Health and beauty retail giant Watsons has opened its 1000th store in the Philippines – which is also its largest in the country yet.

Coinciding with the company’s 20th anniversary in the Philippines, the new store located in The Block, SM City North Edsa, spans nearly 1000sqm and displays a range of products the company says “takes the shopping experience to the next level”.

“This new flagship store is important in the nationwide expansion in this beautiful country as it’s a clear demonstration of Watsons’ determination to strengthen our connection with customers via seamless O+O (online-to-offline) platforms,” said Dominic Lai, group MD of Watsons, who attended the opening event.

“O+O platform strategy is at the core of our business to create an integrated experience, to better serve customers anytime, anywhere.”

The interactive O+O experience includes several tools online and on-site, including a Skinfie Lab, a skin analysis tool that creates personalised skincare recommendations from selfies; a #ColourMe Virtual Makeup tool that lets customers try cosmetics digitally; a virtual consultation and remote physical examination in partnership with The Medical City; and a Supplement Finder.

Using its 1000-strong store network in the country, Watsons also offers customers an online express delivery service that can deliver their products within three hours or pickup orders in-store within 30 minutes via Click and Collect Express.

In addition, the company also aims to support customers’ sustainable lifestyles by offering more than 1500 eco-friendly products under Clean Beauty, refill packs, better packaging, and better ingredients.

“Looking ahead, we’re committed to continuing our expansion in the Philippines and the rest of the world,” Lai concluded. “Besides bringing pleasurable O+O shopping experience to our customers, we want to engage our customers to do good to the community and the planet through our sustainability programs.”