Sotheby’s launches retail wing in HK

Auction house Sotheby’s has expanded its retail arm with the opening of a new store at its Hong Kong headquarters in Pacific Place.

The new outlet is a follow-on from the auctioneer’s original store which opened in New York in 2010 and has proved highly successful. Along with the new store is a bi-lingual e-commerce website.

The shop’s selection will range from the very rare and exclusive – such as a 12litre bottle of 2000 Haut-Brion (one of just five produced) – to the everyday such as Château Barreyre 2010 for HK$148.

Orders can also be placed through the website and all wines are stored in Hong Kong and are available for next day delivery.

Speaking of the new opening, Jamie Ritchie, Sotheby’s Wine CEO, said: “Hong Kong is the most exciting and dynamic wine market in the world, serving not only those who live in Hong Kong, but wine buyers throughout Asia.

“We have had tremendous success in Hong Kong with our live auction business, selling HK$1.4 billion (US$184 million) of wines over the past four years and we have seen significant demand from buyers wanting to buy wines of the same quality with the same high level of service, but at a fixed price and available for next day delivery.

“From our retail experience in New York, we have had an enthusiastic response from clients in other collecting categories as well as new clients to Sotheby’s, all of whom need the same assurances regarding provenance, authenticity and condition.

“We are excited to expand our reach in the increasingly sophisticated and knowledgeable Asian wine market. We have strong relationships with the worlds’ top winemakers, as well as with collectors throughout Asia, so we are uniquely placed to help wine lovers get the most out of one of life’s greatest pleasures.”