Watsons has become a very familiar name to many Filipinos who know that they can get quality but affordable products ranging from generic medicines to health, beauty and personal care items, even down to hair accessories.
Unknown to many, the Hong Kong based A.S. Watson Group has been conducting social responsibility programs as early as the 1800s, providing free medicine to needy people in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. In fact, Watsons started one of the first medical scholarships in Hong Kong, with no less than the revered Dr. Sun Yat Sen as one of the beneficiaries when he went to the then-Crown Colony to study medicine.
Named after Dr. Alexander Skirving Watson (who joined the company as manager in 1858), the company had its beginnings in 1841 when Hong Kong was just a fishing village. Over time, the company began to gain prominence, growing from a small local dispensary to one of the largest international health and beauty retailers in Asia and Europe. Today, it operates over 4,000 stores and more than 1,000 pharmacies in 12 Asian and European markets.
Now on its 175th year, Watson continues the tradition it started all those years ago with various CSR activities across the globe, focusing on health, education, and care for the community. Among these CSR projects is the LOL Philanthropy Programme whose mission is to spread “Lots of Love, Lots of Laughs” to the people of Hong Kong, sharing more warmth and laughter by lifting up the lives and spirit of everyone in the community.
In the Philippines, Watsons also launched the “AnniverSAYA, 175 Healthy, Happy Families” medical mission recently at SM City Sta. Mesa as part of the worldwide celebration of Watsons for its 175th anniversary. During the activity, 175 families received free medical and dental consultations and services that included tooth extraction, OB consultation and screenings for blood glucose, anemia, UTI, bone, cholesterol plus blood pressure checkup.
“With a history dating back to 1841, the A.S. Watson Group (has become) one of the longest standing and most established companies in Hong Kong,” says the A.S. Watson Group, expressing pride at having witnessed the growth of the city from a fishing village to a global hub of international trade.
“We are proud to have taken a Hong Kong-based company to a leading position in the world retail landscape,” the Watson management adds. “Looking ahead, we strive to continue our expansion in Hong Kong and overseas, as well as to deliver our promise of providing quality products and shopping experiences to customers.”