A Link Reit campaign to promote 'nostalgic restaurants' at its shopping malls has left a bitter taste for hundreds of internet users who accused Hong Kong's largest retail landlord of hypocrisy.
The sudden criticism was a belated response to the 'Link the Tastes' campaign promoting 'the city's hidden gems of food culture' at traditionally themed restaurants in The Link's shopping malls.
While the campaign had attracted minor criticism since its launch last month, public opposition exploded online yesterday after a protest page on Facebook was set up at noon.
At issue was The Link's perceived role in the demise of small market businesses forced out by soaring rents during the malls' commercial makeover after the real estate investment trust was privatised in 2005.
The company 'first killed the shops, then makes money from their death', read one online comment.