AS Watson

AS Watson Group is a chain of health and beauty stores founded in Hong Kong in 1841. Recognised as one of the largest retailers in the world, the firm serves around 5 billion customers each year. AS Watson Group has been owned by CK Hutchison, a holding company, since 1981. At present, AS Watson Group manages over 15700 stores in the world.

AS Watson Group operates in 25 markets including the Philippines, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, etc. In 2000, the company entered the European market following the acquisition of Savers Health & Beauty. AS Watson Group has expanded in Europe by taking over several chains like Kruidvat, Drogas and Rossman.

A.S Watson operates the following banners in different sectors:

Health and Beauty

• Watsons

• Savers

• Kruidvat

• Drugs

• Trekpleis

• Health and Beauty Spektr

• Rossman

• Superdrug

Luxury perfumeries and cosmetics

• ICI Paris XL

• The perfume shop

Food, Electronics and Wine

• ParknShop

• Taste

• Great

• Fusion

• Su-pa-pa-in

• Fortress

• Watson's wine

AS Watson Group achieved a turnover of € 18.5 billion in 2017. Currently, the firm employs 140000 people, including 12900 in Hong Kong. 

AS Watson Group has received several awards and recognitions throughout the years. In 2020, the business was ranked 49th in Deloitte’s list of the Global Powers of Retailing. In 2019, the firm was also one of the Top 50 Innovative Retailers and was also ranked 37th among Asia’s Top 1000 Brands.

AS Watson Group offers a wide range of products in the following categories:

• Personal Care: skincare, face care, fragrances, etc.

• Drinks: wine, soft drinks, water, etc.

• Savory Grocery: broth, pulses, quinoa, rice, oil, noodles, etc.

• Sweet Grocery: biscuits, chocolates, candies, dried fruits, etc.

• Dairy: eggs, cheese,milk, etc.

• Chilled & Fresh Food: charcuterie, meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits, etc.

• Frozen Food: meat, poultry, ice-cream, vegetables, fruits, seafood, etc.

• Household: cleaners, detergents, air fresheners, softeners, etc. 

Furthermore, AS Watson Group has also developed its own brands featuring heath and beauty products as well as food and drinks. AS Watson Group provides over 5000 products under its private labels. Some of these brands are:

• Pure Beauty: a range of skin care products

• Watsons: a brand featuring an extensive range of cosmetics

• Mr Juicy: a brand of soft drinks

• Sunkist: a range of flavored beverages

Concerning the suppliers AS Watson Group is highly selective, especially when it comes to developing its brands. To ensure that all suppliers are respecting the necessary norms regarding safety and quality, they are regularly audited. All new products are also tested by toxicologists based in Europe. Products are tested in the company’s own laboratories which are ISO 17025 certified. In fact, tests are carried out at various stages of production. 

AS Watson Group also considers the feedback of customers after new products have been launched as this helps them to know whether the products meet the customer’s expectations.