aesthetic beauty revolution through accelerating the expansion of JCprogram, an exclusive Japanese clinical skincare brand, across Asia.

Building on its successful debut in Watsons China in 2021, where JCprogram has quickly became the Watsons’ No. 1 aesthetic beauty brand, it expanded into Watsons Taiwan in 2024. Within months of launching in Hong Kong in May 2025, JCprogram became leading exclusive aesthetic brand in Watsons Hong Kong, highlighting the substantial customer demand for aesthetic beauty solutions that go far beyond just derm. This remarkable performance has accelerated Watsons' strategic expansion into Thailand and Malaysia, targeting key growth markets with significant aesthetic beauty potential.

At the exclusive launch ceremony of JCprogram in Malaysia, Watsons welcomed Dr. Nobutaka Furuyama, founder of JCprogram and Japan’s renowned cosmetic surgeon, to commemorate the exclusive partnership with Watsons and the brand’s successful regional expansion. The launch also marked with an experiential facial spa for beauty editors and a preview for celebrities, showcasing the brand’s aesthetic innovations. Exclusive member offers accompany the launch, delivering clinical-grade skincare and added value to its beauty community.

Caryn Loh, COO of Health & Beauty Asia, AS Watson Group said, "JCprogram's rapid expansion and category leadership demonstrate the extraordinary market appetite for scientifically-backed aesthetic beauty solutions. Watsons is strategically positioned to capture the most significant growth opportunity in beauty retail, while delivering breakthrough innovations that meet rapidly evolving customer demands for clinical-grade results."

Aesthetic Beauty Revolution: Three Transformative Trends Reshaping Beauty Markets
This launch capitalises on unprecedented market transformation, as the global aesthetic beauty sector projects explosive growth from USD19.6 billion in 2025 to USD35 billion by 2033, representing a robust 7.5% compound annual growth rate.
The aesthetic beauty landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation, shifting customer preferences from invasive procedures toward sophisticated, non-invasive and science-driven beauty solutions. This evolution is driven by three key trends:
1) the longevity skincare movement focusing on cellular-level health through DNA repair and molecular protection;
2) non-invasive treatment dominance reflecting customer preference for natural-looking enhancements; and
3) demand for scientific transparency where customers seek clinically-proven actives with documented professional-grade efficacy.

Revolutionary JCprogram Technology Meets Asian Market Demand
Recognising these transformative market dynamics, Watsons has exclusively partnered with JIYUGAOKA CLINIC to launch JCprogram, a revolutionary Japanese clinical-grade skincare brand that directly addresses all these major aesthetic beauty trends through innovative "1:1 Seamless Aesthetic Replication" technology. Founded by Dr. Nobutaka Furuyama, recognised as "Asia's Premier Micro-Aesthetic Surgeon", JCprogram represents the convergence of 30 years of clinical aesthetic expertise with cutting-edge skincare science.

JCprogram's breakthrough approach features three specialised treatment series that replicate professional medical procedures with documented clinical results:
1) Sculpt & Glow Series delivering Thermage-comparable results with 32.24% wrinkle reduction and 20.9% skin firmness improvement in two weeks
2) Aqua Booster Series offering 1:1 mesotherapy replication with 30.24% moisture improvement; and 27.69% radiance enhancement in seven days
3) Dermal Repairing Series providing medical-grade recovery solutions that decrease epidermal moisture loss rate by 9.2% in just two weeks

This breakthrough innovation has been developed to democratise access to premium aesthetic treatments across Asia, enabling customers to enjoy high-efficacy experience through convenient, safe, and cost-effective home-use solutions that deliver dual experiential benefits without the risks and costs associated with invasive procedures.

Looking ahead, Watsons will continue to capture aesthetic beauty opportunities across its over 8,000 store network to meet evolving customer needs and reinforce its market leadership position, helping customers look good, do good, and feel great through innovative beauty solutions that redefine industry standards.

AS Watson Group Announces Donna Poon as Watsons Hong Kong Managing Director

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 15:42:08 +0000

AS Watson Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Donna Poon as the new Managing Director of Watsons Hong Kong, effective 1 November 2025.

Speaking on the leadership change, Clarice Au, CEO of Retail Hong Kong for AS Watson Group, said: “Donna currently serves as Trading Director and brings over two decades of leadership experience in the FMCG and retail sectors in Hong Kong. Her deep market expertise and proven track record will be instrumental in leading Watsons Hong Kong into its next phase of growth.”

As part of this transition, Samuel Lee will step down from his role as Managing Director due to personal reasons. He will continue to support the business as Business Advisor until the end of December 2025.

"We thank Samuel for his years of dedicated leadership in the Group and warmly welcome Donna to her new role," Clarice continued.

AS Watson Celebrates World Pharmacists Day Honouring Over 3,000 Pharmacists and Nearly 10,000 Health Professionals Worldwide

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 14:22:08 +0000

On World Pharmacists Day, AS Watson proudly celebrates the dedication and expertise of its global network of pharmacists and health professionals, who play a pivotal role in helping customers lead healthier lives.

“On this meaningful day, we extend our deepest gratitude to over 3,000 pharmacists and nearly 10,000 health professionals at AS Watson across the globe. Their commitment goes far beyond in-store services—they also provide online consultations in most of our markets, ensuring customers receive trusted health advice anytime, anywhere. Their expertise is essential in helping our customers navigate their health journeys with confidence,” said Peter Macnab, International Commercial Director of AS Watson.

Meeting the Rising Demand for Health and Wellness
AS Watson’s health and wellness business continues to accelerate, fuelled by evolving customer expectations, a growing focus on preventive care, and strong category growth. In the past 12 months alone, overall health & beauty sales have increased by over 10%, with the vitamins & dietary supplements category also rising more than 10%, and the diet & fitness category seeing an impressive surge of over 20%.

Weight management has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments, with sales of related products and services soaring by 130%. As global obesity rates climb, more customers are turning to trusted pharmacists for safe, expert guidance. AS Watson’s pharmacists provide access to weight management medicines and supplements, along with personalised advice on nutrition, lifestyle, and sustainable health practices empowering customers to take a holistic approach to their wellbeing.

Complementing this category momentum is the rapid adoption of AS Watson’s O+O (Offline plus Online) retail strategy. Online sales of health products have surged by 30% year-on-year, underscoring a shift in consumer behaviour towards convenient O+O access to trusted health essentials. This surge reflects not only a preference for O+O shopping experience but also a growing tendency among customers to proactively manage their wellbeing.

In response to these trends, AS Watson has significantly expanded its health product portfolio, offering a comprehensive range, from vitamins and supplements to condition-specific solutions. AS Watson is committed to supporting every customer’s unique health journey with both breadth and depth of choice.

Empowering Health Customers Across Age Groups
AS Watson is witnessing a dynamic shift in customer demographics, with both younger and silver generations increasingly prioritising their health and wellbeing.

There’s has been remarkable year-on-year growth of 30% in the young customer segment seeking health products. This surge reflects a growing awareness among younger consumers about preventive care, wellness. They are actively seeking expert advice and convenient access to products that support their lifestyle and long-term health goals.

Meanwhile, the silver generation now represents over 30% of AS Watson’s health customers and continues to grow steadily. Spending 1.4 times more than the average health shopper, they reflect increasing engagement and purchasing power, underscoring the importance of personalised health solutions tailored to their needs.

Peter added, “We are proud to serve a diverse and growing customer base. Both younger and silver generation are powerful forces in the health category, and we are committed to supporting them with relevant products, expert advice, and a seamless O+O health shopping experience.”

As AS Watson continues to evolve with the changing health landscape, our commitment to innovation, accessibility, and customer-centric care remains stronger than ever. By empowering pharmacists and health professionals with the right tools and platforms, we’re shaping the future of health retail—one that is more personalised, inclusive, and digitally connected.

Watsons Launches Exclusive IP “The Watsons Family” Across Asia to Drive Customer Engagement & Brand Loyalty

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:17:32 +0000

Meet The Watsons Family - 16 lively characters, each inspired by a different MBTI personality type, bringing to life the joyful spirit of beauty, wellness, and self-care in a way everyone can relate to

Watsons Own Brand products are reimagined with The Watsons Family characters, turning everyday essentials into playful, collectible self-care experiences

Watsons, AS Watson Group's flagship health and beauty brand, announces the exclusive launch of “The Watsons Family” - an innovative and vibrant character-driven intellectual property (IP) created to revolutionise customer engagement across Asia. This creative initiative introduces 16 unique characters, each reflecting different MBTI personality types, to create deeper emotional connections with customers while transforming everyday health and beauty routines into engaging, shareable experiences.

Jared DeGuzman, Customer Director of Brand Marketing, Watsons International, says, "The Watsons Family represents our strategic evolution from traditional retail to experiential retail. By harnessing the power of character-driven storytelling, we're not just selling products – we're creating a universe where health and beauty become sources of joy, inspiration, and community connection for our customers across Asia."

Tapping into the Opportunities of Surging IP Market Growth
Character-driven IPs are rapidly transforming the global market, emerging as a pivotal trend for brands seeking to boost recognition, customer loyalty, and market share. IP-related products in Asia experienced a 448.94% year-over-year increase in gross merchandise value in 2024, with sales and order volumes rising by more than 200% compared to the previous year, underscoring the growing value of creative, emotionally engaging brand experiences.

Recognising this transformational market opportunity and responding to evolving customer expectations across Asia, Watsons will commence The Watsons Family launch in Hong Kong, serving as the strategic launchpad for regional expansion. The initiative will subsequently roll out across Asian markets including Mainland China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. The rollout will be accompanied by dynamic marketing campaigns designed to immerse customers in the lively spirit of the IP.

In Hong Kong, the launch will spotlight 3 flagship characters - Sunny (the wellness champion), Kilo (the energetic fitness coach), and Flora (the glowing facial mask), representing supplement, wellness, and beauty respectively. From 17 September, customers will be welcomed into The Watsons Family universe through a vibrant health campaign. During this period, Watsons stores will be transformed with colourful visuals, immersing shoppers in the playful energy of the characters. The excitement will extend online with exclusive social campaigns designed to deepen engagement across digital platforms. To add an extra layer of delight, a special Meet & Greet event featuring The Watsons Family characters will also be launched.

To integrate The Watsons Family into daily routines, Watsons will launch Own Brand products featuring character-inspired packaging in the markets of Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand. Everyday essentials - from skincare and personal care to body care - will be reimagined with collectible designs, turning routine self-care into a joyful experience.

Watsons is dedicated to making customers LOOK GOOD, DO GOOD, FEEL GREAT and driving innovation. With the launch of The Watsons Family, Watsons aims to build a more engaging and emotionally connected community, empowering every customer to discover joy, confidence, and self-care through vibrant storytelling and creative experiences.