China’s policy of one trip a week for mainlanders plus the strength of the Hong Kong dollar against a weaker yen have gouged sales for cosmetics retailer Sa Sa International.

Both its retail and wholesale turnover dropped 14.2 per cent for the third quarter (October 1 to December 31), the company has announced. Turnover declined by 15.8 per cent in the Hong Kong and Macau markets, where same-store sales dropped 12.2 per cent.

Overall, transactions were 7 per cent weaker, average sales per transaction fell 9.1 per cent and there was a 12.1 per cent dip in same-store sales. The group’s total turnover in other markets, including Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and online, dropped 6.7 per cent.

Chairman/CEO Dr Simon Kwok says the impact of the “one-trip-per-week” policy had gradually gained momentum, leading to a notable year-on-year decline in the number of same-day visitor arrivals.

“We expect the negative trend will continue to influence the local retail market.”

In response, he says the group will optimise its product offering and enhance the shopping experience for its customers.

Back in October, Sa Sa International Holdings already warned that its net profit for the six months to September 30 would be slashed in half because of the sluggish retail scene.