Fortnum & Mason launches first overseas store in HK

Fortnum & Mason Plc, the London retailer known for its Christmas gift hampers and royal warrant to supply groceries to the queen, is opening its first overseas store later this year in Hong Kong.

The 312-year-old brand will sell tea, biscuits and other British goods from a 7,000-square-foot store at Victoria Dockside, a new USD2.6 billion waterfront development, according to a statement. While rival department stores in North America, Asia and Russia stock Fortnum products, this will be the chain’s first stand-alone store outside the U.K. It follows the company’s most recent opening in London last year as it continues to expand its brick-and- mortar presence.

“We have seen significant appetite for the Fortnum’s brand and products in the region, with impressive year- on-year sales growth,” Chairman Kate Hobhouse said in a statement. “Our latest expansion in Asia is an important next step for us, as we extend our reach further across the world.”

The concept store will also feature a Fortnum restaurant overlooking Hong Kong’s harbor, where they’ll serve English afternoon tea. The venture will create around 90 new jobs in the city, according to the statement. Bloomberg

Categories Business