Still a shopper's paradise: Invest HK's Simon Galpin helps open the new Franc franc shop in Causeway Bay.

The opening of another Japanese retail chain outlet shows businesses are still confident in Hong Kong's consumer market.

This was the message from Invest Hong Kong Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Simon Galpin who officiated at the opening ceremony of the new Franc franc store in Causeway Bay.

"The opening of Franc franc today in Hong Kong is a clear vote of confidence in Hong Kong, the retail capital of Asia," he said.

Franc franc offers home furniture, decorative accessories and personal care products. It is operated by BALS Hong Kong Ltd, which acts as the regional headquarters of BALS Corporation, one of the top Japanese retailers of home furnishing products.

The new store will create more than 40 new jobs. BALS Hong Kong plans to open four more stores over the next two years: one on Hong Kong Island, two in Kowloon and one in Sha Tin. Its planned investment for the five shops totals $30 million.

Mr Galpin said: "Invest Hong Kong is extremely pleased by BALS' investment. It is also very encouraging to see BALS Corporation siting its regional headquarters here. This continued interest in Hong Kong by international investors confirms that we retain the many attractions that make us a business and financial hub as well as the preferred location for overseas companies to establish regional headquarters."

BALS President and Chief Executive Officer Fumio Takashima said: "Hong Kong's mature and sophisticated market is one of the key attractions for BALS. People here have relatively high levels of disposable income, combined with a high expectation for both quality and style when shopping for home furnishings. For the home furnishings market in Hong Kong, there is still room for different tastes and styles."

Mr Takashima also stressed that Hong Kong's location and excellent business infrastructure made it an ideal gateway to the Mainland market. BALS plans to establish operations on the Mainland in about two years.

BALS Corporation operates more than 57 shops, including 51 Franc franc shops. The company employs more than 1,000 staff. BALS Corporation is publicly listed at the Stock Exchange in Tokyo and its registered capital is 701 million yen.