Foot Locker launches a comeback in Hong Kong, kicking off with free haircuts and X-box gaming zone
In light of market slowdowns in Europe and the US, the American sports retailer is expanding its athletic-goods empire into Hong Kong for the second time, alongside other booming Asian markets like Singapore and Malaysia
Foot Locker wants a rematch in Hong Kong. After pulling out two decades ago, the American retailer – known for its sales staff in black-and-white referee shirts – is back in the game amid a boom in the city’s US$2 billion sports shoe and athletic clothing market. It coincides with launches in Singapore and Malaysia, at a time of slowdowns in Europe and the US.
“Consumers want experiences. They want cool product with connected stories and they want it all fast,” said Lewis P. Kimble, executive vice-president and CEO-International of Foot Locker. “The global youth consumer craves the experience of touching, trying, and sharing our products in person.”
True to that goal, the flagship store in a razzle-dazzle “light cells” building in Tsim Sha Tsui recently opened with a bang: Free haircuts were delivered in old-style barbershop chairs. Xbox One X gaming consoles – the world’s most powerful – were available for play. A specially commissioned mural by local street artist Bao Ho greeted sneakerheads, as did local DJ “Miss Yellow” and Chinese rapper Bohan Phoenix.
Oh, and they were selling sneakers and sportswear, too.
That includes the widest selection of Nike Air Max Plus (TN’s) available in the market, Foot Locker says, as well as exclusive Fila styles to try to create a buzz for the store.
But could there already be too many players on this field?
