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JFT Holdings Limited (JFT), a newly established Japanese-Hong Kong joint venture between Japan-listed Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Hong Kong-listed Symphony Holdings Limited, announced today (August 1) the opening of its flagship retail store in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.
Located in one of Hong Kong's most popular shopping areas, the JFT flagship store will carry more than 80 renowned fashion brands from Japan, Europe and the US – including some of the hottest brands from 109 Shibuya Plaza, the famous trendy zone in Tokyo. The new retailer aims to establish itself as a prominent fashion landmark in the city, bringing the latest Japanese fashion and lifestyle trends to Hong Kong's consumers.
Occupying a total area of 24,000 square feet, the three-storey shopping complex is designed to offer consumers a whole new shopping experience with an intense concentration of fashion-forward brands and a plethora of choice.
JFT is confident in its retail formula for Hong Kong and has ambitions to expand significantly. The retailer is actively looking for a retail location in Tsim Sha Tsui for its second store and plans to open six additional outlets in Hong Kong within the next two to three years. After consolidating the brand's position in the city, the company will start to explore opportunities in the Mainland China market.
The retailer's confidence in the Hong Kong market is strong. With an estimated investment amount of HK$55 million, JFT's new venture has created about 100 employment opportunities in the city.
Chief Operating Officer of JFT Holdings Limited, Mr Yoshifumi Sahashi said, "I would like to personally welcome our customers to JFT's world of fashion. When they visit, it will be as if they are entering a personalised makeover service house, where stylists provide them with trendy fashion mix and match advice from head to toe. I hope JFT visitors will enjoy the experience along with the fashion selection we bring from all over the world. I am confident JFT's fresh looks and styles will bring much excitement to the market."
Along with Japanese fashion, JFT has also introduced Japanese corporate culture into its Hong Kong operation. The company requires its staff, in particular the sales persons, to be truly passionate about Japanese fashion. Work/life balance is also emphasised and the company offers comprehensive training and career development prospects to its staff.
Officiating at the opening ceremony of the JFT flagship store, Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Charles Ng, said, "We look forward to the new retail experience JFT will bring to the Hong Kong market and to seeing such a large number of trendy Japanese, European and US brands under the one roof. We are delighted that JFT has chosen Hong Kong as the starting point to launch its regional brand-building strategy. The decision reaffirms our city's role as a launch pad for fashion brands to enter the Mainland market."
He remarked, "JFT's investment in Hong Kong not only strengthens our city's retail offering but also creates new employment job opportunities and boosts the local services industry. Invest Hong Kong looks forward to continuing our assistance to JFT as the company grows its presence in our city."
Established in January this year, JFT is a joint venture between Japan-listed Toyota Tsusho Corporation and Hong Kong-listed Symphony Holdings Limited. Toyota Tsusho Corporation operates a wide range of popular Japanese lifestyle products, and Symphony Holdings Limited manages more than 300 points of sale for athletic and leisure footwear across Mainland China. For more information, please visit www.jftholdings.com.
Invest Hong Kong is the award-winning department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting and facilitating inward investment into the city, by providing free services and support to help overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese companies establish or expand their business presences in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk.
Ends/Saturday, August 1, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:30
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