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Shape Up House, a major Japanese beauty and spa group has today (May 8) announced the opening of its first "Miss Paris" Salon and Diet Centre in the Entertainment Building, Central, Hong Kong. The company plans to expand rapidly with a second salon "Dandy House" slated to open in the same building in June.
Shape Up House operates 134 salons and eight beauty schools in Japan. The company's portfolio includes a number of distinct brands including "Miss Paris" – a spa sanctuary for women and "Dandy House" – a beauty centre exclusively for men. Both brands offer facials, body treatments, relaxation and slimming programmes.
The initial investment amount of over US$600,000 in the first two salons illustrates Shape Up House's confidence in the Hong Kong market. The company plans to open at least five salons and a beauty school in Hong Kong in the near future.
"In recent years, Hong Kong people have been spending more and more on beauty and spa services. We believe that there is untapped demand for quality beauty services in this city and that is why we chose Hong Kong to set up our first salon outside Japan," said Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Shape Up House, Mr Marco Antonio Murillo.
Mr Murillo added, "Located at the heart of the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong is not only a business-friendly place but also a natural hub for the Asian market. More importantly, it is an ideal springboard for the Mainland market. These are the reasons why we consider Hong Kong a very important and strategic market for Shape Up House. In conjunction with the opening of our salons, we will also set up our regional headquarters in Hong Kong to oversee the company's rapidly expanding business in Asia."
Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, welcomed Shape Up House's decision to establish in Hong Kong. He said, "The beauty industry in Japan is one of the best in the world. I am certain that Shape Up House will add value to the sector in Hong Kong, bringing not only new life to the industry but also investment and jobs to our city. I wish Shape Up House every success in its business in Hong Kong and its future expansion to other parts of the region."
About Shape Up House Company Limited
Established in 1984, Shape Up House Company Limited is a beauty, and spa group with a diverse portfolio of brands aimed at different target customers. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and employs approximately 900 staff at its 134 salons and eight beauty schools throughout Japan. For more information, please visit www.shape-up-house.co.jp.
About Invest Hong Kong
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 presence in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, May 8, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:02
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