A.S.Watson: From single dispensary in 1841 to global health and beauty chain
Winner of the DHL/SCMP 2016 International Award, the company has ambitious plan to expand by opening over 1,000 stores annually, says Malina Ngai, chief operating officer
A.S.Watson began as a single dispensary, and was one of the first companies in Hong Kong.
It has now become an international health and beauty retailer which is not only celebrating its 175th year anniversary, but has an unmistakable footprint across Asia and worldwide, with 13,000 stores in 25 different markets.
At the forefront of Watsons’ international expansion is Malina Ngai, its chief operating officer and a former athlete.
“We are really proud we started in Hong Kong,” she said. “We have actually become like a beauty destination for our customers, so this is quite an achievement.”
The retailer began life as the Hong Kong Dispensary in 1841, and then transitioned itself into A.S. Watson & Company, named after the British pharmacist and early company manager, Alexander Skirving Watson.
Initially, Watsons simply wanted to make sure people were healthy, focusing on curative health.
As living standards improved, the company shifted into beauty products, from shampoos and soaps to skin care and cosmetics.