Chicago-based snackfood concept Garrett Popcorn is planning further stores inHong Kong after the success of their first outlet, which opened in Central’s IFC Mall four years ago.
A second store opened in Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong before Christmas – and now more stores will follow, the owners have told Hong Kong Means Business.
“We chose Asia as a global retail destination for Garrett because the retail trade has fantastic energy, which is synonymous with how we view our brand. The emotional connection was profound,” said Lance Chody, Garrett’s chairman.
After first dipping its toes into Asia in Singapore and Malaysia in 2010, the company began looking for opportunities elsewhere in the region.
“Hong Kong became an easy choice as we followed our brand recognition/awareness indicators,” said Chody. “The Hong Kong consumer was very educated and aware of our unique concept, and as inquiries and questions persisted about our entry into Hong Kong, we made the strategic decision to move forward.”
After looking at many key locations in Hong Kong, IFC mall was chosen from “a handful of good opportunities,” based on brand positioning, footfall and target audience, Chody said.
For its latest location, Festival Walk’s desirable tenant mix, coupled with a shopper demographic that resonated with the brand, were strong attributes for the second Hong Kong outlet.
From the outset, Garrett adopted Hong Kong as a favoured city “and the consumers have embraced our brand,” Chody continued. “The business results achieved have been very good, (and) our success tells us that the Garrett concept has been embraced and very well received.”
A Chicago tradition since 1949, Garrett now has more than 22 stores, investing significant capital in each retail location.
“Our ROI (return on investment) in Hong Kong has been excellent and our sales continue to be strong, outpacing initial estimates.”

Selling in Asia is not necessarily different to selling in the US, but there are certain cultural differences, such as the Asian gifting tradition.
The challenge, he said, is to remain a fun brand.
“We have also enjoyed the challenge of using our core products as a base flavour to develop other regional tastes, like sesame CaramelCrisp. The joy and pleasure we have brought to Asia is a wonderful upside.”
The company’s goal is to deliver the Garrett experience to as many consumers as possible.
“Ultimate brand success follows when we maintain focus to this mission of delivering hand-crafted happiness to as many as possible.”
The brand’s Hong Kong expansion will continue to be “thoughtful and measured,” Chody promised.
“Garrett has been exploring opportunities in China and will continue to look for the perfect fit for our flagship mainland China shop. I have personally visited several cities in mainland China and believe Garrett will achieve great success. Many mall owners know the Garrett brand and the Garrett experience and are desirous of having Garrett Popcorn Shops as a tenant.”
In Greater China, Hong Kong was a natural place to launch because of its business-friendly environment and diverse shopping community, he said.
“This includes ease of communication, a free port for our imported goods, a diverse population, great transportation infrastructure and easily adaptable business regulations. Finally, Hong Kong is a financial centre that is accessible worldwide with direct flights.
“I am humbled by Garrett’s reception in Asia and we are determined to deliver on our company mission of experiential satisfaction for both our current and new consumers. We will continue to build on our solid foundation in Asia and are very appreciative to our loyal fans, both retail and B2B.”