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Japanese department store UNY (HK) Co Ltd opens its second retail presence in Hong Kong today (June 5), taking advantage of the city's position as Asia's favourite retail paradise and Mainland China's window to what's hot in retail.
Headquartered in Japan, the UNY group operates about 234 shopping centres and supermarkets, 4,958 convenience stores and 1,500 various specialty stores within the country. UNY (HK) Co Ltd has been operating in Hong Kong for more than 20 years, with one store situated in Taikoo Shing on Hong Kong Island. This year the company decided to set up its second store in Lok Fu in Kowloon in order to strengthen its business base across Hong Kong.
Managing Director of UNY (HK) Co Ltd, Mr Toshio Nakamura, said, "With over 20 years of experience in the local retail industry, we believe that it's the right time for us to expand in the market. We are fortunate enough to have located a good and suitable shop space in Lok Fu, where we decided to open our second department store in Hong Kong."
In addition to showcasing food, household and fashion products, the Lok Fu department store will also have a food court providing 200 seats, and serving customers with Chinese, Western and Japanese cuisines.
Commenting on the company's expansion plan, Mr Nakamura said, "We are optimistic about the retail and consumer markets of Hong Kong. Other than the Lok Fu department store, we are going to open another store in 2011 and will consider opening further stores in Hong Kong if good spaces are available."
"Meanwhile, we intend to focus on a new business style that needs less space, which better suits the Hong Kong market. Furthermore, the UNY group in Japan is planning to open a store in Shanghai in 2012, UNY's first store in Mainland China. We are confident that our practical experience in Hong Kong will help the group's further expansion into the Mainland."
Officiating at the opening ceremony of UNY's Lok Fu department store, Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Simon Galpin, said, "Congratulations on the business expansion of UNY (HK) Co Ltd in our city. We are very grateful for UNY's confidence and continuous investment. As Hong Kong is an ideal gateway for Japanese companies to enter into Mainland China, we stand ready to provide any assistance and support in the course of your further development in Hong Kong and the Mainland."
Mr Galpin added, "Hong Kong has a sophisticated local population of seven million, and UNY is well positioned to offer them new opportunities and choices through its two department stores."
About UNY (HK) Co Ltd
UNY (HK) Co Ltd is part of the UNY group in Japan, which was amalgamated in 1971 from "Nishikawaya Chain" and "Hoteiya". The UNY group operates shopping centres, supermarkets, convenience stores and various specialty stores. UNY (HK) Co Ltd started its business with a department store in Hong Kong more than 20 years ago, and opened its second store in the city in 2010. For more information, please visit www.unyhk.com.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government responsible for Foreign Direct Investment, supporting overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese businesses to set up and expand in Hong Kong. We provide free advice and customised services to help your business succeed in our vibrant economy. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk .
For event photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157624076694889 .
Ends/Saturday, June 5, 2010
Issued at HKT 10:00
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