Watsons Opens 185th Anniversary Heritage Store in Yau Ma Tei

Watsons has opened a new Heritage Store on Nathan Road in Yau Ma Tei to mark its 185th anniversary. The nostalgia-themed outlet turns a busy stretch of Kowloon into a retro pharmacy-inspired space that blends the chain’s historic roots with interactive experiences.

The store officially opened on June 30. It draws on AS Watson Group’s origins in 1841 as Hong Kong’s first pharmacy to introduce Western medicine. The interior features the brand’s signature green colour scheme, vintage gold signboards, patterned walls, arched structures and displays reminiscent of traditional dispensaries.

Several themed photo spots aim to appeal to social media users. These include a traditional herbal medicine cabinet inspired by Chinese herbal dispensaries, a retro vanity corner with a round mirror and wooden dressing table, and a vintage bathroom zone with retro tiles and curved architectural details. A free retro newspaper photo booth is also available for customers making any purchase, allowing them to create personalised “front-page” prints.

The opening reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong retail, where brands tap into collective memories of the city’s past to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Yau Ma Tei, known for its mix of traditional businesses, street life and older architecture, provides a fitting backdrop for the concept.

To coincide with the launch, Watsons has introduced a range of limited-edition anniversary merchandise. Highlights include the retro-style “Watjai” plush series and the “Love Your Organs” blind box collection that turns internal organs into cute collectible figures. Collaborations with Bioré, Colgate, Darlie and other partners have produced nostalgic packaging for daily essentials, while other AS Watson Group brands — PARKnSHOP, Fortress and Watsons Water — are offering tie-in items such as lightbox-style magnets, retro film cameras and vintage bottle openers.

Senior executives including Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson Group; Ms. Clarice Au, Chief Executive Officer of Retail Hong Kong; and Ms. Donna Poon, Managing Director of Watsons Hong Kong, attended the opening ceremony. The event also featured a surprise street flash mob performance, with giant shopping bags featuring iconic logos from AS Watson Retail Hong Kong brands making their way along Nathan Road in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. The performance drew crowds of onlookers and added a lively atmosphere to the neighbourhood celebration.

Watsons 185th Anniversary Heritage Store

Address: G/F, 485 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei
(About a 1-minute walk from Exit C of Yau Ma Tei MTR Station)
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm daily
Tel: 4487 9323