Shopping in Hong Kong
Encyclopedia
Shopping in Hong Kong has been categorised from a "social activity" to a "serious sport". It is an important part of the culture and a way of life. Few cities in the world can rival the experience from an economic, business or social standpoint.
Hong Kong's culture is very much dominated by consumerism
. In the early Colonial Hong Kong
period, the territory served as a middleman that sold far more than it consumed. Goods were largely sold via mobile hawker units or independent shops, with the majority of trade, utilities, shipping and manufacturing handled by the Hongs
. The establishment of banks and deposit institutions allowed people to accumulate savings, and expand their personal finance
s.
With significant manufacturing outputs, the economy turned around in the 1960s
, setting the mall trends in motion. One of the first recognised modern shopping centres was Ocean Terminal
. Daimaru
opened the flood gate of Japanese goods to Hong Kong in 1966. Deng Xiaoping
's 1978 Open Door Policy
also made Hong Kong the definitive gateway to China
. The people's mindset then begin to change from buying necessities
to buying luxury good
s.
Food and clothing supplies were always available for sale, but complex goods did not come about until the arrival of the major brand name franchises. In the 1970s and 1980s, items like air conditioners, fans
and refrigerator
s were popular items that eased the hot climate. Major increases in consumer spending continued, due to the period of explosive economic growth.
In the late 1970s, one of the first modern shopping development was The Landmark
in Central
above the MTR
station. In 1984, Cityplaza
in Taikoo Shing
was also redeveloped. A large architectural project at the time was also to connect Ocean Centre to the Harbour City shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui
. The large mall construction movement continued into the 1990s with Pacific Place
, Dragon Centre
, Time Square
, Plaza Hollywood
and Festival Walk
. Developments also expanded into the New Territories
.
Hong Kong is well known for the diversity of cuisines available. Ethnic foods ranging from Mexican favors to Indian dishes can be found easily. The Soho district in Central is the center for Western foods. Traditional Chinese cuisines, ranging from Shanghainese
, Hainanese to Cantonese restaurant
s are also located everywhere. Street food vendors selling local snacks, such as dumpling
s with fish meat and snake soup bowl, can be found in Mong Kok
and Causeway Bay
.
Custom tailoring is also very popular and affordable in Hong Kong. You can draw out your own design for clothing and have it made in a few days. Although there are many Tailors in Hong Kong it is a profession in relative decline. This has been blamed on rent increases and low margins relative to ready-made shops. A wide variety of electronics from Japan and Europe are available. A hot place for shopping for these appliances would be in Apliu Street and the Golden Shopping Center in Sham Shui Po
. There are also many computer appliances centers in Wan Chai
and Mong Kok
.
In recent years, the Japanese pop culture has become prevalent in Hong Kong Shopping. Many Japan
ese department stores have opened in Hong Kong, such as Sogo
, Yata, and Muji
. Japanese clothing brands, like Swordfish
, Moussy, and Uniqlo
, have started flagship stores in the city. If you were looking for a bargain in clothing and accessories, the Lady’s Street and Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok
or Jardine’s Crescent in Causeway Bay
would be a good place to visit.
Hong Kong is the fourth largest exporter of jewelry in the world, mainly in the supply of jade and gold. Such vendors can be easily spotted on the street. Among the most common are Chow Seng Seng and Luk Fook Jewelry.
, tobacco
, perfume
s, cosmetics
, cars
and petroleum
products have associated taxes. For companies, there is a 17.5% corporate tax, which is lower than international standards.
Its proximity to the manufacturing plants in China
as well as being a free port
provide the territory with significant advantages. Large quantities of goods are manufactured and transported from and to Hong Kong frequently. Imports from Europe
, Japan
, the United States
and Taiwan
add international flavour to the mix.
alone offers more than 600 stores. Similar statistics can be drawn from Central
and numerous other areas. With its balance of international stores, shopping in Hong Kong could essentially mimic shopping around the world. Shopping selections are based on a wide scope, ranging from the most ancient to the most hi-tech goods.
Businesses do not always cater to high-end customers, as plenty of bargains attract regular shoppers. Transportation also eases the shopping experience, as the MTR
subway and an effective taxi
service allow anyone to get around without geographical knowledge or driver's license.
Other benefits include a mild winter climate during the two most critical shopping seasons at Christmas
and the Chinese New Year
.
derived from the Sino-Tibetan family and English
from the Germanic languages family
, the territory is capable of communicating with eastern or western shoppers. Merchants will find it handy to open branches in a bilingual territory. While one may argue the proficiency of English in some areas, Hong Kong
, Macau
, and India
are the only regions on the GDP per capita top 50 list with a 50% stake in two very different language families. The law also guarantees that both Cantonese and English remain the official languages, so bilingual sales tags and sales people are common, especially in the areas frequented by tourists.
Cultural openness is also an important factor, as Hong Kong is receptive toward selling merchandise regardless of the origin. The government believes in a hands-off policy, and does not censor, restrict or modify. An example is authentic looking toy guns
.
Hong Kong is trendy and moves at a hectically fast pace. One can go shopping at a particular place, only to return a few days later to find the store completely rearranged. To survive in the competitive environment, stores must stay current, not only in merchandise but presentation.
has introduced a plan to identify shops that offer a reliable service, via a 300-page book called "A Guide to Quality Shops and Restaurants". Divisions like ICAC
have also taken part in the anti-corruption process. On the contrary, bargain hunting has been a controversial issue since local consumers often seek to buy imitation brand-named goods at well below market price value. However, in recent years, this problem has shifted to mainland China, where IP laws are not enforced as strongly and prices of these counterfeit products are even lower.
Warranties and return policies vary widely depending on stores. A majority will not allow refunds or exchanges if the items have been tampered with.
Hong Kong is also known for its tourist traps where shops deploy tactics such as "bait-and-switch" to cheat tourists. This is where a very attractive price is given for a product and once the tourist pays, she/he is told that either the product is out-of-stock or that it doesn’t include all the accessories, such as the battery charger, connection cords, etc., that it is supposed to include. A substituted product would then be proposed at the same price when the substituted product is in fact an inferior and a much cheaper product. Shops with bright neon lights displaying only famous brands such as Canon, Nikon, Nokia, etc., as their shop name, often deploy this tactic so it is best to avoid these shops. Tourists are advised not to pay for the goods until they have seen and checked the product, including its warranty, to their full satisfaction. There is a price comparison website, ShopCite, which can be used to check the prices of goods sold by large chain-stores and reputable shops in Hong Kong for general referencing.
History
Consumerism
Consumerism is a social and economic order that is based on the systematic creation and fostering of a desire to purchase goods and services in ever greater amounts. The term is often associated with criticisms of consumption starting with Thorstein Veblen...
. In the early Colonial Hong Kong
Colonial Hong Kong
In the 19th century the British, Dutch, French, Indians and Americans saw Imperial China as the world's largest untapped market. In 1840 the British Empire launched their first and one of the most aggressive expeditionary forces to claim the territory that would later be known as Hong Kong.In a few...
period, the territory served as a middleman that sold far more than it consumed. Goods were largely sold via mobile hawker units or independent shops, with the majority of trade, utilities, shipping and manufacturing handled by the Hongs
The Hongs
The Hongs were major business houses in Canton and later Hong Kong with significant influence on patterns of consumerism, trade, manufacturing and other key areas of the economy...
. The establishment of banks and deposit institutions allowed people to accumulate savings, and expand their personal finance
Personal finance
Personal finance is the application of the principles of finance to the monetary decisions of an individual or family unit. It addresses the ways in which individuals or families obtain, budget, save, and spend monetary resources over time, taking into account various financial risks and future...
s.
With significant manufacturing outputs, the economy turned around in the 1960s
1960s in Hong Kong
1960s in Hong Kong continued with the development and expansion of manufacturing that began in the previous decade. The economic progress made in the period would categorise Hong Kong as one of Four Asian Tigers along with Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.-Background:Economically, this era is...
, setting the mall trends in motion. One of the first recognised modern shopping centres was Ocean Terminal
Ocean Terminal, Hong Kong
Ocean Terminal is a cruise terminal and shopping centre located on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.-History:The location of Ocean Terminal was once a wharf pier on the west shore of Tsim Sha Tsui. Rebuilt and enlarged for use as a cruise terminal, it also served as a multi-story shopping...
. Daimaru
Daimaru
is a Japanese department stores chain, principally located in the Kansai region of Japan. The chain is operated by Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Stores, a subsidiary of J. Front Retailing...
opened the flood gate of Japanese goods to Hong Kong in 1966. Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping
Deng Xiaoping was a Chinese politician, statesman, and diplomat. As leader of the Communist Party of China, Deng was a reformer who led China towards a market economy...
's 1978 Open Door Policy
Open Door Policy
The Open Door Policy is a concept in foreign affairs, which usually refers to the policy in 1899 allowing multiple Imperial powers access to China, with none of them in control of that country. As a theory, the Open Door Policy originates with British commercial practice, as was reflected in...
also made Hong Kong the definitive gateway to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. The people's mindset then begin to change from buying necessities
Necessity
In U.S. criminal law, necessity may be either a possible justification or an exculpation for breaking the law. Defendants seeking to rely on this defense argue that they should not be held liable for their actions as a crime because their conduct was necessary to prevent some greater harm and when...
to buying luxury good
Luxury good
Luxury goods are products and services that are not considered essential and associated with affluence.The concept of luxury has been present in various forms since the beginning of civilization. Its role was just as important in ancient western and eastern empires as it is in modern societies...
s.
Food and clothing supplies were always available for sale, but complex goods did not come about until the arrival of the major brand name franchises. In the 1970s and 1980s, items like air conditioners, fans
Fan (mechanical)
A mechanical fan is a machine used to create flow within a fluid, typically a gas such as air.A fan consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades which act on the air. Usually, it is contained within some form of housing or case. This may direct the airflow or increase safety by preventing...
and refrigerator
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a common household appliance that consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the room...
s were popular items that eased the hot climate. Major increases in consumer spending continued, due to the period of explosive economic growth.
In the late 1970s, one of the first modern shopping development was The Landmark
The Landmark (Hong Kong)
The Landmark is an office and shopping development owned by Hong Kong Land in Central, Hong Kong. It is commonly known as the home of numerous prestigious international brands and the gathering place of well-heeled shoppers.-History:...
in Central
Central, Hong Kong
Central is the central business district of Hong Kong. It is located in Central and Western District, on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, the southernmost point of Kowloon Peninsula...
above the MTR
MTR
Mass Transit Railway is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. Originally opened in 1979, the system now includes 211.6 km of rail with 155 stations, including 86 railway stations and 69 light rail stops...
station. In 1984, Cityplaza
Cityplaza
Cityplaza , located in Taikoo Shing in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island, is one of the shopping malls operated by Swire Properties . The mall forms the Island East development with Taikoo Shing and Taikoo Place. The mall has a total of six floors. There are also three large commercial...
in Taikoo Shing
Taikoo Shing
Taikoo Shing, or Tai Koo Shing , is a private residential in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. It forms a part of the Swire Properties's Island East residential and retail branding, along with TaiKoo Place, the adjacent Cityplaza retail and office complex and EAST, a lifestyle business...
was also redeveloped. A large architectural project at the time was also to connect Ocean Centre to the Harbour City shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui , often abbreviated as TST, is an urbanized area in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong. The area is administratively part of the Yau Tsim Mong District. Tsim Sha Tsui East is a piece of land reclaimed from the Hung Hom Bay now east of Tsim Sha Tsui...
. The large mall construction movement continued into the 1990s with Pacific Place
Pacific Place
Pacific Place is a complex of office towers, hotels and a shopping centre situated at 88 Queensway, in Admiralty, Hong Kong. The latest phase, Three Pacific Place, is located at 1 Queen's Road East....
, Dragon Centre
Dragon Centre
Dragon Centre is a nine-storey shopping centre in the Sham Shui Po district of Kowloon, Hong Kong; it was the largest in West Kowloon until the Elements opened its doors in above the Kowloon MTR Station.- History :...
, Time Square
Times Square (Hong Kong)
Times Square is a major shopping centre and office tower complex in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.The complex, owned by Wharf Properties Limited, part of The Wharf Limited group, was opened in April 1994.-History:...
, Plaza Hollywood
Plaza Hollywood
Plaza Hollywood is one of the largest shopping centres in the Diamond Hill area, New Kowloon, Hong Kong. Featuring four floors surrounding a central atrium, its main advertising scheme involves everything similar to Hollywood. It was developed by the Wharf Holdings.-Facilities:The main...
and Festival Walk
Festival Walk
Festival Walk is an upmarket shopping centre in Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong owned by Swire Properties from 1998 to 2011. It was the biggest shopping mall in Hong Kong at its launch in November 1998. Festival Walk was developed jointly by Swire Properties and CITIC Pacific in 1993–1998. In 2006, Swire...
. Developments also expanded into the New Territories
New Territories
New Territories is one of the three main regions of Hong Kong, alongside Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. It makes up 86.2% of Hong Kong's territory. Historically, it is the region described in The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory...
.
Highlights
Shanghainese
Shanghainese , or the Shanghai language , is a dialect of Wu Chinese spoken in the city of Shanghai and the surrounding region. It is classified as part of the Sino-Tibetan family of languages. Shanghainese, like other Wu dialects, is largely not mutually intelligible with other Chinese varieties...
, Hainanese to Cantonese restaurant
Cantonese restaurant
A Cantonese restaurant is a type of Chinese restaurant that originated from Southern China. This style of restaurant soon flourished in Hong Kong.-History:Some of the earliest restaurants in Colonial Hong Kong were influenced by Cantonese people...
s are also located everywhere. Street food vendors selling local snacks, such as dumpling
Dumpling
Dumplings are cooked balls of dough. They are based on flour, potatoes or bread, and may include meat, fish, vegetables, or sweets. They may be cooked by boiling, steaming, simmering, frying, or baking. They may have a filling, or there may be other ingredients mixed into the dough. Dumplings may...
s with fish meat and snake soup bowl, can be found in Mong Kok
Mong Kok
Mong Kok , less often known as Argyle , is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong...
and Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is a heavily built-up area of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, located on the Hong Kong Island, and covering parts of Wan Chai and Eastern districts. The Chinese name is also romanized as Tung Lo Wan as in Tung Lo Wan Road...
.
Custom tailoring is also very popular and affordable in Hong Kong. You can draw out your own design for clothing and have it made in a few days. Although there are many Tailors in Hong Kong it is a profession in relative decline. This has been blamed on rent increases and low margins relative to ready-made shops. A wide variety of electronics from Japan and Europe are available. A hot place for shopping for these appliances would be in Apliu Street and the Golden Shopping Center in Sham Shui Po
Sham Shui Po
Sham Shui Po, or Shamshuipo, is an area of Sham Shui Po District, Hong Kong, situated in the northwestern part of the Kowloon Peninsula, north of Tai Kok Tsui, east of Cheung Sha Wan and south of Shek Kip Mei. Sham Shui Po is known for its street market for electronic devices.-History:Sham Shui Po...
. There are also many computer appliances centers in Wan Chai
Wan Chai
Wan Chai is a metropolitan area situated at the western part of the Wan Chai District on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its other boundaries are Canal Road to the east, Arsenal Street to the west and Bowen Road to the south. The area north of Gloucester Road is often called...
and Mong Kok
Mong Kok
Mong Kok , less often known as Argyle , is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong...
.
In recent years, the Japanese pop culture has become prevalent in Hong Kong Shopping. Many Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese department stores have opened in Hong Kong, such as Sogo
Sogo
Sogo Co., Ltd. is a department store chain that operates an extensive network of branches in Japan. It once owned stores in locations as diverse as Beijing in China, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Taipei in Taiwan, Jakarta, Medan, Bandung & Surabaya in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore,...
, Yata, and Muji
MUJI
, or is a Japanese retail company which sells a wide variety of household and consumer goods.Muji is distinguished by its design minimalism, emphasis on recycling, avoidance of waste in production and packaging, and no-logo or "no-brand" policy....
. Japanese clothing brands, like Swordfish
Swordfish
Swordfish , also known as broadbill in some countries, are large, highly migratory, predatory fish characterized by a long, flat bill. They are a popular sport fish of the billfish category, though elusive. Swordfish are elongated, round-bodied, and lose all teeth and scales by adulthood...
, Moussy, and Uniqlo
UNIQLO
is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer and retailer.The company was originally a division of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd.. On November 1, 2005, it was restructured as a separate wholly owned subsidiary called Uniqlo Co., Ltd. , which is listed on the first section of the Tokyo Stock...
, have started flagship stores in the city. If you were looking for a bargain in clothing and accessories, the Lady’s Street and Fa Yuen Street in Mong Kok
Mong Kok
Mong Kok , less often known as Argyle , is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong...
or Jardine’s Crescent in Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay
Causeway Bay is a heavily built-up area of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, located on the Hong Kong Island, and covering parts of Wan Chai and Eastern districts. The Chinese name is also romanized as Tung Lo Wan as in Tung Lo Wan Road...
would be a good place to visit.
Hong Kong is the fourth largest exporter of jewelry in the world, mainly in the supply of jade and gold. Such vendors can be easily spotted on the street. Among the most common are Chow Seng Seng and Luk Fook Jewelry.
Locales
- Antiques - Upper Lascar RowUpper Lascar RowUpper Lascar Row, better known as Cat Street , is a narrow alley in Mid Levels, Hong Kong that runs parallel to Hollywood Road on the north side. It is a straight alley measuring over 509 feet. "Lascars" were seamen from South Asia, and particularly from the Indian subcontinent, who frequented the...
, Hollywood RoadHollywood RoadHollywood Road is a street in Central and Sheung Wan, on Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.Hollywood Road is filled with trinket and antique shops of all sorts: from Chinese furniture to porcelain ware, from Buddha sculptures to Tibetan rugs, from Japanese netsukes to Coromandel screens, from Ming... - Video Games - Wan ChaiWan ChaiWan Chai is a metropolitan area situated at the western part of the Wan Chai District on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its other boundaries are Canal Road to the east, Arsenal Street to the west and Bowen Road to the south. The area north of Gloucester Road is often called...
, Sham Shui PoSham Shui PoSham Shui Po, or Shamshuipo, is an area of Sham Shui Po District, Hong Kong, situated in the northwestern part of the Kowloon Peninsula, north of Tai Kok Tsui, east of Cheung Sha Wan and south of Shek Kip Mei. Sham Shui Po is known for its street market for electronic devices.-History:Sham Shui Po... - Computers - Wan ChaiWan ChaiWan Chai is a metropolitan area situated at the western part of the Wan Chai District on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its other boundaries are Canal Road to the east, Arsenal Street to the west and Bowen Road to the south. The area north of Gloucester Road is often called...
, Sham Shui PoSham Shui PoSham Shui Po, or Shamshuipo, is an area of Sham Shui Po District, Hong Kong, situated in the northwestern part of the Kowloon Peninsula, north of Tai Kok Tsui, east of Cheung Sha Wan and south of Shek Kip Mei. Sham Shui Po is known for its street market for electronic devices.-History:Sham Shui Po...
, Tsim Sha TsuiTsim Sha TsuiTsim Sha Tsui , often abbreviated as TST, is an urbanized area in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong. The area is administratively part of the Yau Tsim Mong District. Tsim Sha Tsui East is a piece of land reclaimed from the Hung Hom Bay now east of Tsim Sha Tsui...
, Causeway BayCauseway BayCauseway Bay is a heavily built-up area of Hong Kong, People's Republic of China, located on the Hong Kong Island, and covering parts of Wan Chai and Eastern districts. The Chinese name is also romanized as Tung Lo Wan as in Tung Lo Wan Road...
, KowloonKowloonKowloon is an urban area in Hong Kong comprising the Kowloon Peninsula and New Kowloon. It is bordered by the Lei Yue Mun strait in the east, Mei Foo Sun Chuen and Stonecutter's Island in the west, Tate's Cairn and Lion Rock in the north, and Victoria Harbour in the south. It had a population of... - Modern Fashion - Time SquareTimes Square (Hong Kong)Times Square is a major shopping centre and office tower complex in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.The complex, owned by Wharf Properties Limited, part of The Wharf Limited group, was opened in April 1994.-History:...
, IFCInternational Finance CentreThe International Finance Centre is an integrated commercial development on the waterfront of Hong Kong's Central District....
, ElementsElements, Hong KongElements is a large shopping mall located on 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is developed and managed by MTR Corporation through its subsidiary Premier Management Service.-Description and architectural themes:... - Leather Goods - Tsim Sha TsuiTsim Sha TsuiTsim Sha Tsui , often abbreviated as TST, is an urbanized area in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong. The area is administratively part of the Yau Tsim Mong District. Tsim Sha Tsui East is a piece of land reclaimed from the Hung Hom Bay now east of Tsim Sha Tsui...
- Fortune Advice - Wong Tai Sin TempleWong Tai Sin TempleWong Tai Sin Temple is one of the most famous shrines in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong. The 18,000-m² Taoist temple is famed for the many prayers answered: "What you request is what you get" via a practice called kau cim...
- Japanese Items - SogoSogoSogo Co., Ltd. is a department store chain that operates an extensive network of branches in Japan. It once owned stores in locations as diverse as Beijing in China, Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, Taipei in Taiwan, Jakarta, Medan, Bandung & Surabaya in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Singapore,...
- Bargain - StanleyStanley, Hong KongStanley is a town and a tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It located on a peninsula on the southeastern part of Hong Kong Island. It is east of Repulse Bay and west of Shek O, adjacent to Chung Hom Kok...
, ShenzhenShenzhenShenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones... - Cars - Gloucester Road, Hong KongGloucester Road, Hong KongGloucester Road is a major road in Hong Kong. It is in the north of Wan Chai and East Point on Hong Kong Island. It connects to Harcourt Road at its western end and it ends east along west side of Victoria Park. It forms part of Hong Kong's Route 4 and connects to the Island Eastern Corridor via...
Economic
Basic items for sale do not draw any duties, sales tax or import tax. Only specific import goods such as alcoholAlcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
, tobacco
Tobacco
Tobacco is an agricultural product processed from the leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. It can be consumed, used as a pesticide and, in the form of nicotine tartrate, used in some medicines...
, perfume
Perfume
Perfume is a mixture of fragrant essential oils and/or aroma compounds, fixatives, and solvents used to give the human body, animals, objects, and living spaces "a pleasant scent"...
s, cosmetics
Cosmetics
Cosmetics are substances used to enhance the appearance or odor of the human body. Cosmetics include skin-care creams, lotions, powders, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail and toe nail polish, eye and facial makeup, towelettes, permanent waves, colored contact lenses, hair colors, hair sprays and...
, cars
CARS
Cars, or automobiles, motor cars, are wheeled motor vehicles used for transporting passengers.Cars or CARS may also refer to:-Entertainment:* Cars , a Disney/Pixar film series...
and petroleum
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid consisting of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights and other liquid organic compounds, that are found in geologic formations beneath the Earth's surface. Petroleum is recovered mostly through oil drilling...
products have associated taxes. For companies, there is a 17.5% corporate tax, which is lower than international standards.
Its proximity to the manufacturing plants in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
as well as being a free port
Free port
A free port or free zone , sometimes also called a bonded area is a port, port area or other area with relaxed jurisdiction with respect to the country of location...
provide the territory with significant advantages. Large quantities of goods are manufactured and transported from and to Hong Kong frequently. Imports from Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
add international flavour to the mix.
Business
Convenience is a given, when most stores are tightly lined up next to one another in proximity. Tsim Sha TsuiTsim Sha Tsui
Tsim Sha Tsui , often abbreviated as TST, is an urbanized area in southern Kowloon, Hong Kong. The area is administratively part of the Yau Tsim Mong District. Tsim Sha Tsui East is a piece of land reclaimed from the Hung Hom Bay now east of Tsim Sha Tsui...
alone offers more than 600 stores. Similar statistics can be drawn from Central
Central, Hong Kong
Central is the central business district of Hong Kong. It is located in Central and Western District, on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui, the southernmost point of Kowloon Peninsula...
and numerous other areas. With its balance of international stores, shopping in Hong Kong could essentially mimic shopping around the world. Shopping selections are based on a wide scope, ranging from the most ancient to the most hi-tech goods.
Businesses do not always cater to high-end customers, as plenty of bargains attract regular shoppers. Transportation also eases the shopping experience, as the MTR
MTR
Mass Transit Railway is the rapid transit railway system in Hong Kong. Originally opened in 1979, the system now includes 211.6 km of rail with 155 stations, including 86 railway stations and 69 light rail stops...
subway and an effective taxi
Taxicabs of Hong Kong
Taxicabs of Hong Kong provide a taxi system. Most taxis are independently owned and operated, but some are owned by taxi companies, and the drivers are employees....
service allow anyone to get around without geographical knowledge or driver's license.
Other benefits include a mild winter climate during the two most critical shopping seasons at Christmas
Christmas
Christmas or Christmas Day is an annual holiday generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is a Christian feast that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, liturgically closing the Advent season and initiating the season of Christmastide, which lasts twelve days...
and the Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year – often called Chinese Lunar New Year although it actually is lunisolar – is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It is an all East and South-East-Asia celebration...
.
Social
Hong Kong is unique in the sense that the population is fully engaged in two very different languages. Having CantoneseCantonese
Cantonese is a dialect spoken primarily in south China.Cantonese may also refer to:* Yue Chinese, the Chinese language that includes Cantonese* Cantonese cuisine, the cuisine of Guangdong province...
derived from the Sino-Tibetan family and English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
from the Germanic languages family
Germanic languages
The Germanic languages constitute a sub-branch of the Indo-European language family. The common ancestor of all of the languages in this branch is called Proto-Germanic , which was spoken in approximately the mid-1st millennium BC in Iron Age northern Europe...
, the territory is capable of communicating with eastern or western shoppers. Merchants will find it handy to open branches in a bilingual territory. While one may argue the proficiency of English in some areas, Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, Macau
Macau
Macau , also spelled Macao , is, along with Hong Kong, one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China...
, and India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
are the only regions on the GDP per capita top 50 list with a 50% stake in two very different language families. The law also guarantees that both Cantonese and English remain the official languages, so bilingual sales tags and sales people are common, especially in the areas frequented by tourists.
Cultural openness is also an important factor, as Hong Kong is receptive toward selling merchandise regardless of the origin. The government believes in a hands-off policy, and does not censor, restrict or modify. An example is authentic looking toy guns
Toy weapon
Toy weapons are toys that mimic real weapons, but are designed to be fun for children to play with and not dangerous.-Types of toy weapons:Some are essentially similar to the real thing, but less powerful. Weapons for cutting and stabbing have dull blades usually in plastic. Weapons formerly made...
.
Hong Kong is trendy and moves at a hectically fast pace. One can go shopping at a particular place, only to return a few days later to find the store completely rearranged. To survive in the competitive environment, stores must stay current, not only in merchandise but presentation.
Criticism
In the mix of competition, Hong Kong has a reputation for selling counterfeits and fakes. The mishap of paying for an item that turns out to be illegitimate is an ongoing problem. Items from bootleg CDs, clothing brands, watches to software have all been forged. The Hong Kong Tourism BoardHong Kong Tourism Board
The Hong Kong Tourism Board is a Government-subvented body founded in 2001. The Board replaced the Hong Kong Tourist Association established in 1957...
has introduced a plan to identify shops that offer a reliable service, via a 300-page book called "A Guide to Quality Shops and Restaurants". Divisions like ICAC
Independent Commission Against Corruption (Hong Kong)
The Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong was established by Governor Murray MacLehose on 15 February 1974, when Hong Kong was under British rule. Its main aim was to clean up endemic corruption in the many departments of the Hong Kong Government through law enforcement,...
have also taken part in the anti-corruption process. On the contrary, bargain hunting has been a controversial issue since local consumers often seek to buy imitation brand-named goods at well below market price value. However, in recent years, this problem has shifted to mainland China, where IP laws are not enforced as strongly and prices of these counterfeit products are even lower.
Warranties and return policies vary widely depending on stores. A majority will not allow refunds or exchanges if the items have been tampered with.
Hong Kong is also known for its tourist traps where shops deploy tactics such as "bait-and-switch" to cheat tourists. This is where a very attractive price is given for a product and once the tourist pays, she/he is told that either the product is out-of-stock or that it doesn’t include all the accessories, such as the battery charger, connection cords, etc., that it is supposed to include. A substituted product would then be proposed at the same price when the substituted product is in fact an inferior and a much cheaper product. Shops with bright neon lights displaying only famous brands such as Canon, Nikon, Nokia, etc., as their shop name, often deploy this tactic so it is best to avoid these shops. Tourists are advised not to pay for the goods until they have seen and checked the product, including its warranty, to their full satisfaction. There is a price comparison website, ShopCite, which can be used to check the prices of goods sold by large chain-stores and reputable shops in Hong Kong for general referencing.