• Brand Name: Watsons
• Industry: Health & Beauty Retail
• Founded: 1828 (modern retail operations developed from the early 19th century)
• Headquarters: Hong Kong
• Parent Company: AS Watson Group
• Business Type: Retail pharmacy and health & beauty chain
• Markets Served: 16 countries across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
• Stores: More than 8,000 Watsons stores and over 1,500 pharmacies worldwide (brand level)2

Watsons traces its origins to 1828, when it commenced operations as a pharmacy business in Canton (Guangzhou), China. In 1841, the business expanded into Hong Kong, establishing a reputation for supplying Western medicines and healthcare products.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the company diversified its offerings beyond pharmaceuticals to include personal care items, cosmetics, and household essentials. Over time, Watsons evolved from a traditional dispensary into a comprehensive health and beauty retailer.

Today, Watsons serves as the flagship retail brand of AS Watson Group, which has expanded globally through new store openings, strategic acquisitions, and digital commerce initiatives.3

AS Watson Group ranks among the world’s largest international health and beauty retailers. The group operates more than 17,000 stores under multiple retail brands across 31 markets, employing over 130,000 people globally. In addition to Watsons, its portfolio includes prominent chains such as Superdrug, Savers, Rossmann (through partnerships), and various other regional retail brands.4

Watsons offers products across several major categories:

• Prescription medicines (where available)
• Over-the-counter medications
• Vitamins and dietary supplements
• Skincare
• Makeup and cosmetics
• Hair care
• Personal hygiene
• Baby care
• Oral care
• Fragrances
• Men’s grooming
• Medical devices
• Healthy snacks and wellness products

Many outlets feature licensed pharmacies staffed by pharmacists who provide medication advice and basic healthcare consultations.5

Watsons integrates physical retail with digital shopping through its Offline plus Online (O+O) strategy. This approach enables customers to:

• Shop in-store
• Purchase online via the website or mobile app
• Order for home delivery
• Use click-and-collect services in selected markets
• Join loyalty and membership programmes for rewards and promotions

This integrated model allows customers to enjoy seamless in-person and digital shopping experiences.6

Watsons operates in numerous markets, including:

• Hong Kong
• Mainland China
• Philippines
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Taiwan
• Macau
• Vietnam
• Turkey
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Japan (selected operations)7

Watsons in the Philippines

Watsons entered the Philippine market in 2002 through a partnership between AS Watson Group and SM Group. The first stores opened at SM Megamall and The Podium in Metro Manila.

Since then, Watsons Philippines has expanded rapidly and now operates more than 1,165 stores nationwide (as of January 2025), making it one of the country’s largest health and beauty retail chains. The company offers pharmacy services, health products, beauty brands, and exclusive Watsons private-label products through both physical stores and its online platform.8

In addition to international and local brands, Watsons retails its own private-label products, including:

• Facial skincare
• Body care
• Vitamins
• Cotton products
• First aid supplies
• Beauty accessories
• Personal hygiene products

These products are positioned as quality alternatives at competitive price points.

Watsons promotes sustainability through initiatives focused on:

• Reducing plastic waste
• Sustainable product sourcing
• Responsible packaging
• Energy efficiency
• Community health programmes
• Customer recycling initiatives

Its brand philosophy, “Look Good, Do Good, Feel Great,” reflects an emphasis on personal wellness alongside environmental and social responsibility.

Watsons positions itself as a one-stop destination for health, wellness, and beauty. The company emphasises:

• Trusted pharmacy services
• Wide product assortment
• Affordable pricing
• Customer loyalty rewards
• Digital convenience
• Professional health and beauty advice

According to company information, Watsons is recognised as the No. 1 health and beauty retailer in Asia, based on its retail footprint and brand presence across the region.9

1. Watsons
2. Who We Are – Watson’s Personal Care Store Pte Ltd
3. Superdrug owner shrugs off volatility to press ahead with $30bn dual listing
4. Health and Beauty Online Shop | Watsons Philippines
5. Careers at Watsons
6. We Are Watsons | Watsons Philippines
7. Watsons Brand | Watsons Philippines
8. Watsons Asia – No.1 Health & Beauty Retailer in Asia
9. Watsons Brand | Watsons Philippines