Japanese retail giant Aeon's Hong Kong-listed flagship is unlikely to open its first wholly owned general merchandise store on the mainland by February as planned.
Aeon Stores (Hong Kong) managing director Kazumasa Ishii said yesterday that construction at the site where the store was to be located was running behind schedule.
'It is unsure if the commercial project will be available for occupation by February next year,' he said.
Aeon Stores, formerly known as Jusco Stores, said yesterday net profit grew 356.36 per cent to $26.71 million for the six months to August from a year ago when the industry was hit by Sars. An interim dividend of four cents was proposed, up from one cent a year ago. Its shares rose 0.71 per cent to $7.05.
