Watsons Philippines makes bigger stride for greener future, wellness & beauty

It has recorded a higher sales growth in 2023, compared to its previous performance.

As the most loved health and beauty retailer in the Philippines, Watsons has achieved more milestones in 2023 whilst also prioritising sustainability and working with customers towards a greener future.

In the past year, it has gained 21% more sales with its More Ways to Wellness campaign. Its share of voice also grew to 70% from the previous 57%, whilst its share of engagement has been maintained at 39%, with both ratings being ahead of its competitors.

Amongst the initiatives that have helped attain this goal is its Wellness Run, an on-ground event that encourages customers to be more active. Over 5,800 participants, including cancer survivors from the Philippine General Hospital, have attended the event.

It has also seen an opportunity to help men look forward to their Watsons trip through the HIMtayan Campaign, which features an in-store lounge with massage services and unlimited coffee. This campaign comes amidst Watsons’ observation that men are mostly left waiting for their partners when shopping together.

Watsons’ brand equity index has also grown to 7.6, the highest amongst competitors, cementing its reputation as a health & beauty retailer of choice with the widest range of products and services.

Meanwhile, in helping Filipinos adjust to post-pandemic life, it has launched the Let’s Talk Wellness and DermTalks digital video series featuring credible doctors to educate audiences about leading health and skincare issues. It has also made its health products more affordable via monthly and quarterly nationwide sales.

It has also continued its collaboration with nonprofit medical service organisation Operation Smile, adding 127 beneficiaries with cleft palate conditions. The company has also partnered with barangays on its Alagang Pangkalusugan programme to provide free check-ups and medicines to nearly 4,500 beneficiaries.

It has empowered its employees to do good for the planet through opening employee volunteerism opportunities, such as participation in the International Coastal Clean-up and an Eco Tour with tree-planting projects.

At the same time, Watsons has expanded products under Sustainable Choices; bringing up sales participation to 11.2%, with every purchase contributing to the livelihoods of partner collectors. It has also collected five million plastic bottles with Plastic Bank, transitioned to paper bags for purchases at 81% of its stores, and added 30 solar-powered stores.

“Watsons strives to continue spreading eco-consciousness and inspire more Filipinos to do good and feel good about working for a greener future by encouraging them to practise living more consciously and sustainably,” said Jared De Guzman, Watsons Philippines Customer Director.

These monumental achievements have brought Watsons Philippines the Sustainability Initiative of the Year - Philippines and the Health & Beauty Retailer of the Year - Philippines category wins at the coveted Retail Asia Awards 2024 for its conscious efforts to bring sustainability to a higher level and improve company metrics.

The prestigious event honours companies that have recently launched innovative retail projects or initiatives, as well as industry leaders that have propelled their respective brands to maintain a competitive edge.

The Retail Asia Awards is presented by Retail Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional products or initiatives in the Retail industry, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].