185th Anniversary
Established in 1841, AS Watson has grown from just one small dispensary into the world’s largest international health & beauty retailer, operating over 17,000 stores in 31 markets. AS Watson Group is one of the longest-standing companies in Hong Kong, and possibly even the world.
Know more about Key Milestones chevron_right
1841
Where ‘Grow As One’ Begins
Hong Kong is a brand-new city. Our forerunner Hong Kong Dispensary opens its door, full of purpose, caring for the community.
Grow with Our Customers
A Company with Heart
Alexander Skirving Watson arrives in Hong Kong, becomes store manager, a man whose compassion shapes our culture. The company registered in 1886 as A.S. Watson & Company, Ltd.
1850s
One Community at a Time
A New Chapter Begins
In 1981, Hutchison Whampoa acquires A.S. Watson - a company with 75 stores and a dream to grow further.
By 1987, we expand across Asia. New places. New people.
We grow by caring, one community at a time.
By 1987, we expand across Asia. New places. New people.
We grow by caring, one community at a time.
1981
Grow Outside of Asia
A Global Family
We expand into Europe with the acquisition of Savers in the UK.
More countries join us.
More colleagues. More customers.
Many cultures, one mission.
To help people look good, feel great, and live well.
We grow as one global family.
More countries join us.
More colleagues. More customers.
Many cultures, one mission.
To help people look good, feel great, and live well.
We grow as one global family.
2000-2006
Grow Our Capabilities
Building Strength Together
Behind the scenes, we strengthen our foundations.
Better logistics. Better systems.
Better support for our teams and our stores.
A stronger backbone to serve millions every day.
Together, we grow our capabilities and our confidence.
Better logistics. Better systems.
Better support for our teams and our stores.
A stronger backbone to serve millions every day.
Together, we grow our capabilities and our confidence.
2007-2009
Grow with Our People
A New Digital Era
The world changes quickly.
People shop differently. Live differently. Connect differently.
In 2010, we begin a major digital transformation.
And our culture becomes more open, agile, and innovative.
We grow with our people, and for our customers.
People shop differently. Live differently. Connect differently.
In 2010, we begin a major digital transformation.
And our culture becomes more open, agile, and innovative.
We grow with our people, and for our customers.
2010-2019
Grow with Our Communities
O+O Together
Today, our offline and online worlds come together as one.
A tap on the phone. A visit to a friendly store.
Convenience meets human warmth.
Our stores become communities -
Places where people feel welcome and care for.
We grow with our communities.
A tap on the phone. A visit to a friendly store.
Convenience meets human warmth.
Our stores become communities -
Places where people feel welcome and care for.
We grow with our communities.
2020-2025
Grow As One
The Future Ahead
Now, we celebrate 185 years.
From a small harbour dispensary
To the world’s leading health and beauty retailer.
Our progress comes from our people,
loyal customers, and communities.
Together, we Grow As One, now and into the future.
From a small harbour dispensary
To the world’s leading health and beauty retailer.
Our progress comes from our people,
loyal customers, and communities.
Together, we Grow As One, now and into the future.
2026
