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Tokyo-based premium cosmetic brand POLA celebrated the debut of its retail operation in Hong Kong today (September 5), opening a cosmetic counter in the upmarket Harvey Nichols department store in Pacific Place, Admiralty.
Pola Cosmetics (HK) Co Ltd is a subsidiary of POLA INC. It has been in Hong Kong for over 50 years as a regional office overseeing the brand's sales promotion and business development in Hong Kong, Macao and southern China. The setting up of the Hong Kong counter in Harvey Nichols marks a significant strategic expansion and a vote of confidence in the long-term profit potential of Hong Kong's premium cosmetic and skincare market.
The Managing Director of Pola Cosmetics (HK) Co Ltd, Mr Toshiyuki Kirihara said, "Pola operates in 15 countries. We strongly believe that Hong Kong is the right place to promote our brand image in Asia, especially the Greater China region, and a retail presence in Hong Kong will help us become an international brand."
Mr Kirihara said that POLA has been constantly growing its retail presence in department stores in Japan. The company will replicate the business model in Hong Kong by bringing the accumulated know-how and expertise from Japan. The Hong Kong counter at Harvey Nichols offers a wide range of products and is equipped with a private facial room.
"The location in the Admiralty department store is a nice kick-off, as it fits our brand's upmarket position. In the long run, we plan to further expand and increase our retail presence in Hong Kong," Mr Kirihara said.
The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Simon Galpin, welcomed POLA's retail establishment in Hong Kong and is confident the company will enjoy good market share given the booming retail sector in Hong Kong. "The premium cosmetic market is developing fast, supported by strong demand by locals and visitors. The arrival of POLA will bring more synergies and benefit the whole trade. I look forward to seeing POLA become as successful in Hong Kong as it is in Japan."
About Pola
Founded in 1929 by Shinobu Suzuki, POLA INC. is the leading company of POLA ORBIS Holdings which is acclaimed as the third largest listed company in the Japanese cosmetic market. It has also acquired international cosmetic brands such as the American brand H2O+ and Australian Jurlique in recent years. POLA Inc. runs about 600 POLA THE BEAUTY premium brand stores as well as 34 POLA sales counters in major department stores across Japan. For more information, please visit www.pola.com.hk .
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas, Mainland and Taiwan businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As at September 4, 2013, Invest Hong Kong has completed 3 000 investment projects creating more than 33 950 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$78.6 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk .
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157635381693125/ .
Ends/Thursday, September 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:15
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