Beauty sales up at Nuance-Watson (HK)

Tina Milton

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Sales of skincare and cosmetics at the retailer’s stores have started improving in August

Travel retailer Nuance-Watson (HK) has revealed that beauty sales started to pick up in August and further improvement is expected for the rest of the year. Sales in the skincare and cosmetics categories at its beauty outlets have sustained growth due to the introduction of new brands. South Korean brands Laneige and Sulwhasoo were added to the brand mix in August and Nuance-Watson (HK) will offer three to four new brands “with proven sales records in Asian countries” later this year.

Nuance-Watson (HK) regional managing director North Asia Alessandra Piovesana told DFNIonline: “Beauty sales have declined at Hong Kong International airport year-on-year to date as we are still under the shadow of the global economic crisis, exchange rates issues and the threat of swine flu. But since the start of August we have started to see a steady pick up and we are anticipating further improvement as a result of the China National Day momentum and with the Christmas travelling season. However, we will stay cautious as we are still vulnerable to the volatile market conditions and there is another peak of swine flu forecasted for the winter. We hope to stay optimistic for 2010 and at least benchmark sales against 2008.”

The fragrances category is still a challenge because of short product lifecycle and the hype of new launches. “Price-driven offers tend to be more appealing to drive footfall to the stores,” said Piovesana.