At Elips Solutions, we believe growth starts with curiosity. Our vision is to empower the European retail industry with simple, sustainable, and smart solutions that enhance in-store experiences, engage shoppers, reduce waste, and drive long-term growth. To achieve this, we continuously look beyond our own borders. That is why our recent study trip to Hong Kong was so valuable, not just as an exploration of another market, but as an opportunity to challenge assumptions, exchange insights, and fuel innovation.

Why Hong Kong? Hong Kong is a fascinating market where East meets West, and where food retail operates under unique dynamics. Space is limited, competition is fierce, and consumer expectations are extremely high. Supermarkets and convenience stores here must combine efficiency with premium presentation in ways that are different from what we see in Europe. For instance: Convenience stores dominate, offering small portions, ready-to-eat meals, and high product turnover. Premium supermarkets cater to a growing middle class, with strong emphasis on freshness, imported goods, and premium presentation. Traditional wet markets still play a vital role, highlighting the balance between modern retail formats and cultural traditions.

These contrasts make Hong Kong an ideal learning ground.

Why it matters to Elips ?Our mission is to collaborate closely with business partners, clients, and suppliers, combining Dutch forward thinking with Chinese expertise to provide practical consultancy, innovative solutions, and reliable sourcing. Seeing firsthand how Hong Kong retailers adapt to space limitations, labor challenges, and diverse customer needs helps us sharpen this mission. It shows us how solutions like roller shelves, reusable crates, and smart product inserts can add value not only in Europe, but across markets with very different requirements.

The bigger picture. By studying other markets, we bring back lessons that inspire practical innovation at home. The Hong Kong trip reminded us that the challenges faced by retailers—waste reduction, efficiency, visibility, and customer engagement—are universal, but the solutions must be adapted to context.

For Elips, this is more than a study trip; it is a way to stay ahead, to learn, and to make sure our solutions remain relevant and impactful in a fast-changing global retail landscape.

At Elips, we don’t just look at the world—we learn from it, and we bring those insights back to empower our partners in Europe.