WHSmith ventures into Hong Kong with new franchise

UK bookchain WH Smith is to open stores in Hong Kong after securing a franchise agreement with King Power Group (Hong Kong). The WH Smith Hong Kong outlets will open in travel retail locations such as railway stations – there is no mention in the announcement of the airport.

“We are currently present in six countries in the region: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, India and China, with excellent business partners and we are delighted to welcome King Power Group as a new franchise partner,” WH Smith chairman Louis de Bourgoing said.

“We very much look forward to working together to grow our presence across Asia and bring the WH Smith offer to travelling customers in Hong Kong.”

King Power Group operates more than 1000 stores in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, North America and India. King Power Group travel retail MD Sunil Tuli described WH Smith as “an esteemed and leading news, books and convenience brand and operator globally.”

“We have seen their international travel retail businesses grow over the past years and we trust that our collaboration will see good successes in Hong Kong.”

WH Smith’s travel retail stores combine its core books and stationery offer, with convenience foods and travel accessories.