 2015-08-17 |
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With the upcoming Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day), stocks related to Valentine's Day are heating up. Companies like YC Group, which has invested in the boutique leisure hotel 'U Motel,' chocolate manufacturer Hunya, and department store chain Far Eastern Department Stores, are all expected to benefit from the holiday business opportunities.
YC Group entered the hotel industry in 2008, investing NT$700 million to fully own and operate 'U Motel,' a boutique leisure hotel in Linkou. With an average occupancy rate of 70%, it has become synonymous with luxury car-themed hotels in the area. In addition to local guests, the hotel also attracts a significant number of tourists, reflecting the growth potential in Taiwan’s hotel market.
This year, YC has been actively expanding into the hotel industry. Its properties on Chongqing South Road and Chengde Road in Shilin have been undergoing renovations since April and May, with plans to launch youth and business hotels.
Hunya has ventured into the souvenir market with its own brand, 'LiFong,' entering new retail channels such as Everrich Duty Free Shops and Costco, aiming to tap into the tourist and gift-giving markets through non-owned channels. However, the prices of raw materials like milk powder and peanuts have dropped by 10-20% compared to last year, affecting Hunya's gross margin growth by about 1%. It is expected that raw material prices will remain low in the second half of the year.
Far Eastern Department Stores saw approximately 4% year-over-year growth across its branches in Taiwan from January to July this year. Despite the sluggish economy, the company plans to continue hosting various events and adjusting its store layouts, expecting a 4% growth in performance in the second half of the year. |
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