Catering to local consumers, 759Store chain ploughs ahead despite worries over visitor number cuts
With emphasis on locals not tourists, empire is growing fast, with new health and beauty retail chain and udon and wonton noodle restaurants
The 759Store will power ahead with a plan to open 13 more shops selling cosmetics and personal care products this year, despite speculation that the government is looking at curbing mainland tourist numbers.
Coils Lam Wai-chun, the boss of the fast-growing chain, which made a name selling snacks and other processed food at bargain prices, is also upbeat about his new initiatives - including collaboration with Japanese noodle brand Nissin to introduce "759 udon" next month.
And in July, a wonton noodle shop under the 759 brand will open in Sham Shui Po.
Lam was dismissive of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's remarks last week that the government was "listening to views" about whether it should slow down the influx of mainland visitors, which is expected to rise from 40 million last year to 100 million by 2020.
"[Leung] is just playing with words," Lam said. "Everybody has now turned their focus to the falling prices of retail stocks.
"The government makes things look like a disaster, but is not doing anything to solve the problem," he added.
Instead of causing panic, authorities should improve infrastructure and increase tourist attractions, he said.