THE WHAT? Watsons has embarked on a program of store refits. The AS Watson-owned chain is investing some US$250 million to upgrade and open some 3,800 stores by the end of the year across 15 markets worldwide.

THE DETAILS The Asian health and beauty retailer will usher in a Beauty Playground zone to its concept stores in China, offering customers a trend- and experience-led make-up space. Meanwhile, in Taiwan, stores have been given a social media-friendly facelift with a lipstick-shaped make-up table and circular pink light box on the ceiling. Watsons Malaysia has ushered in a K-pop Land dedicated to K-beauty products as well as a Kid’s Wonderland for families.

THE WHY? Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, explains, “As the leading health and beauty retailer in Asia, we’re committed to offering our customers the highest quality range of products at great value, as well as providing them with a very pleasant shopping experience. We constantly hear from our customers about where we can improve, and we work closely with key brands to improve category-specific experience. Watsons has been at the forefront of revolutionising the in-store environment for customers, and over these two years, we are investing US$250 million in new store opening and upgrading existing stores across our 15 operating markets.”