When rent is high, GDP is low and the competition is fierce, it takes more than cost savings for a business to survive, let alone thrive. With the retail apocalypse squeezing the life out of shops around the globe and many others operating in the red, Singapore’s go-to retailer, Watson’s Personal Care Stores, is somehow prospering. More than an anomaly, this forward-thinking retailer has nailed down the perfect equation for success.
“O plus O is the way to go,” shares General Manager Irene Lau. “Together, online and offline initiatives can be used to create that seamless customer experience. And the retail players that win will be the ones who can create the most seamless journey between these two.”
THE POWER OF BRANDING
Watsons is Asia’s leading health and beauty retailer. Its parent company, AS Watson Group, is the world’s largest health and beauty retail group, boasting more than 15,700 shops in 24 markets worldwide. Having that kind of supportive strength gives Watsons an edge over its competitors – especially when it comes to branding.
“We’re very blessed to be part of AS Watson Group,” Irene beams. “We have strength as a Group, supported by a consistent look and feel across our stores, innovative technology and also the equity of our brand.”
Customers can even use their Watsons One Pass (the brand’s loyalty membership card) to enjoy benefits at any of the Watsons stores across the region, from China to Hong Kong and Malaysia to Thailand. The retailer’s laser focus on the customer experience is what keeps its physical stores thriving in the digital age.
This story is from the April 2020 edition of The CEO Magazine Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of The CEO Magazine Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lito German Is Driving Change And Accelerating Growth For Sandbox
After years in the automotive industry, CEO Lito German is now driving change and accelerating growth for importer and distributor Sandbox Middle East.
They're Pioneers In Enshrining Green Values Into Everything They Do
CEO Chamaiporn Uerpairojkit explains how thai plastics giant tpbi was committed to sustainability long before the government made an industry-changing announcement last year.
Maverick Unicorn
Spotify co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek is a textbook example of the startup gurus propelling their companies to billion-dollar valuations.
''Increase The Velocity''
Adapting Camfil’s business model to work at a faster pace was critical for the business to thrive in today’s China, according to managing director Michel Moulin.
Device Manager
Covid-19 tore the world’s tech supply chains asunder, the effects of which are still being felt today. But through steady management and quality of work, malaysian component manufacturer analog devices has managed to thrive during the storm.
Going Antiviral
Chiaphua Industries chief marketing officer and co-founder of Germagic Hamilton Hung has transformed the appliance manufacturer into an antiviral research and development powerhouse. And he has done so with patience and vision.
Risk Vs Return
Add pandemic fallout to a low interest-rate environment and you have a challenge for highnet-worth investors. Where might opportunities lie?
Expect The Unexpected
For lockton philippines insurance & reinsurance brokers ceo vic valledor, providing affordable premiums for the poorest families is vital, especially considering the recent challenges of the covid-19 pandemic.
The Ultimate Investments
With the global economic recovery from the pandemic underway, many analysts are suggesting now is the time to invest – but will whisky, soybeans or bitcoin find a way into your portfolio?
The Future Of Fintech
Covid-19 has accelerated the world’s shift to a digital economy, and airwallex co-founder and president Lucy Liu wants to make sure there are more female fintech leaders with her at the top.
