Lifestyle International unveils The Twins Tower I and SOGO at Kai Tak

Lifestyle International Holdings, operator of SOGO department store in Hong Kong, has officially launched The Twins Tower I and SOGO in Kai Tak, aiming to redefine Hong Kong’s urban development and retail landscape.

The Twins is a mixed-use commercial project comprising of two towers, each standing at 120 metres tall with 22 storeys above ground and four below ground. The project covers 61,000 square feet of greenery and boasts two signature sky gardens to provide leisure area to complement its commercial offering.

Representing a total investment of over HK$15 billion, The Twins is Lifestyle International’s commitment and confidence in the continual development of Hong Kong’s retail landscape. The project will produce around 3,800 jobs – further strengthening the local labor market and offers a broad array of job opportunities.

Embodying the ethos of “Different Together”, The Twins aims to celebrate collective diversity and the value it can create. This also aligns with the latest urban development within the Kai Tak area. Combining the efforts of both public and private developments, Kai Tak will house commercial developments, residential buildings, urban parks, government offices, health and public services, two new MTR stations, Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, as well as Hong Kong’s largest sports and entertainment complex.

The Twins Tower I will be anchored by SOGO Kai Tak, marking SOGO Hong Kong’s first store expansion in a decade. The store will feature over 480 brands, including 22 renowned labels making their Hong Kong debut. It boasts East Kowloon’s largest beauty and skincare selection at over 110 brands and the largest baby mart with over 120 brands.

From 15 November until 1 December, Sogo Kai Tak store is presenting a “Kai Tak Fest” to celebrate the opening of The Twins Tower I. SOGO Rewards members can receive special offerings including eCash coupons, POINTASTIC rewards with points and a designated amount at up to 50% off.

Selected members (refer to Matsu and Kiku members) can also redeem a special edition Yoshinotomo “kisaki” mini sake set upon accumulated purchase with designated spending and earn double rewards points on their first purchase. Free parking for one hour daily at The Twins is also available during the promotional period.

Additionally, Tower I will subsequently unveil more attractions, including a three-level Restaurant Park, TT SITE, a 25,000 square feet multipurpose and exhibition space, and Sky Koen, an over 19,185 square feet sky garden and sculptural park.

Thomas Lau, chairman and executive director of Lifestyle International, said: “The Group is confident of Hong Kong’s future outlook and economy, and the completion of The Twins as a long-term operational project is the best example of this. Not only does it create new job opportunities for the retail industry in Hong Kong, but it also brings new vitality, new experiences, and innovative operational models to the industry.”

“Sogo Department Store has long been an active participant in the Hong Kong retail industry, and our Causeway Bay store will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year. Sogo is not just a one-stop shopping department store, but also a trustworthy brand for consumers. We believe that as large-scale projects in the Kai Tak area are completed and new residents move in, the commercial activities in the area will flourish, and SOGO will bring assured quality and greater convenience to those living in Kai Tak and the surrounding communities,” he added.

Kam Shim Lau, executive director of Lifestyle International, said: “We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from our business partners and tenants in making this possible. Beyond retail, we also hope that this new landmark and its’ vicinity will emerge as a go-to gathering spot for neighboring residents and visitors, through our participation in place-making and community-building.”

Kam Sen Lau, executive director of Lifestyle International, said: "The Twins is the culmination of eight years of hard work between our company and an accomplished team of designers, consultants, contractors, and suppliers. The development of The Twins was a collective effort, and we are both proud and grateful for the dedication of the immense manpower behind such a complex project.”

"While we aimed to create an architectural icon, it was imperative that we designed with long term commercial flexibility and operational efficiency in mind. Aligning with our company’s broader ESG commitments, we have also invested significant resources to attain a (provisional) LEED and BEAM Plus Platinum. We hope to play a larger role in shaping and contributing to Hong Kong’s urban development," he added.

Hiroto Taguchi, president and COO of SOGO & SEIBO, said: “Our longstanding partnership with Lifestyle International has been instrumental in our success, and we see a bright future ahead as we continue to innovate together. The Hong Kong market offers immense growth potential, especially with the opening of the new SOGO Kai Tak Store, which allows us to reach a diverse customer demographic. The strategic design of this new store ensures SOGO remains relevant to both mature and younger customers with varied consumption habits.”

Michael Beecroft, CEO North East Asia of GroupM, said: “Mindshare and GroupM is excited to partner with SOGO for the launch of The Twins, delivering an impactful marketing campaign that engages consumers in this dynamic retail environment."

Kenichi Okada, ambassador, Consul-General of Japan in Hong Kong, said: "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to SOGO Hong Kong on the opening of their new Kai Tak Store at The Twins. SOGO Hong Kong is one of the largest Japanese-style department stores in the city and set to celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.”

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