Watsons, Asia’s No.1 health and beauty brand, has reached a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 8,000th store in Asia—a remarkable achievement underscoring its aggressive growth and transformation in omnichannel retail. The new store, located at SM Mall of Asia in Manila, not only represents expansion but also showcases the brand’s commitment to elevating the O+O (Offline plus Online) customer experience.
Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, led the launch event, emphasizing the Philippines as a strategic choice:
“Today, I’m excited to celebrate the opening of Watsons’ 8,000th store in Asia, marking a significant milestone in our global expansion. The Philippines has been selected for this momentous occasion because it’s one of the fastest-rising economies in Asia and a strategic market for AS Watson.”
The Philippines’ young and beauty-conscious demographic makes it a prime market for Watsons’ cutting-edge offerings. With over 1,100 Watsons locations in the Philippines alone, the newest store adds another jewel to a powerful regional network.
Elevated Omnichannel Experience
This new flagship store is meticulously designed for the next generation of consumers. It boasts:
- A Premium Beauty Zone featuring trending and exclusive brands.
- A Sustainable Choices Zone with refill stations and clean beauty selections.
- More self-checkout counters and Click & Collect services for quick online-to-offline pick-ups.
- A Health Supplement Advisor tool and live chat with pharmacists, helping customers make informed choices from the comfort of their homes.
These innovations reflect Watsons’ commitment to redefining retail with seamless O+O integration that empowers customers to shop anywhere, anytime, and according to their personal preferences.
A Retail Journey from 1841 to 8,000
What started in 1841 as a small dispensary in Hong Kong has grown into a regional giant. Today, Watsons operates across 16 markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, with over 1,500 in-store pharmacies and a massive customer base of 100 million loyal members.
Danilo Chiong, Managing Director of Watsons Philippines, shared his enthusiasm:
“Watsons operates over 1,100 stores in the Philippines, and we’re thrilled that the 8,000th store opening is taking place here. This achievement showcases our commitment to providing the best health and beauty products and services, both offline and online.”
Watsons: More Than Just a Store
With every new opening, Watsons is also creating jobs, building brand loyalty, and enriching communities. Whether through eco-conscious product offerings, exclusive beauty innovations, or digitally enhanced consultations, the brand remains laser-focused on one goal: helping customers Look Good, Do Good, and Feel Great.
The 8,000th store is more than a number—it’s a symbol of Watsons’ resilience, innovation, and customer-centric mission. Backed by the global infrastructure of AS Watson Group and CK Hutchison Holdings, Watsons is poised to continue transforming the retail landscape in Asia and beyond.