AS Watson launches 26,000 sq ft concept store combining its top retail formats

CK Hutchison Holdings's A.S. Watson Group has opened a new concept store at Cheung Kong Center, which brings together the top retail formats operated by the group. In essence, the new concept store branded CKC18 will be divided into four sections - food emporium 'food le parc', healthy and beauty outlet 'WatsonsLab', tech showcase 'TechLife by FORTRESS' and a wine zone called 'Bar 0001 by Watson's Wine'.Covering over 26,000 square feet, the concept store features modern chic decor and a host of other to firmly entrench it as a state-of-the-art retail location. Aside from featuring new retail concepts, the venue will regularly host experts on various topics and events such as gaming shows featuring eSports player, cooking demonstrations by a sushi master, sake tasting led by a professional brewer and personalised make-up designed by a make-up artist.And there's some nifty technology supporting retail, payments and checkout as well. With the aid of the Scan & Go function in the MoneyBack app, customers of food le parc can simply take the products, scan the barcodes with their phones and pay at self-checkout counters. Meanwhile at WatsonsLab, the “Style me” tablet equipped with AR technology instantly and virtually shows customers how they look like when applying different make-up products.[gallery ids="223576,223578,223580,223583"]Dominic Lai, group managing director of A.S. Watson group explained, "With the determination to accelerate digital transformation, ASW is glad to introduce the latest retail technologies to optimise shopping experience in a convenient and innovative approach. CKC18 applies technologies intensively. Besides the use of AlipayHK and other mobile payments, unmanned checkout counters are also available at WatsonsLab. Customers can simply checkout by placing their shopping baskets on checkout counters that automatically scan and tally up the total, while electronic payments are supported. In addition, customers can use the TasteToGo function in MoneyBack app to reserve their meals in advance at food le parc, minimising their waiting time during rush hours."Alongside Victor Li, chairman and group co-managing director of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited and Lai officiated at the grand opening event yesterday.Speaking at the opening ceremony, Lai said, “As one of the landmarks in Hong Kong, Cheung Kong Center is located at the heart of the business district in Central with top notch financial institutions. The grand opening of CKC18 indicates that Cheung Kong Center will soon become a hotspot for dining, shopping, entertaining and self-pampering.“A.S. Watson Group is the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer. With the speed of opening one store in every seven hours, ASW plans to open 1,300 new stores worldwide this year and continues to expand in Hong Kong,” Lai added.CKC18 will feature the following retail concepts:food le parc - Meaning “Food Park” in English, and providing 8,500 choices of wholesome, high quality food and distinctive flavours from all around the world, the store offers 1,600 products exclusive to CKC18.WatsonsLab - A specialised Watsons boutique offering a “beauty bar” that carries numerous global leading beauty brands. By leveraging AR technology, the “Style Me” App is available in store to offer virtual make-up service, offering over 100 mix-and-match looks.TechLife by FORTRESS – It brings together the trendiest and most innovative lifestyle gadgets, eSports products and exclusive Xiaomi products. There is also a GameZ area that allows customers to try on the international renowned eSports gear, making it a bit of a haven for gaming enthusiasts.Watson’s Wine & the bar-in-shop Bar 0001 - Unlike a conventional barroom that only offers few choices of wine by glass, almost 100 different wines, sakes and spirits sourced from the globe are available at Bar 0001. In addition to the 700 different wines available at the store, it is the best place for people to chill and relax.