Japanese clothing brand WEGO to exit HK market after 7 years

Japanese clothing brand WEGO will exit Hong Kong market after seven years as its lease expires. While the brand did not disclose the exact terms, according to the official statement on its Instagram, WEGO said it is sorry to tell its customers that it will exit Hong Kong market. It thanked its customers for their support since its expansion into Hong Kong in 2016.

“We hope to see you all again in the future and try on outfits with different styles,” the statement read. A check by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE saw on Instagram that netizens were sad about the suspension of WEGO's Hong Kong business. Some said that they had been supporting the brand for over 10 years, and others said that they hoped the brand would make a comeback to Hong Kong once again in the future.

Offering a wide range of outfits from vintage clothing to swimwear, WEGO had branches in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to WEGO for more information. 

Don't miss: Etude House exits Hong Kong market after 10 years

This isn't the first departure of a brand from Hong Kong's retail scene that we've seen in recent times. Back in April, Korean beauty brand Etude House exited Hong Kong market after 10 years but did not specify the reasons behind the move.  Meanwhile, US footwear retailer Foot Locker also decided to shut its stores and eCommerce business in Hong Kong and Macau as part of its business transformation in Asia. According to Foot Locker’s fourth quarter 2022 results, the company will be taking a series of actions to simplify its business model. 

However, despite the turbulence many retailers in Hong Kong have felt over the years, it seems like the fate of the retail industry is looking better. According to a report by Cushman & Wakefield, published on SCMP, many retailers have been opening new shops and expanding in Hong Kong. This has seen the city’s empty commercial space dip to 9% in the second quarter.

Photo courtesy: Space Japan Co.’s website 

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