Retailers line up for Hong Kong SkyPlaza

Lorna Strickland

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Airport Authority Hong Kong has received 600 expressions of interest for retail at SkyPlaza and expects to complete the leasing process by the end of the year

Local and international retail brands are vying for space in the 35,000sq m (3,767,367sq ft) mall, which will be arranged in eight themed zones: Gourmet Garden, Hong Kong Bazaar, Souvenir Planet, Cultural Lane, In-Zone Avenue, Fashion Boulevard, Kids Kingdom and Hip Home HQ.

The airport is aiming to complete its leasing process by the end of the year, with the final selection of retailers due to be announced in early 2006. According to Airport Authority Hong Kong 90% of the location's catering licenses are in the final stages of completion.

Commercial director Hans Bakker said: "SkyPlaza is creating a win-win-win situation for tenants, consumers and for Hong Kong. We are seeing tremendously creative proposals from tenants for themed stores, unique retail store designs and distinctive product collections, and we are delighted to be able to offer them the flexibility to realise these concepts."

The airport said that many brands not already present on the Hong Kong domestic or travel-retail markets would be debuting at the airport, including a Korean lifestyle catering company, a French infant products manufacturer and various jewellery and leathergoods suppliers.

A recent survey carried out by AC Nielsen showed that local residents spend an average of HK$329 ($42) per visit with international passengers spending an average of HK$724 ($93). Target customers at SkyPlaza will include meeters and greeters, SkyPier ferry terminal passengers, guests at new hotels, AsiaWorld-Expo and Hong Kong Disneyland visitors, golfers and local office workers.

SkyPlaza will be situated one minute's walk from Terminal 1 and is connected by the Airport Express train.