World Eye Reports on HONG KONG |
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According to Tetsuo Yazawa, managing director for YKK Hong Kong Limited, fashion plays an integral role in the success of the zipper business. Fortunately for YKK, recent fashion trends have favored zippers not only for functional purposes but also for garment adornment. "Zippers do not only provide function, but style as well. The pull-out part of the zipper is a key factor when it comes to style," Yazawa explained.
"Customers, particularly from Europe and the United States, are increasingly concerned about the quality of zippers used in garments and luggage. YKK is a popular brand due to the quality of our products, therefore buyers request YKK," Yazawa stated. To ensure the company maintains its competitive edge, YKK recently introduced a computer integrated manufacturing system. According to Yazawa, the system allows YKK design centers around the world to incorporate data into their product development, enabling flexibility in meeting a wide range of customer demands. Yazawa explained, "YKK has global operations with a very well-developed network. If YKK Japan develops a new product, then that data can be transferred to YKK offices all over the world. This allows us to keep informed with the latest designs which we can present to both local and global buyers." YKK Hong Kong has served the domestic garment industry since 1966. With an area totaling 65,957 square meters, YKK's Hong Kong factory in Tuen Mun is one of the largest manufacturing bases for the company worldwide. Last year, its vertically integrated production system produced 134 million kilometers of zippers. Despite the success of the Tuen Mun factory, recent years have witnessed a noticeable shift in YKK's customer base. Hong Kong garment makers, in recognizing cheaper costs and huge market potential, have been moving production across the border to southern China. According to Yazawa, it was a logical step for YKK to do the same. "YKK Hong Kong established a 27,000 square meter factory in Shenzen which is currently being expanded to cater for the growing market," Yazawa said. As to whether YKK's position in Hong Kong will be threatened with the increasing success of its Shenzen factory, Yazawa replied, "Hong Kong will continue to play a major role, not only as a production site, but as a center for coordination and design. We have excellent infrastructure in Hong Kong that our U.S. and European buyers recognize. YKK Hong Kong will work very closely with its sister company in Shenzen and those in other Asian countries to maximize business opportunities."
Hong Kong is a city where glamour goes without saying and appearance says it all. Flawless skin, silky hair and the latest makeup hues are just some of the criteria for the social scene. But keeping up with the rapidly changing cosmetics facade can prove a challenge, and, depending on where you shop, can be expensive. Sa Sa Cosmetics, a major retailer in the industry, is for many discerning consumers a shopping haven. Its 54 stores throughout Asia are home to more than 800 brands, from Chanel and Gucci to Mac and Celine. What sets Sa Sa apart from its department store counterparts, however, is its competitive prices. In the world of cosmetics in Asia, Sa Sa is synonymous with "quality products at a fair price." This is exactly the concept that Simon and Eleanor Kwok set out to develop when they started the business 22 years ago. But they never imagined that Sa Sa would become a household name.
Today Sa Sa is expanding throughout Asia with stores in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Macau. In Hong Kong, Sa Sa has 24 stores designed to meet the needs of both the local and tourist markets. According to Kwok, consumer behavior varies considerably in these two markets. He explained, "The local market tends to be more practical when it comes to selecting our products. Whereas the Japanese tourists, for example, are very brand conscious." Sa Sa's enormous retail success has set the foundation for the company's diversification. In 1999, the Kwoks appointed Roger King as Chief Executive to "change the company from family-style management to a professionally managed organization." King's new role also leaves more time for Kwok to do what he loves best: discover new products to introduce to the Sa Sa stores. "One thrilling aspect of my job is selecting new products overseas that became best sellers in Hong Kong. It is a good feeling to know that people trust Sa Sa's selection," Kwok said. As Chief Executive of Sa Sa International, King will play a large role in expanding the company's regional position. Plans to move into e-business are currently being developed, which, according to King, will complement Sa Sa's retail stores. He explained, "We believe in the click-and-mortar approach, meaning that the physical store and Internet work hand in hand. Sa Sa has the advantage of being a well- established brand name in Asia so we won't have to invest enormous sums in brand promotion," Exciting as it may be, Sa Sa's online store will not be launched for a while yet. "We want to have a world-class concept out there, a site that people will repeatedly visit. We're looking at the issues of content, advisory services and product range. Sa Sa will be a regional site and available in multiple languages. There is no rush," King said. When asked what the Sa Sa of the future will be, King replied "The Sa Sa message will extend to lifestyle products and services. We intend to introduce Sa Sa fitness and skin treatment centers as well health food.? As for Sa Sa's eventual global exposure, Kwok commented, "There is no reason why Sa Sa can't be a global name. Everyone is interested in quality products and services at attractive prices. And that is exactly what Sa Sa offers."
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Hong Kong's tourism ambassador Jackie Chan with WER journalists Antonia Maynigo and Jennifer Doig.