THE WHAT? Pola is planning the opening of 20 new duty-free stores in China by 2023 end, looking to capitalize on the ongoing return footfall as international travel begins to resume, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. 

THE DETAILS Alongside the planned duty free stores openings, the Japanese beauty company is bolstering its name recognition in the country having launched a Chinese subsidiary this week that combines its different brands under one roof. 

With the main brand being the successful Australian skincare range Jurlique, the company is said to hope that its new Hong Kong unit will increase its sales fivefold over the course of three years. 

THE WHY? While travel retail continues to be all but dead – albeit slightly more buoyant in Asia – due to the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic and continued lockdown measures across the globe, Pola is pinning its hopes on its revival as the pandemic eases over the coming years.

The new duty free stores will bring Pola’s total to 50, up 70 percent from its present offering. 

Discussing travel retail as a potential sales driver for the Pola brand, Director Akira Fujii said, “Duty-free shops will serve as a major entry point for customers, including those who have never bought a Pola product before.”