It appears that Hong Kong may be a solution for Australian retailers that are looking to enter the Asian market.
At the ‘Opportunities for Retailers in the Hong Kong Market’ seminar, which was presented by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) together with Octomedia, it provided Australian retailers an insight into the Hong Kong market where growth in retail sales is expected to grow.
Statistics from Census Bureau of Hong Kong showed that retail sales in Hong Kong soared by 28.2 per cent, in conjunction with the rise of trade and tourism the fall of unemployment in the country.
Bonnie Shek, HKTDC Australia and New Zealand director, said Australian exporters that are looking to target the Mainland Chinese market should consider setting up or going through Hong Kong, a city in which Mainland Chineses tourists visit for shopping.
“With the rule of law, free flow of information and capital, efficient logistics and services, Hong Kong has distinct advantages,” she said.
“Hong Kong is a market in its own right. Consumers are affluent and are always looking for new products and varieties. Australian products have a favourable image.”
One such Australian company that has taken advantage of the Hong Kong retail sales growth is Dymocks Bookstores.
Dymocks CEO Don Grover said there are 17 franchised Dymocks stores in Hong Kong and the number is expected to grow.
“One of the highest earning stores is from Hong Kong at the International Finance Centre (IFC) Mall,” he said.
Other Australian companies that have also taken advantage of the growing market include Jurlique, Jan Logan and Ready Flowers.