Page 22 - Sphere No.25 (Aug 2009)

20 Sphere
F O C U S
Not so long ago the adjective
most often used to describe Macau
was “sleepy”. Historically an important
China coast trading port – and the first
and last European administered settlement
in Asia – its glory days seemed over, but the enclave’s relaxed, old
fashioned, quasi-Mediterranean atmosphere made a welcome
change from hectic Hong Kong, just a short jetfoil ride away.
Nobody calls Macau sleepy now. In 1999 the Portuguese,
who had administered the enclave since 1557, formally handed
Macau back to China as a Special Administrative Region, and
the new government under Chief Executive Edmund Ho came
in with big plans for the place.
In less than a decade the city has changed almost beyond rec-
ognition. Its casino revenues are now greater than those of the
Las Vegas Strip, and it is the highest volume gaming centre in the
world.The hotel, conference and entertainment facilities planned
for the Cotai Strip connecting the islands of Taipa and Coloane,
along with all the land reclamation and fast-tracked construction
work, has transformed the sleepy backwater into a modern city.
Many visitors come for the casinos, the designer label shop-
ping and the major show business and sporting events Macau
now stages. This rapid pace of development has also created
a thriving consumer market and retail scene. Hutchison has
played an important part in this trend through Watsons and
Hutchison Telephone (Macau) Company Limited (see sidebar).
“The challenge has been to synchronise promotions in Hong
Kong and Macau. Consumers in Macau are exposed to Hong
Kong TV channels every day and they expect to be offered the
same promotions as we launch in Hong Kong. Our store teams
have to ensure that they can deliver products to Macau prompt-
ly,” said Peter Louie, Regional Manager (Store Operation) for
Watsons Macau.
“The customer mix has changed too – most of our customers
used to be either locals or visitors from Macau, but now there are
alsomainlanders who have different needs.We ensure our stores are
customer friendly toall, and thereforehaveunifiedpricing across the
Hong Kong, Macau and Chinese currencies. Travelling customers
shop hassle-free and can focus on choosing their favourite items.”
While the new Macau blossoms, the old Macau is quietly
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TRAVELLING THR
photos above: getty images