Tokyo-based premium cosmetic brand Pola has opened its first retail presence in Hong Kong.

The new store is inside the upmarket Harvey Nichols department store in Pacific Place, Admiralty.

The opening marks a significant strategic expansion and a vote of confidence in the long-term profit potential of Hong Kong’s premium cosmetic and skincare market, it says.

“We strongly believe that Hong Kong is the right place to promote our brand image in Asia, especially the Greater China region, and a retail presence in Hong Kong will help us become an international brand,” said MD Toshiyuki Kirihara.

Kirihara said that Pola has been constantly growing its retail presence in department stores in Japan. The company will replicate the business model in Hong Kong by bringing the accumulated know-how and expertise from Japan.

“The location in the Admiralty department store is a nice kick-off, as it fits our brand’s upmarket position. In the long run, we plan to further expand and increase our retail presence in Hong Kong,” adds Kirihara.

Founded in 1929, Pola runs about 600 premium brand stores as well as 34 sales counters in major department stores across Japan. It has acquired international cosmetic brands such as the American brand H2O+ and Australia’s Jurlique in recent years.