Devialet, a French company which makes high-end audio speakers, has opened its first retail store in Asia – inside IFC Mall in Hong Kong.
The company, whose investors include popstar Jay-Z, says Hong Kong is the first stop in a multi-city Asian expansion program. Sales have already proved higher than anticipated.
Co-founder and CEO Quentin Sannie said in an interview with the South China Morning Post that Hong Kong is “a wonderful and trendy place for us to be”.
“We first wanted to start in Shanghai three years ago but then thought it would be faster to do business in Hong Kong.”

Devialet Asia is now planning to expand into Mainland China next year. Shanghai will be first stop, with three other cities on the list, said Sannie.
The company describes its high-tech wireless speaker solutions as “ultra-dense sound with physical impact” offering clarity unlike any other model. Prices start at around HK$14,000 (US$1800).