Sales of health products increase 11% due to rising concern on health
World’s No.1 Health and Beauty Retailer Stands Firm with the Public to face COVID-19
Watsons Philippines Call & Deliver service provides safe and easy access to health essentials
Happier People are Healthier, according to the findings in a global health survey released by WISE, involving 5,500 respondents in 10 markets in Asia and Europe. The survey asked respondents to rate their own health and whether they smile enough, the results showed that happier people who smile more perceive themselves as healthier. 91% of respondents says they believe that smiling and laughing have lots of health benefits, yet only 66% smile enough and mainly stopped by stress. By generation, Gen Z smiles more and are happier than the more mature groups including Gen Y, Gen X and Boomers. And Gen Z tends to consider themselves as healthy.
A.S. Watson Group, the world’s largest international health and beauty retailer, commissioned this survey from November to December last year. Over 5,500 consumers across 10 markets in Asia and Europe, aged 15-60 participated in the survey to share their thoughts on a wide range of health topics. “World Health Index”, a ranking of the healthiest and least healthy markets across the globe, was also revealed in the survey. The Netherlands topped the list of the healthiest market, followed by Singapore, United Kingdom, Philippines, Malaysia, Mainland China, Ukraine, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Thailand came in last place.
Family & Health are by Far the Most Important Aspects of Life
When it comes to ranking the importance of life aspects, Family (87%) and Health (84%) top the list, with Wealth and Love (33% and 32%) in the third and fourth with a wide gap.
“If the survey is being conducted two months later in February this year, I am sure this result will be even more pronounced with people putting family and health at the very top priority in life. While most of us are not health professionals who can help patients or develop vaccines, everyone can do something about their own health, simply by smiling more and keeping an active lifestyle,” said Malina Ngai, Group COO of A.S. Watson Group & CEO of A.S. Watson (Asia & Europe).
Credible Health Information Matters
When compared to the findings of the 2017 report, there has been a reduced number of people searching and relying on online health information. As fake news and false information flood the internet and social media, nowadays consumers tend to seek health information from credible sources. The research revealed 61% still commonly see a doctor when feeling unwell, and 43% go in store to get OTC medication. Yet, only 15% of respondents turn to pharmacist for advice.
Pharmacists are professionally trained on healthcare and a reliable source of opinion to alleviate pressure on public health system but the role of the pharmacist is now underrated. With over 1,500 pharmacies around the globe, A.S. Watson Group believes that more and more people will seek for pharmacists’ help as they are reliable, professional and easily accessible.
Watsons Philippines has a strong network of 1,436 pharmacists nationwide. More than just dispensing medicines, the pharmacists are patient advocates ensuring that right medication is given through review, interpretation of prescription and detection of therapeutic incompatibilities.
Health – Concern and Opportunity
To lead a healthier lifestyle, over 80% of the respondents believe that enough sleep, healthy diet and regular exercise can keep them healthy but 40% of them fail to do so. More and more people (60%) are interested in taking vitamins and dietary supplements to improve their health.
At A.S. Watson Group, 1 billion shoppers bought health products last year and sales for health category increased 11% year on year. Health shoppers visited A.S. Watson’s stores more than 10 times per year and their spending was almost 80% higher than the general shoppers. The insight from the Group shows that more and more people are investing in their health and wellbeing with vitamins and supplements booming globally, seeing a 12% growth year-on-year.
Ngai commented about the high growth in health product consumption, “Based on our customer insights, health customers spend almost 80% more than an average shopper. Vitamins and supplements have experienced the fastest growth of 12%. We care about our customers’ health and this is the second the Global Health Survey we have commissioned, with the aim to ensure we stay abreast of their needs in their lifestyle. We will look for product and service solutions worldwide for our customers who increasingly want more control of their health.”
Locally, Watsons Philippines health business is growing at 18% year-to-date, with Vitamins experiencing a phenomenal 132% growth vs. last year. Clearly, more and more Filipinos are taking a proactive approach in ensuring they stay healthy and protected especially in this time of global health crisis. The product range for vitamins and immunity/health essential related products has been expanded to further meet the community’s health needs.
To ensure a safe and convenient access to medicines and personal care essentials when the community quarantine was implemented, the Watsons Call & Deliver service was enhanced and expanded from the original 10 hubs last year to the current 42 hubs, with plans to further expand in the coming weeks. These hubs with dedicated riders effectively delivered the needed essentials within the day of order from customers allowing them to stay home and safe with their families. For details of the Watsons Call & Deliver hubs, check out https://www.watsons.com.ph/call-and-delivery-list-of-stores
