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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Fashion and Beauty devider Watsons opens 8000th store in Asia

Watsons opens 8000th store in Asia

It's located at SM Mall of Asia

Published Nov 8, 2024 12:20 pm
Watsons 8000th store.jpeg
(L-R): Robert Sun, regional managing director, H&B Asia & international commercial director of AS Watson Group, Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, Elizabeth Sy, president SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., Dominic Lai, chairman of AS Watson Group, and Danilo Chiong, managing director of Watsons Philippines, officiate the opening ceremony of Watsons’ 8000th in Asia

Locally, health and beauty shopping is almost synonymous with Watsons. This one-stop shop carries essentials from prescription medications and over-the-counter multivitamins to makeup and skincare products.

Unknown to many, Watsons is an international company that originated in Hong Kong. It began its journey in 1841, and over the years, it has transformed from one small dispensary in Hong Kong to one of Asia’s leading health and beauty retailers.

Recently, the company marked a milestone as it opened its 8,000th store in Asia, located at SM Mall of Asia. This new store highlights Watsons' commitment to enhancing O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.

Watsons MOA.jpeg

The new store is meticulously designed to enhance the shopping experience with a spacious layout and contemporary design that meets customers’ diverse needs. Designated zones include a Premium Beauty zone featuring the latest and trending beauty finds as well as exclusive brands. There are also advanced skin analyzers and dermatologist-recommended products. Meanwhile, the Sustainable Choices zone offers a refill station for selected Naturals by Watsons products and a wide array of clean beauty products to empower customers to live sustainably.

Watsons self checkout.jpeg

This store has also introduced more self-checkout counters and Click & Collect services, allowing shoppers to effortlessly order online and swiftly pick up their purchases in-store within 30 minutes. To create a seamless O+O customer experience, Watsons Philippines has launched an innovative online Health Supplement Advisor that guides customers in finding the right product and offers personalized health consultations with pharmacists via live chat.

“It is with great pride that we opened Watsons’ 8000th store right here in Mall of Asia,” Tessie Sy-Coson, vice chairperson of SM Investments Corp, said during the store’s opening ceremony last November 7, 2024. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our Filipino customers and the good and fun partnership between Watsons and SM.”

Watsons 8000th store.jpeg
L-R): Danilo Chiong, managing director of Watsons Philippines, Hans Sy, chairman of the Executive Committee SM Prime Holdings Inc., Dominic Lai, chairman of AS Watson Group, Tessie Sy-Coson, vice chairperson SM Investments Corp., Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, Elizabeth Sy, president SM Hotels and Conventions Corp., and Robert Sun, regional managing director, H&B Asia & International Commercial Director of AS Watson Group, celebrate the opening of Watsons’ 8,000th store in Asia

Meanwhile, Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, said that Watsons shoppers in the Philippines mainly comprise young people who are conscious of their health and wellness needs.

“The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson. This vibrant and highly potential market has a young demographic that increasingly focuses on health and beauty, aligning perfectly with Watsons’ expertise,” she said. “With our O+O model, we are committed to serving the community anywhere, anytime."

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