Watson’s flags major global expansion

A.S. Watson Group has committed to further expansion across China and around the globe as it prepares to open its 10,000th store.Dominic Lai, group managing director of A.S. Watson, said China was a key market and committed to 3,000 stores in China alone before end of 2016. Watsons currently operates  1,000 stores in Mainland China, one of its 33 operating markets."Customers are extremely price-conscious, but they are still willing to spend if you have good quality products on offer," Lai said."We have been improving collaborations with suppliers to create excitement for our customers through product and promotional offers. Our own brand product participation levels have also been growing satisfactorily."Watsons line of branded products now spans five product categories includes skin care products for men and women as well as whitening and moisturising products and a range of bird's nest products.The group has also ramped up its online promotions, including a microsite to celebrate its China expansion where fans can leave messages of congratulations.Lai added Watsons Your Personal Store is currently the market leader in health and beauty in China with some 23 million members signed up to its loyalty programme.