UK-based Footfall Limited has opened its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong as part of its expansion strategy in the region. The company is a market leader in discreet, automatic pedestrian monitoring systems, which count visitor numbers in shopping centres for retail clients.

Footfall’s director for Asia-Pacific region Michael MacMillan said the company intends to capitalise on Hong Kong’s extensive retail industry to add value and create business opportunities for shopping mall operators.

“Hong Kong has a mature retail industry and a tech-savvy population, making it the ideal location for our first entry point into the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr MacMillan said. “Hong Kong is strategically located as the gateway to emerging retail markets in Asia, the most populous and increasingly affluent region in the world. Hong Kong’s links with China are particularly important.”

Footfall’s system incorporates advanced counting technology based on pictures taken by miniature digital cameras located in shopping malls, museums, galleries, and on public transport.

“Gathering information on visitor movement enhances management and maximises return on expenditure for our clients,” said Mr MacMillan.

Footfall Systems have presence in more than 15 countries and are responsible for counting over two billion people annually.