YOU MIGHT THINK that Swire Resources would be increasing its number of sporting goods and casual wear retail outlets as a direct result of the revival in consumer confidence.
In fact, the company has maintained a steady double-digit annual growth for the past five years, and has tripled in size since 2000. Even during 2003-2004, when Sars hit local consumer businesses hard, Swire opened 27 new outlets.
This year, with the economy continuing to pick up, nine new stores have been opened and four more are planned.
'Our products are in tune with the trend which sees people in Hong Kong striving for a healthier, more balanced lifestyle that includes more exercise and outdoor activities,' said Laiman Tam, managing director of Swire Resources. 'A parallel lifestyle trend benefiting us is the growth of the casual wear and sportswear sectors. They are far outstripping the business attire market, as more people are dressing casually in the workplace.'
Most Hongkongers are familiar with the Marathon Sports stores and the Catalog shops selling sporty fashions, but many do not know that Swire Resources also operates six GigaSports outlets offering products for athletes.
'Events such as the recent visit of Manchester United to Hong Kong, next year's World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympics all add excitement to the markets that we are targeting through these outlets,' Ms Tam said.