Our History

Message from Group Managing Director

It’s my pleasure to celebrate A.S. Watson Group’s 180th Anniversary with you all!

Established in 1841, we’ve grown from just one small dispensary into the world’s largest international health & beauty retailer, operating over 16,000 stores in 27 markets. A.S. Watson Group is one of the longest-standing companies in Hong Kong, and possibly even the world.

Our over 140,000 employees serve 5.3 billion customers every year. So many small interactions and behind-the-scenes stories have helped make A.S. Watson Group what it is today; not just a successful business but a much-loved part of people’s lives and their communities.

What follows are loving moments and touching stories from our 180 Year’s History of LOVE. Love has always driven us to go the extra mile, to provide the genuine warmth that makes customers feel loved and, in turn, fall in love with our brands.

On this special occasion, I would like to dedicate this book filled with our History of LOVE to you. Also, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our customers, colleagues and business partners for your support and for playing an important role in our growth story.

I’m so proud to be leading A.S. Watson at such an exciting time. We are ready to enter the next chapter in our history, and are prepared to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Let’s embrace them and strive for even greater success!

Dominic Lai, Group Managing Director