Kuala Lumpur, 26 September 2025 – On World Pharmacists Day, AS Watson proudly celebrates the dedication and expertise of its global network of pharmacists and health professionals, who play a pivotal role in helping customers lead healthier lives.

“On this meaningful day, we extend our deepest gratitude to over 3,000 pharmacists and nearly 10,000 health professionals at AS Watson across the globe. Their commitment goes far beyond in-store services—they also provide online consultations in most of our markets, ensuring customers receive trusted health advice anytime, anywhere. Their expertise is essential in helping our customers navigate their health journeys with confidence,” said Peter Macnab, International Commercial Director of AS Watson.

Meeting the Rising Demand for Health and Wellness
AS Watson’s health and wellness business continues to grow, driven by evolving customer expectations, an increasing focus on preventive care, and strong category performance. In the past 12 months alone, overall health & beauty sales have risen by over 10%, with the vitamins & dietary supplements category also climbing more than 10%, and the diet & fitness category surging by over 20%.

Weight management has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments, with sales of related products and services increasing by 130%. As global obesity rates rise, more customers are turning to trusted pharmacists for safe, expert guidance. AS Watson’s pharmacists provide access to weight management medicines and supplements, along with personalised advice on nutrition, lifestyle, and sustainable health practices—empowering customers to take a holistic approach to their wellbeing.

Complementing this growth is the rapid adoption of AS Watson’s O+O (Offline plus Online) retail strategy. Online sales of health products have jumped by 30% year-on-year, underscoring a shift in consumer behaviour towards convenient O+O access to trusted health essentials. This trend reflects not only the appeal of O+O shopping experiences but also the growing tendency among customers to proactively manage their health and wellness.

In response, AS Watson has significantly expanded its health product portfolio, offering a comprehensive range—from vitamins and supplements to condition-specific solutions. The company is committed to supporting every customer’s unique health journey with both breadth and depth of choice.

Empowering Health Customers Across Age Groups
AS Watson is witnessing a dynamic shift in customer demographics, with both younger and silver generations increasingly prioritising their health and wellbeing.

There has been remarkable year-on-year growth of 30% among younger customers seeking health products. This reflects a growing awareness of preventive care and wellness, with younger consumers actively seeking expert advice and convenient access to products that support their lifestyle and long-term health goals.

Meanwhile, the silver generation now represents over 30% of AS Watson’s health customers and continues to expand steadily. Spending 1.4 times more than the average health shopper, this group demonstrates both purchasing power and increasing engagement—highlighting the importance of personalised health solutions tailored to their needs.

Peter added, “We are proud to serve a diverse and growing customer base. Both younger and silver generations are powerful forces in the health category, and we are committed to supporting them with relevant products, expert advice, and a seamless O+O health shopping experience.”

At Watsons Malaysia, pharmacists provide more than just health advice—they play an essential role in supporting customers’ overall health and wellbeing. Whether it’s offering guidance on skincare, smoking cessation, or general health concerns, pharmacists are ready to address a wide range of needs. Through in-store health checks—which include BMI evaluations, lipid profile tests, blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, and smoking cessation support—Watsons is able to deliver personalised care. The brand also provides medication counselling to ensure proper usage, alongside consultations for broader health concerns.

“We take great pride in the commitment and expertise of our pharmacists. Their dedication to delivering personalised care and reliable health advice is vital to our customers’ wellbeing. We remain committed to expanding our health and wellness offerings and equipping our pharmacists with the latest tools and knowledge to ensure they deliver the best possible support, both online and offline,” said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and Chief Operating Officer, Health & Beauty Asia, A.S. Watson Group.

For added convenience, customers can also access virtual health consultations, offering fast, personalised, and friendly service to address general health inquiries or product-related questions. Watsons pharmacists are equipped with user-friendly, tech-enabled solutions to meet the growing demand for accessible healthcare.

To further encourage healthier lifestyles, Watsons has introduced the 45+ Club for members aged 45 and above. As part of this initiative, members are entitled to a FREE cholesterol check from now until 1 October 2025 at over 100 Watsons pharmacy stores nationwide.

As AS Watson continues to evolve with the changing health landscape, its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and customer-centric care remains stronger than ever. By empowering pharmacists and health professionals with the right tools and platforms, the company is shaping the future of health retail—one that is more personalised, inclusive, and digitally connected.