Snack chain Aji Ichiban closes all Hong Kong stores
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Hong Kong snack food franchise Aji Ichiban has closed all of its stores in the territory after suffering significant losses as Covid-19 caused a slump in overseas visitors, The Standard reports.
The company’s website and phone numbers were reported not to be working since Monday, which is presumed to have been the chain’s last trading day. A spokesperson told The Standard the company might resume its operations in future if circumstances change.
Despite its Japanese name, the snack food chain was established in Hong Kong by Lai Chan Yuk Hing and Lai Hin Tai. The brand opened more than 90 stores in Hong Kong and expanded its business internationally with more than 150 franchised shops, including in the US, the Philippines and Canada. However, most of its international stores have been closed since 2013.
Aji Ichiban is known among tourists for its wide selection of dried snacks, such as beef jerky, dried apricots, Skittles, chocolates, nonpareils, spicy dried fish, plum tablets, nuts, chilli olives, fried and shredded squid.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason given for Aji Ichiban closing all its stores in Hong Kong?
What is the primary reason given for Aji Ichiban closing all its stores in Hong Kong?
The company reportedly closed its Hong Kong stores due to significant losses. This downturn was attributed to a slump in overseas visitors, which was caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting their sales.
Q.Were all Aji Ichiban's international stores still operating before the recent closures in Hong Kong?
Were all Aji Ichiban's international stores still operating before the recent closures in Hong Kong?
No, most of Aji Ichiban's international stores had already closed down prior to the recent events in Hong Kong. These closures for the franchised shops, which included locations in the US, the Philippines, and Canada, occurred since 2013.
Q.Who founded Aji Ichiban, and where was the snack food chain established?
Who founded Aji Ichiban, and where was the snack food chain established?
Aji Ichiban was established in Hong Kong by its founders, Lai Chan Yuk Hing and Lai Hin Tai. Despite its Japanese name, the snack food chain originated and developed its business within Hong Kong.
Q.Could Aji Ichiban potentially reopen its stores in the future?
Could Aji Ichiban potentially reopen its stores in the future?
Yes, a company spokesperson indicated that Aji Ichiban might resume its operations at a later date. This would depend on whether circumstances change to create a more favourable environment for the business.
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