Key facts
- Japanese, South Korean, and Thai brands now represent over one-third of new retail entrants in Hong Kong.
- This marks a 7 percentage point increase in their share for the first nine months of 2026.
Asian brands boost Hong Kong retail presence, surpassing Chinese competitors
IN SHORT
Japanese, South Korean, and Thai brands now account for over a third of new retail entrants in Hong Kong, a three-year high, according to Cushman & Wakefield. This surge contrasts with a decline in demand from mainland Chinese brands. The trend is expected to continue, with companies like istyle and Blendies expanding their international presence.
Key Numbers
33%share of new retail entrants in Hong Kong from Japanese, South Korean, and Thai
7percentage point increase in share for these brands
2026year for the reported data
Who's Involved
Cushman & Wakefield
reported that Japanese, South Korean, and Thai brands increased their share of new entrants in Hong Kong’s retail property market
istyle
opened its first overseas flagship store, @cosme Hong Kong
Blendies
launched its international expansion with a debut in Hong Kong
↳ Why This Matters
The growing influx of Japanese, South Korean, and Thai brands into Hong Kong's retail sector indicates a diversification of international retail offerings and a potential shift in consumer preferences, impacting the competitive landscape for both established players and emerging brands.