Chapter 7: Business ambitions
35% of businesses plan to diversify their product or service offerings in 2025
Against the backdrop of uncertain trading conditions, retailers are thinking laterally about how they can grow revenue in 2025. Geographical growth has typically been the traditional growth avenue. But now, many are looking to expand across business models, diversifying their offering to stay agile. Some retailers are even waking up to the potential of embedded finance, which can be an effective way of increasing returns.
Finding 01
Businesses set to invest big in global expansion
As businesses look to expand internationally in 2025, there's a lot of confidence in their ability to handle global transactions and local payment needs. And those planning to go global are prepared to put serious money into the venture, especially in APAC.
Finding 02
Businesses explore new business models
Growth opportunities don’t just extend across borders - they’re also emerging in the form of new business models tailored to evolving shopper expectations. In Hong Kong, the resurgence of tourism is accelerating this shift. The city welcomed 44.5 million visitors in 2024, including 10.5 million non-mainland Chinese tourists - a 44% increase year on year. In response, the government has committed HKD 120 billion to a five-year tourism blueprint aimed at attracting travellers from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and mainland China. For retailers, this presents a major opportunity to diversify - from combining retail with food and drink experiences to experimenting with circular models and immersive spaces that cater to an increasingly global, experience-driven audience.
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