Mother's Day celebrations sure to be a gift for business
A more positive economic outlook will boost businesses for Mother's Day this year.
Hong Kong Retail Management Association chairman Bankee Kwan Pak-hoo said sales over the Mother's Day period would be about the same as last year, but the food and beverage industry could expect better patronage.
Restaurants and florists say this year's business has improved but they will not know the final figures until next week.
Terence Loo Tai-ling, of restaurant group Lan Kwai Fong Entertainments, said most bookings for Mother's Day were usually not made until Friday or Saturday but this year it appeared to be better.
'People are more willing to spend,' he said. 'Last year people stayed home but this year they are celebrating.'
Agnes b. Fleuriste said it has received a lot more flower orders this year.
'It could be because the economy has improved but other than that we think it's because we have more variety of products this year,' said a spokeswoman. 'Customers still prefer traditional carnations. Red is the most popular colour. The prices of our products are more or less the same as last year.'
Shopping malls are putting on special events to celebrate Mother's Day. A carnation fountain will be set up outside Times Square today and tomorrow. Donating $20 to the Community Chest of Hong Kong will earn a free instant photo.
Tomorrow, Sha Tin New Town Plaza will hold a 'Mama 100' ceremony. One hundred mothers nominated by their children will be selected and acknowledged publicly. Donation boxes will be set up to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Those who prefer a natural environment to air-conditioned malls may join the Music Farm in Kam Tin, where mothers will get free entry if they are with their children. A special menu is offered at Kerry Lake Egret Nature Park in Tai Po.
