DFI Retail Group to reportedly lay off Hong Kong staff amidst retail headwinds

The exact number of affected employees and the specific roles involved have not been disclosed.

DFI Retail Group, the operator of major retail brands in Hong Kong such as Wellcome, Mannings, 7-Eleven, and IKEA, is reportedly planning staff layoffs as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and maintain business sustainability in a challenging retail environment.

According to the South China Morning Post, an internal email from Scott Price, CEO of DFI Retail Group in Hong Kong, outlined a series of cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, role offshoring and outsourcing, and restructuring of support functions to simplify operations and meet growing consumer expectations for lower prices.

However, the exact number of affected employees and the specific roles involved have not been disclosed. That said, Price assured that the company will provide support to those affected throughout the transition process.

HRO has reached out to DFI Retail Group for further comment.

As shown on its website, as of 30 Jun 2025, DFI Retail Group operates over 7,500 outlets and employs more than 83,000 people across Asia. In its financial summary, the Group reported a loss of US$38mn for the first half of 2025, a sharp reversal from a US$95mn profit in the same period last year.

Photo / DFI Retail Group's website