Is Savers part of AS Watson? This has been a question on the minds of many shoppers for quite some time. AS Watson is one of the biggest names in health and beauty retail, owning over 15,700 stores in 25 countries worldwide. Savers, on the other hand, is a discount chain that was founded in the United States in 1988. But how exactly are the two related?
In short, the answer is yes. AS Watson acquired Savers in 2000, thereby making it a subsidiary of the conglomerate. This move was part of AS Watson’s expansion plan to increase their presence in the discount drugstore sector. Savers, which has over 300 stores in the US, Canada, and Australia, brings a new customer base to the table and complements AS Watson’s existing portfolio of brands.
But what does this mean for shoppers? Well, it means that Savers now has access to AS Watson’s resources and retail expertise, which could lead to more competitive pricing and a wider range of products. AS Watson’s extensive network can also help Savers to expand its reach even further, giving shoppers more options when it comes to discount shopping. So, if you’re a fan of Savers, rest assured that you are part of the AS Watson family.
The History of AS Watson
AS Watson is a global retail group that operates in 27 markets worldwide with over 15,700 stores. The company was founded in Hong Kong in 1828 by Alexander Skirving Watson as a small dispensary that supplied ships with medical supplies. In 1887, the company expanded to include a wholesale department that provided medicines to pharmacies across the region.
In 1945, AS Watson was acquired by Li Ka-shing, a Hong Kong businessman who transformed the company into a modern retail giant. Under his leadership, the company diversified its portfolio to include a range of retail businesses, such as supermarkets, health and beauty stores, and luxury department stores.
Key events in AS Watson’s history
- In 1963, AS Watson opened its first Watsons retail store, which has since become the company’s flagship brand.
- In 1980, the company expanded to mainland China, where it opened its first Watsons store in Guangzhou.
- In 1987, AS Watson launched its first health and beauty store chain, Superdrug, in the UK.
Global presence
Today, AS Watson operates a diverse range of retail businesses across the world, including Watsons in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Kruidvat and Trekpleister in the Netherlands, Rossmann in Germany, Superdrug and Savers in the UK, and Watson’s Wine in Hong Kong.
The company’s mission is to bring health, beauty, and convenience to people’s lives, and it does so through a focus on innovation, quality, and customer service.
AS Watson’s brands and subsidiaries
AS Watson’s portfolio includes a wide range of retail brands and subsidiaries, including:
| Watsons | A health and beauty retailer with over 7,800 stores in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. |
| Superdrug | A leading UK health and beauty retailer with over 800 stores, owned by AS Watson since 2002. |
| Kruidvat and Trekpleister | Two popular drugstore chains in the Netherlands, with over 1,000 stores combined. |
| Rossmann | A drugstore chain in Germany with over 4,000 stores, owned by AS Watson since 2019. |
| Savers | A discount health and beauty retailer with over 500 stores in the UK, owned by AS Watson since 2000. |
AS Watson continues to innovate and diversify its business, with a focus on delivering high-quality products and services to customers worldwide.
What is Savers?
Savers is a renowned thrift store chain that offers a wide range of second-hand items, including clothing, accessories, shoes, books, electronics, and home goods. The company was established in 1954 and operates more than 300 stores globally, with over 160 stores based in the United States. Savers prides itself on its unique business model that focuses on promoting a circular economy through the reuse of discarded items.
What Can You Find at Savers?
- Clothing: Savers has a vast selection of clothes for men, women, and children. You can find both designer and vintage clothes at affordable prices.
- Accessories: You can also shop for accessories, including hats, scarves, belts, and costume jewelry.
- Shoes: Savers offers quality shoes for all occasions, from formal to casual, and sports shoes for athletes.
| Items you can find at Savers | Description |
|---|---|
| Books | You can explore an extensive collection of books ranging from cookbooks, romance novels to self-help and educational books. |
| Electronics | You can buy electronic gadgets such as DVD, TVs, gaming consoles, and even vintage radios at Savers. |
| Home goods | Savers offers home goods such as furniture, kitchenware, home décor, and bedding, all at affordable prices. |
Why Shop at Savers?
Savers provides an eco-friendly way to shop by promoting the reuse of items that would otherwise end up in landfills. By purchasing second-hand items, you not only save money, but you also contribute to environmental sustainability. Additionally, Savers gives back to the community by partnering with local non-profit organizations and donating a portion of their sales to them. By shopping at Savers, you are not only doing yourself good but also doing good for both the environment and the community.
AS Watson: A Global Company
AS Watson is a multinational retail and beauty conglomerate with over 15,000 stores worldwide. The company is present in 25 markets, including Asia, Europe, and Russia. It operates under various brand names, including Watsons, Superdrug, Rossmann, Kruidvat, and The Perfume Shop.
- AS Watson was founded in 1841 by Alexander Skirving Watson. It started as a small dispensary in Hong Kong and grew into a global conglomerate over time.
- The company is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison, the multinational conglomerate owned by Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing.
- AS Watson is the world’s largest health and beauty retailer, with a market share of 13%.
The Savers: A Part of AS Watson
Savers is a chain of discount retail stores in the US and UK, offering a range of health and beauty products, household essentials, and groceries. The company was founded in 1988 and has over 350 stores in the US and 400 stores in the UK. Savers became part of AS Watson in 2000, when the company acquired a 75% stake in the business.
Savers operates under various brand names, including Savers, Value Village, and Village des Valeurs, and is known for its low prices and commitment to sustainability. The company supports local communities by partnering with charities and providing employment opportunities.
As part of AS Watson, Savers has access to the company’s global network and resources, allowing it to expand its operations and reach a wider audience. The acquisition also helped AS Watson establish a presence in the US and UK markets, two of the largest retail markets in the world.
| Key facts about Savers |
|---|
| Founded in 1988 |
| Over 350 stores in the US and 400 stores in the UK |
| Part of AS Watson since 2000 |
| Focuses on offering discount health and beauty products, household essentials, and groceries |
Overall, AS Watson’s global presence and resources, combined with Savers’ commitment to low prices and sustainability, make the company a formidable player in the global retail market.
Savers Business Model
Savers is one of the largest thrift store chains in the United States, offering affordable second-hand goods. The company’s business model is straightforward: It collects donated items and sells them in its stores at a discount price. This model allows the company to offer a unique shopping experience where customers can find one-of-a-kind items at a fraction of the cost of new products.
- Donation-based: One of the key elements of the Savers business model is its focus on donations. The company operates on a donation-based system where individuals and organizations donate gently-used clothes, accessories, and household items, which are then sorted and sold in one of the company’s stores.
- Sales and Marketing: Savers’ marketing strategy focuses on the high-quality products that customers can find in-store and their contribution to the environment. Savers aims to appeal to the conscious consumer who seeks sustainability and ethical purchasing.
- Low Overhead Costs: A significant advantage of the Savers business model is its ability to keep overhead costs low. The company avoids the expense of manufacturing or buying new products, stocking inventory, and maintaining large retail spaces. The result is a lower cost of operation and allowing a lower price point for customers.
Besides, from the typical thrift store experience, Savers’ business model includes a unique component benefiting non-profit organizations. The company partners with local charities, receiving a share of the profit from donated items, with the goal of keeping usable items out of landfills, supporting the local economy, and creating job opportunities. The result of these partnerships is more donations and more revenue for non-profit organizations.
The table below provides a summary of Savers’ business model advantages and challenges:
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Low overhead costs | Donation management |
| Environmental sustainability | Inconsistent product quality |
| Charity partnership | Competition from online marketplaces |
Overall, the Savers business model thrives due to its focus on donations, low overhead costs, and partnerships with non-profit organizations. This allows the thrift store chain to offer affordable and unique products while promoting environmental sustainability and contributing to the local economy.
AS Watson Acquisitions
AS Watson is a global retail brand with a presence in over 25 markets worldwide. Founded in Hong Kong in 1841, the company has since expanded through various acquisitions across different industries. One of its most notable acquisitions is the purchase of Savers in 2000, a discount retailer in the UK.
- The Savers Acquisition – AS Watson purchased Savers in 2000, adding 200 stores in the UK to its retail portfolio. Savers specializes in health and beauty products, household goods, and toiletries, making it a complementary addition to AS Watson’s existing retail offerings in the UK.
- Other Acquisitions – AS Watson has made several other acquisitions in the health and beauty industry, including Marionnaud, a perfumery chain in France, and Kruidvat, a health and beauty retailer in the Netherlands.
- Expansion into Asia – In recent years, AS Watson has expanded its retail presence into Asia, acquiring Watsons Malaysia, Watsons Singapore, and Watsons Indonesia. These acquisitions have allowed the company to tap into new markets and broaden its customer base.
AS Watson’s acquisitions have played a pivotal role in its growth and expansion into different markets. Its ability to identify strategic acquisitions and integrate them seamlessly into its existing operations has allowed the company to cement its position as a global leader in the retail industry.
| Acquisition | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Savers | 2000 | United Kingdom |
| Marionnaud | 2005 | France |
| Kruidvat | 2002 | Netherlands |
| Watsons Malaysia | 2009 | Malaysia |
| Watsons Singapore | 2010 | Singapore |
| Watsons Indonesia | 2011 | Indonesia |
AS Watson’s acquisitions have enabled the company to develop a diverse retail portfolio, expand its customer base, and strengthen its position as a leading retailer in the global market.
Savers as a Thrift Store Chain
Savers is a thrift store chain that has been around for over 60 years and has over 300 locations across the United States, Canada, and Australia. With a unique business model, Savers has managed to establish itself as a leading thrift store chain in the world.
- Founded in 1954 by William O. Ellison and Harold M. Everett, Savers has evolved into a large second-hand goods chain with a focus on recycling and reusing items.
- Savers’ business model involves purchasing donated items from non-profit organizations and then selling them in their stores. This approach not only provides an opportunity for people to save money on purchases but also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
- In addition to providing affordable items for customers, Savers also supports local communities by partnering with non-profit organizations, donating unsold items, and sponsoring initiatives focused on environmental sustainability.
Savers stores are known for their organized and clean displays, making it easy for customers to browse and find what they need. The stores offer a wide variety of items, including clothing, shoes, housewares, electronics, and furniture. Because the inventory is continually changing, customers are encouraged to visit the store regularly to find new deals and unique items.
One of the unique features of Savers is the store’s membership program called the Super Savers Club. This program provides members with exclusive discounts, advance notice of promotions, and other perks. Becoming a member is free, and customers can sign up at any Savers store.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers a wide variety of items | Inventory can be hit or miss |
| Provides affordable items for customers | Some stores can be disorganized |
| Focuses on sustainability and community involvement | Not all items are in great condition |
Overall, Savers is an excellent thrift store chain for those looking for affordable items and a commitment to sustainability. With its unique business model and strong community involvement, it’s no wonder that Savers has become one of the leading thrift store chains in the world.
The Future of AS Watson and Savers
AS Watson is a global health and beauty retailer with more than 15,000 stores in 25 markets and over 140,000 employees worldwide. It is a subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, a multinational conglomerate with interests in ports, telecoms, and retail. Savers is a discount retailer with over 400 stores in the United States, offering a wide selection of health and beauty products, household items, and clothing at lower prices compared to other retailers.
Is Savers Part of AS Watson?
- Savers is part of AS Watson’s global portfolio of retail brands, which includes Superdrug, Rossmann, and Watsons. In 2018, AS Watson acquired a majority stake in Savers, which allowed the company to expand its presence in the discount retail sector in the United States.
- The acquisition of Savers added more than 400 stores to AS Watson’s retail network, giving the company a significant foothold in the US market. Savers has a loyal customer base who appreciate the company’s value proposition, and AS Watson saw an opportunity to leverage this to drive growth for the brand.
- Savers operates independently within the AS Watson Group, with its own management team and strategic direction. However, AS Watson provides support to the brand in areas such as supply chain management, marketing, and digital transformation.
The Future of AS Watson and Savers
AS Watson and Savers are both well-positioned for growth in the coming years, thanks to their strong retail brands, loyal customer base, and continued investment in technology and innovation.
AS Watson has been investing heavily in digital transformation, with a focus on enhancing the customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and unlocking new growth opportunities. The company has launched several new initiatives, including the creation of a new global digital team, the launch of a new AI-powered chatbot to engage with customers, and the establishment of a new innovation lab to drive experimentation and innovation.
Similarly, Savers has been investing in technology and innovation to improve its operations and customer experience. The company has launched a new mobile app to allow customers to browse products and access deals, and has invested in new POS systems to improve checkout and inventory management.
The Role of Technology in the Future of AS Watson and Savers
Technology will continue to play a critical role in the future of AS Watson and Savers, helping to improve customer engagement, drive operational efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities. Some of the key areas where technology is likely to have an impact include:
| Area | Potential impact of technology |
|---|---|
| Customer experience | Chatbots and other AI-powered tools can help to provide personalized recommendations and improve customer service |
| Supply chain management | Advanced analytics and data visualization tools can help to optimize inventory management and reduce costs |
| Marketing and promotion | Technology can help to target customers with personalized promotions and offers, and track the effectiveness of marketing campaigns |
| Augmented reality | AS Watson has been experimenting with augmented reality technologies to provide immersive shopping experiences, and this is likely to become more common in the future |
Overall, the future looks bright for AS Watson and Savers, with both companies well-positioned to capitalize on emerging trends and drive growth in the global retail sector.
Is Savers Part of AS Watson: FAQs
1. What is AS Watson?
AS Watson is a global retail company headquartered in Hong Kong. It operates over 17,000 stores in 27 markets worldwide and is the world’s largest health and beauty retailer.
2. Is Savers part of AS Watson?
Yes, Savers is part of AS Watson. In 2000, AS Watson acquired a controlling stake in Savers, which was then a privately held company in the US.
3. What is Savers?
Savers is a thrift store chain that sells second-hand clothing, household items, and furniture. It has over 300 stores in the US, Canada, and Australia and is known for its commitment to sustainability and reducing waste.
4. Does Savers have any other retail brands?
Yes, Savers also operates the Value Village and Village des Valeurs thrift store brands in Canada.
5. How is Savers different from other thrift stores?
Savers prides itself on its high-quality merchandise and customer service. Unlike other thrift stores, Savers sorts, prices, and merchandises all of its items in-house to ensure consistency and quality.
6. Does AS Watson have any other retail brands?
Yes, AS Watson has several other retail brands, including Watsons, Superdrug, and Kruidvat.
7. Can I find Savers stores outside of North America?
Currently, all Savers stores are located in North America – the US, Canada, and Australia.
Closing Paragraph
Thank you for taking the time to read about whether Savers is part of AS Watson. With over 17,000 stores worldwide and a commitment to providing quality products and customer service, AS Watson is a major player in the retail industry. And with its dedication to sustainability and reducing waste, Savers is not your typical thrift store. We hope you found this article informative and please visit our site again for more retail news and updates.