Last year, the festival attracted 450,000 visitors.

Asked why the new festival is scheduled to coincide with the original, Wilson Shea Kai-chuen, honorary president of the association, said: 'We want to bring out the message to the public that retail is not more expensive than computer festivals.'

Representatives of the malls held talks with suppliers to ensure that prices could be matched, said Shea, who added that retailers can provide after-sales support - an advantage over purchases made at expos.

Sham Shui Po district councillor Lo Wing-man said the aim of holding an annual Hong Kong Computer Festival was to stimulate economic growth in the district.

'We want to make it a tourist attraction and build up brand names through the festival,' said Lo. 'District council allocates resources to hold events that benefit the public.'

However, Shea said the association had complained to the district council about the negative impact of the festival on small businesses selling computer products in the area.

'The government supports carnival-style expos, affecting the normal business environment of small enterprises,' said Shea.

Golden Computer Arcade, Golden Shopping Centre, Golden Computer Plaza and New Capital Computer Plaza house a total of 600 retailers. Lui Kin-chung, vice-chairman of the association, said business is very quiet during the four weeks before and six weeks after an expo.