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Spotlight, Australia's largest chain of superstores specialising in home interior, fashion fabrics and craft products, announced today (June 9) the grand opening of its first flagship store in Hong Kong. The new store is also the chain's first store in the Greater China region. Located in the newly launched MegaBox complex in Kowloon Bay, Spotlight offers over 150,000 products across six categories: arts & crafts, furnishings, home decor, dressmaking, party supplies and bed linen (Manchester).
"There is nothing like this store anywhere else in Hong Kong," said Mr Stephen Carter, Spotlight's Chief Executive Officer. "This is an unprecedented shopping experience here, and we believe it will become the new way to shop. It's unique, it's inspiring, it's convenient, and above all, it's affordable. We are very proud to be able to showcase our style to the shoppers of Hong Kong, who are renowned worldwide for being style-makers."
The Australian chain has invested more than HK$15 million in its Hong Kong store and employed 120 local staff members. It is committed to providing training to transfer industry knowledge to the Hong Kong team which has undergone an intensive induction process. A senior grade Hong Kong team has spent the last two months training in Spotlight's Singapore and Australian stores.
Mr Carter continued, "We have identified the Greater China Region to be a major source of growth in future and we plan to open five more stores in Hong Kong, as well as some 40 stores in Mainland China."
Spotlight's Executive Director, Mr Zac Fried, officiated at the opening event along with Mr IP Chu, Executive Director of Kerry Properties (HK) Limited, and the Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin.
Mr Galpin congratulated Spotlight on its Hong Kong launch and its expansion plan in Greater China saying, "With its mature and sophisticated shopping environment, retailers such as Spotlight benefit from one of Asia's highest-spending local communities, as well as gaining access to the millions of business and leisure visitors who come to Hong Kong each year."
"Hong Kong is also well-established as a test market for retailers looking to expand into Mainland China. Here companies such as Spotlight can learn more about regional preferences and showcase their products to Mainland visitors who visit Hong Kong in their millions each year," Mr Galpin added.
With 110 stores in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and now Hong Kong, Spotlight employs approximately 6,500 staff and occupies more than three million square feet of retail space worldwide. For more information, visit Spotlight's website at www.spotlight.hk.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing the support needed to establish or expand a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, June 9, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:24
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