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Tag: Harbour City

  • Harbour City expansion to be dining precinct

    Harbour City expansion to be dining precinct

    Harbour City, Hong Kong’s biggest shopping mall, is expanding to provide dining options, decks for viewing the harbour and a permanent home for customs and immigration services for cruise passengers.

    Work on the five-storey extension to the western end of Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui is expected to be finished by the end of the year, with each floor featuring a free observation deck offering 270-degree panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

    The Harbour City expansion will add 100,000 sqft (9300 sqm) of space to Harbour City, part of Ocean Terminal, which already has around 2 million sqft of floor space and 450 shops.

    There will be no shops in the extension, however, which will be devoted to restaurants and other dining outlets.

    At the moment, a temporary customs hall comes into play whenever a ship docks at the 51-year-old retail hub.

    “There will also be a proper loading area for cruises,” says an Ocean Terminal spokeswoman.

    Next to the Star Ferry’s Tsim Sha Tsui pier, Ocean Terminal opened in March 1966 as the world’s first marine pier integrated with a shopping centre, and Asia’s first US-style shopping mall.

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  • Hong Kong shines for Sandro Asia

    Hong Kong shines for Sandro Asia

    Paris-based affordable luxury fashion chain Sandro Asia, along with sister brand Maje and Claudie Pierlot, recorded 51 per cent year-on-year growth in Asia Pacific in the first six months of the year.

    Sandro opened its largest Asia flagship store in the heart of Causeway Bay in August, and plans to double the size of its year-old store in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Harbour City.

    This store quickly became the most lucrative of Sandro’s 410 retail outlets worldwide in terms of sales per square metre. In contrast, total tenant sales at Harbour City fell 14.7 per cent to HK$13.3 billion (US$1.7 billion) in the first half, according to financial filings by its parent company Wharf Holdings.

    Sandro now has eight outlets in Hong Kong, and plans to add another two or three more by the end of next year.

    Branding its products as “accessible luxuries”, Sandro’s CEO Jean-Philippe Hecquet says the segment became “very powerful” when people started to look inside their wallets.

    Hecquet, who previously worked for luxury group LVMH, says upper-middle-class consumers still want to enjoy their life even with less money. “They still want to buy luxury products, for sure.”

    Sandro’s launched in Hong Kong in 2012, and Hecquet admits it may have missed the “golden age” when mainland shoppers would queue up outside Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton outlets. But he says that while business is slowing for the traditional luxury brands, “we still see very decent traffic”.

    He believes the emerging young upper-middle class in Asia will be the future powerhouse for luxury goods, and the right time to expand is now. Hong Kong’s retail downturn has freed up more prime retail space and rents are going down. “We have been waiting for a long time to be able to open a flagship,” says Hecquet.

    He says the average age of Sandro’s customers in Hong Kong is between 25 and 30 years, and mainland visitors contribute to a significant portion of sales.

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  • Fresh look for Prada Hong Kong

    Fresh look for Prada Hong Kong

    Fashion brand Prada Hong Kong will renovate and expand its store on Canton Rd.

    Covering more than 1300 sqm over two storeys, the store has a secondary internal access from Harbour City.

    Its facade pays homage to Franco-Venezuelan kinetic artist Carlos Cruz-Diez with a geometric pattern. The Harbour City frontage, in black marble, has display windows and offers view of the store interior.

    prada inside

    The Canton Rd entrance introduces a room defined by signature elements of the brand, such as the black-and-white checkerboard floor and walls of light green encaustic and marble.

    Glass display cases with bottoms in green marble alternate with shelving systems. The beamed ceiling is a contemporary interpretation, in Prada green, of the typical ceilings of historic Italian buildings. Throughout the store, new materials are paired with 1950s design. Seating elements of different forms and colours create intimate salons, arranged with low tables. Classic materials like velvet are juxtaposed with modern materials like acrylic glass and marble.

    On the ground floor, the footwear area has carpet with velvet-covered walls, with exclusive green velvet chairs by Osvaldo Borsani.

    A special display niche inside the store’s mall entrance features black marble and a video screen. Spaces in green encaustic and black marble dedicated to leather and women’s accessories alternate with salons in red and green velvet with geometrically patterned carpets.

    In the clothing area, the beamed ceiling is covered in velvet to match the walls as a counterpoint to a video wall. Green velvet Borsani chairs, acrylic glass furnishings and the polished steel racks complete the decor.

    Sheathed in green marble, the stairway leading to the basement floor has as a background a steel and glass display case. The basement is dedicated to the men’s collections, with a special selection of clothing and footwear for women. A black-and-white marble floor, a beamed ceiling and green encaustic walls are the predominant elements.

    The men’s area is distinguished by tall furnishings in black iron and glass, blue ostrich skin chairs and carpet in aviator blue and grey with geometric patterns.

    A special room dedicated to clothing features a dark wood floor of narrow boards, walls covered in aviator-blue velvet and chairs in grey velvet with wooden arms.

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  • Harbour City books HK$5.94b retail revenue

    Harbour City books HK$5.94b retail revenue

    Revenue at Tsim Sha Tsui’s popular luxury shopping mall, Harbour City, (excluding hotels) increased by 6 percent to HK$8.56 billion, Wharf Holdings (0004) reported today.

    Operating profit grew by 6 percent to HK$7.48 billion. Retail revenue increased by 5 percent to HK$5.94 billion.
    The occupancy rate was nearly 100 percent, the company reported today.

    New openings or commitments including Miu Miu (Canton Road), Philipp Plein, J. Crew, Pandora, Sulwhasoo and Rado further improved the tenant mix, the company said. The introduction of various Hong Kong and Kowloon debuts across distinct categories including Maison Margiela, Issey Miyake, Christian Louboutin Men and Tea WG Boutique continued to raise the retail and culinary experience, Wharf said.

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  • Chengdu IFS challenge to Hong Kong

    Chengdu IFS challenge to Hong Kong

    To mark its second anniversary, Chengdu IFS has launched the “All In Here – World Fashion Tour” to introduce the south-west China city’s latest initiative to be part of the global fashion scene – and a direct challenge to Hong Kong’s Harbour City on Canton Rd.

    A key event of the Jinjiang Shopping Festival, the tour was organised by the Chengdu municipal government and Jinjiang district government in a move toward transforming the city into an international travel and shopping destination. It has been supported by trade representatives from France, Italy and Switzerland as well as Elle magazine.

    Chengdu IFS opened in 2014, and with its architecture, brand collections and international-standard management has become a landmark in the city. As the first major world-class, high-end mixed development in urban Chengdu, it brings together about 300 top brands, 90 of which are new to the region. Multi-level flagship stores featuring international brands line Hongxing Road as part of the 530 metre. ‘International Fashion Walk’”.

    Chengdu’s city fathers announced an action plan in July to build Chengdu into an international shoppers’ paradise as a key element of its development as a new first-tier city. Officiating at the launch ceremony of the “All In Here – World Fashion Tour” were Chengu Business Committee deputy-director Wen Feng, Jinjiang district deputy-head Wu Wenhui, Wharf Holdings vice-chairman Doreen Lee Yuk Fong and Wharf China Estates GM Christina Hau.

    Speakers also included Italy’s consul-general Sergio Maffettone, France’s consul-general Olivier Vaysset, Milan’s general director of creative programs Alessandro Pollio Salimbeni, Swiss Chinese Chamber of Commerce GM Rolf Studer, and Elle China publisher Chris Hu.

    Taking on a carnival atmosphere, the opening brought together art, fashion, tradition and style with performances including a mid-air fashion show, a parade of orchestral musicians and a VIP gala dinner at the Niccolo by Marco Polo. Guests at the dinner were surprised when Hong Kong artiste Carina Lau wore her own Anirac creations to present the brand’s first-ever catwalk show.

    Since its “I Am Here” promotion in 2014, Chengdu IFS has increased its turnover and traffic flow by 50 per cent. The number of VIP members doubles last year, with sales up 50 per cent. As the first of five IFS projects in which Wharf Holdings has invested RMB 46 billion (US$6.9 billion), Chengdu IFS has set a solid foundation for the development of Chongqing IFS, scheduled to open next year as a boutique version of Harbour City, and also Changsha IFS, which will be the largest of the group.

    Featuring panda sculptures as an external feature, Chengdu IFS has become a benchmark for urban fashion as well as a favourite spot for young people to meet.

  • Monica Vinader Hong Kong opens at Harbour City and Sogo

    Monica Vinader Hong Kong opens at Harbour City and Sogo

     

    A year since the opening of its first store at IFC Mall, jeweller Monica Vinader has opened a second store at Harbour City in Kowloon and a counter at the prestigious department store Sogo.

    Monica Vinader Hong Kong

    “I am honoured that the brand has been so well received in Hong Kong, which is such a sophisticated, international city,” said Monica Vinader, CEO & founder of the brand.

    The new Monica Vinader Hong Kong store’s interior features custom fixtures and fittings that create a vibrant and welcoming luxury shopping environment.

    Monica Vinader Hong Kong 1

    It offers all the Monica Vinader collections, from the recognisable Friendship bracelets, to bespoke cut gemstone jewellery and contemporary diamond collections.

    The retailer’s complimentary, same-day engraving service, offered in Monica Vinader stores around the world, will also be available from the Harbour City boutique. Customers will be able to engrave personal messages, motifs or hand-drawn doodles onto bracelets and pendants to make them truly unique.

    The store is located on Level 3 of Ocean Terminal and trades from 10am to 10pm.

    Monica Vinader Hong Kong 2

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  • Issey Miyake opens in Hong Kong

    Issey Miyake opens in Hong Kong

    Japanese luxury fashion designer Issey Miyake has opened its first store in Hong Kong.

    The Issey Miyake Hong Kong boutique is located on level 1 of the Ocean Centre at Harbour City on Canton Rd in Tsim Sha Tsui.

    Bao Bao Issey Miyake - Habour city 1

    Womenswear, menswear accessories, shoes – and, of course, the brand’s famous fragrances – are all on sale in the boutique which also offers shoppers a unique outlook across the harbour.

    The brand is known for it minimalist designs and the new Hong Kong boutique captures that philosophy in its design with merchandise displayed in a gallery like setting and simple black and white LED signage at the front.

    BaoBao Issey Miyake - Habour city

     

    Issey Miyake was born in Hiroshima and studied graphic design in Tokyo before working in Paris and New York. He returned to Tokyo in 1970 and founded the Miyake Design Studio to produce high-end women’s fashion.

    Over the years he has developed spin-off brands and expanded into fragrances in 1992.

    His flagship store is in Osaka.

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  • Bottega Veneta reopens Hong Kong flagship

    Bottega Veneta reopens Hong Kong flagship

    Luxury fashion brand Bottega Veneta has reopened its expanded boutique in Kowloon.

    Bottega Veneta Harbour City originally opened in 2002. This month the store completed a significant refurbishment and expansion.

    Botega Veneta Hong Kong 3

     

    The new fit out features custom made New Zealand wool carpets, walnut display tables, mohair, and leather-wrapped door handles to helping create a sophisticated, yet relaxing dwelling and shopping environment.

    Bottega Veneta Hong Kong

    Bottega Veneta has nine boutiques in the territory, where it made its debut in 2001.

    The brand creates and sells ready-to-wear clothing and accessories.

    Botega Veneta Hong Kong 2

     

    Bottega Veneta was founded in Italy in 1996 and is now part of the Gucci Group, now owned by French-based multinational luxury brand house Kering.

    Bottega Veneta Hong Kong1

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  • Harbour City mall boosts market share

    Harbour City mall boosts market share

    Retail sales Hong Kong fell 0.2 per cent in 2014 – but Harbour City mall bucked the trend with an increase in footfall, sales and market share.

    In its annual profit announcement, parent The Wharf Holdings said total sales in the centre grew by 3.4 per cent to set another record of HK$35 billion. Market share improved further to 7.1 per cent, “manifesting its productivity and leading position in the marketplace”.

    Revenue to Harbour City from retail increased by 16 per cent to HK$5.674 billion.

    The Wharf described Hong Kong’s retail market last year as “challenging,” primarily due to mainland China’s anti-extravagance campaign that dented luxury spending and competition from Europe, Korea and Japan as their currencies continued to weaken relative to Hong Kong Dollar and Renminibi. “The ‘Occupy Movement’ towards the end of the year inflicted further damage.”

    The company said good management, size and location are the key success factors contributing to the Harbour City mall’s outperformance in a competitive retail landscape.

    “With 2 million sqft of contiguous mall space, Harbour City is among the world’s leading shopping destinations. It is the core of the “Greater Harbour City” cluster with 6 million sqft spanning vibrant shopping, entertainment, dining and lifestyle in Tsim Sha Tsui’s most dynamic retail area. Its presence strengthens the prominence of the region,” said The Wharf.

    “The coveted Harbour City and its 530 metre contiguous retail frontage along Canton Rd is well positioned as a global retail showcase for celebrated brands and has become the most sought-after location for the best-of-class retailers.”

    Demand from renowned fashion brands for expansion and flagship stores at Harbour City remains intense, the company said. New additions Bvlgari and Valentino and the expansion of Prada took place on on Canton Rd last year. Other expansions inside included Moncler, Celine, Roger Vivier and Jimmy Choo

    New openings or commitments further refined the tenant mix, including Chaumet, Van Cleef & Arpels and Italian fashion brand Armani Collezioni. Michelin star chef’s Italian restaurant La Locanda by Giancarlo Perbellini, French fine dining Dalloyau and Wedgewood’s café opened their debut stores in Hong Kong at Harbour City.

    Jamie (Oliver)’s Italian is also set to open its Kowloon debut. Following the opening of Uniqlo’s largest flagship store in Kowloon in April, Page One’s 37,000 sqft full concept store and Versace’s three-level full concept store were opened in late September and October respectively.

    Meanwhile, Ocean Terminal’s renovation is progressing to plan. Upon completion of the new escalators at KidX and a new atrium as well as creation of three new shops taken up by Mont Blanc, IWC Schaffhausen and Hublot in Golden Mile, new retail and food and beverage attractions on the third floor will be created by mid-2015.

    Designed by Foster & Partners, the extension building plan for OT is pending approval. New culinary options with breathtaking panoramic views of the Hong Kong harbour and skyline will be offered at the extension building.

    The Wharf says a series of trade-mix enhancements as well as the renovation and extension of OT “will further unleash retail value, add growth impetus and bring surprises and excitement to the discerning shoppers”.

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