Few retailers understand international markets better than the A.S. Watson Group and few, arguably, are as hardnosed about profitability and simplicity as this global player.

In business for nearly 190 years, the group has evolved into one of the world’s largest international retailers with operations in 34 markets.

Today, A.S. Watson has more than 6,800 stores, running the gamut from health and beauty, luxury perfumes and cosmetics to food, electronics, fine wines and a wide variety of bottled beverages. A member of the Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Ltd., it employs more than 88,000 people in retail chains throughout Asia and Europe.

What has made A.S. Watson stand out among its competitors is the company’s ability to combine local knowledge with international expertise and deliver products and services that customers want and need at prices they can afford.