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Stone Market Co Ltd, a famous Japanese brand which designs, manufactures and sells gem stones, natural stones and silver accessories, officially opened its first retail outlet in Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong today (April 13). It is the retailer's first outlet outside of Japan.
The President of Stone Market Co Ltd, Mr Nakamura Taijiro, said the company was excited about its expansion in Hong Kong. He said, "We have been very successful with our retail business by using Fukuoka as a base to manage the expansion of outlets across Japan. In the same way, we hope to make use of Hong Kong as a strategic base to roll out our expansion plans in Asia."
Mr Nakamura explained why Hong Kong was an ideal choice for Stone Market. "The economic growth of Hong Kong is remarkable and is catching up with Japan. The consumer market is very robust. As most of our products are unisex accessories catering for all generations, we foresee a huge potential in the local retail market. Moreover, Hong Kong's geographical convenience and our established network here are major reasons for our decision to choose Hong Kong to open our first store outside of Japan."
Mr Nakamura said that the company planned to open two more retail outlets in Hong Kong this year.
Stone Market strives to stay abreast of the latest global fashion trends and has been importing popular merchandise and natural stones through various sources around the world. This strategy enables the company to respond swiftly to the fast-changing needs of today's sophisticated customers.
At present, the company' executives visit Hong Kong frequently, about once every two months, for product procurement. The establishment of an office here could enhance efficiency and regional coordination.
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mark Michelson, paid a courtesy visit to Stone Market's first retail outlet in Hong Kong on its opening day. He welcomed Stone Market's arrival in Hong Kong.
Mr Michelson said, "Hong Kong is a retail capital housing the world's premier brands, as well as medium and small-sized retailers. With its central location and huge market comprising locals and tourists, Hong Kong is an ideal 'display window' for retailers to showcase their products to the world and a great springboard to access the Mainland and international markets. Our department has a dedicated team to assist Japanese and other overseas companies in the retail, consumer and sourcing industry to set up shops or procurement offices here. We hope to continue working closely with Stone Market and look forward to its expansion here and regionally in the years to come."
Established in 1994 in Fukuoka, Japan, Stone Market has now expanded to 70 shops nationwide in Japan under the brand names of "Stone Market", "Stylish Stone", "Jouir de Bijou" and "Three Prezzo". It has also achieved the highest sales record in Japan's silver accessory industry. The company's product line-up covers over 30,000 items, ranging from trend-setting to standard designs. For more information, please visit its website at www.stone-m.com.
Invest Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government department charged with encouraging and facilitating inward investment into the city by providing the support needed to establish a business presence here. For more information, please visit the website at www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Thursday, April 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:31
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