WatsON - Stay tuned with AS Watson

Achieving New Heights in Retail Excellence

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 06:41:47 +0000

AS Watson celebrates an outstanding achievement at the Retail Asia Awards, earning 11 accolades. Powered by AI, analytics and data-led decision-making, the Group continues to empower its teams to create more seamless, personalised and connected customer journeys.

Check out the full award list:

Digital Transformation of the Year - AS Watson Group
Innovation Team of the Year - AS Watson Group
Marketing Initiative of the Year - Watsons Hong Kong
Sustainability initiative of the Year - Watsons Hong Kong
AI Initiative of the Year - Watsons Malaysia
Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year - Watsons Philippines
Innovation Team of the Year - Watsons Singapore
Operations Team of the Year - Watsons Singapore
Pop-up Retail Project of the Year - Watsons Singapore
Strategic Partnership of the Year - Watsons Singapore
Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Watsons Taiwan

AS Watson Group and L’Oréal Paris Unveil a Global First-Ever Exclusive Co Creation: The Infallible Setting Mist Cherry Edition

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:31:29 +0000

AS Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, and L’Oréal Paris, the No. 1 beauty brand in the world, today announced the first-ever exclusive co-created beauty product, setting a new benchmark for retailer–brand partnership innovation.

Developed, produced, and launched exclusively for AS Watson Group, the L’Oréal Paris Infallible Setting Mist Cherry Edition is a limited-edition innovation of L’Oréal Paris’ best-selling, viral product, designed to capture the fast-growing setting spray segment. The product combines L’Oréal Paris’ proven hero formula with a bold cherry-inspired twist and distinctive pink packaging, purpose-built to resonate with Gen Z beauty consumers. As a brand committed to making beauty accessible to all, this partnership and innovation are exciting opportunities for L’Oréal Paris to connect with an even wider audience.

The product is currently live in the UK, with further rollout planned across 14 additional global markets, including nine in Europe, five in Asia and the GCC.

Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group, said, “This co-creation with L’Oréal Paris reflects how we are redefining the role of the retailer—from distributor to true innovation partner. By combining our deep consumer insights, omnichannel execution strength and L’Oréal Paris’ world-class R&D and brand power, we are creating products that are culturally relevant, commercially powerful and truly differentiated.”

The Infallible Setting Mist Cherry Edition is supported by a full end to end O+O (Offline plus Online) strategy, spanning:

Social first teaser campaigns and creator-led content to fuel desirability
High impact in store theatre and online dominance to drive conversion
O+O activation models that ensure seamless consumer journeys from discovery to purchase

With 75% of consumers more likely to buy limited edition packaging, the launch positions the product as a collectible must have, transforming a daily beauty essential into a social and cultural statement.

“Co-creation at this level, with a trusted retail partner, represents a new frontier for L’Oréal Paris and the Consumer Products Division,” said Fabrice Megarbane, president of L’Oréal’s Consumer Products Division. “The Infallible Setting Mist Cherry Edition is proof that when category leadership meets retail excellence, the result is innovation that is culturally resonant and commercially compelling. We are truly honoured to make history with AS Watson. This is only just the beginning.”

Scaling Beyond Europe

Following strong early momentum in Europe, the Infallible Setting Mist Cherry Edition will expand into GCC and Asia, with launches planned in Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore later in the year. The rollout will be supported by localised social activation, in store maximisation and immersive brand experiences under the theme “Cherry Fix Summer Soirée.”

This exclusive co creation underscores both L’Oréal Paris and AS Watson’s commitment to building next generation beauty ecosystems—where data, creativity and operational excellence come together to deliver stronger value for consumers, brand partners and stakeholders.

AS Watson Accelerating Global Health Strategy

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 08:44:59 +0000

AS Watson convened its Global Healthcare Advisory Committee Meeting 2026 in the Philippines to advance its global health strategy.

As the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer and the leader in O+O retailing, we recognise the importance of combining digital intelligence with physical trust. Customers are becoming more proactive about their health, with decisions happening earlier, faster and in more personalised ways.

At AS Watson, we see health and beauty journeys diverging. Beauty invites exploration, while health demands reassurance, evidence and confidence. This is where our opportunity lies. By leveraging our closed-loop data responsibly - learning from every customer interaction across digital and store - we continuously improve how we guide and personalise experiences, helping customers take a more proactive approach to their health.

By integrating human interaction with digital convenience, AS Watson continues to innovate and lead in health and wellness retail, ensuring that customers have the accurate, accessible resources they need to lead healthier lives.

AS Watson Steps Up Climate Action for Planet Progress

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:38:22 +0000

AS Watson has set ambitious Science-Based Targets for greenhouse gas reductions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, with climate change as a key priority for the Group. With over 90% of emissions arising from Scope 3 activities, including product manufacturing, logistics and product use, our Climate Transition Plan outlines a clear pathway to decarbonisation across both operational emissions and value-chain emissions. Key actions include transitioning to low-emission fleets and refrigerants, scaling renewable electricity sourcing, and strengthening supplier engagement and sustainable sourcing.

Building on these efforts, we have delivered strong progress in 2025:

Operational Decarbonisation: Achieved a 79% reduction in market-based Scope 1 & 2 emissions against a 2018 baseline, tracking well ahead of our 50.4% target for 2030.
Clean Energy Transition: Procured approximately 758 GWh of renewable electricity through Energy Attribute Certificates, moving 92% of our global electricity consumption to renewable sources.
Supply Chain Engagement: 65% of key suppliers have adopted science-based targets, surpassing our 2027 goal of 33%
Circular Operations: Diverted 96% of operational waste from landfills through recycling partnerships and food redistribution schemes.
Retail Footprint: Expanded our Greener Stores Global Framework to encompass more than 4,000 stores globally.

Looking ahead, we are utilising the SWEEP platform to gradually shift from spend-based calculations to product-level Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) in the coming years, supported by initiatives like Health & Beauty Benelux’s ‘Nature Impact Score’.

Learn more in our full Sustainability Report 2025:

https://www.aswatson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ASW-SR2025.pdf

Empowering Young Innovators

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:30:15 +0000

AS Watson hosted its first‑ever GPS Student Case Competition at the 2026 Global Procurement Workshop, themed “Revolutionising Procurement with AI”. The competition attracted strong interest from universities across Hong Kong. Three finalist teams presented their ideas live, offering fresh and forward-looking perspectives on the future of procurement.

The initiative reflects the Group’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators. By combining academic insight with emerging technologies, students explored how GenAI can drive smarter, more agile and sustainable ways of working.

Through this platform, AS Watson continues to empower young talent to challenge conventions, connect technology with purpose, and shape the future of business and procurement excellence.

Leading the Future of Innovative Retail

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:12:16 +0000

AS Watson is proud to celebrate three meaningful recognitions that reflect our continued progress in O+O retail transformation and customer engagement.

At the special edition of Microsoft CxO Connection, held in celebration of the 35th Anniversary of Microsoft Hong Kong, AS Watson was awarded Microsoft AI Frontier – Reinventing Customer Engagement.

At Tech Fest Hong Kong, we were also honoured with:

Smart Retail & eCommerce Company of the Year
CX Project of the Year – Watsons One Pass

Behind these awards is more than technology. It is the curiosity to explore, the discipline to build responsibly, and the collaboration across our DataLab team, GIT, eLab, and participating business teams to bring better O+O experiences to life.

AS Watson will continue exploring practical ways to apply data and AI responsibly across modern retail.

Towards a More Sustainable Future

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:28:28 +0000

Making strong progress in advancing sustainability across our global operations, AS Watson has unveiled its Sustainability Report 2025. As the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, we continue to serve our customers and communities across diverse markets, guided by a clear purpose: caring for people, operating responsibly, and creating long-term value through sustainable growth.

We have advanced our sustainability journey with a focused approach:

Planet - Progressing our efforts to reduce operational emissions, increase the use of renewable energy, and expand our network of over 4,000 Greener Stores designed to improve resource efficiency.
People - Supporting communities through initiatives such as our Global Youth Employment Pledge, which has supported over 130,000 individuals, and with a target of delivering more than 15,000 surgeries through our Give a Smile programme by 2030.
Products - Enhancing responsible sourcing practices, working with recognised certifications, and continuing to reduce virgin plastic while expanding refill and recycling initiatives in stores.

AS Watson's 2025 Sustainability Report reflects our purpose: “To put a smile on our customers' faces today and tomorrow”, and highlights our continued efforts to advance sustainability, create positive impact for communities worldwide, and build a better future.

Read the Sustainability Report 2025:

https://www.aswatson.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ASW-SR2025.pdf

Stage Ready Glow

Fri, 29 May 2026 02:40:14 +0000

Watsons China has launched a concert makeup service in selected stores across cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shenzhen, helping customers create a sparkly look that perfectly matches the concert theme and their personal preferences. In addition, Watsons China has opened dedicated makeup studios at the National Stadium in Beijing and the Xiamen Olympic Sports Center, offering professional support for concert makeup and styling, so customers can fully enjoy the concert atmosphere.

Top Scorers of Customer Love Score💯

Thu, 28 May 2026 02:00:12 +0000

AS Watson is dedicated to delighting our customers and earning their loyalty. To achieve this, the Group conducts monthly customer survey, Customer Love Score, across all of our operating markets, enabling customers to rate their experiences after each visit. Congratulations to the Top Scorers of this month who've managed to score 100 in the Customer Love Score survey!

In this month's Top Scorer series, we feature:

Watson’s Wine – APM
Watsons Indonesia – SKA Pekanbaru
Watsons Ukraine – Lviv
ICI PARIS XL Netherlands – Lisse

We create exclusive in‑store experiences and personalised advice - meeting rising expectations shaped by travel - while delivering warm, human‑centric interactions that add value across channels and delight discerning customers. With genuine care in every interaction, appreciation follows - often when least expected.
Clayton Lin, Supervisor Store In-Charge
Watson’s Wine – APM

Our success and consistent 100 Customer Love Score comes from passion, teamwork, and genuine care. We listen, respond quickly, and deliver sincere service, supporting each other to create experiences customers that truly value.
Yogie Abrar Mustaqiem, Store Manager
Watsons Indonesia – SKA Pekanbaru

Our team’s success and our 100 Customer Love Score come from genuine care, trust, and professionalism. We put customers first, listen closely, and create a warm, welcoming environment, with strong teamwork and attention to detail making every experience feel personal and special. We believe when you serve with heart, customers truly feel the difference.
Hanna Protsyk, Store Manager
Watsons Ukraine – 1 Dnistrovska Street, Lviv

Our team stands out with a powerful blend of customer focus, energy, and professionalism. United by genuine care for customers and one another, the team creates engaging, customer‑centric experiences every day, fuelled by enthusiasm and a positive energy that truly inspires.
Eline Den Dulk, Store Manager
ICI PARIS XL Netherlands – Blokhuis 28, Lisse

The Science of Agility: Redesigning How We Work, Together

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:00:18 +0000

At the Chinese University of Hong Kong EMBA Annual Conference: Innovate to Lead, Malina shared her perspective on Agile Leadership - from Hong Kong 1841 to a future-ready organisation.

Drawing on AS Watson’s 185-year evolution, from a small dispensary in Hong Kong to over 17,000 stores across 31 markets, Malina reinforced a critical mindset: longevity is not secured purely by anniversaries and scale, but by our ability to continuously adapt. As she put it, “History doesn’t guarantee the future. What guarantees the future is adaptability.”

Today, adaptability has a modern name – often referred to as ‘Agility’. It is not just about strategy, it is about how we redesign our processes, reimagine how we work, and fully embrace technology as an enabler of better decisions and faster execution.

From Strategy to Everyday Behaviour

To bring this to life internally, Malina introduced a simple yet powerful distinction between “like” and “love.” While “like” is instinctive and short-lived, “love” requires commitment, ownership, and consistent action.

For us as an organisation, sustainable success depends on how deeply we are committed to making things better every day - for our customers, for our partners, and for each other.

This mindset underpins AS Watson’s ABC of Love Strategy: Agility, Bonding, and Customer Connection - not just as a framework, but as a shared way of working that must be reflected in our daily decisions, behaviours, and processes.

Learn more about ABC of Love Strategy:
The ABC of LOVE Strategy: Building Passionate Growth | WatsON - Stay tuned with AS Watson

Agility is Not Speed

Malina challenged a common misconception: agility is not about speed.

Agility ≠ Speed

Using the analogy of Formula One, she explained that performance is not achieved by simply adding horsepower, but by reducing drag through better system design.

Agility = Acceleration – Friction

“Agility is acceleration minus friction. You don’t fix drag by pushing harder. You fix it by redesigning the system.”

This is particularly relevant as we accelerate our digital transformation and adoption of new technologies. Too often, organisations invest in new tools, launch new strategies while keeping old processes, creating complexity instead of speed.

These frictions cannot be solved by working harder, they must be designed out.

What Enables Acceleration

Two factors are critical:

Strategic Clarity
Everyone understands our priorities and direction
Capability by Design
Our systems and processes enable people to act, collaborate, and decide effectively

This requires a shift from “hero leadership” to shared leadership across the organisation.

“Agility does not come from faster leaders, but from more people empowered to decide.”

A Simple Formula to Guide Us

Malina brought these ideas together through the Science of Agility:

Net Agility = (Strategic Clarity × Capability) – Friction

Clarity aligns direction
Capability drives execution
Friction slows things down

Because clarity and capability multiply, the absence of either significantly limits our ability to move forward, no matter how much effort we put in.

Our Transformation: Everyone Has a Role

As we adopt new systems and redesign workflows, agility becomes everyone’s responsibility, everyone’s leadership.

Each of us plays a part in:

Simplifying processes – challenge unnecessary steps and drive clarity
Using technology effectively – adopt new tools as core to how we work, not as add-ons
Taking ownership – make decisions where insights are closest to customers
Collaborating across teams – enable smoother, end-to-end execution
Being open to change – continuously adapting as systems and processes evolve

Agility is not a programme; it is how we behave every day in how we work and interact; then agility becomes the natural outcome of how we work every day.

A Collective Call to Action

As we continue to transform AS Watson, redesigning processes, embedding technology, and strengthening our O+O capabilities, the key question for all of us is not how to move faster, but:

What is slowing us down, and what can I do to remove it?

Malina closed with a clear and inclusive call to action:

“Before you add horsepower, look for drag. Before you accelerate, redesign the system. Agility is a design choice, and that choice belongs to every one of us.”